MHP without trick or treating?

[Jaina]

It's true; she's already thinking about possible costumes if we choose to dress up. I know the fireworks can be cancelled at any point, but so can the regular fireworks, so that's not too much of a consideration. We don't want to meet any characters badly enough to wait 30-60 minutes when we only have like 7 hours in the parks. I don't see us doing a full day during Halloween time, because it's generally so hot in CA in October. But you never know. She is going to be almost 11 by October, and would probably be more excited to get on a large number of rides with minimal weights. Also, I have 4 other small children, so if we are only gone one night, instead of two, it's helpful for my husband. The drive isn't bad for us (especially without any littles!) - 6-ish hours. She's pretty excited to have some one-on-one time.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This sounds like it could be a plan! For costumes, the MHP crowd takes costumes pretty seriously. The emphasis isn't on fancy or expensive, but on creativity! For example, last year we saw a family group dressed as characters from Snow White. Yeah, yeah... old hat, right? But, no! There was Snow White, the Queen, the Huntsman, the Mirror, the Apple (!), a Bluebird, etc. Totally offbeat, creative, and really cute! We saw the Bird Lady from Mary Poppins -- totally great costume (and really comfortable looking, too -- lol!). We've seen a family dressed as the traffic cones from Toy Story II. You have so much time to start planning something fun. If you do this, make sure to get plenty of photos! Last year, Mickey himself photobombed us at Carthay Circle.

 

[Jaina]

Another question: I see that some nights sometimes have AP discounts. If one of those nights will work for us, can I have an AP friend buy the tickets for me, or does an AP have to use them/be with us? (That savings would cover parking; always a plus! )

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Another question: I see that some nights sometimes have AP discounts. If one of those nights will work for us, can I have an AP friend buy the tickets for me, or does an AP have to use them/be with us? (That savings would cover parking; always a plus! )

The answer to this is tricky. Technically, APs have been able to buy up to 8 tickets per pass. I've read answers to your question both ways: some people were asked for their APs at the gate and lots of other people weren't asked. Personally, we've never been asked (but maybe that's because we usually look so Disney-crazy-MHP-enthusiastic that the CM at the gate figures we just have to be APs!). Beware that last year, Disney really cut back on the AP discount dates. In fact, there were so few, that we ended up not being able to use the discount at all and had to pay full price anyway. So be prepared to budget for that.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... Any good links to threads or trip reports about the Halloween Party? ...

Check the HalloweenTime Superthread from 2017 (https://www.disboards.com/threads/2...-time-mickeys-halloween-party-thread.3607596/). I think it started in May and went until past Halloween. There are photos from and reviews of the parties. Lots of questions and lots of answers.

 

[Jaina]

The answer to this is tricky. Technically, APs have been able to buy up to 8 tickets per pass. I've read answers to your question both ways: some people were asked for their APs at the gate and lots of other people weren't asked. Personally, we've never been asked (but maybe that's because we usually look so Disney-crazy-MHP-enthusiastic that the CM at the gate figures we just have to be APs!). Beware that last year, Disney really cut back on the AP discount dates. In fact, there were so few, that we ended up not being able to use the discount at all and had to pay full price anyway. So be prepared to budget for that.

Thanks! Yes, we won't count on it. I would definitely not want to be unable to use our tickets, I just didn't know what the policy was. And thanks for the link to that thread!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thanks! Yes, we won't count on it. I would definitely not want to be unable to use our tickets, I just didn't know what the policy was...

Of course, the safest way would be to have your friend join you at the party! Then if any CM at the gate were to ask, she could show her AP and everything would be fine!

 

[Jaina]

Of course, the safest way would be to have your friend join you at the party! Then if any CM at the gate were to ask, she could show her AP and everything would be fine!

Haha, yes, but she has two littles and will be almost due with her third at that point. I don't think she'll be up to the crazy late night we have planned! ;-) (late for 10-year-olds and mid-30's-ers = anything after 9 PM...)

 

[theluckyrabbit]

LOL! Keep an eye on the HalloweenTime thread this year when it starts. (And it will start! Probably sometime soon...) When dates and ticket prices are announced, there are bound to be AP DISers going on your date. Meeting up at the park should be no problem, if you wanted to go through the gates together. That might be one way to do this. Just a thought!

 

[bethwc101]

Also keep in mind there has been rumor of the party moved to DCA this year.

 

[Jaina]

I’m super excited to see the Halloween dates and prices (less so about those) posted already and to see that the party is still in Disneyland!!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I’m super excited to see the Halloween dates and prices (less so about those) posted already and to see that the party is still in Disneyland!!

Yes, I'm glad to see Disney is responding to the "we didn't have time to plan" complaints from last year and releasing this information sooner. Absolutely makes life easier for the non-local crowd.

 

[Jaina]

Yes, I'm glad to see Disney is responding to the "we didn't have time to plan" complaints from last year and releasing this information sooner. Absolutely makes life easier for the non-local crowd.

I was literally at the gym watching someone's Youtube coverage from the party last year, driving myself a little crazy wondering what was going to happen, party-wise this year, and what to plan for (because crazy Disney people do that 4-5 months out...) when I flipped to FB and it was the first post at the top of my newsfeed. Now I just hope our perfect date (the Monday in September) doesn't sell out to AP's before it's available for the general public... historically I'm not too worried, but I'll be buying my tickets the first day I can!