Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party - Land vs World

[BattyMcDoon]

Not sure if this is the proper place to post this but this is really the only place I felt it would fit since its a question about both Disneyland and Disney World.

I have never been to the halloween party so I know only what I have read or seen in videos. From what I can tell there is a lot more info on the WDW party than the DLR one (as seems to be the case with most info in general anyways). Has anyone here ever been to both Disneylands and Disney Worlds version? I am trying to figure out which park would be a better option and I'm having a really tough time deciding. As of right now both are very close in trip price so that is not a factor. What are some of the pros and cons of each? Why did you like one over the other? Can you meet Jack and Sally at Disneyland like you can Disney World, because this is super important you know...?

Any info, articles, video (especially about Disneylands event) would be super helpful and very much appreciated! Thanks guys.

 

[mom2rtk]

Before you decide, you should wait and see just what is offered at DLR this year. There is some speculation the party might move from DL to DCA. No way to know if that will happen, or if other changes would accompany that.

Up to now, DLR offered the party fewer nights that WDW. And almost every single party at DLR sells out.

Up to now, there has not been a full parade with DLR's party, only a short "cavalcade".

 

[fantasmicsyd]

WDW is much better IMO. The parade is fantastic and there's a wider variety of characters and entertainment. We've been three years in a row now and it never disappoints!

 

[figment_jii]

As mom2rtk said, there are rumors of big changes coming to MHP this year. If the party moves to DCA, then several big things will change or have to be omitted (e.g., Halloween Screams Fireworks).

Otherwise, I wrote up a comparison between the parties back in 2011 and 2012. Some things have change since then (I went to both parties in 2014 as well, but haven't gotten around to writing a new comparison).
http://www.disboards.com/threads/ha...-superthread-3.2959331/page-108#post-49493997

 

[Davey Jones II]

I agree that Disney World's party is much better. Twice per night, they offer a full-fledged and highly entertaining parade, which is missing from DL. Their party does a lot more with the Haunted Mansion. And, best of all (for us, anyway), most of the rides are a walk on all night.

However, I'm pretty sure that Jack and Sally are not among the meet and greet characters, sorry. Only at DL, and all throughout Halloweentime, not just during the party.

 

[mackeymouse4eva]

I have had the opportunity to attend both parties and once at DLR when it was held at DCA. I'm not going to be much help because I really enjoy them both. I love the Haunted Mansion overlay and Ghost Galaxy Space Mountain at DL,even if the event is moved this year to DCA, you can still hop over to DL to enjoy those. I actually preferred the fireworks at DL...I loved seeing Zero fly, however if the party is moved to DCA this will not happen, I hear they may do a holiday themed portion of World of Color??? I think we had more treats at DL but with LONGER lines. I liked that DL has had a pre-party hour in Toontown...we got to see Roger Rabbit !! However the one thing that I REALLY do miss when we go to DL for the party is WDW's Boo To You parade....it is Hands down my families favorite parade. I can occasionally be heard humming the catchy parade tune year round I have often wondered why DL couldn't have a Boo to You parade themselves, the Cavalcade is cute but definitely could be expanded upon. Either way I'm sure you will have a great time! Have you visited both resorts before? Is there one that you frequent more than the other? I'm from the Northeast and have been blessed to spend LOTS of time at WDW , so for me it's always a treat and a novelty to spend time at DLR. We thoroughly enjoy each visit there because of this. That being said I would probably have to give the slight nod to WDW's Halloween Party, and as a bonus most likely Food & Wine will be taking place at EPCOT while you are there (mid oct-mid November), but maybe you have already experienced this??

 

[mackeymouse4eva]

As for Jack and Sally...I have definitely met both at DL, and I DID meet Jack as Sandy Claws at WDW for the Christmas Party this year. I'm not sure if he was offered at the WDW Halloween party this year....I may have missed that , I'm sure someone will chime in if he was there. That being said, he was very popular for the Christmas party so they may offer him as a meet & greet at WDW for Halloween next year.

 

[figment_jii]

Their party does a lot more with the Haunted Mansion.

I don't think DL does much with Haunted Mansion for the parties because the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay is up and running at that point. The whole attraction is decorated for HMH, so they don't really need to add much (although, it would be fun if the CMs could wear the makeup that I've seen some CMs at MK wear).

However, I'm pretty sure that Jack and Sally are not among the meet and greet characters, sorry. Only at DL, and all throughout Halloweentime, not just during the party.

Jack and Sally were meeting guests at MNSSHP in 2013 and 2014. Jack (as Sandy Claws) is only at MVMCP.

I have often wondered why DL couldn't have a Boo to You parade themselves, the Cavalcade is cute but definitely could be expanded upon.

I agree! I wish that MHP had Boo to You Parade and that MNSSHP had Halloween Screams. Those are my favorite elements of the Halloween parties!

 

[cgattis]

I've only done WDW for Halloween (and adore it), but whenever we finally get around to doing DL, I want to go in the fall. Huge Nightmare fan, so I really want to see the HM overlay. Something I haven't seen mentioned here...my two friends that have been to DL say the Frontierland area (I think) is so beautifully decorated with TONS of pumpkins (they had awesome pics!) and pumpkin carvers working right there for you to watch. I always wish WDW would take the Halloween decor past Main Street, so I really want to see that part of DL. But as PP said, I know I will be missing out on Boo To You--LOVE that parade (and have been known to belt out Goofy's candy song year round )!

 

[DebbieB]

It's been awhile since I've done MNSSHP at WDW but did it at DL in 2012. It was pretty good, we met Captain Jack Sparrow and Star Wars warriors. There was a parade.

 

[figment_jii]

Something I haven't seen mentioned here...my two friends that have been to DL say the Frontierland area (I think) is so beautifully decorated with TONS of pumpkins (they had awesome pics!) and pumpkin carvers working right there for you to watch.

There are pumpkins in and around Frontierland and the Big Thunder Ranch, but your friends were probably referring to the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch. There are pumpkin carvers/artists, characters in Halloween attire, Conjure a Villain, etc. It's pretty cute and a lot of fun. However, the main reason that most folks probably don't mention it when talking about MHP is because the Halloween Carnival is only open during the day and isn't available for guests to visit during MHP (or any night).

 

[cgattis]

There are pumpkins in and around Frontierland and the Big Thunder Ranch, but your friends were probably referring to the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch. There are pumpkin carvers/artists, characters in Halloween attire, Conjure a Villain, etc. It's pretty cute and a lot of fun. However, the main reason that most folks probably don't mention it when talking about MHP is because the Halloween Carnival is only open during the day and isn't available for guests to visit during MHP (or any night).

Oh!! I'm not sure either of them even realized that. Thanks so much for that info! Very important, because we won't spend nearly as many days there as at WDW. Thanks!

 

[figment_jii]

cgattis - not to hijack this thread, but for lots more information about HalloweenTime at DLR, check out the HalloweenTime SuperThread. There are lots of photos from DLR at HalloweenTime, including the Halloween Carnival, in that thread.