Just got back last night.. sorry I didn't let you all know about the party on the 15th... but better late then never?
There were a few changes, but nothing drastic, I don't think. The way that guests were handled, ticketed for the event ver. non ticketed was one of them, and the lack of free photos, not to mention PhotoPass people...well read on!
We were able to ge into the park befor 4PM, on the 15th. The CMs were at the gate and handing out bags for candy when we got there, and 0range wrist bands. A fellow guest said they looked much smaller, but I have one here at home from last year and it is the same.
There were at least 4 park wide announacements about the party starting around 5PM. They all stated that there was a special treat tonight and it required a "fee", the ticket of course. And that if you had not paid the fee then you would not be able to party... And I asked a CM (suit type) what exactly they would do, cause about 6pm there were still a ton of folks with out the orange wrist bands that. She said that starting at 7PM the CMs would not allow guests with out arm bands to get on rides and they would be asked to exit the park... By 8 Pm I did not see a lot of folks with out the wristbands.
We hit Toon Town first as there were not any special places for photos other then there and a place to the left of IASW that had Cindys couch set up. We got there at 7:30 waited in line for the characters in the tent, and NO photopass CMs! Went out and was told that an all member PP cast call had been called on Main st for 7:30 to go over some stuff... .we waited but they did not get back befor we left. So no photos with Mickey and Minney in costume! The candy walk there had a very long line all ready, but moved quickly... good variety of candy!
We hit a few rides and worked our way over to BTM and Splash, to see the first parade. It was rain delayed.. due to a drizzle, and it started 15 min late. By that the time the 2nd float got to us , we were at the Riverboat by then, it was pouring! But it was good. A little different, I don't remember last years as we were Parade Marshalls at
MNSSHP, and they only had the one parade when we were there last year. But the gravediggers did a ton more with the shovels, and even in the pouring rain were getting big sparks when the drugded the shovels around the street. There seemed to be more candy handed out after the parade this year.
We got caught behind the castle for HalloWishes... but it was wonderfull. A little different then last year. My BF was impressed, but we did not get to see the castle as the fireworks went off.
All in all we had a great time! I did hear a few nasty remarks from guests about the way the park was NOT cleared out. One was a woman having a melt down because"WE paid money to come to this stupid party! Why do they let people stay with out armbands?!?! Disney is gonna get a nasty email from me and I want my money back!" I did not stay to see what went on as I didn't think I could be of any help. And honesty, I did not see anyone with out a wrist band by 9PM. I did see some with out up to about 8ish...
And the line for photos at Cindys couch was down to Columbia house, not bad, it only took the PhotoPass folks about 15 min to get to us. That was the only place we saw them.. no more free photos! I asked why, and was told that Kodak did that, and now that they are non Kodak, all Disney Comp. photographers, that they would not have free photos. OH, well...
It was very fun, as usuall! And I am going back Oct 5 or 6 with the family. My sons will let me know what all is different, but by then so will a million other DISers!
priceless IMHO.
but we are waiting until after the first party on the 15th to find out for sure.
How is everyone getting all that trick or treat candy back home? Do you pack it in your checked bags or carryons and do you do anything special to pack it so it doesn't get crushed/melted?
