**October 2016 Check-in!**

[minnieralyks]

24 days for us! I can't come soon enough!!!!

Same here!

I don't think it will really register that we're going to Disneyland until we land in the airport and the recording comes on over the intercom that says "Welcome to John Wayne Airport....". That's the recording that tells me we're actually going to Disneyland! I can even hear it in my head now! lol

 

[minnieralyks]

Last minute (for me anyway) trip! Yay
We usually travel Oct and May since we work in a very seasonal place - there is no one here then. But this year we went in May & August (family thing, had to be in Aug). This is making the off season incredibly long and boring (over 2 months!). So when I saw DD has 5 days off in Oct I knew it was a sign. DH still works that week so I said I would take DD, he was not happy since he wanted to go too. So we pushed it back a week and now all of us are going

Oct 22nd-27th
Best Western Stovall's (first time on the "other side" since I could not find anything on Harbor)

Frontier is having a sale (I think it ends today) for $44 one way - even paying for 1 bag (we pack light), and picking our seats (gosh I hate all those extra fees) it comes out to $60 per person. DH and I have (had I guess) miles on SW so we come back on SW for just the $5.60 fees. DD's ticket was paid with gift cards from my reward sites. This does (pretty much) drain my savings for our May trip but I have all winter to make it up! We found a good deal on a car (DH likes to have it to eat off property) from Dollar.
Was looking into the party but we have done it twice already (in 2011 and 2015) and it was nice but not a "must do" this trip - although the Headless Horseman was tempting!

So I found out we were going day before yesterday and already have the hotel, car, and flights booked. Just need to get our tickets (I will be getting an AP for the first time!!!!!), and figure out if we want any ADRs.

Did you look into "The Works" package that Frontier has? The only way we were going to fly with Frontier was if we got that (I hate how they make you pay for everything now), because it includes 1 checked bag, 1 carry-on, seating, priority boarding, Stretch seating if available, etc. I think it's $49/pp. It might be something to look into, as it might not be much more than getting your seat and 1 checked bag.

 

[tzeitel]

Did you look into "The Works" package that Frontier has? The only way we were going to fly with Frontier was if we got that (I hate how they make you pay for everything now), because it includes 1 checked bag, 1 carry-on, seating, priority boarding, Stretch seating if available, etc. I think it's $49/pp. It might be something to look into, as it might not be much more than getting your seat and 1 checked bag.

It was $133 per person for the Works, so I passed we only have one bag between the 3 of us, no carry-ons other than a personal item.

 

[MacMama0930]

Any reason why the 10th-15th of October seems so busy? That's when we're going and I'm nervous why the parties are sold out and hotels booked...

 

[minnieralyks]

It was $133 per person for the Works, so I passed we only have one bag between the 3 of us, no carry-ons other than a personal item.

Holy moly! Are you serious!?! We called Frontier when looking to book our tickets around a week ago and the agent quoted us $49 per person each way. Maybe she meant that it started at $49? I wonder if it's different for different airports. We ended up not going with them anyway because it would have been $300 on top of the airline ticket for us, which was a little crazy.

 

[minnieralyks]

Any reason why the 10th-15th of October seems so busy? That's when we're going and I'm nervous why the parties are sold out and hotels booked...

Hey, we're going that same week!

I don't think it's going to be any busier than any other time in October. We've gone on sold out nights before and it was no biggie (not the same level of crowds as regular park hours). October was busier the last time we went than it was for the first part of April a few years ago, but not Christmas/New Year's Eve level crowds. I'm not too worried about it. I'm expecting it will be busy, but not crazy busy.

 

[WestMom2two]

Any reason why the 10th-15th of October seems so busy? That's when we're going and I'm nervous why the parties are sold out and hotels booked...

Our dates are 11-14 in park and I was wondering the same thing. Although, we've been in October and never felt like it was overly crowded but that week also has extended hours which makes me feel like they are preparing for some crowds. Frustrating to think about so I try not to let myself worry. Once you get there you wont even notice. Who knows, it could rain one one morning and knock the park to a ghost town. Also, a lot of locals go to the Halloween parties so while the party is sold out the actual day may not be that bad crowd wise.

 

[Utah_Disnerds]

I think the 10th-15th is going to be very busy. Arizona has fall break that week and also parts of Utah. I live and Utah and we have fall break...so that is why we are going that week, along with many other families I know

 

[Utah_Disnerds]

Also all 3 Disney hotels are sold out and most of the hotels on harbor

 

[MacMama0930]

We went last year for Halloween October 8th through the 10th if I remember, and I didn't think crowds were overwhelming, especially at the party, and since that was during the 60th celebration, it can't be much more crowded this year than last, right? I put so much thought into planning this trip for my whole family (10 people), I scoured touring plans, convention dates, etc. and came up with the week of the 10th through the 15th....I hope the rest of my family doesn't think it's insane busy.

 

[gsrieff]

I think the 10th-15th is going to be very busy.

I agree. Not only are the hours extended and hotels booked up, but even if you look at our check-in list, almost half are just within that week!

 

[MacMama0930]

Did anyone book the BB parade dinner? I'm curious to know the value in that because I figured with there being two parades each night and it only being offered during the party, the seating wouldn't be a huge problem. Since I'm not a foodie, the value in these extras is the preferred viewing area. Speaking of that...I was able to talk my family into the WOC dessert party and I am beyond excited for that!!

 

[Kindermouse]

Did anyone book the BB parade dinner? I'm curious to know the value in that because I figured with there being two parades each night and it only being offered during the party, the seating wouldn't be a huge problem. Since I'm not a foodie, the value in these extras is the preferred viewing area. Speaking of that...I was able to talk my family into the WOC dessert party and I am beyond excited for that!!

I booked it for a few reasons that might be a great value to me while being of little value to others.

1. I was planning to eat there this trip as a special dinner for myself anyway so I might as well eat there when it comes with perks.
2. The late parade may be too late for the little ones in my party (i'm bringing my little niece and nephew with me and I have never brought them before so I'm not sure what their in park stamina will be or if they will be crying or grouchy hot messes by 9) so I want to make sure that we see the first parade and can enjoy it.
3. We are only doing 1 halloween party this trip so I want to make sure I get the most out of it which means not wasting party time securing a spot for the parade. Since it looks like its going be a pretty busy week crowds wise I would likely have to sit for a long time to hold a good spot for the first parade. Also people are pretty excited to see this parade (as am I) so i'm thinking that the good view spots will fill up a bit earlier.

That being said I am still holding onto another BB reservation in case the seating for the package is bad for watching fireworks. If its bad for fireworks I maybe canceling the ADR and just eat at BB a bit earlier in the day without the perks for less money and just doing the curbside waiting. I have to make sure it is worth the money since it is going to cost a lot of money for me to have dinner there with 3 kids since one is considered an adult.

I also see a lack of value in the dessert party while you must feel it is worth 90 a person to be able to sit down for the show. 360 dollars for me and the kids to eat a cookie some grapes and cheese and drink some cocoa. Nope we will just stand and have a full meal with a real dessert at Carthay. and stand up for the show and spend 140 dollars.

Different strokes for different folks and all that.

 

[MacMama0930]

I booked it for a few reasons that might be a great value to me while being of little value to others.

1. I was planning to eat there this trip as a special dinner for myself anyway so I might as well eat there when it comes with perks.
2. The late parade may be too late for the little ones in my party (i'm bringing my little niece and nephew with me and I have never brought them before so I'm not sure what their in park stamina will be or if they will be crying or grouchy hot messes by 9) so I want to make sure that we see the first parade and can enjoy it.
3. We are only doing 1 halloween party this trip so I want to make sure I get the most out of it which means not wasting party time securing a spot for the parade. Since it looks like its going be a pretty busy week crowds wise I would likely have to sit for a long time to hold a good spot for the first parade. Also people are pretty excited to see this parade (as am I) so i'm thinking that the good view spots will fill up a bit earlier.

That being said I am still holding onto another BB reservation in case the seating for the package is bad for watching fireworks. If its bad for fireworks I maybe canceling the ADR and just eat at BB a bit earlier in the day without the perks for less money and just doing the curbside waiting. I have to make sure it is worth the money since it is going to cost a lot of money for me to have dinner there with 3 kids since one is considered an adult.

I also see a lack of value in the dessert party while you must feel it is worth 90 a person to be able to sit down for the show. 360 dollars for me and the kids to eat a cookie some grapes and cheese and drink some cocoa. Nope we will just stand and have a full meal with a real dessert at Carthay. and stand up for the show and spend 140 dollars.

Different strokes for different folks and all that.

I know what You mean. I absolutely see the value in the BB, what I more meant was I'm curious to see if all the other spots do, in fact, fill up early. If they do, then the value is totally there. I'll be with four kids myself. I'm all about convenience! I'm actually disappointed that the reservations booked so fast. Any idea when they'll let everyone know where the preferred viewing spot is?

 

[Kindermouse]

I doubt we will hear until the first party goers post about it. Even then it could change if the spot isnt workout (which happened before because they had trouble keeping people out that weren't supposed to be there). I'm holding out hope that it will be back to the old main street viewing spot since it was a great spot for both the parade and fireworks.

As you said, as quick as the ADR's went I'm sure that if I decide the spot isn't worth the price someone else will happily snap it up if I release it.

 

[MacMama0930]

I've seen people mention that the hours during week 10th-15th are longer than previous weeks. But they looked the same to me? Am I not seeing it right?

 

[Nonsuch]

...That being said I am still holding onto another BB reservation in case the seating for the package is bad for watching fireworks. If its bad for fireworks I maybe canceling the ADR and just eat at BB a bit earlier in the day without the perks for less money and just doing the curbside waiting...

...Any idea when they'll let everyone know where the preferred viewing spot is?

Based on information from a CM that books VIP Tours and other special viewings, the BB Halloween Parade viewing location will be the same area used for Paint the Night viewing -- Town Square, facing the train station.

This is not a good location for Halloween fireworks viewing, particularly since a view of the Castle is more important for the Halloween fireworks (compared to "regular" fireworks).

 

[Minerva Mouse]

Two weeks and a day to go. Itineraries are printed, clothes are packed. WOC dinner reservation is set. trading pins are bought and I've got the families list of must dos in my pocket
What did I miss and what am I going to do now we are ready?

Officially at the two week mark until I leave for my trip! 17 days until I'm actually in DL!

Are either of you staying with a good neighbor hotel? We are 16 days out and have yet to receive our tickets... I was told from Disney we should get them around the 3 week mark. Just getting a little nervous, lol. TKS

 

[Kindermouse]

16 days to go-I think i'll start packing today!

 

[gsrieff]

I posted this on the costume thread as well, but I thought I would share it here too, because it brought so much anticipation for next month! 30 days!

Earlier this week, I put out all my Halloween decorations. Then yesterday my sister came over so we could work on her costume. With pumpkin candles lit, and football in the background, we went to work. It was the perfect setting to start getting SO excited for MHP! Her costume is Rey from The Force Awakens. We are trying to make it as authentic as possible, and we got pretty creative. So there was trips to goodwill, cutting, hot gluing, sewing, distressing, and coffee dying. It was so much fun! I cant wait until we have some pictures to post. I forgot to take some yesterday, but it came together so well so far!