Touring the Tower of Terror and other Ghoulish Delights! Sept 13 TR | FINALx2 4/17!!!

[danimaroo]

Chapter 41: Time for some last-minute trick or treating!
Day Seven: September 17th, 2013

After the parade ended, we headed back towards the Haunted Mansion...

Jenn had REALLY wanted to ride it with us, and since the kids won't ride it, of course we told her to come join us! While we waited for Jenn, Danni and I decided to go trick or treating at the station nearby. We had to leave the party with SOME candy!

Jenn met up with us, and when we walked up to the Haunted Mansion queue, the wait time definitely said 13 minutes. How appropriate and spooky!

We all went on it, and I told Jenn and Matt to ride together since it's Matt's favorite and thought it made the most sense for them to be in the same Doom Buggy. I got to ride by myself and that was a first! It was kind of interesting riding it alone for some reason... it definitely made it slightly creepier, haha.

After the Haunted Mansion, we wanted to squeeze in a liiiittle bit of trick or treating, so Danni and I went a few more times, then got Johnny and Matt to join us.

We decided to continue roaming the park and collecting candy along the way until the park closed at midnight..

We were kind of racing around towards the end to try and get more candy, but kept JUST missing candy stations because they would roll away the buckets. It was kind annoying and we were running around for no reason.

After the party was officially over, we slowly made our way down Main Street, admiring all of the cute details along the way. We also made sure to get a photo together before we forgot!

We left the park and Danni and Johnny nicely offered to drive us back to our resort, so we waited for the ferry back to the TTC. Danni and Johnny also gave us really nice "just because" gifts, which were super thoughtful and both Matt and I loved.

We thanked them both for the ride and the gifts and goodbye, then hopped out of their car and made our way back up to our room...

I dumped out my little bag of candy and ended up with a good amount of stuff, considering we hadn't done that much trick or treating throughout the night!

We were both EXHAUSTED but had such a fun night at the party!

SO! Thoughts of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party:

Overall, the party was a lot of fun. It truly is impossible to fit everything into one night though! I mean, I wanted to meet Rapunzel with Flynn Ryder, but realized that just wasn't going to work with everything else we wanted to do. I was glad we went into it planning on our top 3-4 things we wanted to do at the party, so we left feeling like we got to do everything we REALLY wanted to do. Our goals had been to se HalloWishes, Boo to You Parade, meet Winnie the Pooh and friends, and check out the Haunted Mansion. The fact that we got to do all of those things definitely made us happy. HalloWishes was amazing and actually surpassed by expectations... and the Haunted Mansion was amazing to see lit up in person.

Would I do things differently? I don't think I'd have spent the remainder of the night trying to get candy. And while I am SO happy we both dressed up in costumes for the party, because the reactions were priceless, I am just not sure I will ever be able to top that costume again. But I wouldn't change anything about it during that party, just for future parties. Maybe dress up every other year or something.

All that being said, and don't hate me for saying this buuuut... I'm not sure if we'll do the party next trip. Now hear me out, we really enjoyed ourselves, but it IS pretty pricey. We are thinking we'd rather go have a meal at the California Grill for that price and watch HalloWishes from there, so this is a distinct possibility for our next trip. I think I probably liked the party a little more than Matt, but it wasn't like an absolute "must-do" for me on every trip going forward, either. Seeing HalloWishes some how, some way though is an absolute MUST during our trip.

SO our current plan right now is to NOT buy tickets ahead of time to the party, but instead wait and see how we feel during our next trip. If we decide we want to go, we'll just buy tickets during our trip.

This also really has to do with the fact that next trip, we are going into it with the least amount of plans you could imagine. Aside from where we're staying and some possible dining reservations, we have no plans, and I'm excited to keep it that way. I want total freedom when I'm on vacation, and sometimes it's hard to maintain that when you're in Disney World. I know planning is half the fun, but there is something also really fun about not giving a crap and doing what you want.

If you plan on being in Disney in September and ask me my plans ahead of time, I'll tell you I have no idea because I don't. We're really looking forward to having a plan-free trip.

Aaaand that's the end of my random thoughts.

Anyway, after getting back to the room, we fell asleep pretty quickly, and had some fun plans for Animal Kingdom in the morning... and yes, it DOES include a trip with my favorite dinosaur in the world... with a photo to boot.

Continued in next post​

 

[STLMickeyMom]

I just love all the pictures from the party! All the spooky colors and fall decorations are awesome! The fireworks look totally fantanstic too. They all made me very excited for our first Halloween party this September!

And that waffle looks like it was totally worth busting out the ninja moves again! Yummy!

 

[danimaroo]

Dani, let me stress that you had an awesome costume & I only thought it was a coffin at first glance. I only hope my ditzy moment made you laugh!

Oh my gosh, it totally made me laugh! Trust me, no offense taken at all! I'm sure a lot of people had no idea what I was unless they're HUGE Haunted Mansion fans. While I had a lot of people stop me for photos, I also had people staring, and I think trying to figure out what I was.

I don't usually post much, but love following your trip reports. Not sure if I found yours via fantasyland mom or vice versus. But love both your report styles. So knowing I read both of your trip reports, hopefully this won't seem so stalker like.

I had to watch the whole video of you in the costume because we are planning our first fall trip this year and wanted to get an idea of costumes and such. So Jenn and her family are in the video too! Actually Jenn was dressed up so well I didn't even pick her out first, but saw her husband and kids.

Ok stalking done for today.

Aww, well I'm glad you posted here!! And don't worry, it's not stalker-like at all! That is so funny you saw Jenn and the kids, now I want to go back and watch the whole video and find them. She probably has no idea they're even in it!

Yay for MNSSHP! I miss it so much!! Man, the party on the 13 TH that I went to solo I was the only one dressed up at the bus stop for a while and it was super awks lol!

Love the shots on/from the peoplemover! Seriously such a great time, and love all the costumes!! Ahahahaha the “serious face” is priceless! Love that your costume got so much attention from the costume, it really does make it feel a lot more worth it, especially with those more rare finds of costumes!

Imma watch the video after reading the rest of the update!

Awwe, sad that your costume didn’t deal with humidity very well, I always have to think about that kind of stuff when putting costumes together, like, how hot is it going to be, is humiditiy going to kill it? WHAT IF IT RAINS ?!?! (fairy wings and ponchos do not go together very well!)

Love the shots in the WtP line/with them, that gang is so cute, they’re always a blast to meet!! Lol. I can’t wait to see full photos of Jenn & family’s costumes! I definitely had part in coming up with that idea lol!

Awesome HM costume pic! I really do love when people do the more obscure costumes that you don’t really see as much!

Awwweee….sad about the ice cream!! I wanted to try so many of the treats at the party but just never got around to it at all! I’m always worried that I’m going to spill ALL over my costumes lol.

Love love LOVE the shots of HM at the party! So GREAT!!

Hahaha isn't it wicked awkward? I thought so!

I love the PeopleMover... and it was fun going on it in costume, too, haha.

Yeah, I thought superglue PLUS duct tape would work well but not so much. That humidity will kill anything! Wompwomp.

I loved meeting those guys, they were too adorable. And Jenn and the fam's costumes were super adorable. I had no idea you had a part in coming up with that idea?! How did that come about?

The ice cream was still good, but just not what I expected! Their treats for this year were super good though.

Tagging this for the Tower of Terror story -- one of my favorite rides! But sticking around for the awesome funny trip report.

Awesome, it's coming up soon, I promise! Of course it happened waaaay later in our trip (on day 9 to be exact), so I've left some people in suspense, but I PROMISE it's so worth the wait!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Loved this update!!!
This is my favorite party!!!
So awesome that people recognized you as the wallpaper!! That was a very cool and quite ingenious costume.

Hallowishes is the best fireworks display. I remember the first time we saw this show and I realized the fireworks were shooting off all around us.

Awesome update again!! Loved it!

 

[DanniDeer]

That night was so much fun. I'm so glad we went in with a must-do list. Like, eternally grateful. Obsessive planning to the rescue!

Also, 31 days. Just in case you weren't meticulously counting down like we are. Hahahah.

 

[epsmith921]

Ninja Dani does not disappoint! I had the best image of you running to Sleepy Hollow clothes lining (curtain-rodding?) bystanders! Then you said you were safe and removed the rod/weapon. At least no partygoers were injured in the obtaining of the waffle. Ps - said waffle looks wrongfully delicious! I just tried the Nutella waffle in September and man nothing else will compare". But I love all desserts/sweets pumpkin so that will be something to remember!

Oh and I get what you're saying about maybe not going to the party every year. We loved it but in the post-party discussions decided we wished we had done things differently. So no flames from over here!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh my gosh!!! What an awesome party. The parade, the fireworks, and even pumpkin candies on the waffle! So perfect. I imaging getting the perfect spot for the Boo to You parade is pretty competitive. How awesome to see the headless horseman. I'd be so excited to see just that. I know you were exhausted but what a fun night.

 

[glaserjm]

Those fireworks are just so amazing...it was really like nothing I'd ever seen and I wish someone had taken a pic of me watching them as I'm sure my eyes were as wide as possible and my mouth was open the entire time.

Was the pumpkin waffle new this year? I really don't remember it from MNSSHP in 2012 and I'm fairly certain that's something I would have made a beeline for as I'm a pumpkin flavoring nut!

I have to agree with you on the party overall, it is not a must every time we go in the fall. We didn't attend one this last trip and although we will be going to the party in October this year, but that's because my parents will be traveling with us and I know they really want to experience it. After that though, I don't know when the next time we will be back. It's just pricey and you can only have the first-time experience once (obvi).

 

[khertz]

Love these updates!!! I really really miss MNSSHP. We had so much fun at ours and I can't wait for future trips to do it again! But yeah, it's definitely pricey and only going to get worse, I imagine...

I got a little anxious reading that your next trip will be plan-free. That's a DISer for ya... But seriously, that's pretty great. Sometimes it can be exhausting planning everything to the last detail! I do like having somewhat of a plan of where I'll be on what day, but FP+ and having to plan down to that detail freaks me out.

One snack I really wanted at the party was that pumpkin waffle and we never managed to get it. It looks SO GOOD though!!!

 

[Joben]

AHHHHH another update, Your TR updates are getting to be as much of a fix as going to WDW itself. I think I could save a lot of money just living vicariously through you!!!! hhhmmmmm nope Can't miss out on food and wine.

So glad you enjoyed your first MMNSSHP (man I have to think hard to abbreviate that)

I totally get the whole don't feel the need to go every year, because it is kind of expensive. we did it for the first time last year, and we are going again this year. This years trip is because we talked about it so much that my DW's parents decided they wanted to go this year. Now we just added my mom into the mix, so we are going to WDW with both our parents. I still find this kinda odd whenever I tell people. But hey the upside is we get to stay in a two bed OKW room!!!! Not sure if you have tried anything other than the studio there but we stayed at a one bed and it was 1000 sq feet!!!! that is nuts, but I love it! especially that huge bathtub that beckons me at the end of the day

I really can't believe how good of a haul you got on candy. We went and got in line once for candy and decided the ten minute wait wasn't worth the measly few pieces of odd ball candy I never heard of. Plus the rides for lines were soooo short due to all the people waiting for candy and meet and greets. You got all kinds of good stuff.

I really miss out on a lot of neat looking food due to the fact I hate pumpkin! I love the fall time of year and so so hate all the seasonal food.

Only ten more days till we get back in the bubble, I hope you can give me one more fix before I leave...please...come on man don't leave me jonesing, I need it baddddd

 

[__disneygirl]

YOU NEED TO GO TO ANOTHER PARTY oh my God. Do yourselves a favor, as huge Disney fans, seriously. I recommend this because my 2nd party was one of the best times of my ENTIRE life AND I was alone all night! My first party was just ok. I think for huge Disney fans like us, it's just so overwhelming your first time at the party... kind of like your first time in a park. You'll never do it all your first time and you're just not familiar yet. After that... oh man. I mean, I don't expect anyone to love it as much as me LOL but it's really true. When you can relax a little at the party after being familiar, it's sooo much more fun.

p.s. I tried to read this last night but I was suffering from such intense missing Disney feelings that I cried and had to stop LOL. I'll be going to a therapist now, see ya later.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ahhh I love the castle during MNSSHp too, especially the purpley, orangey, green.

GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HALLOWISHES!!!!! OMG Dani, the permiter fireworks are the BEST!!! I tell people constantly... Once you see Disney fireworks, it will ruin any and all other fireworks displays.

YAY DISMEET!! So glad you met Katt!

Oh man I love the MNSSHP CM costumes too. I Miss It!!

From a non parade lover, Boo To You is a DO NOT EVER IN YOUR LIFE MISS! I love it, and I generally do not like parades At ALL. But BAHAHAHAHA the cowboys!!! Yeah... I don't get that either.

You know, MNSSHP would absolutely be a must do for me, but I also get your point as well. It's so great that you have a real point of reference too to make that decision. Regardless, it does sound like THIS one was totally worth it, and that's what really matters. Also, I think its great that you're leaving the next trip mostly free. If you've been there a lot, I find it's the best way. Do whatever you feel like "in the moment".

 

[stinkerbell007]

I have to agree with you about paying and going to the MNSSHP. It is pricey, but fun. For those folks that adore the holiday, I'm sure it is a Must-Do (at least once). As for the HalloWishes fireworks, they are some of the very best that Disney does. I have seen them from inside the park during the party, and I've seen them from Cali Grill. As awesome as they are in the park, they are just as awesome from the viewing spot up at the Contemporary - - as long as the piped-in music is working, that is. My sister and I watched them from Cali first, and then experienced them in the park. Wow. Really some of the best. You will lurv it!

Linda

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I am not all the way caught up, but I just got to the post with the best TT car design ever!!

I seriously could not stop laughing at it. Then I showed it to my BF and he could not stop laughing.

You guys are pretty much my heroes right now

 

[DharmaLou]

Mmmm... pumpkin waffle!

Maybe your pics don't show the enormity of the crowds, but compared to MHP at DLR, it seems like the crowds are a little smaller.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I have to tell you that I appreciate y'all taking me on Haunted Mansion so much. I wouldn't have gotten to go on it otherwise because of my scaredy-cat kids, plus riding with its number one fan makes it even better! It's like a personal tour guide. I talked to the girls about HM yesterday, and it doesn't look like the odds of them riding are very good for September...so we may need to do this again! We should let Brandon get a turn with Matt, too. Hopefully Matt won't mind riding it a few extra times .

We feel exactly like you do about the party. We have the same game plan--not buying tickets, not planning on going this year, but if for some reason we decide we must go at the last minute, we'll buy them there. I don't see that happening, though. We did have a lot of fun and were super happy to be able to erase our bad experience from our minds, but this just isn't necessary every time for us. Plus, coming up with costumes to fit Brynn's demands wasn't easy! I'll sort of be happy not to have to do that this time. We were crafting up until the last moment! We're also adding California Grill in its place (Remember how Julia had this as her number one request last year but they opened up reservations last minute due to the refurb and we didn't get an ADR? Cause Julia remembers.), but we're doing it on a regular Wishes night. I think you should totally book CG for a Hallowishes night; the perimeter fireworks must be amazing from up there! I know it was neat to see them from the Poly beach in 2012, so I'd imagine they're pretty spectacular from California Grill.

Your plans (or lack of plans) for September sound wonderful. Part of our trip has to be pretty planned because of the number of character meals the kids want, but once we switch resorts, no set plans! And other than ADRs, we're not doing any other sorts of reservations. You know all the stuff we did last year, so you know this is a big change! It will be the most relaxed trip we've done, and hopefully we'll be working toward the no-plans plan as they get older.

Now I need to go watch your video...again...

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Womp.

I'm finally all caught up!

Your MNSSHP costumes looked AMAZING. We caught glimpses of you guys in them on Main St and we were actually in line to meet Pooh and friends and saw you guys talking to Jenn and family on the other side of the line. I'm still sad that I was having a moment of being too shy to say hi to you guys from the line cause once we were off the line you guys were gone!

Anyway, I'm glad to be all caught up again! My main problem with MNSSHP was feeling overwhelmed. There's so much going on and since it is expensive, I wanted to see EVERYTHING and I had a hard time relaxing and enjoying it.

 

[gracer9977]

I love all the party updates. Your costumes were great!!!

Matt's overalls totally looked brown and I would never have guessed you had dyed them yourselves. Who would have thought it would be so hard/expensive to find brown overalls. Glad you were able to make it work.

Your costume is amazing and what an original idea. It's great that you were featured in a blog and a video and I am sure a million other people's personal pictures.

I am so glad you got to experience Hallowishes and the the Boo to You parade. We saw them both once and they were amazing.

What awesome pictures you have at the Haunted Mansion with the hitch-hiking ghosts and the carriage with the ghost driver. Those are really awesome looking pictures.

I had a bunch of other comments but I am forgetting them all now, just happy to be caught up and that I finally got to see your costumes and hear about your MNSSHP experience.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I think MNSSHP is one of the only places where people will go "can I take your picture?", and we would say ABSOLUTELY!

The Wreck It Ralph crew was quite cute.

Oh man....happy go pukey is never fun for the kiddos. My nephew threw up after Expedition Everest last year. And we were all completely helpless, like

How awesome you were in that video!

OMG, their HM stretching portrait costumes are awesome!!!

That Hatbox Ghost Mickey popcorn container is the coolest ever!

I do agree with the pricey aspect of the party. It's part of the reason I haven't done a party in quite some time. It's a lot of money to definitely consider.

 

[maddiebee]

I'm totally freaking out because there are now rumors flying around that one of the nights we'll be there in August (the 29th!) that there may be a MNSSHP and reading your updates is getting me so pumped! My guy loves Halloween and the Haunted Mansion and I think he would totally freak over this all! I'm trying to start thinking of a costume now but I don't think there's anyway I could top yours!

We also just made our August trip a split stay between BC and the Poly, hugely inspired by your posts! I was hesitant about the BC because, well, I live in New England. We have all that here! But we got an awesome price and if you love it, we probably will too!!