We want to see Halloween decorations - should we do a regular visit or Mickey's Party

[katiesmom2]

We just bought APs on our last visit a few weeks ago and we really want to visit to see the Halloween decorations (never seen them before).

All the decorations you see in the pictures for Mickey's Halloween party - are those up all the time or just during the party? I'm assuming they put them up and leave them up through October and don't put them up for each party...lol. Our priority is seeing the decorations and trying some of the Halloween food treats, not so much the trick or treating or having pictures taken with villains, etc.

Can we see the decor and try the treats anytime outside the party?

Is the party advantageous as far as shorter lines? I'm thinking about the Pirate and Princess Party we went to at WDW - we walked on everything and were able to ride rides over and over in a row. I'm guessing the Halloween party isn't typically that empty (judging from some of the posts I've read).

Basically, hubby wanted me to do some research to see if the additional cost of the Halloween party was necessary - or whether we could just visit on our AP and experience the decor and food items?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

 

[tlovesdis]

The decorations and food items can be seen and had without going to the party.

Some advantages of doing the party would be less crowds, a special fireworks show, a special small parade, characters everywhere, trick or treating and more.

If you only care about the decor and food then you can go anytime!!

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

I've never done the party but the Halloween theming is fabulous and yes, it's up throughout the day. definitely not to be missed.

 

[Sherry E]

We just bought APs on our last visit a few weeks ago and we really want to visit to see the Halloween decorations (never seen them before).

All the decorations you see in the pictures for Mickey's Halloween party - are those up all the time or just during the party? I'm assuming they put them up and leave them up through October and don't put them up for each party...lol. Our priority is seeing the decorations and trying some of the Halloween food treats, not so much the trick or treating or having pictures taken with villains, etc.

Can we see the decor and try the treats anytime outside the party?

Is the party advantageous as far as shorter lines? I'm thinking about the Pirate and Princess Party we went to at WDW - we walked on everything and were able to ride rides over and over in a row. I'm guessing the Halloween party isn't typically that empty (judging from some of the posts I've read).

Basically, hubby wanted me to do some research to see if the additional cost of the Halloween party was necessary - or whether we could just visit on our AP and experience the decor and food items?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

HalloweenTime is a season at Disneyland Resort, lasting (this year) from September 16 - October 31. Mickey's Halloween Party in Disneyland is a separate, paid ticketed event that is held on certain nights during the season. Most of the Halloween decorations for the season are in Disneyland only, and not in California Adventure.

The Halloween at DLR Superthread that we have here on the DIS focuses on the whole season, part of which is Mickey's Halloween Party.

But basically, most of the decorations, treats, merchandise, Villains, characters in costumes and things like that (which you can see in the Table of Contents of the Superthread, in Post #2) are up and out for the entire season. The Halloween Round-Up is there all season long. There are some treats, souvenirs and decorations that are brought out only for the Halloween party, but not too much.

The Halloween Screams fireworks are exclusive to the party. And trick or treating can only be done at the party. The whole season can be enjoyed at any time between 9/16 - 10/31 this year.

Be sure to come join us in the Halloween superthread, as that's where I will be posting any updates or breaking news as we get it in! We discuss all aspects of the season there.

 

[deakam]

was going to tell you all about the party but then I realized that you are asking about Disneyland.....a place I have never been but may visit soon....

 

[katiesmom2]

Thanks for the insight everyone. I'm glad to hear that the decorations (or most of them) are up for the season, not just the party.

I guess I am just trying to justify the extra money. For the date we are looking at, the AP price would be $59 each x4.

We are able to go to DL on a weekday (hubby is off mid-week and we can pull the kids out of school...we're cool that way...lol) so I'm trying to figure out if we will perhaps have MORE of a crowd if we attend the party vs just going mid-week. I know there is no way to tell, but in reading the party thread, it appears that the party can be quick busy.

Our kids would think the trick or treating was fun, but they find Disneyland fun anyway

We haven't been into character pictures since our kids were small.

So the only REAL draw of the party would be shorter lines for rides.

Anyone have an opinion as to party crowds vs mid-week crowds in October?

Sherry, I will keep checking the party superthread....thank you!!

Thanks again!

 

[katiesmom2]

OH...and we are NOT big parade people, but do like the DL fireworks shows. Is the Halloween one really unique?

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

Mid-week October crowds should be very light, so if that's your primary consideration, I'd save the $236 on the party. I've never seen the fireworks but I've heard good things about them. I do plan on going to the party for the first time this year now that DS (age 2.5) is old enough to understand trick or treating, so I'll finally get to see them for myself . However, from a financial vs. crowd issue, my vote would be to save your money if that's really the biggest issue.

 

[D23Ry]

I saw the fireworks show when it was free (maybe 3 years ago before you had to pay for mickey's party). Its a pretty darn good show! i recommend it if you have the extra $ to spend

 

[Sherry E]

I saw the fireworks show when it was free (maybe 3 years ago before you had to pay for mickey's party). Its a pretty darn good show! i recommend it if you have the extra $ to spend

It was 2009. Halloween Screams only ran for one year/one Halloween Time season (every night of that season, from September - October) when it was available to the general public in Disneyland. There was a Halloween party going on that year - but it was in California Adventure, so it didn't interfere with the fireworks. Back then the party was called Mickey's Trick or Treat Party rather than Mickey's Halloween Party as it is called now. Last year, when the party moved into Disneyland and changed its name, Halloween Screams became a party exclusive.


katiesmom2 -

I'm not a big fireworks person as a rule - I can take them or leave them most of the time - but Halloween Screams is really, really cool. It is definitely unique. I don't know if it's worth shelling out money for a separate ticketed event when you don't really care about getting candy or posing with characters, though. And the crowds at the party are not that light.

I think you'd be fine if you just stick with enjoying the HalloweenTime season at DLR and skip the party.

 

[Sherry E]

In this post - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38304300&postcount=2 - look under the category, "Halloween Fireworks" and you will find links to various photos (and video too!) of Halloween Screams.

 

[pudinhd]

I have a quick question along the lines of whether or not to get tickets for the Halloween party... Are there special hard to find characters you can see during the party that are not out during normal park hours? Thanks!!!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

As much as I enjoyed the party, I would tell you to pass. The decorations can be enjoyed during the day and on non-party nights.

I LOVE the fireworks, but the parade is weak. Doesn't hold a candle to Boo To You, which I think is the best Disney parade EVER.

The trick or treating is nice, but eat up a lot of time. The ride lines were short, but the character meet lines were long.

We went last year for a Thurs, Fri (party night), Sat, Sun. Thursday was the best day/night crowd wise. The party was packed, but manageable.

We loved the bakery and restaurant items. Of course they can be enjoyed anytime.

I still think you will be plenty of Halloween feeling from the parks without the party.

HAVE a BLAST!!!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I have a quick question along the lines of whether or not to get tickets for the Halloween party... Are there special hard to find characters you can see during the party that are not out during normal park hours? Thanks!!!

Last year we saw many villians and even Captain Jack!

Jack and Sally (Nightmare Before Christmas) was at the dance party.

 

[Sherry E]

As much as I enjoyed the party, I would tell you to pass. The decorations can be enjoyed during the day and on non-party nights.

I LOVE the fireworks, but the parade is weak. Doesn't hold a candle to Boo To You, which I think is the best Disney parade EVER.

The trick or treating is nice, but eat up a lot of time. The ride lines were short, but the character meet lines were long.

We went last year for a Thurs, Fri (party night), Sat, Sun. Thursday was the best day/night crowd wise. The party was packed, but manageable.

We loved the bakery and restaurant items. Of course they can be enjoyed anytime.

I still think you will be plenty of Halloween feeling from the parks without the party.

HAVE a BLAST!!!

I agree with this assessment! The party is a lot of fun, and I think it's a good complement to the Halloween season in general, in terms of adding in extra things to see and do in the spirit of Halloween for those who want to do the party. However, the trick or treating takes up time, as you said, the character lines are long, in some cases certain rides can have long lines, and the parade is just a cavalcade/mini-parade, so it's nothing to write home about, etc. As cool as the fireworks are, I don't know if it's worth it to pay the extra money just to see those. There are still plenty of things to see during the Halloween season every day that have nothing to do with the party.

 

[Sherry E]

I have a quick question along the lines of whether or not to get tickets for the Halloween party... Are there special hard to find characters you can see during the party that are not out during normal park hours? Thanks!!!

The most unusual characters you may see at the party are the Stepsisters and Jack Sparrow (Jack is usually not in Disneyland too often anymore, though I think he was out recently when the latest POTC movie was released). You may also see Frollo, Ratcliffe or Don Karnage (they were out a lot when the party was held in DCA).

Otherwise, the rest of the villains at the party are pretty much par for the course, expected Disney villains who appear in DL and DCA here and there anyway (for example, Cruella comes out at other times besides Halloween and the Queen of Hearts is out all the time), and there is a Villains photo spot that operates daily in Fantasyland during the Halloween season. There are also characters out in Halloween costumes (like Goofy in a skeleton costume, etc.) daily on Main Street.

 

[katiesmom2]

Thanks everyone for all of the great info. Exactly what I was looking for

From the sounds of it, we'll be better off visiting during the week on our AP and avoiding the extra $240 expense. We would pay the price if we thought it would be worth it for our family, but it sounds like we can have just as much fun without attending the party.

Thanks so much for the information and opinions!