What rides during MHP?

[APE]

Hi. We are going to our first MHP this year. Wahoo! SO excited! We are wanting to ride as many rides as possible to hopefully take advantage of smaller lines. From my research on these forums, it looks like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion will be the most crowded. Which rides will be the best to head to? Are Fantasy Land rides usually running at this time? Is that our best bet? Really, we would like to ride any and all that we can get on to with minimal lines. Thank you so much to all of you for sharing all your hours of research and years of experience with us.

 

[elamarca]

We're also going to our first MHP this year and the rides are my main focus as well. My son is six, so we'll hit up some treat trails and I'd like to see the fireworks and maybe the parade, but I'm the most interested in getting on rides without waiting 30-60 minutes for each one, as we normally would during the Christmas holidays.

Can anyone tell me if the line for Space Mountain and HMH will be better later in the evening? I'm thinking after fireworks?

Best of luck to you! Have a great time!

 

[APE]

We're also going to our first MHP this year and the rides are my main focus as well. My son is six, so we'll hit up some treat trails and I'd like to see the fireworks and maybe the parade, but I'm the most interested in getting on rides without waiting 30-60 minutes for each one, as we normally would during the Christmas holidays.

Can anyone tell me if the line for Space Mountain and HMH will be better later in the evening? I'm thinking after fireworks?

Best of luck to you! Have a great time!

Thanks! You too. Those are our same exact priorities in that order...rides, treats, fireworks and possibly the parade. I looked at the FAQs and some of the posts in the HalloweenTime Superthread which were a great help but, I'm still trying to figure out which rides are our best options.

 

[Sherry E]

You asked about the Fantasyland running during the MHP. From the MHP FAQ:

13. Are all of the rides operating during MHP?

Most of the rides are operating during MHP, but some do close at the start of the party. In 2013 the following rides and attractions were not operating during MHP:

Main Street Vehicles

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Enchanted Tiki Room

Pirate’s Lair/Tom Sawyer’s Island

Anything on the Rivers of America (i.e., Mark Twain, Columbia, Canoes)

Toontown (e.g., Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Gadget’s Go Coaster, etc.) -- The Toontown rides were not operating during the actual MHP, but Car Toon Spin was open during the Toontown Pre-Party (see Question #22 for more info), according to DIS'er perlster

Disneyland Railroad

So it appears that the Fantasyland rides were running last year -- the MHP has not started this year, so we won't know what's open until next week.

As for your best options, that's probably a matter of opinion and I'm not sure. The rides are not always the biggest priority for many people if they choose to focus on the party exclusives. Be sure to join us in the Superthread and ask questions there as well (it's there for discussion).

 

[APE]

You asked about the Fantasyland running during the MHP. From the MHP FAQ:



So it appears that the Fantasyland rides were running last year -- the MHP has not started this year, so we won't know what's open until next week.

As for your best options, that's probably a matter of opinion and I'm not sure. The rides are not always the biggest priority for many people if they choose to focus on the party exclusives. Be sure to join us in the Superthread and ask questions there as well (it's there for discussion).

Ok. I'll keep checking back in the Superthread once the 2014 MHPs start. You're right, it sounds like from what I have read that the rides are not at the top of the list for many. Hopefully someone else out there will share their experience with rides. I will be sure to report back with what works for us.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Just want to put in a word of caution: while it is quite possible that lines will be shorter than normal (especially if a party doesn't sell out), that doesn't guarantee that most/all rides will be walk-ons or have 10 minute wait times. The busiest time, in our experience, is the overlap time between the early entry party hours (3-6pm or 4-7pm) and the closing of the park to non-party guests. Things do ease up during and after the fireworks (the show takes many people out of lines and onto Main Street and into the Hub area). Many rides, especially the fast loading ones, do seem to have short lines or lines that at least move quickly. But every year there are people who post complaints about how long the lines were when they expected no lines at all. Just saying, be prepared so that if the lines are short -- great! And if they are longer than you expected, that's fine, too -- at least you were prepared.

 

[Kinni4673]

We did MHP in late October of 2012. We booked the happiest haunts tour which was by far the best thing we did. It takes you on HM, TOT, Matterhorn and Space Mountain. We have our ride photo from Space Mountain with our halloween costumes on.

We also rode Thunder Mountain that night, but that is all that is coming to mind right now. I remember that Pirates was really busy, and the line to greet Jack Skeleton was stretched out to the Pirates line which made it really congested there.

We didn't really focus on rides, we focused on meeting all the characters that aren't out any other time except the MHP. We got so many great photos with the rare characters it was great.

We kind of happened on the parade and had a pretty good view.
We waited only 30-45 minutes to view the fireworks, and we had a pretty good view for that as well.

The food areas were busy, but nothing unmanageable.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and I can try to remember for you

 

[APE]

Just want to put in a word of caution: while it is quite possible that lines will be shorter than normal (especially if a party doesn't sell out), that doesn't guarantee that most/all rides will be walk-ons or have 10 minute wait times. The busiest time, in our experience, is the overlap time between the early entry party hours (3-6pm or 4-7pm) and the closing of the park to non-party guests. Things do ease up during and after the fireworks (the show takes many people out of lines and onto Main Street and into the Hub area). Many rides, especially the fast loading ones, do seem to have short lines or lines that at least move quickly. But every year there are people who post complaints about how long the lines were when they expected no lines at all. Just saying, be prepared so that if the lines are short -- great! And if they are longer than you expected, that's fine, too -- at least you were prepared.

Thanks for the heads up. It sounds like the overlap hours will be the most crazy for sure and still no guarantee of short lines overall. Hopefully we will find some that at least move a little more quickly. If not, I'm sure there will be no shortage of fun things for us to see and do while we are there.

 

[APE]

We did MHP in late October of 2012. We booked the happiest haunts tour which was by far the best thing we did. It takes you on HM, TOT, Matterhorn and Space Mountain. We have our ride photo from Space Mountain with our halloween costumes on.

We also rode Thunder Mountain that night, but that is all that is coming to mind right now. I remember that Pirates was really busy, and the line to greet Jack Skeleton was stretched out to the Pirates line which made it really congested there.

We didn't really focus on rides, we focused on meeting all the characters that aren't out any other time except the MHP. We got so many great photos with the rare characters it was great.

We kind of happened on the parade and had a pretty good view.
We waited only 30-45 minutes to view the fireworks, and we had a pretty good view for that as well.

The food areas were busy, but nothing unmanageable.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and I can try to remember for you

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I will have to look in to the happiest haunts tour.

 

[Sherry E]

We did MHP in late October of 2012. We booked the happiest haunts tour which was by far the best thing we did. It takes you on HM, TOT, Matterhorn and Space Mountain. We have our ride photo from Space Mountain with our halloween costumes on.

We also rode Thunder Mountain that night, but that is all that is coming to mind right now. I remember that Pirates was really busy, and the line to greet Jack Skeleton was stretched out to the Pirates line which made it really congested there.

We didn't really focus on rides, we focused on meeting all the characters that aren't out any other time except the MHP. We got so many great photos with the rare characters it was great.

We kind of happened on the parade and had a pretty good view.
We waited only 30-45 minutes to view the fireworks, and we had a pretty good view for that as well.

The food areas were busy, but nothing unmanageable.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and I can try to remember for you

The Happiest Haunts tour is not taking guests on ToT this year -- it is staying in Disneyland and not venturing to DCA (and there are no "Ultimate Experience" combination HH tour-MHP packages being offered this year as there have been for the last few years, sadly).

 

[APE]

The Happiest Haunts tour is not taking guests on ToT this year -- it is staying in Disneyland and not venturing to DCA (and there are no "Ultimate Experience" combination HH tour-MHP packages being offered this year as there have been for the last few years, sadly).

Ok. Thanks so much for letting us know.

 

[figment_jii]

In terms of the FL rides, I would guess that they will run during MHP (based on last year's experience), but note that many of the rides will shut down for fireworks. I honestly don't recall when the close off the area behind the castle, but it will impact Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, Snow White, Pinocchio, and the Carousel (I don't remember about Casey Jr., Alice, or Dumbo).

In terms of HMH and SMGG, I would expect fairly length lines throughout the party hours. Personally, I would probably opt to wait on SMGG until the end of the party and then get in line. At least that way, you won't lose a lot of party time to the line (I would guess 30-45 minutes at closing). Otherwise, you might check to see if there are any FPs left when you get into DL (note that FPs were not offered during MHP last year).

 

[APE]

In terms of the FL rides, I would guess that they will run during MHP (based on last year's experience), but note that many of the rides will shut down for fireworks. I honestly don't recall when the close off the area behind the castle, but it will impact Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, Snow White, Pinocchio, and the Carousel (I don't remember about Casey Jr., Alice, or Dumbo).

In terms of HMH and SMGG, I would expect fairly length lines throughout the party hours. Personally, I would probably opt to wait on SMGG until the end of the party and then get in line. At least that way, you won't lose a lot of party time to the line (I would guess 30-45 minutes at closing). Otherwise, you might check to see if there are any FPs left when you get into DL (note that FPs were not offered during MHP last year).

Ok, good to know about them shutting down around fireworks time. Good idea about waiting on Space and Haunted Mansion. Thanks so much for your input.

 

[dnamertz]

We were at an MHP on a Monday last October. Fantasyland rides were open, though probably not during fireworks. We rode Snow White, Pinnochio and Mr Toad with no wait during the 1st hour of the pary (of course there is usually no wait for Snow White and Pinnochio). About 2 hours in, Pirates and Splash Mt were both walk-ons, as was The Jungle Cruise 3 hours into the party. Space Mt had maybe a 15 minute wait during the last 45 minutes of the party.

 

[APE]

We were at an MHP on a Monday last October. Fantasyland rides were open, though probably not during fireworks. We rode Snow White, Pinnochio and Mr Toad with no wait during the 1st hour of the pary (of course there is usually no wait for Snow White and Pinnochio). About 2 hours in, Pirates and Splash Mt were both walk-ons, as was The Jungle Cruise 3 hours into the party. Space Mt had maybe a 15 minute wait during the last 45 minutes of the party.

Wow! It sounds like you were able to go on quite a few rides. We are hoping for the same luck going to the party on a Tuesday. Thanks so much for taking the time to share what worked for you.

 

[APE]

We were at an MHP on a Monday last October. Fantasyland rides were open, though probably not during fireworks. We rode Snow White, Pinnochio and Mr Toad with no wait during the 1st hour of the pary (of course there is usually no wait for Snow White and Pinnochio). About 2 hours in, Pirates and Splash Mt were both walk-ons, as was The Jungle Cruise 3 hours into the party. Space Mt had maybe a 15 minute wait during the last 45 minutes of the party.

Wow! It sounds like you were able to go on quite a few rides. We are hoping for the same luck going to the party on a Tuesday. Thanks so much for taking the time to share what worked for you.

 

[dnamertz]

Wow! It sounds like you were able to go on quite a few rides. We are hoping for the same luck going to the party on a Tuesday. Thanks so much for taking the time to share what worked for you.

Actually, rides weren't even our priority. We also did 4 character meet-n-greets, at least 6 trick or treat trails, and saw the fireworks. If you are going mainly for the rides, I would have to imagine you would be able to get through a ton of rides compared to a normal five hour period in Disneyland (except for Haunted Mansion and Space Mt).

 

[Fantaluminishes]

My understanding is that many more locals visit MHP than say MNSSHP. My experience at WDW has been all walk-on rides all night. I haven't done DL's party, but I would imagine the rides get/stay pretty for the night.

 

[figment_jii]

My understanding is that many more locals visit MHP than say MNSSHP. My experience at WDW has been all walk-on rides all night. I haven't done DL's party, but I would imagine the rides get/stay pretty for the night.

Interesting, that has not been my consistent experience at MNSHHP. Maybe it depends on which party you go to. When I went some rides were walk-on, but others (like HM, Peter Pan) still had lines.

 

[scrappymel]

Interesting, that has not been my consistent experience at MNSHHP. Maybe it depends on which party you go to. When I went some rides were walk-on, but others (like HM, Peter Pan) still had lines.

Definitely not our experience either. MNSSHP sometimes seems even busier than the daytime. We did ride space mountain 3x in about 30 mins at the very end of the party last year, but all the other popular rides (especially splash and big thunder) were consistently moderate-long waits. Good thing there are so many other awesome things to do during the party. Hoping MHP is just as good!