[Question] 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

[Claret_Minnie]

Hello all!

I was wondering if anyone had done the Happiest Haunts Tour yet? The Backstage Pass magazine states it is new, but I saw a thread that talked about it in 2008. At any rate, we are making a trip in 2 weeks and are wondering if it is worth the $64 price tag. We have only done one tour in the past "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps" which was fun, but contained a lot of information that I already knew from my numerous Disneyland books. The food was good though.

So, if anyone has done it yet (well, in the past couple days), tell me your opinions...good, bad, or indifferent.

Thank you! :wave:

[Darkwing]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

I'm interested in this too. We booked the tour for Oct 20th but am curious to know what others thought of the tour.

[Aladdin]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

I'm just guessing it was my trip report you saw, from last year.

I'll post the link to it here (there is a link to it and my other trip reports in my signature - just scroll down to get to the links)

But just a quick summary of the tour from last year, it was definitely a fun tour, but it's designed with more storytelling, than Disneyland fact. If you have already taken Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour, and are looking to expand upon your Disney experiences, I would definitely suggest the Halloween Tour. Parts might be a little corny (no pun intended) but it's Disney's way of getting you in the Halloween mood. I am alway looking for different and new things I've never done in DL, and this little tour is exactly one of those uncommon experiences.

It doesn't sound too much different, than last year's tour. However, with the addition of Ghost Galaxy at Space Mountain, this year, it will have a little different tone this year. And you might want to check and see if they are offering special seating for the Halloweentime Fireworks show when you make your reservations, as they didn't have Halloween fireworks last year.

Here's what the DL site says about this year's HAPPIEST HAUNTS TOUR

Meet your enigmatic tour guide and embark on a journey through the spirited season of Halloween Time at the Disneyland

• Hear the truth — or is it? — behind some of the most spellbinding attractions at the Disneyland

Discounts of 20% off are available for Deluxe and Premium Annual Passholders as well as Disney Visa and AAA cardholders.

EDIT TO ADD LINK TO 2008 Happiest Haunts Tour Photo Report - caution, if you are thinking of going on this tour, there may be some spoilers.

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyland-resort/105513-disneys-happiest-haunts-tour-dream-hour-disneyland-october-7th-2008-a.html

[LittlePrincess1230]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

This year's tour DOES include reserved viewing for the Halloween Screams Fireworks show, weather permitting.

The tour itself is a lot of fun. It's interesting, entertaining, and comes with some really great treats too - including the lanyard and key, edible treat, fireworks seating, AND immediate access to the most popular holiday attractions.

totally worth it!

[Claret_Minnie]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

Thank you Aladdin and LittlePrincess1230 for the insights! I am glad to hear that so far my responses are 2 for 2 at FUN! :thumbup: I think the family and I will be taking a tour this trip.

I guess the "new" reference would be the fact that Space Mountain is added to the attractions visited and the reserved seating for Halloween fireworks..which I can't wait for!!!

I think Halloween time is starting to become my favorite holiday over Christmastime...maybe. Certainly a close second.

[Gandalf75]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

We have tickets for the tour on Thursday the 8th. We are really excited. It is our first time trying it out, but have heard nothing but good things about it.

[Sir Didymus]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

Plus the tour group looks really neat when they're walking around at night. Everyone's wearing their green glowing lanyard and they're all moving at once, it looks like a procession of ghosts!

[Claret_Minnie]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

Plus the tour group looks really neat when they're walking around at night. Everyone's wearing their green glowing lanyard and they're all moving at once, it looks like a procession of ghosts!

Oh, how funny! )

[PinokeFan]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

FYI --

Although I haven't been on the tour this year, I spoke with two ladies in the Park the other day who had. Although they enjoyed the tour overall, they were disappointed with the reserved fireworks seating. It was in the Carnation Plaza Gardens and they said the trees blocked a lot of their view.

EDIT: I see on another post that the location is the Plaza Pavilion, NOT the Plaza Gardens. But I'm certain the ladies said "Carnation Plaza". Since they went on the first night of the tour, perhaps the location changed???

[Rongo]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

I see on another post that the location is the Plaza Pavilion, NOT the Plaza Gardens. But I'm certain the ladies said "Carnation Plaza". Since they went on the first night of the tour, perhaps the location changed???

I booked my tour tickets yesterday, and when I asked about the viewing location I was told that they are changing it - she didn't know where - and that it would be a "surprise!" when I got there...

[Disnyfan89]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

The tour is a lot of fun of this year and offers some great experience. The set up for the tour is similar to last year. You have two guides, ones a ghost hunter and the other is a bit more mysterious. There is however some new experiences (mainly Space Mountain.)The tour does include the opportunity to experience several attractions based on availability as well as the fireworks. The location is usually Plaza Pavilion however there are a few nights that it will be in a different location. It also includes a snack and a "remembrance." I highly recommend it as it is a lot of fun and a great way to celebrate Halloween. The stories they tell range from fun Disney themed Halloween facts and trivia to the history of Halloween and spooky ghost stories.

In case you’re wondering it is $64 per person and for APs, Disney Visa, or AAA it is $51.20 per person and it can be booked by calling 714-781-4400 or by visiting Guest Relations.

[Rongo]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

Yay, Gandalf! That's when I got my tickets for... maybe we'll be screamin' in the same group...

[Gandalf75]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

Yay, Gandalf! That's when I got my tickets for... maybe we'll be screamin' in the same group...

That would be so much fun! And I am keeping my fingers crossed for good weather for fireworks and a good spot for viewing.

[btowndude]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

I just got back from the tour and it was well worth the money. The park was very crowded - big convention in town, Gay Days, and the Utah "escapees". It was nice to skip the long lines for the big rides. The glowing green lanyard is nice and it has three different settings for the lights. I would have preferred a special pin, however.
Hint: When you get to Frontierland, be sure and look at the photos on the Day of the Dead displays! The tour currently ends at the Plaza Pavilion around 8:20 pm. So, you have an hour wait for the fireworks.

If you are lucky, the tour group might walk by a vendor cart, where you can quickly buy water, soda, or a snack. I didn't have lunch, so I was hungry by the end of the tour.

Since the park stayed open late after the fireworks, you also get a couple of hours to go on other rides.

A word of warning: Both tour times (4:30 and 4:45) coincide with the afternoon rush hour. You should factor in extra time to get to Disneyland. My normal two hour drive to Disneyland took three hours on this Friday afternoon. There were several tour members who dropped out and had to reschedule because members of their party were stuck in freeway traffic.

[Aladdin]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

Was the view ok from the Plaza Pavillion, for the fireworks? Could you see the inflatable?

I'm surprised that you would rather have a pin than the "Ghost Relations" key. There are a bazillion pins, but only one of the light up lanyards from DL! I much prefer the unique toy.

Glad you had a good time.

[LittlePrincess1230]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

The fireworks viewing isn't required, so if your party finds another viewing area, you are more than welcome to leave. However, the reserved viewing is to guarantee that you will have a roomy spot to see the fireworks.

[Claret_Minnie]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

Thanks to all who have responded to this thread. All your knowledge and opinions are greatly appreciated!

I think we will be taking this tour! The AAA price is great, so we will definitely be utilizing that! :yea:

[Claret_Minnie]

Re: 2009 "New" Happiest Haunts Tour

So, the subject of Halloween is a little outdated, but I wanted to add that we did end up taking this tour and had a lot of FUN! I highly recommend it to future Halloweentime park visitors. Our tour guides were awesome and having park guests look at you weird while wearing a glowing necklace, makes it even more interesting.