[Question] So is the Halloween Party worth it?

[maggiespot]

Hello, everyone! My mother and I are planning our October Disneyland trip right now and are pondering the benefits of purchasing tickets to Mickey's Halloween Party versus its cost. I would like to go but my mom is hesitant and I can see her point, 64 dollars is a lot to pay for only a few hours when we've already shelled out a good wad of dough to make it there. I know you guys can give me a straight argument for either side and that's really what I need. For me, the benefits of the Halloween party that I see are the ability to dress up in costume (I do theatre so I love costumes), shorter lines, and being able to see the "Halloween Screams" fireworks show. If one or more of you can either talk me away from the edge or convince me to take a leap of faith I would be most grateful!

[dougeebear]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

In my opinion, yes it is worth it.

Its Economical: A ticket to the party is far less than a one-day park ticket. Party guests can enter up to three hours before the official party start time, so that's about eight hours in the park. Downside: If you have a day ticket or an Annual Pass, the additional cost of a party ticket might be too much.

Costumes: It really is a LOT of fun to travel about the park in costume. I do theater as well, and make costumes.

Lines: Unfortunately, lines are not shorter. Fast Pass does not operate during the party, so lines can get long (especially Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion). The trick is to visit the busiest attractions during the parade or right after fireworks, when most parents take their children home.

Candy: I didn't much care for the trick-or-treating aspect, but the lines to get fistfuls of tootsie rolls are HUGE. They snake throughout the park and can block access to entire lands (I had trouble getting in to Tomorrowland) or attractions (at the Space Mountain entrance I thought a treat line was to get on board).

Villains: Lots and lots of villains out for meet-and-greets. Their lines were shorter than the treat lines.

HallowScreams: definitely worth the visit. Such a unique show, shame they don't offer it on non-party nights.

[mickdaddy]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

So worth it! One of my favorite Disney trips ever was last years halloween party

[lalolovesme]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

I almost never say anything negative about Disneyland, but we were so excited to go last year, and ended up being kind of disappointed.

I was expecting the park to feel less crowded and the lines to be shorter, but no such luck. We aren't going back this year.

[calsig31]

[mickdaddy]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

Also we walked right up in front of the castle for fireworks (screams is incredible) and sat right on the curb for the parade! And candy at the trick or treat trails is a huge amount!

[RPDigger]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

Totally worth it! Dougeebear made a good point about being able to get in to the park a few hours before the party actually starts. If you don't happen to have an annual pass that would let you into the park during the day, why not spend part of the day at Knotts and enjoy their Halloween offerings (and a Mrs Knotts chicken lunch/dinner) before heading over to Disneyland? As far as the party at Disneyland goes, there is nothing like strolling the foggy streets of New Orleans Square at night while surrounded by various ghouls and goblins. And, if you are a people watcher, just seeing all of the fantastic costumes is worth the price of admission alone!

[bigcatrik]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

why not spend part of the day at Knotts and enjoy their Halloween offerings (and a Mrs Knotts chicken lunch/dinner) before heading over to Disneyland? As far as the party at Disneyland goes, there is nothing like strolling the foggy streets of New Orleans Square at night while surrounded by various ghouls and goblins.

You'll only see some of the more obvious Knott's decorations while any ride rethemeing is traditionally covered up until the nighttime event, and none of the walkthroughs are open.

Are the "ghouls and goblins" in NOS scare-actors that jump out at you, or are you talking about guests dressed up as such?

[Eeee-va]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

I agree with others; ride lines are not necessarily shorter, and crowds may be larger than you expected. If you go in with a good plan and recognize that the park will still be quite busy, I think you'll have fun. Not only can you wear costumes, but you can see other guests in fabulous costumes as well!

I would probably take it easy that morning, perhaps go to Downtown Disney if you like, and only go to the parks when you can get in early for the party (3 or 4 PM for a 7/8 PM party start time).

Have a great trip!

[maggiespot]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

Thank you guys so much for your quick response! I'll definitely share this with my mom and keep it in mind when making my decision!

[RPDigger]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

Guests dressed up......nothing like Knotts actors jumping out at you.

[Malina]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

I really felt it was worth it last year. The parade and fireworks were fun, and my friends and I--all adults--had a blast with the trick or treating. There's a really special atmosphere, lots of special lighting and effects, and some neat meet & greet ops.

What everyone else said; the lines can be long for some of the rides, but it's not as bad as a usual crowded day at the park.

[brian11811]

Re: So is the Halloween Party worth it?

Lines have gotten longer due to its popularity, although splash was a walk on before close. Best part is the cool fog and lighting effects, and the costumes. Some people really go all out. I think they should make costumes manditory. The thing is a lot of people thought we worked there, especially before the 7pm event with the general public, people seem to give you space to get by etc. kind of funny.