**A big THANK YOU to figment_jii, for the collaboration and help in assembling/typing up the FAQs!**
**See THIS POST for links to blogs, articles, press releases, videos and additional info about Mickey's Halloween Party!**
**See THIS POST for Reviews/Recaps/Reports of Mickey's Halloween Party 2013 and 2014**
(Disclaimer: Much of the information below is based on what happened at the parties of 2015, 2014 and prior, but it is always possible that things could be different in 2016 or in any subsequent year. I will do my best to keep it updated as events and details change!)
1. What is “Mickey’s Halloween Party,” and is it different from “Halloween Time”?
“Mickey’s Halloween Party” (also known as “MHP” or “the MHP”) is the current incarnation of what was previously known as “Mickey’s Halloween Treat” (held in California Adventure from 2005 – 2007) and “Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party” (held in California Adventure from 2008 -- 2009). It is a hard ticket event (not included in the price of the regular admission) that takes place on a limited number of nights in late September and throughout October, to which guests are invited (but not required) to wear costumes and trick-or-treat for candy around the park.
“Mickey’s Halloween Treat” made its original debut at Disneyland in the mid-‘90s, then was promptly shelved for nine years (until 2005), as the massive expansion that paved the way for Downtown Disney, California Adventure and the Grand Californian Hotel kicked into high gear.
Since 2010, the popular Mickey’s Halloween Party (MHP) has been held in Disneyland park, allowing for the amazing Halloween Screams fireworks to become a party exclusive, and a Cavalcade to march down Main Street.
“Halloween Time” is the name of Disneyland Resort’s official Halloween “season,” which commences in mid-September and extends through Halloween (or very early November, in rare cases). The Halloween season at DLR was given the “Halloween Time” label in 2006 -- though the Halloween party actually began anew in 2005, as mentioned above, and highlights such as Haunted Mansion Holiday have been holding strong since 2001.
Mickey’s Halloween Party and “Halloween Time” are connected, but are not quite the same. Mickey’s Halloween Party is one element of Halloween Time, but Halloween Time can be enjoyed without attending the MHP. That is to say, you can experience the other parts of Halloween Time without buying a ticket to Mickey’s Halloween Party.
To put it simply, and to use a different party as an example: Mickey’s Halloween Party is to Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort what Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is to the holiday season at Walt Disney World. It is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, though certain aspects of Halloween Time can be accessed at the party, of course!
This year (2016), Halloween Time begins on Friday, September 9th, and ends on Monday, October 31st.
2. How is Mickey’s Halloween Party different from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom/Walt Disney World?
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (MK) park has its own Halloween party called Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (
MNSSHP). MNSSHP runs from very early September through Halloween (or even early November in some years), with tickets generally going on sale in early May. Traditionally, MNSSHP takes place at the MK over many more nights than Mickey’s Halloween Party takes place in Disneyland. MNSSHP’s format and content are similar in some ways to MHP, but are also very different in other ways.
General comparisons of the two parties can be found
Here, courtesy of DIS’er figment_jii, and
Here, courtesy of The DIS' Craig Williams!
3. What is included in the MHP?
Mickey’s Halloween Party includes trick-or-treating, dance parties, special character meet and greets, special entertainment and decorations, a Cavalcade/mini-parade, and an exclusive fireworks show.
Trick-or-treat trails are scattered throughout the Disneyland park. Each treat trail has multiple treat stations, where Cast Members hand out candy (or non-candy options) to guests. Guests of all ages are welcome to go trick-or-treating. At the start of the party, the lines can be very long, but they generally move fairly fast. Later in the party, the lines are shorter.
There are several dance parties where guests can interact with a variety of characters. In past years, there have been dance parties located in Tomorrowland and at Rancho del Zocalo.
There are unique character meet and greet locations throughout the park. Most of the characters have PhotoPass photographers with them, to capture those special spooky moments! See Question #14 for more information about the characters.
In 2015, 2014 and prior, the Cadaver Dans (a ghoulish version of the Dapper Dans) performed on the Rivers of America, which is blanketed in an eerie fog for the party.
There are other MHP-specific decorations (such as Ghost Mickeys and Pumpkin Mickey balloons) that are inflated or installed for the party. Although it is not an exact science, the Ghost Mickeys are supposed to mark the start of each treat trail. Similarly, smaller (somewhat ear-less) Mickey balloon/lanterns mark each treat station along the trail!
Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade runs twice per MHP. In 2013 and 2014, the Cavalcade began at roughly 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm. The first parade travels from Small World to Main Street. The second parade travels from Main Street back to Small World. Elsa, Anna and Olaf from
Frozen appear in a special pre-parade (the same one that can be enjoyed before Mickey's Soundsational parade at Disneyland ) prior to “Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade!
In 2015, in honor of Disneyland's Diamond Celebration, the Paint the Night parade ran during the party instead of the Cavalcade, and it kicked off at 8:50 p.m.
***PLEASE NOTE THESE CHANGES TO THE CAVALCADE/PARADE IN 2016***
NEW IN 2016 is the "Frightfully Fun Parade," which will replace the above-mentioned Cavalcade. The Frightfully Fun Parade appears to be a more developed event on a larger scale than the Cavalcade. It is likely that the approximate parade times might be the same or close to the same as previous years. More info on this new parade can be found HERE.
Paint the Night will not run during the party.
NEW IN 2016 will be the appearance of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, who will ride through Disneyland before each Frightfully Fun Parade begins.
“Halloween Screams – A Villainous Surprise in the Skies” (or “Halloween Screams”) is a special MHP fireworks show. On MHP nights, it takes the place of the non-seasonal fireworks, which will be Fantasy in the Sky this year. Halloween Screams is a Halloween-focused fireworks show hosted by “Master of Scaremonies,” Jack Skellington. To enjoy the full show, it is recommended that guests position themselves to see the left side of Sleeping Beauty Castle (when facing the Castle). A “sphere” (a sort of crystal ball-type of illusion) rises to the left of the main turret and images are projected onto it.
During previous parties, Halloween Screams was presented at roughly 9:30 p.m. every night.
In 2015, a new premium dining experience was introduced to Mickey's Halloween Party. "Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou" was only available to guests of the party. The event involved a meal at the Blue Bayou, the appearance of at least one character (Dr. Facilier) and themed entertainment, as well as priority viewing for Halloween Screams. The cost was $150 (not including Mickey's Halloween Party tickets, which are required for this event). It is assumed -- but not confirmed -- at this time that a new version of the special Blue Bayou dinner will return in 2016, but no information has been released.
4. What is the typical start date for the MHP?
This year (2016), Mickey's Halloween Party will begin on Friday, September 23rd.
For the last several years, the first MHP has taken place about two weeks after the official start date of Halloween Time at DLR. Traditionally it has been either the last Friday in September or the first Friday in October, depending on the calendar, but in 2016 it will get started one weekend earlier than usual (and still 2 weeks after Halloween Time begins). Listed below are the start dates of Halloween Time (left column) and the dates of the first party (right column) for the last few years (since the Halloween Party moved out of California Adventure and into Disneyland):
- September 17, 2010 (Fri) => October 1, 2010 (Fri)
- September 16, 2011 (Fri) => September 30, 2011 (Fri)
- September 14, 2012 (Fri) => September 28, 2012 (Fri)
- September 13, 2013 (Fri) => September 27, 2013 (Fri)
- September 12, 2014 (Fri) => September 26, 2014 (Fri)
- September 11, 2015 (Fri) => September 25, 2015 (Fri)
- September 9, 2016 (Fri) => September 23, 2016 (Fri)
5. What are the other party dates, and how many parties are there?
The dates for the 2016 Halloween Parties have been announced!! --
HERE.
In 2016, there will be 17 MHP nights in total (there were also 17 nights in 2015):
Friday, September 23
Monday, September 26
Wednesday, September 28
Friday, September 30
Monday, October 3
Wednesday, October 5
Friday, October 7
Monday, October 10
Wednesday, October 12
Friday, October 14
-- SOLD OUT (as of Monday, August 29, 2016)!!!!
Monday, October 17
Wednesday, October 19
Friday, October 21
-- SOLD OUT (as of Monday, August 22, 2016)!!!!
Monday, October 24
Wednesday, October 26
Saturday, October 29
-- SOLD OUT (as of Thursday, August 18, 2016)!!!!
Monday, October 31
Historically, MHP had been held on Tuesdays and Fridays, with an occasional Monday and/or Wednesday night party thrown in, or substituted in place of a Tuesday party. This year there are no Tuesday night parties at all, but plenty of Monday and Wednesday parties, several Fridays and even a Saturday. There will be a party on Columbus Day as well. The final party of the season is always on Halloween night.
Both this year and last year (2015) included 17 parties. In 2014 there were 14 party nights. 2013 there were 13 party nights from late September until Halloween, when in years prior there had been 11 nights or 10 nights.
6. When do the tickets go on sale, and when are the MHP dates announced?
This year (2016) the Halloween Party dates were announced on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, via the Disney Parks Blog --
HERE. In 2015, the MHP dates and Halloween Time season dates were announced on Wednesday, July 15th. And in 2014, the MHP dates and Halloween Time season dates were announced on Wednesday, July 2nd.
The tickets for the 2016 parties went on sale to Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members on Thursday, July 21, 2016.
The tickets for the general public went on sale on Thursday, July 28, 2016.
The tickets, as a rule, tend to go on sale sometime in mid-July. In any given year it is always possible – though not likely – that the dates could be announced as early as late May, or they could quietly appear in the Annual Pass section of the Disneyland Resort website (which has happened in the past) without an immediate accompanying Blog or press release.
7. Where and how can I get MHP tickets?
Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 714-781-4400, on the
Disneyland Resort website, or in person at the DLR ticket booths.
Annual Pass holders will be provided with a link (through the DLR website) to order their discounted tickets in advance.
Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members may need to call 714-781-4400 to have their discounts applied to the advance purchase of tickets. As of 2015, there was still no way for Disney Visa holders and DVC members to obtain their discounts via online order.
8. What is the cost of Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets?
The prices for the 2016 Mickey's Halloween Party are as follows (from the Disneyland Resort website):
Fri., 9/23/16 --
$89 (Annual Pass/Disney Vacation Club/Disney Rewards Visa Advance Price);
$89 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Mon., 9/26/16 --
$72 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$79 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Wed., 9/28/16 --
$72 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$79 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Fri., 9/30/16 --
$89 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$89 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Mon., 10/3/16 --
$72 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$79 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Wed., 10/5/16 --
$72 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$79 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Fri., 10/7/16 --
$89 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$89 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Mon., 10/10/16 --
$72 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$79 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Wed., 10/12/16 --
$72 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$79 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Fri., 10/14/16 --
$89 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$89 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
-- SOLD OUT (as of Monday, August 29, 2016)!!!!
Mon., 10/17/16 --
$72 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$79 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Wed., 10/19/16 --
$89 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$89 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Fri., 10/21/16 --
$89 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$89 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
-- SOLD OUT (as of Monday, August 22, 2016)!!!!
Mon., 10/24/16 --
$89 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$89 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Wed., 10/26/16 --
$89 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$89 (General Public Advance Price); and
$89 (Price on Event Date)
Sat., 10/29/16 --
$99 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$99 (General Public Advance Price); and
$99 (Price on Event Date)
-- SOLD OUT (as of Thursday, August 18, 2016)!!!!
Mon., 10/31/16 --
$99 (AP/DVC/DRV Advance Price);
$99 (General Public Advance Price); and
$99 (Price on Event Date)
Ticket prices generally vary depending on the party date, with Halloween and the parties close to it having a higher price tag. Just as a point of reference (you can get a sense of the increase in price over the last few years), in 2013 ticket prices ranged from $67 to $74 (if purchased on the day of the event). General Advance Purchase prices ranged from $59 to $74. Annual Pass holders, Disney Rewards Visa Card holders, and DVC members were able to purchase tickets in advance, and the prices ranged from $51 to $74.
In general, there are no discounts available for the parties closest to Halloween (including Halloween night).
9. Are there discounts for AP holders, Visa card holders and DVC members?
Yes, there are generally discounts for AP holders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders, and DVC members on advance purchase tickets for select nights. There is generally no discount for the parties closest to Halloween, including Halloween night, and there are no discounts if MHP tickets are purchased on the day of the event (“Day of Event”).
Disney Rewards Visa customers will have to purchase the MHP tickets with their Disney Visa card, and will not be able to utilize the Disney Visa discount if they apply another method of payment.
AP holders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and DVC members are usually allowed to purchase up to eight (8) discounted tickets.
See Questions #6, #7 and #8 for further information.
10. Is parking included in the MHP ticket?
New as of 2016, the answer is NO. Parking will not be included in the price of the MHP tickets this year. In previous years parking was included, and visitors could park in the Mickey & Friends structure, Toy Story lot, or Pumbaa lot (if open).
The cost for parking is $18 per vehicle.
11. Do the parties completely sell out, or can I get tickets at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths if I decide to go at the last minute? How quickly do the tickets sell out?
In 2015, all but one of the 17 parties sold out, with the last sellouts taking place in late September. The only party left with available tickets was the one on Monday, September 28, 2015.
Signs should be posted outside the gates to Disneyland, indicating that the parties are sold out and tickets are not available for purchase. However, there have been certain instances in which people have been able to obtain last-minute tickets at the booths on the day of the event, though it is not advised to wait until the last minute, if it can be helped.
In
this post from 2015, I tracked the MHP dates as they sold out.
You will find that the tickets do not sell out immediately after going on sale – it takes a while -- but the sales seem to pick up steam in August and then kick into high gear in September. There have been occasions in the past in which many of the parties sold out within a 2- or 3-week time frame, in rapid succession.
It has been reported by a couple of DIS'ers -- including
Diszona and
mvf-m11c -- that even after the Disneyland Resort website indicates that a Halloween Party night has sold out online, there may still be a very limited number of tickets available over the phone. If you see a "Sold Out" next to a particular MHP night on the DLR website, try calling 714-781-4400 to ask if they have any tickets available for purchase that way.
Guests of the onsite hotels (Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Paradise Pier Hotel) reported being able to purchase “Day of Event” tickets on the morning of the events (but not in advance), at the front desk or at the concierge/guest services desks of their hotels (even if the party was noted as sold out online or at the ticket booths). The number of last-minute tickets released to Disneyland Resort hotel guests for each party is said to be very limited, and they are not guaranteed to be available.
12. Are the MHP crowds low, and are the lines for rides short?
Crowd reports are largely subjective, and opinions have been mixed. What one guest finds to be very crowded may not seem crowded at all to another guest.
Disneyland does not announce how many tickets are sold to each MHP party (though there has been speculation on the numbers), but most of the nights sell out. In general, Disneyland is fairly “busy” during MHP, but the crowd level seems manageable.
The more popular rides (such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday) will generally not be walk-ons and some guests may experience fairly lengthy waits, but at other times – for less popular rides -- the lines can be significantly shorter (or non-existent) than they are during regular park hours. Some guests reported waiting only a few minutes to board certain rides on certain nights.
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 2015, reports were that the following rides were not open:
Tarzan’s Tree House
Storybook Land Canal Boats (at certain times)
Enchanted Tiki Room
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
The Main Street vehicles would have been down as well. Additionally, everything on the Rivers of America would have been down.
For more info on what was up and running... DIS'er
pudinhd shared pictures of the
2015 MHP Map, which gives a good idea of which rides were open in each land during the parties --
HERE.
In 2014 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)
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
- Tarzan's Treehouse
- Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch (which is now permanently closed)
- 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)
- Innoventions
- Pixie Hollow (the path is used for a treat trail)
- Main Street Cinema (used for a treat trail)
14. Which characters will I meet/see, and where can I find them?
This can and does vary from year to year, so until the MHP Guide Map is released, no one knows for sure who will appear (and where). Some characters may be exclusive to the party, while others are also available during the day, during regular Halloween Time hours. Most of the characters have PhotoPass photographers with them.
These were the characters listed on the 2015 MHP Guide Map, along with the characters that guests reported seeing at MHP:
- Friends from Aladdin (Aladdin’s Oasis, Adventureland) – Guests reported seeing Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie.
- Jack Skellington & Sally (New Orleans Square) – Guests reported that seeing Jack was more common than seeing Sally, or Jack & Sally together. These two characters are generally available during normal Halloween Time and holiday season park hours as well.
- Winnie the Pooh & Friends (Critter Country) – Guests reported seeing Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, and Eeyore.
- Disney Pirate Pals (Frontierland Dock) – Guests reported seeing Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, and/or Captain Jack Sparrow. Guests also reported seeing Goofy, Pluto, Chip & Dale and Donald in pirate costumes over at Rancho del Zocalo.
- Toy Story Pals (Big Thunder Trail) – Guests reported seeing Jessie or Woody. These characters are generally available during normal park hours as well. Their location for 2016 is unknown as of now.
- Mickey & Minnie (Big Thunder Trail) - These two characters are generally available during normal park hours as well, but possibly in different attire. Their location for 2016 is unknown as of now.
- Disney Villains (Town Square, Main Street) – Guests reported seeing Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Hades, Jafar, Cruella and/or Dr. Facilier in groups of three (two “face” characters and one “head” character). Maleficent and Evil Queen were one set of “face” characters and Cruella and Dr. Facilier were the other set. Jafar and Hades switched out (but not at the same time as the “face” characters). Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters were also out and about, but they, like Judge Frollo, did not have a formal meet and greet area.
- Disney Princesses (Fantasy Faire) – Guests reported seeing Cinderella, Pocahontas, and Rapunzel or Belle, Snow White, and Tiana.
- Captain America (Tomorrowlanding)
The Pixie Hollow (Tinker Bell and Friends) meet and greet area has been used as a treat trail for the last couple of years, so Tinker Bell and her friends were not available during MHP.
15. Can guests of all ages wear costumes? What are the rules? Do most guests dress up?
Guests of all ages are welcome to wear costumes during MHP hours, but with stricter guidelines in 2016. These are Disney’s new, costume guidelines for the MHP (revised in 2016), from the
MHP section of the Disneyland Resort website:
- Costumes should be child-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive or violent.
- Guests who dress like characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
- Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
- Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
- Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses).
For Guests Ages 13 and Under
Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
For Guests Ages 14 and Older
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Masks of any kind may not be worn.
Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.
There is good mixture of guests both in costume and in regular street clothes; enough so that neither group will feel out of place or left out. You can certainly enjoy the party if you choose to not wear a costume. Some folks elect to simply complement their daywear with a festive Halloween-themed hat or shirt. You will see a fair number of Disney character costumes, but there will also be non-Disney character costumes. You will
not see very many guests dressed in “adult”-oriented costumes.
Part of the fun of attending Mickey’s Halloween Party is to witness the array of creative costumes displayed by your fellow guests. As long as the costumes fit within Disney’s guidelines and are not inappropriate, let your imagination run wild! If you have ever had the desire to dress up as a giant banana, an enormous Crayola crayon or an oversized rooster, this is your time to shine!
16. Will I need a jacket? Is it cold?
Southern California’s autumn weather is quite variable (and somewhat unpredictable). It can literally be hot and dry one week, and/or windy (conditions which often contribute to the infamous California wildfires), and then cool and drizzly a couple of weeks later.
The last decade has been particularly surprising and perplexing. The heat can be very, very harsh at times (for example, the first week of October in 2008 and Halloween Time’s opening week of September 2010), and rain can be heavy and messy, as it was in September of 2007, during the starting weekend of Halloween Time. Or, the skies could merely be overcast, with temperatures hovering at a nice 75-ish degree point, as was the case for the opening day of Halloween Time in 2011.
(I, Sherry E, am a lifelong Southern California resident and have experienced many different weather scenarios in early and late fall!)
According to weather.com, average October air temperatures range from 58F to 82F. Average October precipitation is about 0.7 inches. Overall, October should have “nice” weather, but it is possible that temperatures could be quite a bit colder or warmer on any given day.
Famous DIS’er
HydroGuy (a former SoCal resident) has a thread on this forum with
Detailed Weather Data for DLR, which primarily focuses on average temperatures as well, and may be of help.
In general, it is a good idea to have a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt available for potentially chilly MHP evenings, but you might not need it.
17. What kind of candy is given out to trick-or-treaters? Are there healthier, non-candy alternatives?
There is a wide variety of items given out to trick-or-treaters and it can vary from party-to-party and from treat station-to-treat station. Over the years candy has included, but was not limited to, Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Nestle Crunch bars, Twix, Milky Way, Butterfingers, M&Ms (plain & peanut), Almond Joy, Kit Kats, Whoppers, Heath Bar, Peanut Chews, Peeps, Werther's, Cookie & Cream Bars, etc.
Healthier, non-candy options included treats like Craisins, Clif Kid Z Bars, Clif Kid Z Fruit, Fruit Crisps, Graham Crackers, fresh apple slices, etc. In previous years there have sometimes been raisins and packets of fresh baby carrots given out as well.
The candy and healthy/non-candy options can change from year to year.
18. Should I bring an extra bag for candy?
That is entirely up to each guest and depends largely on how much trick-or-treating you plan to do! Almost all of the MHP treat stations are part of lengthier “treat trails.” There may be anywhere from 2-5 treat stations along each trail, so the treats can accumulate rapidly throughout the night! It’s fairly common to see guests carrying their own larger and sturdier candy bags. The plastic candy bags that Disneyland provides upon entry to the MHP are 9” tall, by 7” wide, by 3” deep.
Some guests may choose to bring their own bags to the MHP, but in the gift shops around Disneyland you will also find reusable Halloween tote bags available for purchase (some of which twinkle in the dark with the press of a button!). The prices for these bags can range from approximately $5.00 to $10.00, and Annual Pass discounts are generally accepted on these items.
19. Are there special foods and merchandise available only for the MHP? If so, where?
Historically, there have been special t-shirts and pins released for MHP, some of which were available in certain shops several hours before MHP began (such as at the Disney Showcase shop on Main Street). The pins were generally available in the pin shops throughout Disneyland. The shirts were available at most of the major stores inside the park. Some shops may carry both the MHP pins and shirts.
There are, of course, Halloween Time-themed foods available throughout the day and at the party, all season long, but in some years there were only a couple of small treats that were supposedly exclusive to MHP.
20. Which restaurants are open during the MHP, and should I eat before the MHP starts?
There will be dining options available during MHP, but the general advice is to eat before the party starts so you can spend the limited party time (5 hours) doing party-specific activities! Note that not all of the dining venues remain open for the entire party.
In 2015, the following table service venues were open for at least part of the party (closing times varied):
- Carnation Café (Main Street)
- Café Orleans (New Orleans Square)
A larger number of the counter service venues were open in 2015 (closing times varied):
- Jolly Holiday Bakery (Main Street)
- Plaza Inn (Main Street)
- Refreshment Corner (a.k.a. Coke Corner) (Main Street)
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Main Street)
- Market House (Starbucks) (Main Street)
- Little Red Wagon (Main Street)
- Royal Street Veranda (New Orleans Square)
- Mint Julep Bar (New Orleans Square)
- French Market Restaurant (New Orleans Square)
- Stage Door Café (Frontierland)
- Ship to Shore Market (Frontierland)
- Hungry Bear Restaurant (Critter Country)
- Bengal Barbecue (Adventureland)
- Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port (Tomorrowland)
- Tomorrowland Terrace (Tomorrowland)
Notably absent from the list above are the Golden Horseshoe and Pinocchio Village Haus, which were not open during MHP nights because they were used for treat trails. Rancho del Zocalo was also closed because it was used as a dance party area.
21. Where can I see a map of the MHP?
The
MHP 2015 Map can be viewed --
HERE
22. What is the Toontown Treat Pre-Party?
**Note -- It is assumed that some version of this event may return in 2016. Although there was no official announcement to specifically tell us that the Toontown Treat Pre-Party was returning to Mickey's Halloween Party in 2015 or 2014, it did, indeed, take place. There was also a Pre-Party at the Big Thunder Ranch/Round-Up/Jamboree/Carnival area, which will no longer take place as the area is permanently closed.**
In 2013, Disneyland began including Toontown in the Halloween festivities by offering the “Toontown Treat Pre-Party” for guests of MHP. It began one hour before the start of the party (and lasted from either 5:00 pm to 7:00 p.m., or 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.). There were several treat trails set-up within Toontown -- such as in Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House, Donald’s Boat, and two in Toontown Square -- for guests to do some early candy collecting. There were also character meet and greets featuring a few rare characters. Guests reported seeing Clarabelle Cow and Roger Rabbit, along with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, and Chip & Dale. Guests were required to have their MHP wristbands to gain entrance into the pre-party.
23. Are Fast Passes available during MHP?
Fast Passes are generally not available or accepted during the party hours, though there were some conflicting reports on this in 2015. Guests that enter Disneyland substantially before the start of the party (at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., depending on the day) can use their MHP tickets to obtain Fast Passes.
24. If MHP is on a Friday, is there still a showing of Fantasmic! and/or fireworks?
Fantasmic! is not presented on nights when there is an MHP, and it is down in 2016 anyway, as work on the new Star Wars Land continues.
The regular fireworks show (whether it's Remember...Dreams Come True, Disneyland Forever or Fantasy in the Sky) is also not presented on MHP nights because MHP has its own exclusive fireworks show (Halloween Screams!).
In 2016, Fantasy in the Sky fireworks should take place on all non-MHP nights in late September and throughout October. That would also ordinarily be the schedule for Fantasmic as well, in a year when it was operating.
25. What time do I have to leave Disneyland if I am not attending Mickey’s Halloween Party?
Guests without a ticket and wristband for MHP will be asked to leave Disneyland at the start of the party (6:00 pm or 7:00 pm, as explained in Question #27, below). Cast members will set-up check-points throughout the park and those guests without wristbands will be sent towards the park exit. After the party starts, guests without a wristband will not be able to enter the queue for any attraction or enter any shops or dining venues.
26. How late does California Adventure stay open on MHP nights, in case I don’t want to attend the party in Disneyland?
Park hours are varied and the official hours for September and October will not be posted on the Disneyland Resort website until about six weeks (45-days) in advance.
For your reference, the schedules for September 2015 and October 2015 can be found
Here and
Here, respectively.
27. What time can I enter Disneyland on an MHP night if I am going to attend the party?
A ticket to MHP will allow guests to enter Disneyland three hours before the start time of the party.
On nights when the party starts at 6:00 pm (any nights other than Fridays or weekends), guests can enter Disneyland at 3:00 pm using the MHP ticket.
On nights when the party starts at 7:00 pm (which are usually Friday nights and weekends, party guests can enter Disneyland at 4:00 pm.
The MHP ticket does not include the park hopper option and it cannot be upgraded. So, guests
cannot use an MHP ticket to enter Disney’s California Adventure.
28. Where do I get wristbands?
Guests who are already inside Disneyland and who have an MHP ticket can obtain a wristband inside the park beginning three hours before the party officially starts. In 2015, the station was set up in Frontierland. In 2014, the station was set-up next to It's a Small World, near Toontown. Each ticket will be scanned and then the guest will be given a wristband. The CMs will place the wristband on each guest, so make sure all members of your party are present. They will also have candy bags and party maps available.
For guests entering Disneyland using the MHP ticket, specific ticket gates will be dedicated to MHP guests. Look for the sign boards over the ticket gate that say “Event Entry,” or ask a CM for directions. MHP tickets will not be accepted at the non-Event Entry ticket gates, just as regular tickets will not be accepted at the Event Entry ticket gates. Once the MHP ticket has been scanned, the guest will be given a wristband upon entering the park.
Do NOT bypass the CM with the wristbands when you enter Disneyland at this point. Make sure you get your wristband before proceeding. Candy bags and park maps will also be available at (or just inside) the ticket gates.
29. Can guests exit and re-enter Disneyland when using an MHP ticket?
Yes. The wording on the tickets says: “Hand stamp and Mickey’s Halloween Ticket are required for the same day readmission to Disneyland Park.”
30. Can I store my belongings in lockers during the party?
Lockers on Main Street are available for rent during the party. If you rented a locker earlier in the day, you can still use it during MHP. There are also lockers in the Esplanade.
Also note that (according to Disney) "Mickey’s Halloween Party is a completely non-smoking event, and there will be no designated smoking areas within the Park. Exit and re-entry is permitted to designated smoking areas in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland Main Entrance."
Muahahahahaha!)
