Photos & Recap: 2017 Disneyland Halloween Party
All told, the parade was delayed by a good 30 minutes, causing the fireworks to be delayed, too. Well, that’s assuming the Halloween Screams fireworks would even go off in the first place. During the party I attended last year, the fireworks couldn’t run due to the wind. Earlier this evening, there was a bit of a breeze, and we were guessing that the show would be cancelled again.
Nevertheless, we claimed spots about halfway up Main Street immediately after the parade, and an announcement played almost as soon as we did that the Halloween Screams fireworks would start in a few minutes. The turnaround time here was impressive, with the fireworks starting almost simultaneously with the end of the parade making it backstage.
This was out of necessity: an Anaheim ordinance prohibits the discharge of fireworks after 10 p.m., and Disneyland would risk a large fine if found in violation of the ordinance. Even with this quick turnaround time, it was down to the wire as to whether Halloween Screams would finish in time.
It was our first time ever seeing Halloween Screams, and I was really impressed. Jack Skellington emerging in the trees and Zero flying around Sleeping Beauty Castle…wow. That was really, really cool.
Here are some of my photos of Halloween Screams:
The Sleeping Beauty Castle projections were also a nice touch, and something that was added to the show last year (I believe) utilizing the technology from Disneyland Forever. These projections were not as dynamic–more akin to what you’d see in Remember… Dreams Come True, but they were a definite enhancement.
With Jack & Zero, projections, fire effects, and pyro, the experience of Halloween Screams is exceptional. The audio main show borrows heavily from HalloWishes, with the key difference being that this is hosted by Jack Skellington, and utilizes less pyro.
Unfortunately, right as the grand finale of Halloween Screams started, the clock struck 10 p.m., and the pyro turned into a pumpkin…in a manner of speaking. The pyro simply stopped, as the finale went on. This was a bit of a bummer, but Halloween Screams was still an incredible fireworks show.
I no doubt have Walt Disney World bias when it comes to the Halloween Parties, but even without the finale pyro, I’d put Halloween Screams above HalloWishes. The other additional elements–especially Zero and Jack Skellington–really elevated the show, and it felt like a nighttime spectacular, and not just a fireworks show. Seeing this reinforces what I said in our MNSSHP 2017 Recap–that HalloWishes really needs to be enhanced. Halloween Screams was the highlight of the night for us.
After the fireworks, Sarah and I raced back to Frontierland to see what the character meet & greet situation was like. On the way, we stopped to watch the Cadaver Dans perform a set on the Rivers of America. This was our second time watching them during the party, and their performances are one of the event’s unheralded gems.
They are one of several atmospheric elements that really enhance Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland, and give it a spooky vibe. The fog on the Rivers of America is another nice touch, as are projections and background music.
Following that, we met Pooh and friends back in Critter Country. The line for these characters was minimal, but only Pooh had a costume, and the lighting back here for photos was awful. Even though we only waited 10 minutes, I probably wouldn’t do this again if we had the chance to do it over.
At this point, we decided to return to Main Street to see if any spots were available for the second Frightfully Fun Parade. We weren’t too optimistic, given that we were arriving 5 minutes before the “running” of the Headless Horseman.
We figured that if we couldn’t find a spot, we’d continue on to Tomorrowland to check out the dance party. While walking through the hub, we noticed that there was still ample seating right there, with a straight-on view down Main Street!
Photos from the second Frightfully Fun Parade:
This pretty much underscores just how uncrowded Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland was last night. Aside from the meet & greets (which are so low capacity/high demand that they’d have long waits even if the party were totally dead), the event didn’t have any real crowds at any point.
Initially, I thought this might be because a chunk of guests were locals using the party ticket as a de facto Park Hopper, and were over at Disney California Adventure, checking out its new Halloween offerings. However, DCA closed at 8 p.m., and there was no spike in crowds in Disneyland, then.
To the contrary, after the fireworks, Disneyland was a veritable ghost town. It’s impossible to estimate attendance, especially with attractions absorbing people, but I’d say this Mickey’s Halloween Party felt about half as crowded as the one I attended last year. That party was downright unpleasant from a crowd perspective, and I’ve heard that all of the other parties were the same way.
My guess would be that Disneyland management capped attendance at a lower number this year; I don’t really know how else you’d explain the lower crowds? This party night was sold out, so unless a bunch of people who bought tickets just simply didn’t come (doubtful), it would seem a lower attendance cap would have to be the case.
I do wonder whether management was watching the crowds at this first party, and will quietly release more tickets for subsequent nights.
In the past, there have been times when Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets have been sold via the phone, at the hotels, and even at ticket kiosks in the Esplanade even for “sold out” dates, so maybe that’s the case here…and the other parties (and last night’s) are not really sold out? I guess we shall see what happens with crowds at future parties this season.
After the second Frightfully Fun Parade, Mickey’s Halloween Party was over, and Disneyland was closed. We lingered for a bit, soaking up the ambiance on Main Street and taking photos. Security actually allowed this to continue for a long time, likely because the PhotoPass photographer on Main Street was still taking photos of guests in front of Pumpkin Mickey until around midnight.
Rather than waiting in that long line for the (in my opinion) worse side of Pumpkin Mickey, I set up my tripod behind Pumpkin Mickey, and got a quick shot of us with Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background. A good way to end the night.
Overall, we had an excellent time at Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland. Thanks to lighter crowds, enhancements here and there, and finally getting to see Halloween Screams, it was a really fun night. (Temperatures in the 60s didn’t hurt, either.) With all of that said, the event is really expensive, and it’s tough to justify the event as someone who is an Annual Passholder…and also as someone who does the Florida version of the event annually.
Part of my ‘struggle’ with Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland is because I think East Coast version is substantively better. Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular is a big selling point, as is the superior Boo to You Parade. Part of this is, admittedly, nostalgia. We’ve been doing MNSSHP for years, and it’s become fall tradition. There’s a certain something that I can’t quite articulate about the atmosphere of Walt Disney World’s party that I love, and even though Disneyland’s version has a ton of great added atmospheric elements, I still prefer the vibe of the event in Florida. If forced to, I know I couldn’t defend my opinion as to which party has the better atmosphere with any type of evidence, but it’s nonetheless how I feel.
If you’re a Los Angeles or Orange County local without a Disneyland Annual Pass, I can see Mickey’s Halloween Party offering a good way to get a taste of the Halloween season. It’s certainly a better value than a 1-day Park Hopper ticket. You get 8 hours in the parks with light crowds, special entertainment, and a chance to do the attractions with Halloween overlays with minimal waits. Even though it’s “only” a partial day, you can accomplish more in that partial day than you could a full normal day, and the Halloween Party ticket is cheaper than a Park Hopper. Likewise, tourists who have never done Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Florida are likely to really enjoy this event. I still think Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland could use one more flagship piece of entertainment and a few more parade floats, but it has definitely improved over the course of the last few years.
By the way, if you’re planning on doing Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland and are looking for strategy, I’m currently revising our Tips for Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland post. Check back later today for revisions to that (the “Last updated” date will change to today once I’m done with it).
Your Thoughts
Have you attended Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland? Did you think it was worth the money? What did you think of the Frightfully Fun Parade? What about Halloween Screams? Any tips of your own to add? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
I went to the 2019 event dressed in a leotux and I looked great. I asked the cast member how will I pee when I’m wearing my costume?
You may be right, Tom! I was at that Halloween Party this year and I wore the same costume Sarah was wearing.
Thank you for the heads up regarding pirate Mickey and Minnie. We would’ve missed it. Max pass plus was not working last night as they weren’t allowing any FastPasses during the party because “the lines were not long enough” according to a cast member. Headed to WDW this Christmas and looking forward to your advice regarding the holiday season.
We attended the 2016 party and I’ve got to say, the fireworks alone was worth the price of admission. It was absolutely spectacular.
Our family is heading the Disneyland next week and was wondering if there
Is a nightly street parade and fireworks on every night and where is the best vantage point to wait as we have small children.
Fireworks only happen nightly during summer and Christmas seasons. Right now fireworks are on Saturday and Sunday nights and Halloween Party nights. There is not currently a night time parade at either park. But DCA has World of Color and Disneyland has Fantasmic! Fantasmic! also only plays on non-party weekend nights, but World of Color is nightly, often it shows at 8:15 when the park closes at 8:00. If you want to see the day parade at Disneyland I would recommend watching the parade closer to Small World as the crowds are better there and you don’t have to wait as long to get a good spot.
I also was at the first party and have been to Floridas. I felt that the one in Florida was a little less confusing, but then again I didn’t get a schedule or map for disneylands. I was really really bummed and sad though because a cast member announced while we were watching the parade, that the best spot to watch the fireworks was at Its a small world. We were right by there so as soon as the parade was over we rushed over and got an awesome seat. We waited and waited and did not hear any announcements of a delay and then the fireworks started and there were no projections on it’s a small world. We could see some of the fireworks but nothing else. We finally tried to rush over to the castle with no luck. So the one thing we were really looking forward to we did not get to see. I was unhappy at the happiest place on earth But the kids got to trick or treat at disneyland (I mean what’s better than trick or treating at Disneyland, right ). I did see a few characters, watched the parade and saw the dance party which was great, but I feel like I missed out on a lot and I have no chance of going back this year. But I guess I did learn what I need to do if I ever do go back.
Any idea how Disney releases additional tickets if/when they do so? We’d love to go but we’re too slow on the uptake in getting tickets. We called guest services and they had no info. Just curious what they’ve done in the past.
Same. We weren’t sure of our travel dates and by the time I had those nailed down, it was sold out online. Before reading this, it hadn’t occurred to me to call, but I called on 9/25 and was told there were different allotments for over the phone sales and online sales, but that as of 9/21 the phone allotment had also sold out. The rep wasn’t sure if anymore tix would be made available. Did you have any luck?
Hi Tom,
I enjoy your blog very much and my family is planning to visit Disneyland for the first time next month. My young girls are 2 and 5. I’ve purchased tickets to MHP, because it seemed a cheaper, and less crowded opportunity to see both parks. I’m second guessing my decision and wondering if I should try and offload these tickets and attend a regular day (Wed) at DL instead and do a park hopper option. I hate that there isnt a parade or fireworks on regular park days like at WDW, but Im worried the parade is going to be too scary for them anyway. Any thoughts?
I enjoyed your review of the party but was surprised that Sarah chose to wear a heavier costume since in the past, you’ve advised readers to go light when it comes to attire. Don’t get me wrong, she looks great and all; I just was taken off guard, I guess!
I was surprised by this, too.
(Also, it’s unseasonably cool in Southern California right now, so her decision makes a lot more sense than wearing the same costume would in Florida.)
I was actually working guest control right where you were! I can’t believe I didn’t see you! Of course, it might have a little to do with the fact that we were kind of in panic mode and I had several Guests yelling at me the whole time because they couldn’t cross during the parade, which went from being 10 minutes to half an hour. Not sure what they wanted me to do with a float broke down literally right in front of us, but oh well. Still wished I would’ve seen you guys so I could’ve said hi!
Also, they did lower the number of available tickets by about 2,000 per party this year because of last year’s overcrowding. From a guest control perspective, that really helped make the party more enjoyable.
Sorry we missed you, too! Crowd control on Main Street at Disneyland is not something I’d EVER want to do, let alone during a parade, so hats off to you!
Thanks for the info about the 2,000 fewer tickets. If I had to guess, I would’ve said 5,000 fewer people, but perhaps it’s the combo of opening DCA to party guests coupled with the 2,000 fewer tickets that made it feel even less crowded in Disneyland.
I’m glad to hear the sold-out event was relatively uncrowded. This is a big change when I went 2 years ago when it was so crowded and hot that it was a miserable experience. The exorbitant price increase stopped me from going this year. Seems like all rules are made for breaking. It’s a cascade of rule breaking. I broke a rule last year. I finally bought my AP last year and I sneaked in two treat lines. I won’t do it this year, but feel tempted.
Oh oh…Sarah’s costume is GOALS! I love it! (Your’s is cool too Tom of course, Donald Duck, Number 1!).
I was lucky enough to do the Disneyland Party last year (I live in the UK so epic timing skills I know), and loved the atmosphere at the park.
The CM’s were great, the Toontown section was great before the official start – never noticed WDW have something like that… they should. Excellent way to fill up my candy bag, meet Donald/Daisy/Goofy with little wait time then enjoy the rest.
Got to 100% agree with you on the Dans.
Last year I grabbed some Mickey beignets and followed them down the Rivers with a very light crowd. So memorable and so atmospheric, its a true stand out memory of the night for me.
Great recap! We’re going tonight and I have a quick question. Did I read correctly that MaxPass is included at DCA those 3 hours before the party starts? That’s pretty sweet!
We attended last nights party as well, our first one at DL but we’ve done WDW a couple times so it was fun to compare the two. I agree the parade seems a bit short, I loved the floats and characters/performers, but it should be longer in my opinion. Also, the floats seemed really spread out, but maybe that’s to make it seem longer(?). I do think the presentation of the headless horseman is cooler at Disneyland than WDW. No “trotting” noises, but I liked that he seems to move slower and the lit pumpkin was really sweet. I did have the parade theme song stuck in my head the rest of the night, pretty catchy tune. we lined up for Jack and Sally 15 minutes before they were scheduled to start and it took nearly 40 minutes before they even showed up, not cool. That was a huge time-suck for us. Totally noticed the fireworks finale failed to go off, that was really weird and lackluster. I feel like they need more photo pass photographers in the park, they touted the photo downloads being included in the party admission, but then there are no photographers to be found. overall it was still a fun event but they definitely have bugs to work out.
I had no idea you had never seen Halloween Screams before! I love that show and totally agree with you about the parade improving. The light crowds last night were a pleasant surprise. I have to admit though the line about no one joining you to watch the first parade stung a little. What does a blogger stalker have to do to get a little respect!
Haha, it was nice to meet you–but you didn’t show up until I had awkwardly sat there through a number of family photos!
Fair point. I believe not wanting to end up in dozens of family photos was my first comment to you!
So did the D850 ever arrive? Inquiring minds want to know.
It sure did…today at 1:30 pm! 🙁
I think you need to track down two tickets to tonight’s Halloween Party and break that puppy in.
Out of interest, what things do you value about the Halloween hard ticket events at both DL and MK? I’ve been to a couple and been pretty nonplussed by them all. I mean, I enjoyed them, but I had the little matter of “this parade is costing me $80” troubling my mind.
I’d go if they were free, and I know many people make the math work by skipping a ticket day and entering at 4:00 pm, but if I’m blowing an extra $80 on something I already have access to as an annual passholder I’d rather it be an incredible meal… than a special event with a smattering of different parades and fireworks. Also, it irritates me that it starts over a month before Halloween in WDW, and then there’s more of it for Christmas – I was at WDW for the past 5 days and It didn’t sell out on any of those.
(Sorry if this post is a downer, but you must appreciate, this is a privilege that comes with an AP… but also I’m genuinely interested to hear what is is you enjoy about these events so much!)
I love holidays (especially Christmas, but to a lesser extent, Halloween), and am big on ambiance. Even though it’s not an attraction or piece of entertainment, per se, I really enjoy experiencing the different atmosphere during the parties. That bleeds over into photography, as different lighting packages are used that I also enjoy photographing.
Parades and fireworks are also a big piece of the puzzle for me, but it’s mostly the festive ‘feeling’ of the party that is really difficult to quantify.
Ultimately, these parties are a splurge for us that I probably cannot justify if coming at them from a rational perspective, but we have so much fun at the events (namely, the WDW ones) that we do them every year. Definitely a YMMV type of thing, though.
Thanks (that’s actually reassuring, as I was wondering what I was missing). I enjoyed the alternative ambience too (amazing what a difference different BGM makes; just for one thing), but then I look at what HKDL does, with no upcharge, for Halloween and feel cheated by the US offerings. TDL and DLP top it too, bearing in mind their offerings are free. (Yes, no parties, but DLP has lots of entertainment and TDL has the parade). I’ve never done DL’s Halloween party, but HMH/GG are spectacular overlays (compared to WDW’s zero), so I wouldn’t be surprised if they did a better job.
I expect I’ll do MVMCP this year as I’ve never done it before, and failing that call an end to WDW hard ticket events.
Hotter than a giant pumpkin pie, the scorching inferno of a tombricker hot take blazes off the page. On FIRE!
My husband and I were in Disneyland in October 2014 and ate at Hungry Bear for lunch. We split their seasonal burger and funnel cake. Oh my God. It was SO GOOD. Honestly for a quick service place, I was blown away. I still think about it to this day. That is all.
It was my birthday a few days ago and I was wondering when is top 10 Disneyland rides?? Please, I’ve been waiting for it