My husband and I attended the October 4th party. This was part of my "poor me, empty nest" blues trip lol since my youngest went off to college this fall. Obviously we had no kids with us. We took Lyft to the park via the Monorail (we used the magical express only twice the entire 4 day trip and instead opted to use Lyft. It was WELL worth the minimal extra costs). Anyway arrived a little after 4. We were quickly ushered to the wrist band giving cast members. I did see a sign saying the party was sold out for the night. My DH did not dress in any sort of costume and I was wearing Orange Bird ears and carrying my Orange Bird purse as a very very minimal costume. I did get many compliments on my ears and requests on where to purchase them (Etsy).
First off we did some shopping: I snagged a Pandora Evil Queen charm and was delighted to be shown the new Orange Bird charm!! The sales girl noticed my bird gear and twisted my arm (not) to get that too. Not halfway down Main Street and already out a pretty penny in charms. Oh well.
We had a 5:45 Liberty Tree Tavern reservation so we headed there to see if by any chance they could seat us earlier. And yes they could. Score. Had a pretty good dinner. Food was good and service excellent. We were in and out almost before our reservation time.
We then rode the Haunted Mansion. The crowds began to really get brutal at this point. We decided to go sit in front of the castle to wait for the Hocus Pocus show even tho we had nearly 45 minutes to wait. The show was awesome. We both loved it. Next we lined up for some of the special effects photos in the area. I got in line for a Zero pumpkin waffle sundae. My DH didn't order anything instead opting to eat what I didn't finish. His bad luck; I finished it.
Next rode the Ariel ride which is really dumb. I imagine for little kids it's great but not so much for the gown ups. There was no line for it.
Also managed to ride POTC. I love POTC so of course I loved it. The "special" Halloween actors? Not really. I noticed 3 of them and couldn't understand a word they said.
At some point we caught most of the fireworks. We even got our pics taken on Main with the fireworks in the background.
Watched the parade, including the Headless Horseman. Enjoyed very much.
Scored some more loot in the way of a party t-shirt for me with Minnie as a witch on it. My DH got the special party magic band (?? why lol but to each his own). I almost broke and got the Alex and Ani party bracelet but didn't. Anyone who is interested tho, you CAN get it after the party if you show your party ticket. I was told they would not be out after the party but as long as in stock they will sell you one if you prove you were at the party.
Did not trick or treat at all and although love pictures with the characters the lines were much too long so bypassed them.
Never saw the headless horseman straw thingy or the tire pumpkin that night. Did pick up the pumpkin at AK two days later.
For us it was worth it. We enjoyed ourselves. If you are going to ride a bunch of rides I think you will be really disappointed. The crowds were definitely way too much. We took our kids when they were much younger and the party was way less crowded. If I had to try and keep an eye on little ones or push a stroller in that mess I would have pulled my hair out.
