Since October is fast approaching, (where does the time go??), I thought I should post about trick-or-treating at Disney parks. I'm going to refer to it as the "trick-or-treating event," as they've changed the name of it several times over the years. (Back when I was working for Disney, it was called "Mickey's Halloween Treat," but no longer...) Anyway!
Short answer: DO IT.
Longer answer: I've done this no fewer than three times, and it has always been a joy. For families with children, it can truly be a blessing to have somewhere to trick-or-treat that's a safe environment and where you can trust all the treats that are given out.
It's also a fun place to go even if you don't have kids. At 28 years old, I still will take any excuse I can to dress up and show off. ^_^ Plenty of adults and teens attend the event in costume, but you don't have to. And I LOVED seeing all the babies and children all dressed up.
It's also a great place to go for trick-or-treating because most of the treat stations will give you the choice of candy or a healthy snack, like carrot sticks, raisins, craisins, or apple slices, all individually packaged! So if you're on a no-sugar diet, you can STILL enjoy this event!
There's also the added bonus of being at a Disney park, so there are photo opportunities with some of the characters, themed areas where you can maybe make a spooky craft, a dance area, usually a parade, as well as the usual rides.
So, in my opinion, attending this event is no-fail fun. If you have the opportunity, go. You won't regret it. ^_^ Your feet might, but then, the same might be true if you trick-or-treat at home, haha...
There are some things to know if you do choose to go. This list is compiled of all the questions that were asked me as a Disney travel agent.
1. This is a "separate ticket event." What this means is, the event takes place after regular hours at the park. The park will close around 5pm-ish, and re-open about an hour after that for the event. You can only get in if you have a separate ticket for the event, regular admission is not required or accepted for entry into the event.
2. This only takes place at Disney's California Adventure. You can't get tickets to trick-or-treat at Disneyland, it just isn't done there. But you CAN get tickets to trick-or-treat at DCA.
3. Buy your tickets EARLY. This is a very popular event, especially close to Halloween, so buy your tickets ahead of time! It may be wise to consider going early in the month of October, if you'd prefer to avoid larger crowds.
4. This is a separate event from "Disney's HalloweenTime." HalloweenTime refers to the Halloween themes at the parks, such as the decorations and additional shows and certain ride makeovers (ie: Haunted Mansion Holiday). Don't confuse "HalloweenTime" with the trick-or-treat event, as enjoying HalloweenTime is included in the cost of regular admission and trick-or-treating is, you guessed it, a separate ticket event.
5. As mentioned before, adults and kids can BOTH dress up at the trick-or-treat event. Adults are generally not permitted to dress up at Disney parks, as Disney wants to avoid children getting confused and asking for an autograph from a non-Disney cast member, but for this event you CAN dress up. However, even if you're going to the event later, you can't attend the regular hours at the parks in costume and then go to the event. Adults can only dress in costume at the event.
5B. In addition, if your costume is considered too inappropriate (this is a family show, after all), you may be asked to leave. What that means is, if someone complains that they don't want their kids looking at your underwear or a giant novelty costume featuring plastic renditions of *ahem* certain body parts, Disney officials will be forced to take some kind of action. Personally, I like a good old fashioned short skirt and cleavage, but use good judgement. Think of the children. (And of the opinionated parents.) ^_^
6. Pets are not allowed, in costume or out, unless it is a service animal assisting a handicapped person.
7. There are no in-and-out privileges, once you enter for the event, you must remain in the parks until you want to leave for the night.
8. Weaponry is generally not a good idea at a Disney park. Even if it's done in funky colors, it may not be allowed if it looks like a gun. Plastic lightsabers are generally okay, but any gun-like toys should probably be left in the car.
9. This one is not something that was asked of me, but something I learned from personal experience. Bring your OWN treat sack. Disney provides treat sacks, but they are SO TINY. And they have gotten smaller each year. If you want to cash in on treats, bring your own pillowcase or something. Just be prepared to haul back a hefty load because:
10. If you can manage it, stay until the very very end. Because the cast members at the treat booths will start shoveling out the treats! You see, they can't keep the treats for the next event, so any leftovers are thrown out at the end of the night. Each time I've stayed til the end, they were giving it out in double handfulls and I filled up my sack every time. Soooo many treats...
You'll generally be able to find the number for tickets on the website, but if you can't locate it, don't panic. Any customer service number on the website should be able to redirect you to the proper cast member. It's also a good idea to check the Disney website for additional rules and regulations, but this is a good outline to follow. If you do go trick-or-treating at the parks, I hope you have fun, visit the Ghirardelli Chocolate booth multiple times, and take lots of pictures!
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