Contributing photographer Jason of disneygeek.com was roaming the parks on Friday, September 16, 2011 – the first day of this year’s Halloween Time celebration. Here is Part 1 of his photo update, focusing on the Halloween decorations and special events in Disneyland.
The Halloween Time billboards at the Mickey and Friends tram stop look to be the same as last year.
And the ghostly characters alongside the tram route are in their familiar places.
Main Street is decked out for Halloween.
They are working on the photo store at the end of Main Street, including repainting the entrance.
One of the new braille maps.
A new popcorn bucket option this year – this one seemed to be available only at the popcorn cart near the Haunted Mansion.
Haunted Mansion Holiday just opened for the season and was very busy – standby line of about 50 minutes at about 1:40 in the afternoon.
The Pooh characters’ Meet-and-Greet spot in Critter Country is behind construction walls.
The Pooh Corner shop is still open, and has some Halloween merchandise.
Sally was doing meet-and-greet at the Angel Courtyard in New Orleans Square.
Walls are up at the Blue Bayou while the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is undergoing refurbishment.
Ghost Mickey popcorn buckets are available at most of the other popcorn carts around Disneyland.
The Dia de Los Muertos display returns to Zocalo Park.
Big Thunder Ranch celebrates Halloween.
And that means elaborately carved pumpkins!
Even the goats are getting into the “spirit”.
In Fantasyland, the Tangled overlay has been removed (Rapunzel’s hair and some signs), though the area is still a Rapunzel meet-and-greet.
The Villains have taken over the Small World Mall again for photos. This year only two stations. I seem to remember three the last couple of years.
In Tomorrowland the R2D2 popcorn buckets are still available. So if you collect popcorn buckets you have a handful of choices in the parks right now.
The Flag Retreat ceremony with the Dapper Dans and the Disneyland Band in their Halloween costumes.
In the Disneyland Railroad’s Primeval World diorama, the last dino scene is back in operation.
The 80z All Stars performed at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy opened for the season, also.
I spent some time watching the Ghost Galaxy projections. This year the sound seemed much quieter and not as much activity with the projections, must have been there 10-15 minutes and nothing really happened.
It dawned on me that I do not think I have walked this way at night and taken any shots of the Star Tours lighting. It cycles through some different light patterns.
The sign has some animated lights, also.
Headed over to the Haunted Mansion craziness next. It took us several minutes to get to the Fastpass Return queue. (Standby was posted at 75 minutes)
A look at this year’s gingerbread house in the ballroom.
The French Market has a seasonal dessert – this Chocolate Coffin Cake, for $4.99.
The Remember, Dreams Come True fireworks show is back (Magical was featured over the summer). Fire has returned to the Indy segment which was great to see!
Hope you enjoyed this highlight tour of the Disneyland Resort. For additional photos and details from this trip you can check out the full Disneyland Update I posted on my site, http://disneygeek.com
Any way to buy the popcorn buckets for those of us who cannot get to the parks?
Laura replies: Sorry, but to the best of my knowledge they are only available in the parks.
It’s great to see the fire back at the Indy segment! I noticed it was missing during our trip in April,and I was disappointed. I’m glad it wasn’t a permanent change!