Halloween Fun and More at Disneyland ~ By Disneyland Corespondent Randy Crane

News from Disneyland for September 14, 2014! Brought to you by Randy Crane at FaithandTheMagicKingdom.com

1)      As first reported by Disneyland Live, beginning last week, Disneyland debuted a modified FASTPASS system for the Frozen “Royal Reception” Meet & Greet at Disneyland. The standby line, which has routinely run anywhere from 2-4 hours, has been eliminated. Guests now obtain a return time, basically a FASTPASS, from Cast Members at the meet and greet. The Cast Member scans the guest’s admission ticket or annual passport and issues them a 20-minute return window. Distribution begins at park opening and concludes when that day’s supply has run out. If guests are unable to obtain a return ticket before that day’s supply is distributed then they will not be able to enter the Frozen “Royal Reception.” There is currently no standby line option available.

2)      A couple of new Halloween Time festivities have been announced on the Disney Parks Blog. This season, the new “Mystic Magic Show” will appear on the Jamboree stage, where you’ll be delighted by the juggling antics of Zester the Jester and astounded by incredible illusions and surprises from the carnival’s Master Magician. You may even get a glimpse of your future courtesy of Madame Beauchance, a comical gypsy fortune teller. All around the Halloween Carnival there’s fun for the whole family, with favorite Disney characters in Halloween costumes, Mickey’s Mask-Parade, amazing pumpkin carving demonstrations, carnival-style games and activities, Halloween merchandise, and yummy treats! And of course the “Conjure A Villain” sideshow tent. Dare to venture inside, and you may be asked to help cast a magic spell, summoning a Disney Villain from his or her realm to meet your group before returning them to worlds beyond.

3)      Speaking of Halloween fun, ‘Mahaloween Luau’ is coming to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel on September 29. 100 guests per seating will get to enjoy this kooky seasonal party that includes beverages and eats, live music and insider info with Imagineers and Disney cast members. Guests will also receive a special edition glass available only at the event. (A note to collectors: the second edition of the Zombie souvenir glass will also be available for purchase at the event, before it is available to the public the next day.)

There are 4 hours to choose from : 3-4 p.m., [4:30]-5:30 p.m., 6-7 p.m. or [7:30]-8:30 p.m. The fun starts on the patio with appetizers and two drink tickets (beer, wine, Zombie Drink or Polynesian Punch). Then you’ll move inside for live entertainment and a Disney tiki presentation by Walt Disney Imagineering. You’ll also have a chance to meet some of Disney’s concept artists and other special guests. When the party ends, you’ll get a Jungle River Cruise Expedition Bag that includes a Trader Sam panama hat, a boxed special-edition “Mahaloween Luau” glass (with a dated stamp), a Trader Sam print on canvas, and a coupon good for 20 percent off at the adjacent Tangaroa Terrace. Guests also can purchase up to two additional second-edition Zombie souvenir glasses. Cost is $125 per person, including tax and tip. To reserve your spot, call 714-781-DINE – reservations are open now!

One last note. Now that we’re into the Halloween season—how is that even possible—that obviously means it’s time to start thinking about Christmas, right? Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is returning November 13 and will continue through January 6, 2015. More details will be released soon, but for now, we can expect returning favorites like these:

At Disney California Adventure Park:

• ·         “World of Color – Winter Dreams”
• ·         Disney ¡Viva Navidad! (featuring Three Kings Day, January 4-6, 2015)

At Disneyland Park:

• ·         “A Christmas Fantasy” parade
• ·         “it’s a small world” Holiday
• ·         Haunted Mansion Holiday
• ·         Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
• ·         “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular

And at the Downtown Disney District:

• ·         Downtown Disney Winter Village
• ·         Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink