Visiting Disneyland Paris During Halloween Season

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Last Updated - September 2023 

Halloween season is lots of fun and even more special if you are heading to Disneyland Paris. We have always enjoyed visiting Disneyland Paris during Halloween and there are lots of tricks and treats to enjoy at the hotels and the parks to keep you busy. If you are planning a trip this Halloween season then I've gathered some information to make the most of your visit. 

What To Expect During Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival

Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival is back for 2023 and begins on the 1st October right up until 5th November. 

Disneyland Park

From the moment you head in to the park you will be greeted with pumpkins and Halloween decorations as they line the streets with tricks and treats ready to pop up anywhere to give you a spooky surprise.

Main Street is one of our favourite places to take photographs as it is always decorated perfectly for the Halloween season. There will be lots of Mickey pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls ready to be snapped. 

The decorations and music at Disneyland Paris really add to your whole experience and they do it so well.

What Characters Are In Disneyland Paris For Halloween?

Halloween brings out the villains and you will definitely spot a few of your favourites. Halloween season is the only time you can spot some of the villains so you won't want to miss them.

Maleficent will be lurking around Sleeping Beauty's Castle so make sure you check out Fantasyland.

If you fancy seeing Captain Hook head to Adventureland and look out for the Jolly Roger.

Also meet the Mischief Makers - Chip, Dale and Goofy.

Mickey's Halloween Celebration

Disneyland Paris wouldn't be the same without a parade and this Halloween join in with the Mischief Makers as they entertain you during Mickey's Halloween Celebration.

Nightfall With Disney Villains

As the sun sets, Disney Villains bewitch Sleeping Beauty Castle with projections, music and water fountains for a freakishly fun moment.

Hollywood Studios

From 1 October, evil villains and other mischievous characters are invading Studio Theatre for your goosebump-inducing pleasure. A screamingly good time awaits those courageous enough to spend time in the presence of these rebellious rapscallions.

The Tower Of Terror

Welcome to the dusty remnants of the once-glamourous Hollywood Tower Hotel. Going up? Hop inside the service elevator and discover the surprises that lie on the upper floors - we’re sure you’ll fall quickly for this old Hotel’s quirky charms. Oh, and make sure you strap in, you never know what can happen in a rickety old lift.

As well as all the spooky shenanigans you can enjoy all your favourite rides. 

Opening times and ride closures are updated on the Disneyland Paris website under plan your visit so make sure you check that out before your visit so you can plan your days. 

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways

Have you visited Disneyland Paris during Halloween season? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

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How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

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This post was updated September 2023

You all know we love Alton Towers. I have been visiting since I was a little girl and I love how the park has developed and expanded over the years just getting bigger and better every year. A few years ago Alton Towers announced lots of events that would happen over the year including Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest and our personal favourite Scarefest. We often get asked how scary is Alton Towers Scarefest? What I love about Alton Towers is they cater for all ages and you can make it as family friendly or scary as you want as there is so much going on. 

What To Expect When Visiting Scarefest, Alton Towers 

Alton Towers really do get their spook on when it comes to the Halloween event and you can expect all kinds of tricks and treats. 

Open till 9pm every night you can experience your favourite rides in the dark, 4 scare mazes, family fun and new for 2023 Daz Games - Panic 

How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

The park itself isn't scary however like I said early it can be as scary as you like with 4 scare mazes and new for 2023 Daz Games Panic. These chargeable attractions are not for the faint hearted, trust me I've done a few. Whilst they make you jump and scream (I did both) the actors inside these mazes don't touch you they are just there to give you a scare. 

What Is Daz Games - Panic?

This is a new attraction for 2023 and it claims it will take you on the first adrenaline-inducing escape room meets live action scare maze for the ultimate horror experience.

I do love an escape room however you are plunged into darkness and have just 7 minutes to complete a series of tests that will challenge the mind and body as you try to locate the symbols and escape…. all whilst evading capture from the inhabitants within.

Racing against the clock you'll have to think fast and stay calm as you take on an AI-themed assault of the senses… all before the game strikes back and traps you within. Forever

What Scare Mazes Are Available This Year?

New for 2023 - Altonville Mine Tours - Tiny's Revenge

Rumours are afoot that the old Altonville Mines are alive with activity once again. Following a breakthrough from local law enforcers, the notorious Skin Snatchers have been detained...but for how long? The ironically named Tiny, however, has evaded capture and is believed to still reside within the Mines. Explore at your peril and risk the adventure, if you dare.

The Invitation 

The Lakeside Cemetery invites you to join them for a grave experience that will live with you for eternity. Their friendly funeral director is dying to assist you as you descend in to the burial chamber, where you can choose your final resting place. Some caskets have already been filled while others are empty, waiting for you. Recommended 12+

The Attic: Terror of the Towers 

In Alton people talk of the Governess – how she’s haunted by the death of young children. She wants revenge, and she will do it by seizing the spirits of the living in retribution. They say her ghost haunts The Attic and that’s where you’re headed. Recommended 12+

Darkest Depths

Enjoy some extra-spooky swashbuckling aboard ‘The Mutiny’, a notoriously spine-chilling ghost ship. You’ll truly earn your golden Piece of Eight by venturing into the darkest depths, avoiding the hazardous calls of the treacherous Sirens, dodging the swords of terrifyingly ghoulish pirate mutineers and coming face to face with the Kraken – the legendary monster of the seas! Recommended 12+

We have done a few scare attractions over the years with Altonville Mine Tours our most recent and I can confirm they are very scary.

How Much Are The Scare Mazes?

Each maze is chargeable and can be pre-booked online. 

Daz Games - Panic

£10 or £8 for Merlin Pass Holders

Altonville Mine Tours - Tiny's Revenge, The Invitation, The Attic: Terror of the Towers  and Darkest Depths

£34 for all 4 or £27.20 for Merlin Pass Holders. All 4 must be completed within 2 hours. 

I think on the day you can purchase single scare mazes as we have done that in the past.

What Attractions Are Suitable For All The Family?

Alton Towers do try to make it suitable for everyone and over the years we have seen new attractions introduced which make it a family friendly event too.

New for 2023 - Burial Grounds

Burial Grounds is a free-flowing outdoor scare zone shadowed by the mighty Wicker Man where you'll encounter the rejectors of modern-day society fulfilling their terrifying primal instincts.

Trick O'Treat Town

Suitable for all ages Trick O'Treat Town is an interactive walkthrough where you must pluck up the courage to knock on doors. The residents of Spooky Avenue up to Witchy Woods love Trick or Treating so be prepared for plenty of treats and tricks too.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 2 adults can accompany a child without a purchase of a bag (£12 or £9.60 for Merlin Pass Holders)

Alton Ancestors

On Arrival you will usually bump in to the Alton Ancestors. They have left their gravestones behind and are back from the dead. One thing you should know about the Ancestors is they love to dance so make sure you check them out and even join in.

CBeebies Land Monster Ball

Join the CBeebies characters live in Big Fun ShowTime as they dance and play games. the show features Bing, Ubercorn, Peter Rabbit and many more of your favourite CBeebies friends, you can even dress up in your favourite costume.

Freaky Fun Zone

You won't want to miss the Freaky Fun Zone on the front lawns.  The five super-freaky Halloween characters put on the most spook-tacular shows, with meet and greets and photo opportunities. Little ones will love this as the characters are so much fun and very colourful. 

There are also many other reasons to visit Alton Towers during Scarefest including the Alton Towers Dungeon

Alton Towers Dungeon

As Scarefest descends on the Towers, enter The Alton Towers Dungeon for a little less laughing… and a lot more screaming! Will you be found guilty by the Bishop of Stafford, survive a visit to the Plague Doctor and make it out of The Witch of Burslem’s Cottage? Enter The Alton Towers Dungeon this Halloween, as we celebrate the most hideously horrible time of year with your delightful peasant screams… If you dare!

Recommended for guests age 10+ and a charge is applicable. Pre booking is advised. 

As well as as this scary fun you can enjoy your favourite rides in the dark as the theme park is open till 9pm every night during Scarefest. 

Also if you want to make the most of your visit to Scarefest you can stay over at the resort where the spooky fun continues. 

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Disneyland Paris At Christmas - Ten Things I Missed in 2020

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This time last year Disneyland Paris announced they were to remain closed over the Christmas period. When I read Disney's announcement of the closure it brought tears to my eyes as this time of year is usually when we are preparing to head to Paris for a Disney break and it's sad that last year we couldn't go. Disneyland Paris at Christmas time has become a little bit of a tradition and I then got more upset thinking of all the things I will miss because we were unable to go. 

Watching Big and Little J's face when we tell them we are going to Disney that night

John and I are very good at keeping secrets and we manage to make it right up till before the journey to the airport before we tell the boys we are going. We usually get an early evening flight so we always have the suitcases packed and in the car, pick them up from school for a quick change of clothes and head to the airport. Their faces are priceless even though we usually go every year they never know when so are always surprised. 

Arriving At The Hotel

Again we usually keep the hotel a secret until we are almost there. We have stayed in all the hotels over the years and I love watching them guess which one we are staying in based on little clues we give them. I love walking through the hotel doors knowing we all wake up in Disney the next day.

Walking down Main Street from the Christmas tree to the Castle. 

The Tree and Castle take my breath away every year. Seeing the tree as you enter the Disneyland Park never gets old, it's my favourite. I love walking down Main Street with the castle in the distance, Christmas decorations all around and the Christmas songs playing. It's just the best feeling ever. 

Planning Our Days

Christmas time at Disneyland Paris is fairly quiet compared to other times of the year so we usually head there for 3 full days and that is more than enough time to do everything we want to. I don't usually plan the days beforehand however we usually spend a day in each park and then do half a day in each park on the last day. I love watching little J as he gets out the park maps and starts planning where we are heading to first and what rides to go on. 

Our Little Thrillseeker

Although he is only eight little J has been riding some of the bigger rides in theme parks for a few years now as he is very tall for his age so is over the minimum height required. Every year he chooses a new ride and is more than happy to push himself out of his comfort zone. Although a family ride his first thrill coaster at Disneyland Paris was Big Thunder Mountain, then he moved on to Crushes Coaster and last year it was RC. I think last year he would have chose Indiana Jones Coaster or Tower of Terror. 

Big Thunder Mountain In The Dark

This has been one of our favourite things to do at Disneyland Paris for as long as I can remember. There comes a time in the late evening where Frontierland goes completely quiet. Big Thunder has almost no queue so we keep going round and round riding again and again and it's just one of those small things that we do and it makes us happy.

Meeting the Characters in their Christmas clothes

Like all the other seasons the Characters dress in their best for the Christmas season and we love meeting Christmas Winnie, Christmas Stitch and a personal favourite Christmas Jack Skellington. Again the queues are always pretty quiet so we never have a problem meeting them and I find they spend lots of time with the boys than they do at other times in the year. 

Choosing A Christmas Decoration

Our Christmas tree is filled with Disneyland Paris decorations that we have bought over the years. Some have the year on, others don't. It will be really sad not adding a Disneyland Paris Christmas decoration to the tree this year. 

Watching The Tree Lighting Ceremony

Every evening Mickey and Friends gather at the bottom of the huge Christmas tree and put on a show for everyone which ends in the whole of Main Street going dark whilst we then watch the tree light up as Christmas carols play in the background

Spending Time Together

Although over the past two years we have spent more time together as a family than usual it is always nice to spend quality time together especially on holiday away from screens and distractions. It's nice to chat, laugh and watch the boys enjoy the magic of Disney together.

Disneyland Paris is so magical especially at Christmas time and there are so many more things that I missed last year but I know it's was best to stay safe. This year we are hoping to visit at Christmas time for the first time in two years and I cannot 

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Staying At The Drayton Manor Hotel

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We recently planned a trip to Drayton Manor and with it being over two hours drive from home we decided to extend our trip and stay at the Drayton Manor hotel. It was the first time we have stayed at the hotel and we would definitely stay again. If you are planning a trip to Drayton Manor here is what you can expect if you stay over at the Drayton Manor Hotel.

The Drayton Manor Hotel, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW

The Drayton Manor Hotel is just a few minutes walk to the main entrance to the Drayton Manor Theme Park. Drayton Manor Theme Park is home to over 100 rides and attractions including a 15 acre zoo and Thomas Land. 

Although Drayton Manor is probably best known for Thomas Land the hotel hasn't really picked up on this apart from a very small Thomas and Friends gift shop and a small carousel moving display in the reception area.

Rooms

The hotel has a variety of bedrooms to meet all needs including

Thomas and Friends Themed Room

Rooms are spacious and include a double bed and Thomas theme bunk beds. Adults can relax in front of their own TV, whilst the children watch a DVD in theirs. 

Family Room

Family rooms are spacious enough for two adults and two children or a maximum of three adults. Each room has a double bed and a sofa bed.

Family Deluxe Room

Family Deluxe Rooms have 2 double beds giving you extra space for the little ones. 

Presidential Room

A separate staircase leads up to the Presidential Room which offers a queen size bed and lounge area. 

Executive Room

An Executive room can accommodate two adults and one child when adding a single bed or cot.

Accessible Room

A spacious room with all areas accessible by wheelchair. 

Triple Room

The Triple room can accommodate two adults in single beds and one child in a pull out trundle bed.

We stayed in a Triple room and you if you want to take a look click our triple room tour at Drayton Manor hotel

Stay and Play

The Drayton Manor Hotel offer a Stay and Play package. The package includes a stay in one of the rooms at the hotel, a full english breakfast and tickets for Drayton Manor Theme Park for each member of your party.

Meetings

One of the reasons I think the hotel hasn't gone for a Thomas and Friends decor throughout is that the hotel is very popular for meetings, conferences and events. There was an event on while we stayed and it was very popular. 

Restaurant and Bar

The Parklands Restaurant and Bar offers a wide variety of meals including steaks, grills, pastas and risotto. They do offer a children's menu too.

If the restaurant and bar isn't for you then you can head to the park for Fish N Chips or Safari Pizza and Pasta with both restaurants staying open till 7:30pm after rides close. All you need to do is show your room card. You can also order Fish N Chips to your room. 

Anything Else?

There is a small arcade on the ground floor close to reception. It has a selection of games and machines for the chance to win.

The Thomas and Friends Gift Shop is also situated close to reception and is stocked with lots of Thomas  goodies. 

Outside at the back of the hotel is an outside patio with a selection of table and chairs.

There is also a small woodland play area for children. 

There are plenty of car parking spaces situated at the front of the hotel and an overflow to the side. 

If booking a Stay and Play trip you can use your tickets on the day of your arrival or on your departure day, the choice is yours. 

There is no pool, gym, sauna or steam room at the hotel which is a shame as I think this would be a great addition. 

When leaving the hotel on foot you can follow the yellow path marked PE (park entrance) this will take you to the back of the theme park within a few minutes. 

We booked our room quite late so there where limited rooms available. We chose a triple room which suited our needs. We did think we would be able to push two of the single beds together however this wasn't possible as there was a nightstand between the beds which was fixed to the wall. 

The rooms all come with tv, free wifi, toiletries and tea making facilities. 

Our room had an interconnecting door. I am not sure how many rooms are available with this choice but if required I would contact the hotel directly as I did not see an option when booking.  

If you would like to see our full room tour video you can see it here. Like I said earlier we stayed in a triple room however I think the room size, layout and features in the room are all very similar unless staying in the Presidential or Executive room. 

Would We Stay Again?

If the price was right we would definitely use the Stay and Play offer again when visiting Drayton Manor. Although the hotel is situated just 5 minutes away from the park, it was the school holidays and there was an event taking place it was extremely quiet. 

The rooms were spacious and breakfast set us up for the day with a full english available, cereals, croissants and fruit.

The Theme Park has a great mixture of rides and attractions and makes for a great day out. 

To find out more information about the hotel and to check out the special offers visit The Drayton Manor Hotel website.

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What's New At Merlin Attractions In 2021

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Today is the day that we begin the second step of the Roadmap out of lockdown and restrictions. All non essential shops will open, as well as hairdressers and beer gardens to name a few. I think the one thing we have been looking forward to the most is the opening of the Theme Parks. Visiting theme parks is our favourite day out and we can't wait till we can visit our favourites this year. 

We are Merlin Pass holders so their attractions will be top of our visit list this year. They have been working hard behind the scenes during lockdown to bring lots of new and exciting updates to their parks and attractions in 2021. Here is what we can look forward to.

Alton Towers

Due to Covid-19 the opening of David Walliams land was delayed but it now looks set to open this year with the 'land' being added to the park map and features new rides. 

Gangsta Granny: The Ride

This dark ride will take you on a journey based on the popular David Walliams book, Gangsta Granny. 

You must be 0.9m or over to ride, and 1.2m or over to ride without an adult. All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

Royal Carousel

Hop on board the Queens horses or sit on the throne as you spin round and round. 

If you are under 1.3m you must be with an adult (18+). All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp

Bounce up and down on Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp Ride. 

You must be at least 0.9m to ride Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp. If you are under 1.1m you must be with an adult (18+). All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

If you are familiar with Alton Towers you may know David Walliams land will take over the former land Cloud Cuckoo Land. 

Although the location has not been confirmed yet I can only assume that Gangsta Granny The Ride will either be in the Charlie and The Chocolate Factory ride which closed in 2015 or the old Wobble World play area. 

The Royal Carousel and Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp sound very familiar to the Carousel and Frog Hopper which were located in Cloud Cuckoo Land so may not be new rides as such, maybe just rebranded. 

Alton made a very exciting announcement recently on their social media that they have added three 'pop up' type rides to the park called The Retro Squad. 

We don't know a lot about these rides other than they are old school rides called Mixtape, Funk'n'Fly and Roller Disco. 

The locations of the rides have been shared with a brief description.

Roller Disco 

Located in The Dark Forest and is a spinning ride.

Mix Tape 

Located in X Sector and seems to be a 'bouncy' type of ride. 

Funk'n'Fly 

Located in Forbidden Valley and says we will soar to heights.

All three rides require you to be a minimum of 1.2m and all riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

All the above rides may not open on the 12th April 2021. Further updates will be made with opening dates once released.

Chessington World Of Adventures

It looks like there is just one new addition to Chessington World of Adventures in 2021. 

Croc Drop

Jump on board and reach great heights before being plunge 25m in to the Crocs Jaw.

Croc Drop is a fun and exciting 'drop tower' type of ride which requires all riders to be a minimum of 1.2m. If you are between 1.2-1.3 you must ride with an adult over the age of 16. All riders over 1.3 can ride alone. 

There is no update about face masks for this ride however I assume it will be similar to Alton Towers. 

Legoland Windsor Resort

Opening on the 29th May Lego Mythica is a new land coming to Legoland Windsor Resort. Mythica is a parallel universe where all the lego creatures we create go so they can come to life. 

There are three new rides opening in the land of Lego Mythica and includes the UK's first ever flying theatre ride. 

Flight Of The Sky Lion

Take a ride with Maximus through Lego Mythica and explore the realms facing some of the rarest and scariest creatures.

Fire and Ice Free Fall

Two spinning top tower rides.

Hydra's Challenge.

An interactive water ride with twists and turns.

Again there isn't much information about the new land and the three exciting new rides. As soon as information is released I will update minimum height restrictions and other updates. 

Thorpe Park 

Just one new attraction heading to Thorpe Park this spring and it is a UK first.

Black Mirror Labyrinth

Opening on May 21st The UK's first ever Black Mirror Experience attraction. Described as a twisted and sensory defying maze it will lead you in to the core of the Black Mirror Universe. 

Based on the description I will assume this will be adults only however will update as soon as more information is released. 

Warwick Castle

A new activity trail to follow.

Zog and The Quest For The Golden Star

Included in the price of your ticket and available until 5th September 2021, the Zog activity trail will keep you busy. Learn how to become a true dragon, rescue a princess and collect stamps along the way. 

Zog will be there to pose for a photograph and hand out some golden stars too. 

All these new rides and attractions should keep us busy this year. What are you looking forward to most?

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