Disneyland After Dark.

It was pretty surreal leaving the Get Spookier Meet-Up.  Disneyland was empty and I wanted to run around like a crazy woman.  But being that I respect Disneyland and it's cast members, I behaved.  The cast members didn't force us out and exiting was at our leisure... so looking back at these shots, I kinda wish I took advantage of walking slower and soaking all the magic in.  I could have spent hours on an empty Main Street.  So full of light and life.

Disney Parks Blog - Get Spookier Halloween Meet-Up

I love the Disney Parks Blog!  There is so much action, information and fun events for readers!  We got lucky and made the cut for the Get Spookier Halloween Meet-Up.  It happened last Monday night (after Disneyland closed!) and was so much fun!  We were treated to a panel discussion by David Caranci, Manager of Resort Enhancement and Brian Sandahl, Senior Designer for Disney Entertainment Creative Development at Club Skellington aka French Market Restaurant.

I could tell by the passion in their voices how much they love their jobs.  They told us about how much work and planning goes into Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.  Some fun facts I live-tweeted:

• There are over 300 pumpkins on Main Street and over 1000 in Disneyland.
• Pumpkins are all hand carved.
• It took a year to get approval for Haunted Mansion Holiday.
• Next year will be the 13th year of Haunted Mansion Holiday and will open on Friday the 13th - September 13, 2013.
• 99% of the Nightmare Before Christmas props are stored in the Mansion!

I really enjoyed listening and learning from David and Brian.  After the panel, we got to ride Haunted Mansion Holiday... as many times as we wanted... till 11pm!  I rode it once with Duke and then he rode it with Chris.  Duke and I were really amused with Jack's Gingerbread House, Zero and Terror Train.  Look out for it in the mansion!    

We were treated to Mickey cookies, Mickey Rice Krispy treats, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate milk + hot chocolate shots...  The chocolate milk + hot chocolate shot was intense, super chocolatey, warm and yum!  

Jack & Sally showed up too!  Jack is a must-see character at the park during the holidays.  I found this out last year!  I was sad that the night had to end and was surprised we got more gifts - tickets to Mickey's Halloween Party next month!  Thank you so much Disneyland!!!

You can check out Disney Parks Blog post on the meet-up here.  

That cowboy wanted to stand in line by himself.

That's Disneyland's Social Media and Print Manager Erin Glover as a Mousekeeter with Duke.

Disclosure:  This is not a compensated post.  I should pay Disney for this amazing event.  All thoughts are my own.