So why do you do the special events like MNSSHP?

[HayGan]

Reading threads about how people are disappointed that they didn't get to do what they wanted to do at the special events like MNSSHP really makes me wonder what the different reasons are that people go the special events. Our family primarily likes to go for the atmosphere and the super short ride lines. We enjoy the special Wishes presentations as well. We like the candy at MNSSHP and the hot chocolate/cookies at MVMCP but they aren't the reason we go. Personally I'm surprised at the long wait times people will endure to see some of the characters. But that's just me/us - we don't wait to spend a few moments and a photo with a character - never have and most likely never will. We would much rather spend that time on the rides I'm not saying our reasons are the right reasons - they just happen to be the reasons we shell out so much to attend the special events (We have gone to the special events 5 times so far.)

So - what are the reasons you go to the special events like MNSSHP or MVMCP?

 

[mesaboy2]

Reading threads about how people are disappointed that they didn't get to do what they wanted to do at the special events like MNSSHP really makes me wonder what the different reasons are that people go the special events. Our family primarily likes to go for the atmosphere and the super short ride lines. We enjoy the special Wishes presentations as well. We like the candy at MNSSHP and the hot chocolate/cookies at MVMCP but they aren't the reason we go. Personally I'm surprised at the long wait times people will endure to see some of the characters. But that's just me/us - we don't wait to spend a few moments and a photo with a character - never have and most likely never will. We would much rather spend that time on the rides I'm not saying our reasons are the right reasons - they just happen to be the reasons we shell out so much to attend the special events (We have gone to the special events 5 times so far.)

So - what are the reasons you go to the special events like MNSSHP or MVMCP?

It's not difficult--our family likes all the different things it brings to the normal MK experience. We manage to have a good time through crowds and rain, but I will say I've noticed an uptick in disappointed guest posts this year. I'm starting to truly wonder if Disney is overselling MNSSHP and MVMCP lately.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

It's not difficult--our family likes all the different things it brings to the normal MK experience. We manage to have a good time through crowds and rain, but I will say I've noticed an uptick in disappointed guest posts this year. I'm starting to truly wonder if Disney is overselling MNSSHP and MVMCP lately.

I wonder if Disney is overselling, or guests are overbuying. What I mean by that is that people go into these events expecting that the park is going to be empty and that they're going to be able to do a ton of stuff that others not willing to pay for a party aren't going to be able to do. This just isn't the reality. Disney World is an extremely popular place, these special events are heavily advertised, and anyone with an extra ~$60/person laying around can go to them, and do.

For me, I'm not going to necessarily meet the characters (although Flynn is at the top of our list). In fact, I told the family that unless they wanted to be waiting in line for characters all night, we shouldn't expect to do many M&Gs at all. For us, I think it's going to be more about having fun and seeing the MK in a way that you wouldn't normally see it. The dance parties will be a huge draw for us, I think. My six year old wants to go because it's a "party", and she's down for attending anything as long as it's labeled a party.

 

[mom2rtk]

I wonder if Disney is overselling, or guests are overbuying.

I think he meant that they are selling too many tickets.

We go for the characters. There just isn't enough variety in a regular park day. And we love the special parades and shows. We don't do anything at a party that we can do on a multi-day ticket for no additional cost.

 

[mesaboy2]

I think he meant that they are selling too many tickets.

We go for the characters. There just isn't enough variety in a regular park day. And we love the special parades and shows. We don't do anything at a party that we can do on a multi-day ticket for no additional cost.

Yes, you read my mind as usual.

 

[needtoplan]

We went to the party primarily to see unique characters. We were also curious about the fireworks and shows which we did like- but disney has great fireworks and shows normally (nice to see different ones we haven't seen though)
I can do rides on a regular park day and rarely do we wait longer than 20 minutes for rides when we go. We do not like long lines and heavy crowds. We realize that disney is a busy place and can be crowded- but after our party experience I would not do it again. We want to be in the park when it's manageable. Limited food counters with 45 minute waits- all character lines 45 minute waits. You have to really be prepared to see anything.

I think for your average party goer (those who don't have plans)- they will not get in much, making the extra money out of pocket not worth it at all.

 

[rookie78]

We go for the candy, kids love that they get to trick or treat at MK. Also, dance parties are so much fun. We don't really see the unique characters. I love the special parade too!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I go for the parades, the fireworks, the special shows and the atmosphere.

If I can squeak in some character interaction that is just a bonus. But then I've gone for alot of trips so I've seen alot of those already.

I don't do the rides since I can do them on a normal day.

I'm putting together my draft plan for MVMCP this year but it sure is tricky for timing since I don't know exactly how it will work and I'm going to the first party which will most likely be crowded.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We've done MNSSHP once and MVMCP teice, and we would do them again if we were at WDW while they were going on.

We like the party atmosphere and love the special parades and fireworks. We had fun meeting the seven dwarves at MVMCP in 2010.

 

[ladeeesquire]

We just went to our first mnsshp a few weeks ago. We went for the characters! I love the villains but you really don't get to see them on regular park days. I was also really interested in the special fireworks and the villains show. My dd would have loved the dance party but we didn't make it there and we went in exactly 3 candy lines, no rides except pirates. Still thought it was great! I wish it was a bit longer like starting at 4pm rather than 7 to fit more in.

I think the crowds and the inability to accomplish all/most of the special things might be why people are less than thrilled. I think they should have more characters and try to make some of the lines move faster. The Jack Sparrow line and even to a certain extent Tarzan was ridiculous not because there were so many people but because he took FOREVER with each guest. Sure, fun but when you have an extremely limited amount of time could we try to move it along a bit?

 

[HayGan]

I agree that the events are getting expensive and oversold. This MNSSHP will be a big test for us to see if we do one again.

I would love to get a picture with the 7 Dwarfs but there is no way I am giving up 2+ hrs of my time to do it (plus my family would kill me on the spot if I even suggested spending that much time in a line )

 

[alex9179]

Since my kids will miss trick-or-treating at home because of our vacation, I kinda felt like I needed to give them something to take its place. They will love all of it and have no expectations on what to accomplish.

I am most looking forward to the Headless Horseman in the parade. Then the villains show, kids at the dance party, and watching them go crazy over the candy. I'm thinking about getting in line early for Jack Sparrow, depending on how the kids feel about it...I might go by myself!

The fact that DH and I love Halloween might have factored into it, as well.

 

[famsen]

We go for the ambiance of the Halloween decor. We spent most of the party last year with characters so we skipped them this year. We love the candy, the special fireworks and seeing guests dress up. If we are able to catch part of the parade, Villians show and other things along the way, it's a plus.

I have noticed through viewing pictures of our family at past year's parties starting in 2007, we had many more pictures with characters in the past and that we RARELY had to wait in a line to meet them. I have pics with DH and me with Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. We never had to wait to see them, they were standing along the Alice In Wonderland Candy trail. Also ran into Queen of Hearts and Walrus in that trail; no lines. We have a picture with the elusive 7 Dwarves that same year. Again; NO LINE. They would just come out at random times and a lined formed. Maybe they should go back to that way of meeting characters; random encounters instead of stations where people will camp out for hours before the party.

 

[HadesTX]

We've only been to MNSSHP. The reasons we wanted to go....

Shorter ride lines (We only go during high traffic times, so that is nice for us)
Trick or Treating & dressing in costumes
Halloween decor/atmosphere
Hallowishes/Boo To You Parade & Headless Horseman

We have little or no interest in the characters. I did get my picture with the Evil Queen though at the first party. Was looking for the Old Hag, but never found her.

Hoping to go to MVMCP in the next couple years.

 

[rentayenta]

Reading threads about how people are disappointed that they didn't get to do what they wanted to do at the special events like MNSSHP really makes me wonder what the different reasons are that people go the special events. Our family primarily likes to go for the atmosphere and the super short ride lines. We enjoy the special Wishes presentations as well. We like the candy at MNSSHP and the hot chocolate/cookies at MVMCP but they aren't the reason we go. Personally I'm surprised at the long wait times people will endure to see some of the characters. But that's just me/us - we don't wait to spend a few moments and a photo with a character - never have and most likely never will. We would much rather spend that time on the rides I'm not saying our reasons are the right reasons - they just happen to be the reasons we shell out so much to attend the special events (We have gone to the special events 5 times so far.)

So - what are the reasons you go to the special events like MNSSHP or MVMCP?

My reasons differ from my family's. My reasons are to see the fireworks, parades, and get those magic Photopass shots along with being able to dress up inside MK and trick or treat. So fun!

My family's reasons are more ride based but they'll suffer through a pic or two. Or else. Ha!

During our fall trip to Disneyland in 2009, it was very impromptu, we didn't realize their Halloween party was stating the day we were leaving so as we were walking out, we promised them that the next time we were in Disney during a Halloween party, we'd go. This is that time.

 

[MelissathePooh]

MNSSHP has been our family Halloween tradition for several years now. We know what to expect and to plan ahead for our must do's. The increasing cost of it has about made us decide to start a new tradition though. As to whether or not most of the party guests are repeats - I honestly have no idea, but my guess is they know enough that attractions aren't the main draw. If you take the rides out its slightly easier to do the party specific stuff. Although not likely to see everything in one night. The cost is just nuts though! I think I paid $223 something for 2 adults/2 kids DVC discount - doubtful we'll do it again.

 

[leticiagoliveira]

My sister and I are going on MVMCP because it is going to be our last night on Disney - actually, on the US! We don't know when we are coming back, and so we thought the party would be a way to celebrate the trip (and bid farewell to Disney)...
I'm planning on focusing on rides, the parade and fireworks.
We don't plan on spending any minute waiting to meet characters (she's shy, I don't care), but I'm dreaming on watching Holiday Wishes. I just looove the song!

 

[rentayenta]

I would love to get a picture with the 7 Dwarfs but there is no way I am giving up 2+ hrs of my time to do it (plus my family would kill me on the spot if I even suggested spending that much time in a line )

This. Exactly. I asked my crew if they want to meet the 7 Dwarfs and I got an astounding: not if we have to wait in line.

 

[GeneralTso]

It's a fun, special event!
We bought tickets for the Christmas party this year. I imagine that will be as wonderful as the Halloween party.

I think we're all in for the crowds, it's just part of the deal.