What would you do, and why?

Marshmelo

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jul 9, 2003

• May 21, 2015

• #1

We are taking our 7 (8 in Nov) year old son to WDW for the first time over fall break (arrive 10/13 leave 10/21). We are spending 10/18 and 10/19 at St. Pete beach, and I would like to go to Universal (2 parks one day), so we don't have a lot of days for WDW. Because of that, I decided to skip EPCOT and AK this time, spend a day at the Studios and allow 2 days for MK. Our flight arrives on 10/13 at 11:50 (staying off site). My dilemma is whether to attend the MNSSHP on the 13th. I know we could get into MK at 4 with that ticket (which would be $231 for all three of us). I have never attended one, but I know people seem to really enjoy it. That was my plan until I ran the numbers and found out that a 3 day ticket and party ticket for all three of us would be $1083.85 (using Mousesavers link for UT), whereas a 5 day ticket would only be $941.85. If we did the 5 day, we could still go to MK for a bit when we arrive until 7pm AND we could visit AK the Tuesday (10/20) we drive back from St. Pete to MCO (staying in the Hyatt in the airport to wait for our flight back Wednesday morning).

I guess, simply put, the question is MNSSHP or AK? If I don't get the 5 day tickets, I'm guessing that day we come back from beach we will just be doing a little bit of nothing, maybe visiting DD if we hadn't gotten around to it, hanging out at the hotel.

Sorry for the long read! Thanks for your input!

 

Happyinwonerland

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jul 1, 2014

• May 21, 2015

• #2

I would do the Halloween party. It is a unique experience that will make your trip more memorable. A child that she would probably love all the Halloween themed activities during the party.

I am not a fan of AK, so I am fine with the idea of skipping it.

On the 20th, I would recommend spending a day at DTD or just relaxing at the hotel pool. Sounds like you have a fun and busy vacation planned!

 

Habbott

Mouseketeer

Joined

Sep 5, 2012

• May 22, 2015

• #3

Tough decisions! I would do the 5 day tickets as we wouldn't get a lot out of the party. My son only seems to like characters at dining experiences. Maybe there's more to the parties then that, but that's mostly what I've read about them.

On the other hand, my son loves animal kingdom, especially the dig site. He would spend the whole day there if he could.

 

powellrj

DIS Veteran

Joined

Mar 2, 2003

• May 22, 2015

• #4

I would do the 5 day ticket too. We have been to the party and its nice, but I would rather have the $140 and the day at AK.

 

Marshmelo

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jul 9, 2003

• May 22, 2015

• #5

Thanks for the advice! I ended up buying the party tickets. My son saw some video of the party and seems really excited about the idea.

 

joannamet

DIS Veteran

Joined

Apr 21, 2014

• May 22, 2015

• #6

Took 2 6 year olds to MNSSHP. By the time we walked the park and did Trick or Treating it was time for the parade. After that we were exhausted and tired of the crowds so we headed out. Was the price worth trick or treating and the parade? No. I actually think the event might be more fun for older kids or teens. They probably get more out of it.

I would not pay to do it again.

 

T

Thing 1

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 4, 2015

• May 23, 2015

• #7

I say the 5 day hoppers too. Parties are fun but 5 day hopper passes give so much more for your money and our 8 year old loves AK. It will be a fun trip either way!

 

Gumbo4x4

Note to the ladies who forgot to

Joined

Jan 19, 2012

• May 23, 2015

• #8

AK is our favorite park, so it'd be an easy decision for me.

 

alc571

DIS Veteran

Joined

Sep 9, 2012

• May 27, 2015

• #9

We aren't fans of AK, so we'd opt for the party. It was so much fun. We arrived at 4pm, and left around 11pm. We didn't watch any of the special shows/parade/fireworks, etc. because we were too busy collecting candy and riding rides with NO lines! Our son was 7 at the time, and he LOVED it... so much, in fact, we are doing it again this September for his birthday.

 

Marshmelo

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jul 9, 2003

• May 27, 2015

• #10

So glad to hear that alc571! I was starting to think maybe I made the wrong choice. I am quite excited about mnsshp after researching it more. Especially after finding out today that the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus will be there doing a show!

 

tiggergal15

Mouseketeer

Joined

Apr 28, 2015

• May 28, 2015

• #11

I'm not a fan of AK and with all the construction I would skip it and do the Party!!! A much better experience in my opinion!!!