MNSSHP - Here's What Happens!

[JacknSally]

I can safely say that MNSSHP is my favorite event at WDW, and I love reading various threads about the party. I hope no one minds that I do this, but I thought I'd start one thread, compiled of answers to some of the more frequently asked questions (much like the BBB thread!), so as to keep the boards a little less cluttered(there are a vast number of threads asking the same basic questions). I apologize if there is already one of these, but searching the boards and filtering through all the MNSSHP threads in order to check is a daunting task indeed!!! I do hope others who have been will add their experiences to this thread, so that possible attendees can have all the facts and opinions in one easy-to-find locale! Also, please ask any questions you can think of here - I'll add them (and their answers!) to the main post, for others' benefits.

I don't want to give away every single little detail - would hate to take all the surprise out of it!!

7 p.m. - Midnight
September: 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30, 2008
October: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31, 2008​

This Halloween, join Mickey and his friends at the Magic Kingdom for 25 nights of "not so scary" fun at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. The Magic Kingdom is transformed into a kid-friendly "Spooky" Party. There will be Halloween fireworks and a specially themed parade starring all of your favorite Disney characters. (www.wdwinfo.com)

2008 Party Map: http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/photos/mnsshp-map3.jpg

Costumes: "Guests, especially children, are invited to wear costumes. However, guests are asked to choose costumes that are not obstructive to the child's view or that may be offensive to other park guests." (www.wdwinfo.com) Adults are encouraged to dress up in costume (I always do!!), though are asked to not dress in such a way that other guests would confuse them for WDW Park Characters (i.e. the Princesses, Jack Sparrow, etc.). Also real, or incredibly life-like, weapons are not permitted. Costumes do not have to be strictly Disney.

Park Admittance: MNSSHP is a hard-ticket event, which means you must purchase a party ticket, separate from your regular park entry passes. Party guests are allowed to enter the MK as early as 4 p.m. When the party begins at 7, CM's will be doing their best to usher out all non-party guests. This means you can not stay in the park past 7 without a party ticket (party guests will be issued a MNSSHP wristband) -this includes strolling through the lands, shopping, eating, riding rides, etc.

With it being a hard-ticket event, MNSSHP will have significantly less people than a regular busy park day. DISCLAIMER: I do not mean to say the park will be empty. Crowd levels are relative - what is crowded for you may not be crowded for another. Most will tell you that the later you stay, the fewer crowds you will see. Parties on and around October 31 are expected to be the most crowded.

Special MNSSHP Exclusive Events​

Boo To You Parade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUkwavQno3Q - There are two scheduled parades at each party - the first at 8:15 and the second at 10:30. The second parade usually comes with a longer wait beforehand. Best view places: Frontierland and Liberty Square.
HalloWishes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKsAMqgOkJg - HalloWishes is scheduled to begin at 9:30.
Trick-or-Treat: As they enter the park, guests are given Trick or Treat Bags to be used at the candy stations found throughout the Magic Kingdom, designated on the park map, and by Goofy's Candy Co. signs. Guests DO NOT have to be in costume in order to receive candy!!! Also, there is no limit to the number of times you can go through any candy line. *Word is, the later you hit the lines, the more candy you are apt to receive.
Dance Parties: There are two locations for these parties. "Stitch's Cosmic Dance Party" at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland, and "Up and Boo-gie Dance Party" at Ariel's Grotto in Fantasyland.
Villian Mix & Mingle: Jafar, Malificent, Cruela DeVille, The Wicked Queen, Captain Hook, The Queen of Hearts, and Judge Claude Frollo take center stage in a Halloween production. After the show, they come down to pose for pictures (no autographs). 7:45, 9:00, 10;05 and 11:15 p.m.​

Attractions: Most Magic Kingdom attractions are open during the MNSSHP, often with minimal wait times.

Decorations: While many of the autumnal decorations will be up throughout the park during a regular Magic Kingdom day, MNSSHP offers special lighting, Mickey-ghost lamps, characters in Halloween costumes, and other festive details in addition. The park has a very different atmosphere during the party than during a regular park day. Shops also offer party-exclusive merchandise, including T-shirts, souvenirs, and pins.

Candy: It seems that for 2008, Disney is handing out new fun-size candies. Other DISers have reported receiving candy including: Ghiradelli Squares, M&Ms (Peanut and Plain), 100Grand, Milky Way, Snickers, Laffy Taffy, Sour Patch Kids, Lollipops, Tootsie Rolls (regular and fruit ones), Baby Ruth, Clark Bar, Starburst, Hot Tamales, Mary Janes, Whoppers, Hershey's plain, Mr. Goodbar, Nestle Crunch Bars, Skittles, Smarties, Kraft Caramels, Chick-o-Stick, Necco wafers, Now & Laters, Twix, Sweet Tarts and some foil-wrapped Halloween-themed candy.

Extras: Free face painting, possibly free stroller rental (waiting to hear a definite answer from other DISers who have been this year), MNSSHP balloons, ghostly serenades, "haunted" Photopass pictures, Halloween Character meet-and-greets, and more!!

Posts Containing Pictures: 15, 32, 42, 61


Photos from MNSSHP 2006 and 2007: http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/MNSSHP-General/index.htm

Other Guests MNSSHP Experiences:
First Party of 2008 - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1943494
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2008/09/mickeys_not_so_scary_halloween_1.html

Pricing Information:
PREMIUM DATE PRICE: 9/19, 9/26, 10/10, 10/16, 10/23, 10/24, 10/26, 10/30, 10/31:
Adults: $55.95 - ages 10 and up
Child: $49.95 - ages 3 - 9
NON-PREMIUM DATE ADVANCE PURCHASE PRICE:
Adults: $48.95 - ages 10 and up
Child: $42.95 - ages 3 - 9
ANNUAL PASSHOLDER/DVC ADVANCE PURCHASE DISCOUNT FOR 9/9, 9/12, 9/23, 9/30, 10/2, 10/7, 10/9, 10/21
Adults: $45.95 - ages 10 and up
Child: $39.95 - ages 3 - 9
Tickets can be ordered by calling 407-W-DISNEY or through your Dreams Unlimited Travel Specialist as part of your package/room reservation.​

***I'm sure I've missed quite a bit, and will be editing this thread as much and as often as possible. Please feel free to PM me any information you feel should be included!***

 

[Wonders10]

Thank you for posting that...I'm so excited to be attending my first MNSSHP next month.

However, I think a lot of people post similar questions because they simply like hearing personal reviews of certain events or tips on how they navigate the party, etc. I read the same thing you posted on allearsnet and on the back of my party tickets. It's the personal side of it that I personally enjoy reading. I know there is trick or treating...but maybe someone who has gone has a tip for getting the most candy or spots that notoriously give out more or are more stingy, etc. Or someone's favorite spot to watch the parade.

Again, thank you so much for posting that information...it is nice to have it all posted in one thread. Just playing devil's advocate here.

 

[jiminykrikkit]

Thank you for posting that...I'm so excited to be attending my first MNSSHP next month.

However, I think a lot of people post similar questions because they simply like hearing personal reviews of certain events or tips on how they navigate the party, etc. I read the same thing you posted on allearsnet and on the back of my party tickets. It's the personal side of it that I personally enjoy reading. I know there is trick or treating...but maybe someone who has gone has a tip for getting the most candy or spots that notoriously give out more or are more stingy, etc. Or someone's favorite spot to watch the parade.

Again, thank you so much for posting that information...it is nice to have it all posted in one thread. Just playing devil's advocate here.

I agree. It's also not a very "magical" feeling to be called annoying. I do appreciate the hard facts, but I wanted to hear about experiences.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

Great information! We are attending our very first MNSSHP in October! I can't wait!

 

[Three cats]

While I think it is really nice for you to organize information I don't think it's very nice to refer to other peoples posts as annoying. Not everyone is an expert on these parties and often like to hear other peoples personal experiences.

 

[JacknSally]

And here I thought I had possibly started a thread that would help and inform people, and not cause any flaming or complaining. Calm down - no one was called annoying. Please go back and reread my post, without putting words in my mouth... or fingers. I enjoy reading everyone's opinions on the party as well. I'm not saying "Read my post and no one else's", or "Don't ask any questions anymore." When I tune in to the boards, I get excited when I see 4 threads in a row, with a title pertaining to MNSSHP. Then, when I go to read them, they're asking the exact same questions -- "Can I stay in the parks if I don't pay for a ticket" or "Is it only trick-or-treating". THAT'S what I find annoying. The only reason for writing this thread is to answer those type questions in order to possibly narrow down the threads on the boards that are asking the exact same thing. As I said, I welcome people to post their experiences in this thread so that everything, again, is organized and in one place, that everyone can find. I also welcome people to start their own threads to find their own information. The boards are not mine or yours.

Also, if you actually read my post, you'll find that, while I did copy some things from WDWINFO.COM, much of what I wrote is in my own words with my own feelings and opinions, and my own tips, not to mention many things I've picked up from these boards. If the way it is written makes you think I only copied and pasted, I'm sorry, but that is simply not true. I marked the places where I copied from WDWINFO. If it's not marked, I wrote it myself.

 

[luvmikids]

Not everybody has the time to look for duplicated question before their post. This is what the disboards are all about to find answers to their questions. It adds to the excitement of asking a question and actually reading the responses of those who have experienced it. While I appreciate your efforts by putting some of the info together I am sure I will end up asking a question that is in the post.

 

[Wonders10]

I didn't really mean to take my frustrations out on your personally. I realize it took a long time to get all that info and type it out.

For me, it was a really long day at a new job and I'm easily frustrated these days.

Still think there will be MANY posts about MNSSHP in the coming weeks though...Sorry I'm stubborn too.

I mean, how many "how do I get a adr for the castle? What time is the 3pm parade? and Does the monorail actually go through the contemporary? type questions have I read on these boards? Actually not many, but I've seen the titles in the threads. It's easier sometimes to just post your own specifc questions and get answers that are right there in your post. Again, sorry I'm venting and taking it out on this post...

ETA: I will say that it would be neat to have an exclusive thread dedicated to MNSSHP (which maybe is what you were aiming for, OP?) To include personal experiences, party reports, pics, tips, facts, etc. But more as a one-stop shop for those looking for quick answers, definitely not to replace separate posts if someone feels it necessary to ask a separate question/comment in a new thread.

As someone who has never been I enjoy reading every little thing about the party so I can make the most of it.

 

[pixie08]

Great thread...thank you!

 

[JacknSally]

I will say that it would be neat to have an exclusive thread dedicated to MNSSHP (which maybe is what you were aiming for, OP?) To include personal experiences, party reports, pics, tips, facts, etc. But more as a one-stop shop for those looking for quick answers, definitely not to replace separate posts if someone feels it necessary to ask a separate question/comment in a new thread.

That's EXACTLY how I intended this thread to be! I wanted it to be much like the BBB thread. A quick "go here to see pictures, reports, etc"... Not to replace or make anyone feel bad or anything at all!!

Now... who has some good or bad stories to share about their MNSSHP experiences?

 

[missj1975]

Hmmm, interesting thread. While I appreciate the thought that you put into the thread, your "annoying" comment was still kind of rude.

 

[KarenNYC]

thanks for compiling the info in one place - I am sure we will have more questions once people start to come back and tell us how MNSSHP 2008 is being run!

 

[smiles&grins]

JackNSally-

I understand what you are trying to do and I think it's a great idea. Just one place to go and find everything you wanted to know about MNSSHP. Not that any one poster is annoying but that trying to gathering the info can get annoying going from thread to thread and find the same info on each. That it might be helpful to gather all info in one common area for everyone to share. I'm excited to see what people have to say since we go in 15 days!!!

So I'm taking my 2 1/2 year old DD who loves Halloween. What are my "not to miss" things? Do they have special treats, like cookies or candy for the snacks durning the party? Where is the best place for the parade? Would the villian show be too scarey for her??

Thanks to all who can help.

 

[erinsn77]

Thanks!! Im excited and cant wait to be there!!

 

[Dicecatt]

How about some pictures??

 

[luvmalificient]

I was going to dress up in my Malificent costume. Do you think that will be a problem (referring to the mistaking for WDW Cast members). Keep in mind it is no way as good as the one the cast member will be wearing but I don't want to wear it and be asked to leave.

Thanks!

 

[smiles&grins]

We have 16 of us going and I've tried to talk everyone into dressing up but so far they've only said they'd do matching T-shirts. So I'm thinking me, DH, & DD forget them and dress up on our own. This is not something we're going to get to do anytime soon again. Do you think it's better to show up dress with the Grand Gatherings group or do you think we'd have a better time dressed up??? I'm thinking I'm off to the Halloween store for some ideas!!!!

 

[Dicecatt]

I was going to dress up in my Malificent costume. Do you think that will be a problem (referring to the mistaking for WDW Cast members). Keep in mind it is no way as good as the one the cast member will be wearing but I don't want to wear it and be asked to leave.

Thanks!

It won't be a problem, but don't sign autographs unless a Cast Member asks you to sign their book. Don't sign guest's autograph books.

 

[goofygirl0415]

I think all the info was fantastic! I am attending my first MNSSHP on Sept 23 and I have no clue what so ever to expect it has been really nice to read about what everyone has to say and when I read yours I got to look at all the pictures and now i am so so so excited to attend it!!!!! Thanks for all the great help and excitement!!!

 

[KellyJ]

Smiles&grins, to answer a couple of your questions: For me the parade was one of the highlights. We actually walked right up to the rope near the gate where the parade starts about 5 minutes before it was time to start and had front row viewing. Now, if I had it to do over, I'd probably want to be more into Frontierland for viewing, but as a last minute spot, it couldn't be beat!

The fireworks are also a big highlight for us. I've seen many different spots recommended for best viewing, but I've always been partial to Main Street for the fireworks... usually about halfway down, near Casey's.

And you are the best judge as to whether or not your daughter might be scared of the villians show. I found that when my kids were younger, they were all fine as long as we were at a distance. They weren't too crazy about any of the characters getting too close, but to stand and watch a show was great!