A wee little complaint about MNSSHP

[mikaza]

I'm generally not a complainer. And truthfully, I think a lot of these hard ticket events sound awesome and I would love to attend. But I've got little ones--some of whom are too wimpy for the Villian/ghost/spooky part of MNSSHP, and some of whom can't stay awake late enough to make it worth the extra cost.

So the thing that bugs me is that we will be in the World for 10 days in late Oct/early Nov. And I was hoping to visit MK 2 or 3 times. But with all of the MNSSHP at the end of the month, there are very few days that are low crowd days that are not MNSSHP days. I think we are only going to get one shot at seeing evening parades/fireworks--and if the weather isn't good, we lose out. The electric light parade and fireworks at MK are pretty much my favorite thing to see at the parks.

It does bother me that we are paying for a full price ticket, and we don't get the full day in the park (with evening parades). And, on top of that...people who pay less than the full park ticket get to come in before the party technically starts and make the park extra crowded during the last few hours of the ticketing time that I've paid for.

I suppose I just wish they would run it like some of the other hard ticketed events AFTER regular park hours, so those of us that can't enjoy the extra special event don't lose out on some of what would normally be included in our experience. I know it's no biggie in the grand scheme of things, but right now looking at the calendar it is feeling like a bummer to me!

 

[TandLMommy28]

I have never experienced the park being "extra crowded" during the hours before the party actually starts. But I've also never been that close to Halloween. When I've been, the park is practically empty all day because people are so turned off by the 7pm closing that they don't bother with the park at all. Which is foolish, because with the low crowds, you can seriously do more by 7 than you could ever do with a full day with regular crowds. Yeah, you miss the fireworks and parade but that's a small price to pay for the crazy low crowds all day. At least, to me it is. I'm not a fan of the evening parade and as much as I love Wishes, I don't mind missing it to have a super relaxed low crowd day in the park!

 

[sharadoc]

I'm generally not a complainer. And truthfully, I think a lot of these hard ticket events sound awesome and I would love to attend. But I've got little ones--some of whom are too wimpy for the Villian/ghost/spooky part of MNSSHP, and some of whom can't stay awake late enough to make it worth the extra cost.

So the thing that bugs me is that we will be in the World for 10 days in late Oct/early Nov. And I was hoping to visit MK 2 or 3 times. But with all of the MNSSHP at the end of the month, there are very few days that are low crowd days that are not MNSSHP days. I think we are only going to get one shot at seeing evening parades/fireworks--and if the weather isn't good, we lose out. The electric light parade and fireworks at MK are pretty much my favorite thing to see at the parks.

It does bother me that we are paying for a full price ticket, and we don't get the full day in the park (with evening parades). And, on top of that...people who pay less than the full park ticket get to come in before the party technically starts and make the park extra crowded during the last few hours of the ticketing time that I've paid for.

I suppose I just wish they would run it like some of the other hard ticketed events AFTER regular park hours, so those of us that can't enjoy the extra special event don't lose out on some of what would normally be included in our experience. I know it's no biggie in the grand scheme of things, but right now looking at the calendar it is feeling like a bummer to me!

Unfortunately, you are going at a time when there is a party, so that's the way it is. It's the same thing that happens if you go in January, MK closes around 7 most nights and you don't get fireworks and parade at night most nights. But if crowds are lower, you end up getting the same things done so it's a trade-off.

 

[mikaza]

I have never experienced the park being "extra crowded" during the hours before the party actually starts. But I've also never been that close to Halloween. When I've been, the park is practically empty all day because people are so turned off by the 7pm closing that they don't bother with the park at all. Which is foolish, because with the low crowds, you can seriously do more by 7 than you could ever do with a full day with regular crowds. Yeah, you miss the fireworks and parade but that's a small price to pay for the crazy low crowds all day. At least, to me it is. I'm not a fan of the evening parade and as much as I love Wishes, I don't mind missing it to have a super relaxed low crowd day in the park!

I hope you're right about that. I was just thinking if all the people that are there that day are there, and lots of the people from the night party start showing up at 4, 4-7 will be extra crowded. Lower crowds on those days would be nice!

 

[joannamet]

Don't know how old your kids are but we took 2 6 year olds a few years ago and we all loved it! There was absolutely nothing scary about it (my daughter is so wimpy she won't even watch most Disney movies) and the Halloween themed evening parade was so special and magical. The trick or treating was fun and the kids got lots of candy. It was a bit of a late night but not too much. We had taken an easy day before hitting the park.

It is very expensive to do but if you're going to be there anyway you might just want to embrace the craziness and have a Disney Halloween.

 

[maxiesmom]

Have you checked a site such as EasyWDW for parade times? MSEP and Wishes are being shown at least twice a week for the last week of October, first week of November. So you should have multiple chances to see them.

Keep in mind that before Disney started with all of the parties, the parks were not open that late anyway. The Magic Kingdom rarely had fireworks or parades-everyone flooded to Epcot at night. So really you are not missing out, but gaining the opportunity to see and do more at MK.

 

[acciodisney]

I think you'll be okay even going on non party days. I went around that time last year and thought the crowds were very manageable. Just make sure to hit rope drop and use FP+ and I'm sure you will get to do/see what you want.

 

[BrianL]

The thing about late October is that crowds are generally pretty light anyway. The days only become Recommended due to there being a Party, but it's all relative. Those Non-Party days will be busier than the party days are during the day, but they won't be nearly as busy as during the truly crowded times of year.

 

[POOHsie]

Our time to visit was always late September. I haven't done any official study, but I remember many times that MK was scheduled to close at 6pm. With no special party after. Up until recently, DHS only had Fantasmic! a few times a week, and we had to arrange our schedule or buy Park Hoppers (extra expense) to see the show on a day it was scheduled.

Reliable WDW schedules come out six months ahead of time, and that could help you put together a vacation time that covers your family's needs best.

I also don't notice an increase in people at MK after 4pm. There's an ebb and flow of people, especially at dinner hours.

 

[kaylasmom07]

At least you know about it and can plan accordingly... some people don't even do the research to know that much.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Yep

Going during party season can be annoying

 

[Anthony1971]

As others have said years ago in Sept and Oct the parks always closed early except for weekend nights and maybe one week night with fireworks...
I also think 7 is about as far as you will make it with young kids after that they become cranky if not before
My son at 8 was still done by 7... 6 and before when we had a stroller he was sleeping earlier... but he did get up when we left the parks and would even watch the outside movie some nights.
we go to the parks every other day at best if you go everyday it may be earlier as the heat gets to them as well!! But October in general is not bad during the day.

 

[DebbieB]

Days at MK when there is a party are usually low crowds, I always plan my MK days for then. Non-party days are usually very crowded. I have an AP so I typically hop in the evening if I want to see the parade or fireworks.

 

[mikaza]

Thanks all. I think I can make it work. Planning, planning, planning!

 

[lauraleh]

We have planned our two MK days for MNSSHP days. With a 3 year old and 9 month old, I'm sure we wouldn't be staying past 7 anyway and I'm hoping to capitalize on low crowds that morning and early afternoon.

 

[ElizabethDarling]

I'm generally not a complainer. And truthfully, I think a lot of these hard ticket events sound awesome and I would love to attend. But I've got little ones--some of whom are too wimpy for the Villian/ghost/spooky part of MNSSHP, and some of whom can't stay awake late enough to make it worth the extra cost. So the thing that bugs me is that we will be in the World for 10 days in late Oct/early Nov. And I was hoping to visit MK 2 or 3 times. But with all of the MNSSHP at the end of the month, there are very few days that are low crowd days that are not MNSSHP days. I think we are only going to get one shot at seeing evening parades/fireworks--and if the weather isn't good, we lose out. The electric light parade and fireworks at MK are pretty much my favorite thing to see at the parks. It does bother me that we are paying for a full price ticket, and we don't get the full day in the park (with evening parades). And, on top of that...people who pay less than the full park ticket get to come in before the party technically starts and make the park extra crowded during the last few hours of the ticketing time that I've paid for. I suppose I just wish they would run it like some of the other hard ticketed events AFTER regular park hours, so those of us that can't enjoy the extra special event don't lose out on some of what would normally be included in our experience. I know it's no biggie in the grand scheme of things, but right now looking at the calendar it is feeling like a bummer to me!

I completely agree, I scheduled our trip on the simple fact that it was an easy month that both my husband and I could get away, not because of a Halloween celebration in early September! So yes I'm paying the extra $$ for MNSSHP but because I think we have to in order to get the best bang. I'm also disappointed in the early entry MNSSHP people get! I just learned of the 4pm entry and it really upset me, I know most everyone is saying it's not crowded and not to worry but hey I'm playing by the rules here and using 1 of my park hopper day tickets, and I'm the fool... I think they should play by the rules too and ONLY get in when the party starts! whats with the added bonus for people paying less? When theres people obviously paying much more.. It's silly

 

[mesaboy2]

I completely agree, I scheduled our trip on the simple fact that it was an easy month that both my husband and I could get away, not because of a Halloween celebration in early September! So yes I'm paying the extra $$ for MNSSHP but because I think we have to in order to get the best bang. I'm also disappointed in the early entry MNSSHP people get! I just learned of the 4pm entry and it really upset me, I know most everyone is saying it's not crowded and not to worry but hey I'm playing by the rules here and using 1 of my park hopper day tickets, and I'm the fool... I think they should play by the rules too and ONLY get in when the party starts! whats with the added bonus for people paying less? When theres people obviously paying much more.. It's silly

Everyone who enters on MNSSHP tickets at 4:00p is also playing by the rules--to imply otherwise is wrong. It is not logistically feasible to have all party-goers wait until 7:00p to enter. You are not a fool for going to MK on a day like this, it really is one of the least crowded times to go, so you should enjoy a productive day even after 4:00p when the scofflaws invade.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I hope you're right about that. I was just thinking if all the people that are there that day are there, and lots of the people from the night party start showing up at 4, 4-7 will be extra crowded. Lower crowds on those days would be nice!

MAIN STREET will be crowded from about 5-7. For whatever reason, people who enter the park "early" before the party just tend to hang out on Main Street. I've never understood that. The other thing is that many, many people queue up early for rare, party-only characters that don't normally meet, so there are people standing in certain areas clogging up traffic, but not standing in lines for regular characters or rides.

 

[smitch425]

I completely agree, I scheduled our trip on the simple fact that it was an easy month that both my husband and I could get away, not because of a Halloween celebration in early September! So yes I'm paying the extra $$ for MNSSHP but because I think we have to in order to get the best bang. I'm also disappointed in the early entry MNSSHP people get! I just learned of the 4pm entry and it really upset me, I know most everyone is saying it's not crowded and not to worry but hey I'm playing by the rules here and using 1 of my park hopper day tickets, and I'm the fool... I think they should play by the rules too and ONLY get in when the party starts! whats with the added bonus for people paying less? When theres people obviously paying much more.. It's silly

How do you suppose the 25,000(ish) people with party tickets enter the park at 7pm while the 50,000(ish) people without party tickets exit at the exact same time? The 4pm entry is beneficial for Disney in two ways... first, to assist with crowd control. Second, the people arriving in costumes look they are about to have the best night ever, and regular day guests want in on the fun, so they buy tickets on a whim. Regular day guests are not getting cheated out of anything. The park is open until 7pm, and it is much less crowded on those days than other days, even with the party guests that show up early. Everyone is a winner on MNSSHP days.

 

[LilyWDW]

I completely agree, I scheduled our trip on the simple fact that it was an easy month that both my husband and I could get away, not because of a Halloween celebration in early September! So yes I'm paying the extra $$ for MNSSHP but because I think we have to in order to get the best bang. I'm also disappointed in the early entry MNSSHP people get! I just learned of the 4pm entry and it really upset me, I know most everyone is saying it's not crowded and not to worry but hey I'm playing by the rules here and using 1 of my park hopper day tickets, and I'm the fool... I think they should play by the rules too and ONLY get in when the party starts! whats with the added bonus for people paying less? When theres people obviously paying much more.. It's silly

They could always go back to closing even earlier so they can fully clear the park in order to let those with party tickets in at 7PM. So then you would lose even MORE time. Would that be a better solution for you?

Add on to that but park hours are only what Disney wants them to be. You are not guaranteed any specific hours or entertainment.