We have been on Oct 31st in 2009 and 2011. Both nights were I am sure sold out. The crowds are there especially when congregating for parades and fireworks. But you will still get to ride everything with short waits. I think the longest we waited for HM was 10 minutes. Maybe 10-15 for BTMR. I mean if you are familiar with the park you can get a lot done. Wait for the second parade and then ride until midnight. The crowd really thins after the second parade. We love going to both parties and thing that MNSSHP is the better of the two, actually.
I would definitely go on a Tuesday or Thursday night and avoid Friday and Sunday nights if possible. Keep in mind that during Oct on some nights AK will close at 5 or 6, DHS at 7 or 8 and Epcot at 9. If there is a party at MK, and F&W at Epcot....everyone will be leaving AK, MK and DHS at closing and will be funnelling in to Epcot to mix with F&W crowds. You will need to plan accordingly especially if you want an ADR at Epcot. After 7 Epcot will be busy. Epcot has had evening EMH on Friday nights during late Oct the last few years. So while the MK has a party til MN, Epcot will probably have EMH, too.
No one knew he was going to be there until he showed! DH and I were going to ride POTC just about the time the party started, meandered by and there he was! Without much line! W00T!We went to the first MNSSHP this year, which was in early Sept. Worked out really great for us. I think we waited 20 minutes to get our photo op with Capt. Jack Sparrow.
The good: not that crowded at all. Everything is fresh and new and fun. Also, it's cheaper.
The bad: if you are in costume and the costume has any weight at all, it will be hot! DH is going as the wizard Harry Dresden next time we visit (2013) leather duster and all. He expects to melt directly into the sidewalk before we are done. We may even go a week or so later just on the feeble hope that a cool front might move through and knock the heat down a few degrees!
We went to the first MNSSHP this year, which was in early Sept. Worked out really great for us. I think we waited 20 minutes to get our photo op with Capt. Jack Sparrow.
The good: not that crowded at all. Everything is fresh and new and fun. Also, it's cheaper.
The bad: if you are in costume and the costume has any weight at all, it will be hot! DH is going as the wizard Harry Dresden next time we visit (2013) leather duster and all. He expects to melt directly into the sidewalk before we are done. We may even go a week or so later just on the feeble hope that a cool front might move through and knock the heat down a few degrees!
