Decision - Is Mickeys Halloween Party Really Worth $50.00 a person?

[inky dinky doo]

To the OP: go to the BW activities. Non-fans of Halloween on Halloween night, with younger children, would not see the value.

Disclaimer: we went to MNSSHP twice in one trip (Oct '04), once in costume (MrsT as a sexy cat [mrraow] and me, duh, in scrubs) and once where we met up with some DIS folks - we had a great time, and if we're at WDW during that time, we'll do it again.

In general, the 'perceived value' of MNSSHP increases when:

1. You are fans of Halloween.
2. Your children are a bit older.
3. You can stay until midnight.
4. You enjoy non-ride events like fireworks, parades and general atmosphere.

I do disagree with Disney Doll: the MK during MNSSHP is NOT the same old MK. Totally different (and spooky) lighting effects and sounds all over the park, a different (and slightly creepy) feel to the place, and a general overall tone of the guests which is a little more pumpkin-y. It's the difference between waiting in line for the HM in the sunny afternoon vs. when the night is dark, the moon is full and the gravestones seem to be moving just a bit....

I agree with everything Dr. Tomorrow said. We've been to both the Christmas party (MVMCP) and the Halloween party (MNSSHP), sometimes twice in one year, and our favorite is MNSSHP. Of course, we always go in costume and really get into the atmosphere and trick or treating. We also tend to take it easy that afternoon, with naps for the little ones so they aren't tired.

I will say -- and this is not directed at anyone in this thread -- I've always felt you get out of the parties what you put into them.

One year, I went to the Christmas party with a large group of family members. Somehow, we got separated and I ended up by myself, early in the evening. Instead of throwing myself into the party and making my own fun, I spent the time missing the rest of my group and ended up leaving early. I learned a lesson that year. It's up to me to have a good time, so since then, I've gone to the parties with just that in mind. I don't wait to be entertained. I initiate interaction with the characters and with the CMs. Heck! It's a party. I'm there to have fun, and I do. At Halloween, it seems like the CMs are having fun, too.

You have to decide, for yourself, if it's worth the money. For a group, it is edging up there, but if you've got the money and want to give it a try, I say "go for it." Just make sure you go in costume. I think it adds to the whole Halloween party feel when you do. If you think you'll end up worrying about what it cost you, then you should probably just go to the Boardwalk.

Either way, have a great time. You'll be in WDW, and I'll be here at home, handing out treats at the door.

Pat

231 days and counting . . . again!

P. S. I have to share what we wore one year. Back when Toy Story was so popular, we did a group thing. My little three-year-old-at-the-time grandson went as Buzz Lightyear. My nine-year-old granddaughter went as Miss Bo Peep. The three adults (my son, his wife, and me) went as Bo Peep's three sheep. We wore while sweats with white cotton balls glued all over, top to bottom. On our heads, we wore Mickey headbands we'd picked up in the park to which we'd also glued cotton balls.

As we were walking into the park, we passed a young couple walking out. Just as the two men passed -- my son and the young man in the couple -- the other young man said (out of the corner of his mouth), "Wife's idea, right???" And, grinned. What fun!!!! We also got to open the Liberty Tree Tavern that year. It really does pay to "get into it" if you go.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Our costumes were even easier...I was at the Disney Store two years ago during the "Finding Nemo" hoopla and they had these t-shirts on clearance for $5.00 (less my DVC discount!). They have a picture of Bruce, the shark, and say "Seafood Is Low Carb". I bought one for everybody in the family and went to the local party store where I found these really cool paper shark hats. Instant costume...and for anyone that asked, we were "Candy Sharks". We had a lot of people comment what a great idea it was. And the best part, we were able to wear shorts w/the short-sleeved tees...so we stayed cool and comfortable all night!

I agree about the atmosphere -- there's just something really cool about being in the MK at night with the buildings on Main St. lit up in all these fabulous colors, fog rolling about (even if it is artificial!), and seeing ghosts flying up the sides of the castle. It's the attention to detail that makes this event special for me.

BTW, I need to stop reading this thread as we were just @ WDW less than two weeks ago and I had vowed not to return for at least a year...but now I really want to go to MNSSHP again. Are we sure the OP isn't secretly a Disney Castmember?

 

[Steamboat Bill]

Well...here is my "off the record" opinion.

I went in 2005 with my wife and two kids and it was great. We have APs and went in early. We paid extra for the Halloween tickets and they give you a wristband and a candy bag. The funny thing is the only time anyone wanted to see the wristband was when they took our "free picture". Other than that, we could have stayed for free. All the candy stations gave the exact same candy, thus, you could just hit a few stations and thats it. The best part was no lines on most rides, it was dark, cooler weather than the day, and everyone was dressed up. Lots of fun! They had a real person "ghost" on the graveyard at the Hunted Mansion, but that's it. I thought they should have really jazzed up that ride with live actors inside the mansion ride.

But next year I may consider using my AP only and "accidently stay for the party and skip the photo"

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

The ride operators do look at the wristbands as you are entering...so I wouldn't be surprised if your "secret plan" back-fired. Plus, I noticed on our recent trip where we used EMH, they were very strict about the wristbands so I really think the CM's are now more used to checking than not. You might get away with just hanging out in the stores or watching the parade and/or fireworks, but wouldn't it put a damper on your fun to be looking over your shoulder all night, trying not to be ejected from the park? (And I'm not even going to get into the whole right/wrong debate as I'm sure you already know what category this falls into.)

 

[DisFlan]

A CM was "casually" checking for wristbands while we were standing to the right of the castle watching the fireworks. So they do check. Sometimes it's just not very obvious.


DisFlan