Given the following would you recommend MNSSHP?

[LuvDaisy&Minnie]

I don't love parades, but that Halloween parade is awesome. I would go back just for that. Oh, and I loved seeing the characters in their costumes even though we didn't wait to meet any of them. Ride lines were short which was great also. It was a slower day in September.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Trying to decide if the Halloween party is right for our family.

Facts:
-We are DVC owners and have been to WDW several times
-family includes Me, DH, DS (11),DD(8)
-we have APs so buying tickets to the event wouldn't save us at all
-we have never been to MNSSHP
-we would go on Nov 1st
-meeting rare characters is neat for me. Not so much an interest for the rest of the fam
-we like low crowds
-we enjoy a good parade and fireworks every now and then but not a must do each trip
-when talking about MNSSHP kids loved the idea of trick or treating in MK

I am so on the fence on if we should go and have fun or if it would be a waste. Any help would be appreciated

I think you'd be better off looking for a villain party (if it comes back to DS)...Nov 1 is unlikely to be a cheaply priced date or a DVC discount date...so, you might be looking at $90+ (or even $100+)/ticket. If you're gonna pay that much, you should get a limited audience character meet, not one where you are trying to get through 25K people...JMHO...

 

[FoxC63]

Wow! I really loved reading all the comments for one of my favorite parties both good and bad, but I would like to point out that many who have commented here about "walk on rides" have not included the actual dates they attended which could be misleading OP.

My family and I have been attending MNSSHP for years our specific time frame has always been the last week of October and returning by Nov. 1st or 2nd. Of course I would highly recommend you take the plunge however if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't go at least not during this time frame. It is busy and crowded and lines are long and this might turn you and your family completely off to where you'll never want to do it again. I would go during a less crowded time and research the heck out of all that is offered, because it is plentiful and you paid for these services.

Discounts - This is from MNSSHP 2016 so I doubt very likely you get one for Nov. 1st.
Annual Passholder Advance Pricing
September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20 & 25 - Adult $71.34, Child $66.03
September 23 - $83.07/$77.75
September 29 & 30 - $77.75/$72.42
October 2 & 6 - $85.20/$79.88

Also based on last years pricing October 31st was $111.83 x 4 = $447.32 this is not chump change to not have a plan and if ToTing is what your kids are into that's some pretty expensive candy!

I totally agree with @TwoMisfits I most certainly would recommend going to Club Villain at Hollywood Studios - if it's offered. This event took place last year on Friday & Saturday nights.
http://www.kennythepirate.com/?s=club+villain

There is also the Legend of Sleepy Hollow Event at Ft. Wilderness
http://www.kennythepirate.com/2017/...et-greet-event-coming-fort-wilderness-resort/

Or take advantage of what's going on at the resorts
http://www.kennythepirate.com/resorts/walt-disney-world-resort-recreation-guides/

@agavegirl1 is spot on. Should you decide to go split up that way you get yours and they get theirs.
MNSSHP is simply amazing. Here's the "Official 2017 MNSSHP" thread should you have questions.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/o...y-halloween-party-trick-or-treat-fun.3484819/

 

[Accident]

If you've never been, the trick or treating does change the place and something you'll always remember. the parade, fireworks, stage show and characters just add to the different you've not done it before experience.. It's a nice time and a way to do MK different.

Now for someone who has been, it's getting pricer and pricer with larger and larger crowds. I'm starting to think about skipping at least a year. I have been there before so I know what I'm skipping and why but having never been, you should go if it's in your budget at least once.

 

[Kelly014]

Go, it's so fun! Trick or treating in Magic Kingdom is really neat. The decorations and special effects are really cool. Ride Haunted Mansion and the ghosts heckle you while you wait in line, it's pretty entertaining. Ride lines weren't walk on (sold out party) but definitely shorter than normal. I loved the parade and fireworks so much! And seeing all the costumes is a neat perk. Dressing up is fun too, we did Rapunzel, Pascal, Flynn Rider, and Mother Gothel!

 

[anytimeuwnt]

To me.. Its the best event in the park other than the DVC parties last year.

I couldn't imagine not going.

 

[burberryplaid]

I would say yes...I think everyone should do it once and your family is at an age where it won't be a waste. We are DVC owners and we love it and don't mind paying for the experience. DH is not a fan of Halloween but he loves MNNSHP.

 

[Farro]

Go!!!

It's the only parade I actually look forward to! And the atmosphere is fantastic. The two of us (in picture) had a blast last time!

 

[worldtraveler996]

Given your situation, I would definitely go. It is a great party and there seems to be something for everyone in your family to do.

 

[DisDee1982]

Hey all!! Please help! WE are booked at AoA the last week of Oct. DH is not a fan of the idea of MNSSHP on Oct 31st as he thinks the crowds will kill the fun? Any recent experience with this? Also if we skip the party do you know anywhere else in WDW where we can trick or treat? THANKS!!

 

[rlk]

Normally I would recommend it, but now a WDW site is predicting that Splash Mountain will be closed for refurb during the entire month of September, October and part of November. With less to do at the MK, unfortunately, I will be skipping the party this year.

We attended the first MNSSHP this past August while BTMRR was down for refurbishment. When we rode Splash, there was very little wait.

 

[thelittlemermaid2]

I would highly recommend you going. The perks of it are the special parade and fireworks, the rare characters, and low lines for rides, which sounds like everything you are looking for! I say go for it, we have been twice and it is way worth it!

 

[Selket]

We went twice on our trip last Fall - I enjoyed it that much. I think the parade and fireworks are NOT to be missed - I enjoy them more than any other parade or fireworks I've seen in the MK or elsewhere at WDW (more than the MVMCP ones too). I personally wouldn't go in order to ride stuff - I'd do the party stuff because that's what's special about the party vs. going on a regular day. However I too have kids and when they were younger I'm not sure they would have gone for the "let's not ride stuff so much" idea - lol! I enjoy the Halloween party so much I think I'd rather go down to WDW at that time of year more than any other - just for that.

The only special character I waited in line for was at the MVMCP - Jack Skellington - and boy was he worth it! He was fun to meet and interact with. I think Jack and Sally are at the MNSSHP and if I go again I'd make the time to wait in line for them. I'm a fan of the Nightmare Before Christmas though - but yes the special characters if you find them interesting can be worth the wait!

I have to say Epcot has the Food and Wine festival (or did when we were there early Oct.) and that was a zoo. I'm not sure if it's still going on when you're there. If you're into the F&W part then I think it's probably awesome but I wasn't so we just avoided Epcot mostly because the crowds (weekend crowd) was a thick as molasses.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Wow! I really loved reading all the comments for one of my favorite parties both good and bad, but I would like to point out that many who have commented here about "walk on rides" have not included the actual dates they attended which could be misleading OP.

My family and I have been attending MNSSHP for years our specific time frame has always been the last week of October and returning by Nov. 1st or 2nd. Of course I would highly recommend you take the plunge however if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't go at least not during this time frame. It is busy and crowded and lines are long and this might turn you and your family completely off to where you'll never want to do it again. I would go during a less crowded time and research the heck out of all that is offered, because it is plentiful and you paid for these services.

Discounts - This is from MNSSHP 2016 so I doubt very likely you get one for Nov. 1st.
Annual Passholder Advance Pricing
September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20 & 25 - Adult $71.34, Child $66.03
September 23 - $83.07/$77.75
September 29 & 30 - $77.75/$72.42
October 2 & 6 - $85.20/$79.88

Also based on last years pricing October 31st was $111.83 x 4 = $447.32 this is not chump change to not have a plan and if ToTing is what your kids are into that's some pretty expensive candy!

I totally agree with @TwoMisfits I most certainly would recommend going to Club Villain at Hollywood Studios - if it's offered. This event took place last year on Friday & Saturday nights.
http://www.kennythepirate.com/?s=club+villain

There is also the Legend of Sleepy Hollow Event at Ft. Wilderness
http://www.kennythepirate.com/2017/...et-greet-event-coming-fort-wilderness-resort/

Or take advantage of what's going on at the resorts
http://www.kennythepirate.com/resorts/walt-disney-world-resort-recreation-guides/

@agavegirl1 is spot on. Should you decide to go split up that way you get yours and they get theirs.
MNSSHP is simply amazing. Here's the "Official 2017 MNSSHP" thread should you have questions.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/o...y-halloween-party-trick-or-treat-fun.3484819/

You make some great points, but I will say that there is no easy way to predict which parties will be less crowded. We went on a Tuesday in September and it was sold out. Friday of the same week was also sold out. A sold out party is a sold out party, and it is going to be crowded.

To the OP: Other posters have made this point, but I will reiterate: the party does not have the low crowds it used to. We went to the party in 2012 and it was outstanding. Low crowds and we met so many characters. Walked on Space Mountain and many other attractions. In 2013, it rained and lines were tolerable (but not as short as the year before). In 2014, it was a little more crowded, but still we did a lot of fun things. In 2015, it was unpleasantly packed. We met a total of 0 characters because the lines were outrageously long. Good thing we had FPs for between 4-7 because ride lines were really long, also. We did not even go in 2016 because 2015's party was just too crowded. We enjoyed ourselves, but the crowds and lines were disappointing. We have always been the last week or September or first week of October (not even close to Halloween).

That being said, the parade is outstanding and it is fun being in the park. There is a different vibe at the HP than at normal park times. It is definitely worth doing at least once. Just don't have expectations of meeting rare characters without long waits, or of having lower than normal crowds. If you do that, there is a good chance you will be disappointed.

 

[FoxC63]

Absolutely agree there is no way to "predict" which parties will be less crowded but it is a given that the last few days of the party will be as they are always "Sold Out" and the fact that OP is specifically talking about these dates @AtlantaDisneyDreamer it is more than predictable it is a fact.

Agreed. Sadly the good old days are gone but it doesn't mean the party is over. Several dates last year were reported how much easier it was for DISers to score two priority M&G's with minimal waits and rides were walk-on or up to 15-20 minute waits and the overall feel was better compared to the last days they attended in late October. You listed years but not specific dates to the parties you attended but it's good hearing you still enjoy the party and that's really the point of my post.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Absolutely agree there is no way to "predict" which parties will be less crowded but it is a given that the last few days of the party will be as they are always "Sold Out" and the fact that OP is specifically talking about these dates @AtlantaDisneyDreamer it is more than predictable it is a fact.

Agreed. Sadly the good old days are gone but it doesn't mean the party is over. Several dates last year were reported how much easier it was for DISers to score two priority M&G's with minimal waits and rides were walk-on or up to 15-20 minute waits and the overall feel was better compared to the last days they attended in late October. You listed years but not specific dates to the parties you attended but it's good hearing you still enjoy the party and that's really the point of my post.

I am sure the last dates will be packed. Just didn't want the OP to think she should wait to attend the party until she would be at Disney during a less crowded time (September or early October) and then be disappointed because those dates sold out and/or are packed as well. It is wise to expect the party will be packed on any given night, then if you happen to get lucky, you aren't disappointed.

 

[FoxC63]

I am sure the last dates will be packed. Just didn't want the OP to think she should wait to attend the party until she would be at Disney during a less crowded time (September or early October) and then be disappointed because those dates sold out and/or are packed as well. It is wise to expect the party will be packed on any given night, then if you happen to get lucky, you aren't disappointed.

Ha! Well that's certainly one way to look at it but there is a better alternative, check out the Official MNSSHP threads. when the prices become available along with the discounts, school breaks and other events I think one can go to a party without feeling like a sardine.

 

[Farro]

I am sure the last dates will be packed. Just didn't want the OP to think she should wait to attend the party until she would be at Disney during a less crowded time (September or early October) and then be disappointed because those dates sold out and/or are packed as well. It is wise to expect the party will be packed on any given night, then if you happen to get lucky, you aren't disappointed.

I'm like you, prepare for the worst, hope for the best! At worst you will be ready for it, at best you will be pleasantly surprised!

 

[memo10]

We're APH and frequent visitors and we love MNSSHP! We went for the first time last year and we're definitely planning on going back this year!

 

[mousehockey37]

Trying to decide if the Halloween party is right for our family.

Facts:
-We are DVC owners and have been to WDW several times
-family includes Me, DH, DS (11),DD(8)
-we have APs so buying tickets to the event wouldn't save us at all
-we have never been to MNSSHP
-we would go on Nov 1st
-meeting rare characters is neat for me. Not so much an interest for the rest of the fam
-we like low crowds
-we enjoy a good parade and fireworks every now and then but not a must do each trip
-when talking about MNSSHP kids loved the idea of trick or treating in MK

I am so on the fence on if we should go and have fun or if it would be a waste. Any help would be appreciated

I kinda skimmed the replies, so here's my take on this (I may or may not repeat others, fyi)...

Being DVC owners has nothing to do with the party or going to WDW (just in case you felt you had to brag, no offense, just the way it came off)...

Having AP's doesn't do you any good for this hard ticket event. It's a separate admission, for which the date you would be attending is the highest price of the run of the event.

It definitely is worth a go if you haven't been. Rare characters are fun. Jack Sparrow is a fun M&G. Crowds for the Nov. 1 party will NOT be low. Yes, they have a cap on how many tickets they sell per party, but it will in no way be low crowds (esp for those rare characters!).

The Hallowishes fireworks rank up near the top with 4th of July and Christmas, far surpassing regular Wishes. The Boo to You parade is unique and awesome in its own right. Not like any other parade you've seen during the daytime.

Now here are some other things that may be of note:
- November 1 will sell out fast. If you're going then, get your tickets soon or you won't be going anyway.
- Again, crowds won't be low.
- To go with a sellout crowd on Nov. 1, a lot of those people will be in line for the rare characters.
- Trick or Treating, characters, parades, all take up time. The event is only officially from 7-12. You can enter the park at 4 with your hard ticket, but the festivities don't kick off until 7.
- If you go, go at 4, do the rides you want, then get in line for the characters you want to meet. Jack & Sally can get to a 2 hour wait real quick and the line will start forming at 4/4:30ish (same for 7 dwarfs).
- November 1 is also the last party I believe, so again, don't let the idea of "low crowds" fool you.

The party night goes by REAL quick once things get underway. That said, it's up to you to figure out if it's worth it or not.