Halloween and not going to MNSSHP

[Kelly014]

We will be at Disney 10/29-11/2, so over Halloween. However we're not planning on going to MNSSHP. I know it would be a neat experience but as of now I don't really want to pay any extra money on top of everything else and we will also have a 9 month old with us so I'm trying to keep things flexible (don't want to pay to go to it and then feel obligated to stay if he is fussy or tired).

So, what should we do Halloween night? We are planning on a half day at AK that day (day before is MK and day after is Epcot). We have park hoppers so we could check out Hollywood Studios I suppose. Or go to Epcot for food and wine. Does anywhere else do trick or treating? DD is 5 and DS will be 9 months so I'd like to dress them up for Halloween. Anything else Halloween specific that goes on besides MNSSHP?

 

[disneyworlddreaming]

Each resort typically has some sort of Halloween party/festivity going on! We stayed at ASMu last time and there was a dance party, games, movie and they gave candy out! HTH

 

[Baptist]

Why not go to MK that day until 6pm or so. It's great to see everyone arriving in elaborate costumes (some people go all out). MK in the morning of a party tends to be less crowded too!

 

[Disneyliscious]

I always made it a rule that any child I travelled with had to be 5+ years before I would take them to Disney. I left my oldest son home with my parents when he was 3 and took my nephew when he was 7. I then left my youngest son with my parents when he was 2 and took my oldest son when he was 8. The next time, both sons got to go. Neither of my children remember being "left behind" or anything like that. For parents who don't have the option of doing that, I'd recommend one of those strollers that lets down into a bed so the little one can sleep while you are in the park. Maybe take a midday nap then go back. If MNSSHP is in your budget, its definitely worth going to see. Or maybe take a stroll around DTD to get a feel for things. The main thing is that you dont want to cut your older child out of activities (they -will- remember it) just because you have a younger child in tow. Maybe consider getting the baby sitting service for the 9mo old and then all of you can enjoy MNSSHP. Its expensive but many poeple find it worth the price to be able to freely enjoy their evening without a little one along.

 

[Kelly014]

I always made it a rule that any child I travelled with had to be 5+ years before I would take them to Disney. I left my oldest son home with my parents when he was 3 and took my nephew when he was 7. I then left my youngest son with my parents when he was 2 and took my oldest son when he was 8. The next time, both sons got to go. Neither of my children remember being "left behind" or anything like that. For parents who don't have the option of doing that, I'd recommend one of those strollers that lets down into a bed so the little one can sleep while you are in the park. Maybe take a midday nap then go back. If MNSSHP is in your budget, its definitely worth going to see. Or maybe take a stroll around DTD to get a feel for things. The main thing is that you dont want to cut your older child out of activities (they -will- remember it) just because you have a younger child in tow. Maybe consider getting the baby sitting service for the 9mo old and then all of you can enjoy MNSSHP. Its expensive but many poeple find it worth the price to be able to freely enjoy their evening without a little one along.

We don't mind traveling with a baby. We took our daughter (who was 4 at the time) last year for one day at MK and she had a blast. She will be thrilled to go back, and I would be very disappointed in her attitude if she felt cut out of activities (at disney world of all places) because we have to adjust some of our plans to better fit her brothers needs. We have the options of leaving him with family or a sitting service, but have no desire to.

 

[staceyrhood]

You could head over to Fort WIlderness and trick or treat at the campsites...they go all out decorating, it is awesome! But VERY busy

 

[EPHomie]

Do you own a carrier, like an Ergo or Beco? Your baby might just sleep through the entire party while everyone else still gets to enjoy it. My one year old slept through two Mardi Gras parades this year, big bands and all! If I have him in the ergo for any length of time he falls asleep.

That being said, I'm trying to justify the price for MNSSHP when we go. He will be 2.5 and my niece will be 3.5. If they can stay awake for the party I think they would have a blast.

 

[Kelly014]

You could head over to Fort WIlderness and trick or treat at the campsites...they go all out decorating, it is awesome! But VERY busy

I have been looking at this

Do you own a carrier, like an Ergo or Beco? Your baby might just sleep through the entire party while everyone else still gets to enjoy it. My one year old slept through two Mardi Gras parades this year, big bands and all! If I have him in the ergo for any length of time he falls asleep.

That being said, I'm trying to justify the price for MNSSHP when we go. He will be 2.5 and my niece will be 3.5. If they can stay awake for the party I think they would have a blast.

I do have a soft structured carried (Boba 4G) I plan to bring. He's 4 months now and falls asleep in it a lot so that would be a good option. Part of the issue is cost though, we are pulling some strings for this trip! There's no way I could talk DH into purchasing more tickets at this point and I imagine Halloween night will sell out. Maybe a month or two from now if there are still tickets we could go ahead and buy them, but I want a back up plan just in case so DD can do a few fun Halloween things/trick or treat. I've been looking into Ft Wilderness like PP mentioned and it seems like it would be really fun!

 

[EPHomie]

I hate big crowds, and I'd imagine Halloween night will be insanely crowded, so I don't think I'd ever go on Halloween. TorT at FW would be a once in a lifetime trip.

 

[Kelly014]

I hate big crowds, and I'd imagine Halloween night will be insanely crowded, so I don't think I'd ever go on Halloween. TorT at FW would be a once in a lifetime trip.

Do you say that because of the way people decorate? I looked up some photos and am leaning toward going there on Halloween. It looks pretty neat and I like that DD can trick or treat.

 

[EPHomie]

It looks like a great time, the decor, no cars to run you over, everyone getting in the spirit. You're going to see the Disney decorations in the park during the day. And they have multiple MNSSHP dates per year, every year. Unless you plan to go back on Halloween again, chances are this is your only chance to experience the holiday FW style. Whereas, if your next trip is in the fall, you could always go to the halloween party then.

 

[Deanie1]

Also, don't forget that the fireworks might scare the baby. I remember when my son was 3 at Expo in Vancouver, I had to cover his ears with my hands and he still screamed. And he was not one who got scared easily (we will forget the Matterhorn experience ). I agree that it will likely be very busy at MNSSHP and that you can possibly go in a few yrs when the baby is older. FW sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[Berlioz70]

Here's a photo album of characters that have appeared at Resorts/Blizzard Beach on Halloween Day over the last couple of years:

HALLOWEEN - WDW RESORTS

Here are the chipmunks at the Fort:

 

[MomForFrozenAddicts]

I went to MK on last Halloween without MNSSHP and love it. The crowd level was quite low until around 4pm when the party goers started coming. We left around 5pm, after we finished all rides we wanted. Didn't go for Frozen M&G or 7DMT which we had FP+ but the ride was down. It was very cool to see all the people in their full Halloween gear. Went back to the resort and did some Trick or Treating before heading to our 8pm Boma ADR.

 

[Lee & Kerry]

It is a must do, but with a 9month old that might not be the best night or time to go, our kids loved it and now the grandkids love it. The grandkids started at three yoga and whenever we go at this time they must go do the whole night, try and pack 20 pounds of candy for an airplane ride home

 

[mummabear]

We are also going to be there at that time, we are going to the Nov 1st MNSSHP (although since it will be the only time we will visit for Halloween-because we have to pull the kids out of school I would also like to do the 31st one as well)
Anyway KtP has a write up about the resort offerings here: http://www.kennythepirate.com/category/holiday-happenings/halloween-resort-activities-guide/

 

[mummabear]

I always made it a rule that any child I travelled with had to be 5+ years before I would take them to Disney. I left my oldest son home with my parents when he was 3 and took my nephew when he was 7. I then left my youngest son with my parents when he was 2 and took my oldest son when he was 8. The next time, both sons got to go. Neither of my children remember being "left behind" or anything like that. For parents who don't have the option of doing that, I'd recommend one of those strollers that lets down into a bed so the little one can sleep while you are in the park. Maybe take a midday nap then go back. If MNSSHP is in your budget, its definitely worth going to see. Or maybe take a stroll around DTD to get a feel for things. The main thing is that you dont want to cut your older child out of activities (they -will- remember it) just because you have a younger child in tow. Maybe consider getting the baby sitting service for the 9mo old and then all of you can enjoy MNSSHP. Its expensive but many poeple find it worth the price to be able to freely enjoy their evening without a little one along.

Honestly I feel a little sad for you, we have taken our kids several times at 5 and the have been such wonderful, magical experiences for both them and us
I do agree with you though about not letting an older one miss out on something because of a younger sibling (and vise versa) but at the same time children know that you need to do things that work for the whole family.
OP-An idea may be if you budget allows for one of you to take your older child to the party while the other stays with the baby, this not only would work for the baby but make it cheaper to attend the party. Your daughter could really enjoy that one on one time as well.

 

[Disneyliscious]

Honestly I feel a little sad for you, we have taken our kids several times at 5 and the have been such wonderful, magical experiences for both them and us

Why would you feel sad? This totally works for our family. When we came home after taking our oldest son, the youngest was still having a blast with grandma and grandpa. A litter of baby pigs had been born while we were away and our 2 year old was on cloud 9. He loved it. Now, that 2 year old is 14 and doesn't remember any of it. Its not like he missed anything. And I was able to devote all my time to my older son and enjoy things with him without having to take mid-day naps, strollers, diaper bags, etc. It was so freeing and I wouldn't do it any other way.

My first grandchild will be born in September (My oldest is now 21) and Ive told them I will take them when she is 5. She will still be young enough to enjoy the magic but old enough to not need a stroller, etc. It just totally works for our family and is nothing at all to be sad about.

Some people dont want to cook on their vacations. I choose not to take a small child because it not only wears them out, it wears me out too. I don't pay thousands of dollars to have to deal with a cranky toddler (and lets face it, all of them get cranky when tired). I dont want to go back to the room and waste precious park time when my older child wants to stay and enjoy the park. And I dont want to miss seeing him have fun if we split up and I had to take the youngest for a nap. I realize that plans not for everyone but it works great for us. I think its great for those who want to take their young ones, its just not what we do is all. When they were old enough and we all started going it was great! No fits, no tears, no strollers to lug around. Wouldn't have it any other way.