We did our first ever MHP on Friday night and in appreciation for all the tips we learned here, I wanted to share a bit from a newbies perspective. First off, it was phenomenal- having not done one we had nothing to compare it with but we are newly AP holders and Loved the party. I think everyone's experience will vary depending on the crowd density of the area they happen to be in- it was Packed. And just plain luck. We encountered so many awesome CMs and only one who was positively dreadful, they must have put her out there in an emergency- there is just no other way to explain her being in charge of the Mickey and Minnie meet and greet line at 6pm when ToonTown opened for the preparty. Thanks so much for letting everyone know about the preparty- we had our 5 yr old grandson and it was just the perfect start to a fantastic night. The Atmosphere, the TorT trails, the decorations- Loved it all.
There was a bit of confusion right at 6:00, there was a slight delay -perhaps a costume issue for Mickey or Minnie- we were lined up around the Gazebo. Goofy came out and immediately a line formed for him. Then Donald came out and another line, it might have been 6 or 7 min later before Mickey and Minnie appeared. The other lines were moving right along- everyone getting photos and being considerate of the huge crowds. Then our line started- at a glacially slow pace. Our blonde female CM was having a blast taking pictures with all the cameras and only doing about a group every 3 or 4 minutes- taking multiple shots and rearranging groups many times each turn. Had there not been such a massive line this would have been fantastic but as it was, so very few got to see M&M, who did leave just a minute or 2 past 6:30. We had been talking with the group ahead of us- all with our eyes on the time- and we managed to collectively do 3 groups in that last minute, those still waiting then got Chip and Dale. Pluto and Daisy came out as well to take over Goofy and Donald's line. But to give you a true idea, not only were we able to leave his mom holding our place line- we had time to do Both Goofy and Donald's lines that had formed AND return to our Mickey line, when we realized how small our chances were (and we were the lucky 2nd to last to get Mickey- but only because we all worked together). The CM was giving everyone lots of time to play with M&M, sign autographs as well as take multiple photo scenarios. She would be great as a photographer. Hopefully her time out there was a one time thing, so many were crushed after waiting half an hour to see so very few lucky ones get big turns- doesn't work in crowds like that. But we now had some great quick pictures, the trick or treat lines are really well done and flowed really nicely. So fun for both kids and adults. There is a big sign that makes a great backdrop and that line, without even a CM, moved along perfectly. I had not realized how many amazing photo backdrops are available all over the park during the party- I would have planned my timing differently as I was just surprised again and again at another awesome character spot. Thank heavens my little guy is not into Princesses- I would have needed another party night or two. For newbies, this thread has been priceless.
The lines for rides were crazy long from 4-8:30, loved that they were diligently checking we had the correct green wristbands on. We picked ours up at the entry off the hub into Frontierland about 4:15 and the line moved super fast- again- great CMs making it so exciting. Took us less than 5 min to scan our tickets and get wristbands.
The costumes we saw throughout the night on other guests just blew us away- the whole thing was just magical. For our night the PTN parade went from IASW towards the front turnstiles. We did not notice people staking out parade route spots particularly early, there is just so much going on, LOVED the fireworks. Ride lines were still a bit long until after that, but a few breakdown closures caused some lines to swell to other rides so that was just luck if that happened where you were- P of the C, Indiana Jones and Thunder Mtn were 3 temporary closures that we ran into, so HM was really long until about 10:30. Nothing could spoil the evening and I cannot wait to do it again next year. But I will try to find out where the amazing photos spots are next year- the Frozen ones were a couple of my favorites and there was a super long line for the one by HM so I wish I could have gotten closer to see it. Could not believe how much fun we had- hope everyone has a great time, we never saw the Mickey Vampire popcorn buckets- they just had Zero last night. Wish I had bought tickets to go again this year- we had no idea just how incredible an evening it would be- thanks to all who posted!!
It has been gloomy and overcast off and on, which is wonderful!, and it is slightly chilly -- just barely -- right now. It's only supposed to get to 71 degrees today. By Friday it will be back up to 90 degrees. 
For a fleeting moment I can remember what comfortable weather feels like! Two weeks ago it literally felt like a sauna outside, even at night. 
It's supposed to be mid to hig 90s while we're there, and Phoenix is supposed to be cooler in the 80s so I'm missing out on both sides lol
This time right now in 3 weeks, I hope to be chillin in DCA with my daughter eating a Disney corn dog!!! I have the guest bed with some toiletries already thrown on it... plus my photopass disc thing and one of my gift cards... and I need to find my landry's card to add to the pile. I am hoping that tomorrow my Disney visa will have updated my points so I can order the rewards card...
