We went to MHP last night, 10/16, and I thought I'd check back in with a bit about our experience.
Our group was myself, DH, DS(7) and Grandma. We were meeting up with my brother, SIL, and DN's (10 & 12). DS, hubby and I are AP holders, and visit often. The rest of the group rarely visits (we all did MHP together for the first time last year), so they have different priorities than we do. So while we would have preferred to take in more of the atmosphere and focus less on rides, we went with the group consensus. I almost feel like we need to do one MHP on our own, and one with them...but that is not in the budget for this year. Maybe next year.
We weren't able to get there very early this year because we had Grandma with us, and she couldn't get in before 4:00. My brother and family got stuck in the 101 freeway closure; it took them over 4 hours to drive from the Agoura area. Not a good way to start!
When we were waiting in line at the front gate, the family of four in front of us (kids in costume, ready to party!) was not allowed entry. They had tickets for
MNSSHP! The CM explained that their tickets were for Florida, and that she could not scan them. I think they were going to try Guest Services, but I don't know their fate. What a bummer.
The overlap hours were extremely crowded, and even though it was a "cooler" day than what we've been experiencing lately, it was still hot and humid. Lines were long and Fast Passes were pretty much gone. We were able to grab some for HMH using our annual passes before the party-only guests were allowed in.
Once the party started, the rides seemed to be either walk-ons or "short" waits. Some walk-ons for us were Jungle Cruise, Splash, Indy, and Star Tours. Relatively short waits were BTMRR (9 minutes), SMGG (15 minutes), Pirates (15 minutes), and Astro Orbiters (10 minutes). HMH looked to be a good half hour whenever we checked, but we had used our FP's earlier in the day so no big deal. Ride lines seemed to be a bit longer than what I remember from last year.
We did not get nearly as much candy as last year. I think we gathered a lot at the TT pre-party last year, but we didn't make it to that this time because of poor planning on my part. The CMs also seemed to really stick to the 3-piece rule, and did not give extra. They did throw in the "healthy" snack most of the time, though.
We went to the AP treat trail on our way out, and there was no line there. They were handing out the Dove candy at the exits, as others have reported.
Just like last year, I ended up thinking that there just wasn't enough time to get things done at the party. The time really flies by. We didn't meet any characters (not a priority for us), and caught part of the fireworks as we were walking around (again, not a priority). We pretty much did treat trails and rides...and I still feel like we only got to a few of each of those. Where does the time go?!
Next year...I want to either do 2 parties, or a party where we really get to focus on things other than rides.
I was told the boy's spirit from the story was lost again and to come back at 11:30 if I wanted to help in the hunt. I did, and thoroughly enjoyed the approx. 20 minute jaunt that followed. I won't spoil any details for you, just be ready to suspend disbelief and have a bit of fun!
I figured they'd close it before dark but didn't think it'd be closed at 5! I did tons of research and reading on the DIS and never saw it mentioned that they close early, so new people, beware. We saw a few decorations from afar but not the same, and we'll never have another chance to go back-unless we win one of those weekly diamond sweepstakes!
