If I had to choose one - Very Merrytime. I'm not really a fan of themed cruises (Star Wars, Marvel, Halloween), but, at least, the cruises with Christmas decorations are no more obnoxious than those around town.
I just don't "get" the frantic "gotta do this!!!" atmosphere of the more specific (one day basically) themed cruises. I cruise for the cruise experience. Not so I can meet Darth Vader (or any other non-Disney types).
). I will say, if you can ever swing doing MNSSHP on Halloween at the MK, well worth it! We did that after our cruise last year and it was absolutely the best time! Not sure when we'll ever be able to do it again as our oldest is now saying he doesn't want to miss school for trips (darn him and his responsibility)!
I can totally understand that stress! We did HOTHS late last Oct. and luckily had no storms or rough seas. But given this year's storms, geese...I'm actually glad that I booked the WBTA instead of doing another caribbean for our anniversary (as it was, the storms affected us and made us miss our last port in Newfoundland
So envious you're doing the party next week!! I only ended up doing the transatlantic because the cost was so good and we found really good airfare (one-way). I told my husband that it was the only way I wanted to come back from Europe--slowly readjust to the time zones and avoid uncomfortable planes/jet lag!
Yes, the gingerbread making is cute but it is a ticketed event and not very many people get to do it. We have done it where people were pushing their way in without tickets and trying to grab supplies without notice. We have also done it where people were begging to get in. Another time when cast members were making people work in a group which doesn't always work so well with kids. And the houses are small, not really good for more than 2 people to work on at once. But when the cast members are more in control and limit it to ticket holders it is very cute.
HOTHS trick or treating is not more spread out. I found the Halloween activities to be even more crowded than Merrytime. I think part of that is that most of it happens on one day, whereas there are Merrytime activities throughout the cruise. I have done both and would really have a tough time choosing. We are doing another Merrytime this year, but that's because it worked with our schedule. We did the HOTHS last year and now that it's getting close to that time again this year, my daughter and I are both lamenting that we are not doing another one this year.
The actual "trick or treat" event is only in the atrium area.
That is interesting. I had kind of assumed the trick or treating was more spread out. From trip reports it looked that way but I guess not! I probably need to read more closely. Why would they do that? It seems like the enture point of trick or treating is walking around. In the parks they have it spread throughout.
I'm thinking they don't want to jam up the passageways anymore than necessary with kids running (yes, they will be running) from place to place. Just have it in one large area, like a party.
