How to coordinate extra magic hours, mnsshp?

[petitephlox]

Hi everyone,
We'll be heading to Disney oct.23-28 (hitting the parks the 24-27).
I think we'll have to skip MNSSHP this year (dd will be 4, and with her first trip to disney might be exhausted, so we're thinking of waiting until she's a little older-although it's so tempting!).
My question is- am trying to coordinate a couple ADR's for our trip, including character breakfasts at Crystal Palace and tusker house, so I feel like we'll need to have set days for each park.
It looks like MNSSHP usually doesn't run on mondays and wednesdays, is that right? I'd like to go on one of those days so dd can see the firework and electrical parade in the evening.
Also, is it better to completely avoid extra magic hours days? We will be staying in a disney resort, but because dd is so young (and pretty short), we won't be trying to cram in a lot of the most desired attractions. Is it better for us to go on non emh days, to avoid crowds? Or are some parks better than others for emh days?
Thank you!

 

[Raya]

The only exception to the no MNSSHP on Mondays rule is the Monday of Columbus Day Weekend, the 2nd week in October. I've never heard of a Wednesday party. Of course, that's based on historic dates and we have no real way of knowing what Disney will pick for next year and all the usual disclaimers. The dates should be officially released in February, with tickets going on sale in April/May.

 

[petitephlox]

Thanks! It'll help when the dates are released, to figure things out.

 

[Quellman]

We did MNSSHP with our little guy (under 3) last year. He was asleep by fireworks but we still had a good time. Though to be fair, we didn't have to pay for him since he was too young. I think you have weighed cost vs. return for MNNSHP already.

Going to Magic Kingdom on party days is a pretty good plan, since most people don't want to be bothered getting kicked out at 7pm. Of course if you were not planning on getting park hoppers and have to see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, you will be stuck on your choice of days. HERE is the LINK to the crowd calendar for that week last year.

 

[petitephlox]

Thanks for that link, it's very helpful!
Good to know that it might not be too crowded on a MNSSHP day- maybe we can go on a non party day to see fireworks, and party day for less crowd. it's hard to decide on whether to do the party- I really want to, but not sure dd will be up for it, so I'm telling myself we can do it when she's 6!