Just back POR 10/20-10/27 & MNSSHP - any ? just ask

[kashkdz]

We just returned from our glorious 8 day vacation in Disney and have rave reviews of our stay at POR, Pirate cruise, as well as our dining selections and rides/attractions at the Diney parks. Two things--it was HOT and it was crowded (at least more than we are used to). Anyway it was a great vacation, and thanks to all of you who helped with your various tips.

 

[christophfam]

I am going to MVMCP in December and figure that it will be handled much the same as MNSSHP. Were you able to enter the park at 4PM with your MNSSHP tickets only? Did you get to see Wishes? Was Mickey's PhilharMagic open during the party?

Thanks in advance!

 

[kbhehl]

Hi--
Sounds like you had a great time! We have 2 questions for you:

1. How hot is "hot"?
We've been in May and September. Planning to take Grandma next year for her first trip to WDW, trying to decide between last full week of May and second to last week of October. We thought it would be significantly cooler in Oct., but now I'm starting to wonder.

2. How crowded is "crowded"?
What kind of waits were there for rides? What days did you do which parks and/or did you avoid early entry parks? How did you like October compared to other times of the year?

If October is about the same as May (heat and crowds), I'd say sooner is always better than later for a trip to WDW! any opinions?

PS
I think I need to update my signature.

 

[kashkdz]

We actually arrived at the party around 7:15, and from the crowds it seemed that people probably were able to enter some time before 7. There were people everywhere. From what I have read if you arrived before 7, they would direct you to Toontown. I can't confirm this. But I can say that there were signs stating that the park closes promptly at 6 (for those not at MNSSHP). Also you were given wrist bands as soon as you entered.

As far as the rides/attractions...most of the more popular rides are open (buzz lightyear, splash mountain, space mountain, dumbo, it's a small world, PhilharMagic, etc), with little to no wait ! They did have a brochure for the evening outlining what rides/attractions are open. Of course they gave out candy, and had a Halloween parade, and special fireworks, all with the Halloween theme.

They did not show Wishes the night we went (Sunday); we did though get to see it on Sat night.

I must say, it was defintely worth the money, not only for the kids enjoyment of the candy, and parade, but there were virtually no lines for any of the attractions.

Enjoy MVMCP !

 

[3for Me]

Just thought I could help - we went to MNSSHP on the 24th and 26th and both times we were able to enter early (we arrived at about 4:00 PM) there was a separate entrance area for those with MNSSHP tickets - one night they didn't even charge us for a stroller - just gave us one!!! You could walk around the entire park until 6:00 and then Tomorrowland until 7:00 but we left Tomorrowland both nights before 7:00 and rides in Fantasyland were open - we did EVERY ride in about 25 minutes - the only reason it took that long was factoring in the length of the rides - did Mickey's Philharmagic twice - NO WAIT and wonderful. It was warm but not hot - but we are from the south so others might feel differently.

Hope this helps!

BTW - I did not find the crowds to be bad this past week AT ALL!

 

[jdads2]

I have read that POR is not in very good shape and is looking rather run down. Bum's me out since this will be our first visit to POR. How did you find the room?

 

[kashkdz]

kbhehl--

We were in Disney last November and the wait times were defintely longer this time. A few things to factor in for increased crowds; October has MNSSHP in MK, EPCOT has the Food&Wine festival, and this is the tail end of the FTP people. ToT had wait times on Monday/Tues at 90 minutes most of the day. Also Test Track had wait times steady at 1 hour. We used Fastpass quite often, something that we didn't have to do before, and that definitely helped. Crowds defintely thinned as the evening went on, so if you had the stamina to stay later, ride times did come down.

Also temps were in the mid-to upper 80's and felt hotter (having to push a double stoller around the whole day, probably didn't help).

Either way I don't think the temps from speaking to others, are of course as hot as it is during the summer.

 

[kashkdz]

jdads2 --

I found the room to be fine. We stayed in bldg 27, which was a few buildings from the lobby, and faced the river. We had a short distance to walk to the main pool (old man river). We were in the alligator bayou section (5 of us), and the room had two double beds, and a trundle-bed under one. As far as room size is concerned, the room was fine for us (3 small kids) -- the trundle bed, when pulled out comes inches away from the room door. All in all the room was very clean, the grounds are beautiful, and the restaurants are clean and the food there was good. Have to check out Bob Jackson at the piano bar at night. I would stay there again anytime.