MNNSHP with a 4-yr. old?

[Constance331]

Are crowds so big that a small one would not really enjoy this? I would not want to lay out this kind of money if my granddaughter would feel overwhelmed and have a miserable time. Any experiences would be appreciated.

FYI - we are first-timers at taking a toddler to WDW.

 

[msmama]

My 7 year old couldn't stay awake for the Xmas party. He actually fell asleep on the ground while waiting for the parade.

It worked for us because there wasn't really much we HAD to do so resting while waiting in long lines for character meets worked for us. We rode may 2 of 3 rides (again, 30 minute line for 7DMT worked for us) and left right after the parade.

That said, I was shocked at the number of small children who were still up and relatively happy! I knew going in that he doesn't do well with late nights, but I thought I could push it for one night. I wouldn't do it again though until he's much, much older.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

DD was 2 when we went to the Christmas party and she still talks about the snow at disney world and how Elsa froze the castle. She had no troi le staying awake and the crowds did not hi der her fun. She'll be 4 this year when we take her for the Halloween party- we can't wait.

Yes, it will be crowded but your 4 year old should still have fun.

 

[megster1123]

I'm taking my 4&5 yo based off the recommendation from friends who have also gone with kids that age. My kids are power vacationers so they'll be able to power through. My friends hit the park early, went back to resort for a strict nap (no swimming, playing in the sun) and came back at 6 for the party and their kids (4 and 6) were solid until 11 or so.
I think if you plan appropriately based on your family it'll be fine.

 

[MeghanG855]

We took our 4 year old twins and 2 year old daughter to MNSSHP last year and they LOVED it! They thought the trick or treating was the best thing ever...and they enjoyed the Monsters Inc dance party. The twins were able to stay awake for the 2nd parade, but my 2 year old fell asleep right before in the stroller. This year we are doing the Christmas Party so I'm hoping they love it just as much!

 

[100AcreWood]

We did this twice and both times we had cranky kids who fell asleep in the stroller.

 

[Sagginit]

Another thing to consider is how well she does with face characters. We were there on a low crowd night and amazingly I was able to walk up to a few characters as they were coming out to get autographs and pictures right away. On that note someone sent their little Alice chasing after the Queen of Hearts and when she turned around I thought the child was going to have a heart attack. I ran into Mr Smee who wasn't as scary but have seen photos of other villians like Malificent wandering around. If crowds are low like that they have handlers but are more likely to be just in the middle of a walkway going up to guests.

On the other hand the dance parties are with fun characters like chip, dale, goofy, and the toy story crew. They were not scary and a great way for kids to interact with the characters. Trick or Treating is fun but just generic candy, not disney themed.

Also check to see if you can get a list of what rides are open (maybe check last year's for an idea). As adults this was appealing as we had low waits on rides like Splash Mountain but if she will only go on a few of the rides it might not be worthwhile.

 

[BlueHippo]

Our little kids love MNSSHP! We generally have a quiet day before... some pool time, maybe brunch somewhere, long rest in the afternoon. We head to MK at about 4. We have the stroller in case they need to rest and plan to sleep in the next morning too. We all get dressed up together and they think it's so fun that we are dressed up too. They love the trick or treating, the dance parties, and the parade! One of favorite things to do at WDW!

 

[AshleeH]

We've gone with a variety of ages - youngest was 18 months, but we've also been when our boys were 7 and 4. We take a break midday and my kids have always made it until closing and we've been to 7 parties in 4 trips. We always plan to sleep in a bit the next day as well - that's the day I plan our late breakfasts. It's worked out well for us. My daughter is 3 and will still be that age on our next visit and I didn't hesitate at all to schedule a party.

 

[betrent75]

I've been taking my daughter since since she was 4. Like the above posts, took it easy during the day. If we went to the MK (because it's pretty empty and we took advantage of shorter lines), we would take a break mid day and go back around 4. Since we had done the rides earlier on some occasions we could focus on party activities (trick or treating, face painting, dance parties, parades, fireworks, and just our favorite rides). We've always had a great time! Never had an issue with crankiness or anything. Just had fun.

 

[Kelly014]

When we went last year DD was 5. No nap and we only had 4 day park tickets so we were at a different park before the party (HS). DD was still trick or treating up until midnight! And the fireworks and parade were amazing. This is going to be one of those "depends on the kid" questions, but if your 4yo does okay with late nights then I say go for it.

 

[Tina Martin]

My DD was 4 when we took her to the MNSSHP and she had a blast! She dressed as Rapunzel and gathered as much candy as she could! She loved every minute of it!

 

[kj2mom]

My twins were 4, well actually I guess they were 5 because we went to the party on their birthday, and they loved it. We slept in in the morning, had the latest possible lunch at Chef Mickey (which was fantastic because the characters walk around until 1pm and as the restaurant clears out you get more and more individual attention) then went back to the hotel to just relax until heading to the party at 4pm. We stayed until midnight and the bus ride back was soo funny because they realized it was already the next day and they were still awake. Truly that was the most exciting thing ever for them! We had a really enjoyable evening and I am glad we did it. I did not buy a park ticket for that day, we used just the party ticket.

 

[happymommy]

I guess it depends on where you are coming from, and the kids' normal bedtime.

We kept to our kids' normal bedtime at Disney and all vacations when they were young. So at 2 and 4, they were in bed by 7 or 8. No way would they do a party (they didn't have them back then anyway) or see fireworks.

For a first time, there is so much to see and do, that I personally think it's a challenge to think that a very young one would do well. My kids would be asleep, or at very least a mess the next day.

My DD also was not into characters at all when she was young. She kept her distance.

Also, my kids took a nap in the stroller. So no back to the room to nap - that wouldn't happen. We enjoyed our day, and when they napped we'd find a nice shady spot and have a beer or two. Then in the evening would take them back and get them settled down for the night.