We went two years ago and we're going back this year - CAN'T WAIT!!!!!
It was a surprise for our two daughters who didn't even know this existed. I kept it from them for six months. I purchased the costumes, airline-timeshare-park tickets, everything undercover.
On the day we were leaving, I told them that morning that my sister was probably going to have her baby that day, and to be ready if I show up during school to pick them up so we can hurry up to the hospital for the birth. So we picked them up and they wanted to know how come we were driving to the airport - I told them we were picking up Aunt Genevieve, my other sister. They were all excited. Then I couldn't take it anymore so I told them where we were really going and my youngest didn't believe me, so I told her to take a look in the back seat at the luggage! She told me, Stop Lying, it's not nice! and I kept saying, no really, we're going down to Disney!!
The next day we showed up at MK around 3:30 and they saw all these signs advertising the party - so that was a surprise. But while eating dinner at 4:00 at the Crystal Palace, I showed them their costumes and we hurried to the bathroom and changed.
What an awesome experience. They loved it - We loved it.
This year it's another surprise, but I won't hold out that long. They're 12 and 13 now, so you know they've got to get all their own "stuff" together for the trip.
I tell everyone, MNSSHP was one of the bests nights of my whole life.
The Crystal Palace is one of my favorites, but we might try LTT this year. We also took our free photo, which we received about two months after the party. I purchased the purple castle frame with the ghost on it and proudly display it every fall. I also included our photo as part of my signature.
We received 2 photos even though we had four in the party. When you receive the photo in the mail, they give you the option to purchase more or a larger one. I think this year I will order the larger size.
We did not go crazy with everything. I had read these boards and posts about the party and learned to see the second parade, which is less crowded; to take your photos later in the night, again less crowded. The candy handout spots were in full view and really cool looking. We did not receive the plastic bags when we walked in the park because we came in at exactly 4:00 so I guess they didn't have them. After dinner we walked over to the town hall and the CM gave us 4 bags.
This year I also plan on shopping for the souvenier shirts and pins (which are only sold at the party) at the beginning of the night. The shops were jam packed when the park was closing.
Also, even if you're not a pin collector, you should still purchase the MNSSHP pin, it is really nice and they only sell them during the party.
The park was NOT AT ALL crowded. We went on the first Friday night (the second night of the party) and the only time I saw a crowd was during the parade and in the gift shops at the end of the night.
The whole mood is absolutely festive! I am telling you, if you are on the fence of whether or not to wear a costume WEAR ONE!! People were walking up to my husband taking photos with him. There were so many people wearing costumes. At first my husband said he felt funny wearing a costume, but then he saw some guy bigger than him dressed up as Peter Pan and he said, now I don't feel so bad
When I told him I wanted to go this year again, his first words were, what are we dressing up as? My husband is a real macho type of guy (not his words) and he said he was glad he got dressed up because it put him more in the mood and you feel more a part of the night.
Another thing - If you dress up, you will be impressing the most important people in your life, your kids. They'll think you're so awesome. That's the whole part of getting down to Disney, too....for your kids and making their experience one they will never forget
This is our Disney dream vacation come true!! Any hints and tips about planning for MNSSHP would be greatly appreciated! 
Not everyone dresses up. We wore t-shirts last year that I made. You do see alot of cute costumes though, adult & children. With your MNSSHP ticket you can get into the park any time after 4pm. At 6pm they close the park & those staying for the party are directed to a certain area of the park & you can ride whatever rides are open in that area. The party officially starts at 7pm. There are different places to trick or treat & these places have balloons or something like that so you can identify them.
We are going to the party on the 2cd, which one are you going to?
