Mnsshp 2006-tips Only

[sconnell]

I know there are a ton of us who are VERY excited about MNSSHP and I know that a good many of those are experiencing it for the first time this year! I hope nobody minds, but I'd like to start a thread on Tips and Strategies on how to go about doing MNSSHP.
Some things that we might want to include:
What to bring with you/Things you buy for MNSSHP
Costumes
Where to eat
Special things to do
Timing
I'm sure there is more, but let's make this all about tips! Ok? Have fun!

I haven't been yet, but here's my tip.
PJ's as a Costume
I'm dressing DS almost 2 in a PJ pals from DisneyShopping that is a Buzz powersuit. This way, when he falls asleep, he'll be safe and comfortable and I won't have to wake him when we get back to the room. (I'd worry that a costume wouldn't be safe for a toddler to sleep in. Older kid, maybe.)

 

[PrincessPatty]

Remember to get your free picture taken, I beleive that they have it in the HoP!

We ate at YBC before heading over to MK, we got there a little late, so make sure to make ADR's at an earlier time. Remember you can always pick something up in the park if you're hungry later.

Trick or Treating is always fun!

There are some fun dance parties to attend in different areas of the park (pick up a map when you enter the park, times are listed as well as what rides are open)

Be sure to catch the parade and Hallowishes! IMO, the parade and fireworks are MUCH better than MVMCP

HAVE FUN!!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Dont wear heavy costumes....we were there last October (before the hurricane) and it was super hot, in the low 90's for the day and mid 80's at night. I cannot tell you how miserable the kids looked, they were sweating and very red faced......

 

[kj2mom]

I am a MNSSHP rookie but I have read that if there are any souvenirs you wish to purchase in regard to the party to do it the night you are there because they can only be purchased during a party.

 

[puggymom]

thanks for starting this, I am going to my first MNSSHP and appreciate all the tips.

 

[MonkeyPants]

dont try and do everything. 5 hours isnt enough time to actually see and do everything...wasn't for me and my sister last year anyway. Skip doing any rides, seriously I know it might be hard if you have kids who want to do them, but in this case the rides are a distraction from all the other stuff going on.

Get a good spot for the parade, the headless horseman is awesome...but if you arent in position you just might miss him as he thunders by (man that horse is HUGE!!!!)

Most importantly (which some people have trouble doing) lighten up!!! Remember what its like to be a kid. Dress up (yes wear a cool costume...as in temp..you can look like a dork, no one will care ) it helps get into the spirit of the occasion. I saw a number of fathers or mothers last year that looked miserable or uncomfortable around everyone in costume and I had to scratch my head thinking 'what did they expect and why did they come' If you are going with a couple of people it equals a decent amount of cash you are spending for the tickets, so relax and get into the spirit of the occasion and be a kid and have fun.

 

[kirbsam]

on your way out of the park, they give away so much candy and there is no line that you shouldnt waste your time standing in line for candy in the park. last year, they gave the kids handfuls and handfuls of candy right at the exit.

 

[helenm29]

Hmmm...I was thinking about Trick or Treat bags. Instead of using the ones they give out at the park (save for something special) go to Walmart arts and craft area, buy a canvas bag or two with handles and decorate like crazy! you can use those little foam cut outs and gloo them on or you can use craft paint or just about anything! This way you don't have to worry about the plastic breaking and the kids can have fun making their own special bag! This will be our first one and we'll see you all there!

 

[cattrix]

My advice is to have a plan of attack, as the earlier person said you can't do everything in 5 hours, if you usually don't want to wait in line for the mountains then make it a point to ride them as many times as you'd like, the lines are usually not a problem unless you go to the party around Halloween time. Make sure that you get in the things you want to get done. Getting pictures with all the characters dressed up in their costumes is always on my priority list.

Also if it rains before the party there is a good chance that the Headless Horseman won't run through the park as the pavement is wet and slick and yeah he goes flying by super fast so they cancel his performance, we waited on that forever last year and was very disappointed we waited all that time for nothing!!

 

[disneyaggie]

Where does the headless horseman ride? Is it just the parade route by himself or is it a part of the parade?

Also -- what other activities are going on? I know there are pictures and candy stations, but what else should us newbies to MNSSHP expect?

Thanks!

 

[GC&S]

Don't waste your time in line for candy (as others have said). Or wait a couple hours until the novelty wears off and then go get some.

Don't forget about the trail of treats behind toon town (the path that leads to Space Mountain). Last two times it has been Alice in Wonderland characters. Great photo ops and wasn't too busy the times we went.

If you do go in costume remember it still gets warm in Oct.

Be on the look out for rare characters - like the 7 dwarfs. And the villians. We spent a lot of time in toon town (due to dd's age) and was thrilled to see the Little Einsteins and Jo Jo last year).

 

[MonkeyPants]

Where does the headless horseman ride? Is it just the parade route by himself or is it a part of the parade?

Also -- what other activities are going on? I know there are pictures and candy stations, but what else should us newbies to MNSSHP expect?

Thanks!

headless horsemen runs the parade route about 5-10 minutes before the parade. He follows the regular spectromagic parade route, ie frontierland to main street

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

The biggest, best advice is to forget the darn candy.

It's the same little bite sized things you can get at home (exact same brand and packaging) and you are wasting valuable ride time waiting in line for two or three little pieces with it.

NED

 

[mickeysaver]

Remember to get your free picture taken, I beleive that they have it in the HoP!

I was under the impression that the "free photo" has been removed from the list of perks this year. Can anyone confirm this? It is not listed on the official website or on AllEarsNet. Maggie

 

[cattrix]

Oh yeah one more piece of advice I have is if you are going to watch the parade besides getting your seat early I would recommend watching it around the Hall Of Presidents, about 10-15 minutes before the parade and the Headless Horseman rides, there is a creepy old man carrying a lantern telling the story of the Headless Horseman as he walks part of the parade route, then after he is done the Headless Horseman rides through, it's great but usually that area is packed so get there early!!

Just thought of something else, last year they had an actual doombuggy from the Haunted Mansion outside so you could get your picture taken in it.....if I remember correctly you can opt to put that photo on your PhotoPass.....not 100% sure about that one though I can't remember!!

 

[ChrisAlli]

I thought I read somewhere here that strollers were free during MNSSHP??

True?

 

[keishashadow]

I've got my minnie costume (top part is velvet - I'll probably be a puddle by the end of the night LOL).

DH & DS are more of the shy types, don't like to draw attention to themselves. Will they be more comfortable in or out of costume?

We've got ADR @ LTT, not sure whether it's worth missing the fun outside. I understand the charactars do dress in costume there?

Where are the "special" pins sold? I've yet to find where the AP ones are available, everywhere I asked they were sold out in June.

 

[mickeys papi]

is there a place that list the special happenings and times

 

[kldmom2000]

Subscribing

This is our first MNSSHP though we've done the MVMCP a few times

Can't wait!!!!

 

[iwynlea]

To answer an earlier poster's question, last year, the pins for the night were available at the Exposition Hall (on the right as you come out from under the train station), and the pins from the previous parties were at Uptown Jewelers (part-way down Main Street on the right). I think the special tee-shirts were available at the Emporium (on the left on Main Street).

My tip, having been only once, is not to miss the headless horseman. I was so disappointed to miss him! But this year we're going two nights, so I'm sure to see him!

Also, if you like characters, keep your eyes peeled, because there are SO MANY rare ones..but, bring extra camera batteries or be sure your rechargeable battery is fully charged! (Mine died last year, and we had to purchase one of the expensive disposable cameras in the park so we could keep taking pictures).

I know last year, too, you could enter the park starting at 4:30pm, with only your MNSSHP ticket, which is great if you want to save a day of your regular park tickets.