MNSSHP as the first thing she sees?

[jsphotography]

I'm taking my sweet 5 year old who has never been before, and the easiest night for us to do MNSSHP is the first day of our trip. Our flight gets in around 11 AM, so by the time we get the car, check into the hotel (staying off site at Grande Vista), rest a little bit, we will be ready to hit the parks around 3 or 4, just in time to get into the park for the start of MNSSHP that night.

Halloween isn't a huge deal for her, we never really go all out for it, and she's not a very fearful girl (she will be wanting to go on rides that I'M nervous about! ;0) ) but I just don't know if her first experience EVER with WDW should be all the bad guys. Any thoughts? I think she will be more excited to do the rides and see the characters, I think she will like the halloween party, but I also think we could do without it and she will have a great trip just becuase its her first time. Everything I've read here is that its definitely worth the extra money for the tickets.. but should all the bad guys really be her very first experience with WDW?

 

[scootch]

Since the party really does not 7pm, I dont' think you get your money out of going unless you can stay till at least 11pm. I would do something else that evening and do MK the next day.

 

[LovePug]

I wouldn't do it. Not for her first time ever seeing WDW...As much as I loved MNSSHP, I would not make that the introduction to WDW for anyone, really, but especially for a child.

 

[ajh88]

If it is within your budget, I personally say to do it. If you enter the park at 4 pm, she'll get 3 hours worth of villain-free magic. And even once the party starts, you don't have to engage in the villainy if you don't want - although we thought the Villains Mix'N'Mingle stage show was hysterical.

They also have a couple of "dance parties" with characters (I believe Stitch as Elvis is at one of them - we skipped that part). Other characters are dressed up in costumes, and, if she really loves Cinderella, there is a great photo op with Cindy, Prince Charming, and the carriage. Last year it was at the stroller parking area past It's a Small World. The line was super long, so I'd get there early for that one.

The parade is my favorite one EVER at Disney - although the Headless Horseman and the Gravediggers scared DD a little bit - the rest was just fun.

Having gone several times during different times of the year, October and Halloween Party have been my very favorite and I don't consider myself a huge fan of Halloween either. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[sohappy]

I would say no. I think that the party is great and we are going- BUT, I wouldn't do it first. She is going to be so overwhelmed with all there is at MK- the rides, the shops, etc. I think it will be a waste of money. You will probably spend most of your time doing stuff that you could do on a regular MK day-not necessarily enjoying the halloween stuff that you are paying extra for.