MNSSHP during Columbus Day Week?

[Dreaming of Disney]

Has anyone ever attended the MNSSHP during this week? We are going to be there from 10/6 - 10/13 (Columbus Day is 10/9). I am starting to get a little scared about the crowd levels during this time and I thought going to MNSSHP would be a good way to experience MK w/o so many people.

Any thoughts?

 

[Peace Mickey Lovers]

I am a little nervous now too, we are going from 10/6-10/11 and I am going with the intention of going to MNSSHP, I can't wait to see the replies.
We are staying at Old Key West, where are you staying?

 

[bleeps]

We were at WDW for the weekend before through the weekend after Columbus Day in 2004, and we attended MNSSHP on a weeknight. Columbus Day itself, and the weekend before, were pretty busy -- not brutal, but the parks did fill up and it did take some organized planning to get the most riding in without too many waits in line. The party was wonderful -- not jam-packed, not "just us" in the park, but somewhere in between; we had a blast, participated in some party events, rode plenty of rides, got candy and character photos/autographs. We found it to be a lovely time to go, the parties aren't AS crowded as they get later in the month, the weather is nice -- and the crowds are about mid-level (but higher right around the holiday). Have fun!

 

[Mamu]

We went the week after Columbus Day week. Hot weather and low crowds except Epcot. This is Epcot F&W Festival time, we never got to eat at any of the restaurants in Epcot they were all booked and not taking any more. We did do Future world one morning for the rides and that was the only time we did Epcot. We were traveling with 2 8-year olds so we avoided World Showcase, too crowded. All 3 parks MK, MGM and AK had low crowds some rides were 10-15 minutes, most were walk on.

We went to MNSSHP on a thursday (this was a AP night) Weather was very warm and humid. We had dinner at 1900 Park Fare 4:45 and entered the park around 6:30, no lines to enter. I never saw huge crowds all night. We rode some rides, did our Trick or Treating while the first parade was going on. Got great seats for fireworks, the castle show and parade, in front of the castle.

It was a fun night and we will do this time of year again.

 

[IwannaseeMickey]

We were there Oct. 1-8, we left around noon the Sat. of Col. weekend. The mornings were great all week, but by afternoon, all parks were pretty crowded. Never been in the summer, but I can't imagine going if they are way worse then! It was HOT that week too. We did MNSHHP on a Thurs. night, it was great early on, but by 8 it was crowded, the late parade was packed and hard to find a spot.

The Sat. of Col. day was horrible. It was unbelieveably hot (and I'm a Tx girl living in SC, I know hot), and packed. We were happy to leave and get on the road. At one point before noon, Stitch's Great Escape had a wait time of 45 min. and we waited about 15 with fastpass.

 

[annameg]

We went to the 10/13 MNSSHP last year. At about 8p.m. it was pretty crowded. We waited until 11:30 to ride Peter Pan because the line was so long. It was still posted at 30 minutes but only took about 15. At 12 o'clock Main Street was pretty crowded as people were leaving, so a lot of folks toughed it out until the very end. But it was still a ton of fun. We are going back this year even closer to Halloween.

 

[Dreaming of Disney]

Thanks for all of the replies. I am still nervous about the parks that weekend, but I'm sure I will have a great touring plan in hand

Peace Mickey Lovers, we are staying offsite at Bonnet Creek. We just bought points with Fairfield and it will be our first vacation with them! I am very excited. It looks like a beautiful resort.

 

[mommykds]

We were there 10/1-10/10 last year & I was surprised at how crowded it was. I took my kids out of school to avoid the crowds!
Anyway, we did MNSSHP on 10/6. It was ok about an hour into it but then it got really crowded. The first parade was cancelled due to rain so the 2nd was impossible to even see.

The week was humid, rainy & crowded for what we were expecting. We did have fun though so don't let the crowds scare you. Go & enjoy. Just be prepared & have a good touring plan.

 

[PattnFmly]

We're going Oct 5-15 and hope to get in a MNSSHP again! DH is the most excited I think! Went twice before in this timeframe, once on a Friday and once on a Tuesday. The Friday was way busier (probably more locals) but very definitely do-able. We bypassed the first parade on purpose and it was very breathable by the 2nd parade! We sat right on the sidewalk - no one in front of us! The Tuesday one was quite slow, we saw the first parade right on the sidewalk with plenty of room to spare. I think I'll try to stick with a weeknight rather than a weekend and see how that is.