MNSSHP Halloween Night Questions

[katie1992]

Helloo,

My boyfriend and I will be at MNSSHP on actual Halloween night (Inadvisable, I know but it was the only halloween party that is on in our dates!). We are from the UK so have the 14 day park hopper tickets and so can get into the park before 4pm which I would like to do to avoid what I assume will be big queues when all the party people arrive. Is there anywhere inside the park to pick up our wristbands etc.?

Also if anyone has any tips about going on Halloween/a sold out night that would be great. My boyfriend isn't fussed about characters but I hope to drag him to a few. I'm not too worried about getting loads of rides done as we have more MK days planned.

Thanks!

 

[Raya]

There's a hella long post on MNSSHP filled with tips, but here are my big ones:
* watch the second parade, it's less crowded
* eat before you go into the party. Food options during the party are limited and you're wasting party time.
* wear light weight clothing that dries fast
* if you want photos with a "big name" (Jack and Sally, Capt. Jack Sparrow, all the dwarves) line up early

 

[geekbri]

I don't have any good advice for you as far as getting the band once you are already inside. I can tell you that I went last year on halloween night and we had a great time. It did not feel overcrowded to us, however rare character lines CAN be long. You want to line up a bit early for the parade or show if you want to have a GREAT view, but if you are just ok with an "acceptable" view, you really don't have to get there all THAT early.

I recommend dressing up, it's a blast!

 

[BrianL]

There will be stations within the park where you can go get your party wristbands and trick or treat bags. They start up around 4 PM and once you have your wristband, you are all set to stay and enjoy the party.

Don't worry about Halloween night. It won't be any different than any other sold-out party (other than selling out earlier). It is manageable if you have a plan. See the Post by Raya above for good examples.

 

[katie1992]

Thanks guys! I will definitely check out that other post

 

[MrToadsWildRide]

Consider what you are paying for with MNSSHP. What's happening on these nights that you can't see or experience any other night?

1. The ability to wear a costume. (adults can't wear costumes on any other day/night of the year) This is a big deal. Something you might not consider doing, until you get there, see all the other people in costumes and then sock the person in the arm you're there with saying, "I told you we should have worn a costume." "You told me? No I told YOU!" (mini brawl breaks out) How can you possibly pass up the opportunity to wear you Man-Tink costume?

2. Special lighting and music on Main Street. This is a great place to take in the Halloween night, with the mood lighting and all the guests and their costumes pouring into the park for hours. (yes, it's okay to kick back and just enjoy this special moment)

3. The Hocus Pocus Show (in front of the castle) which is pretty good. Sadly, it's better the closer you get and getting close isn't easy.

4. Happy HallowWishes fireworks. Probably the (second?) best fireworks show in all of Disney World. Finally, a host other than Jimminy Cricket. (no offense to JC lovers)

5. Boo-to-You parade. Part awesome (the hitchhiking ghosts and the song you won't get out of your head) part not-so-awesome (Clairabell Cow).

6. The Lady outside the Haunted Mansion. I'm bad with names, but she's good with humor. You just hang out a listen to her interact with guests. Sadly, there's nothing special going on in side the Haunted Mansion (that I know of), so you can skip it if you've seen it 1, 2 or 398 times.

7. Trick-or-Treating. With or without kids, I can't see taking up time for candy. The candy isn't free when you consider how much (typically extra) you paid to be there on this hard ticketed night.

8. Photo ops with characters in Halloween costumes. This is seems like a great idea, but you can easily burn through lots of time waiting in these lines. You might be like, "Whoo hoo! I only waited 55 minutes to get my picture with Jack Skellington." But the even is only like 5 hours long. Instead, consider taking photos with some of the guests in their costumes. You'd be surprised how many are more than happy to share in the moment. Plus, no waiting in line.

The time for this is limited and it goes by quickly. Have fun, don't rush. Consider skipping anything with lines and skip anything you can do any other day at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[BrianL]

3. The Hocus Pocus Show (in front of the castle) which is pretty good. Sadly, it's better the closer you get and getting close isn't easy.

You are right about this, but if you can hold out for the last show of the night it is much easier to be super close for it. The same is true of the second Boo to You parade. Things really thin out after HalloWishes. I really enjoyed the Hocus Pocus show last year.