MNSSHP Solo?

[sconnell]

Anyone have tips or experiences to share about doing MNSSHP Solo? While I am in town for work, I am going to one night of MNSSHP! Super excited! I haven't been to MNSSHP in 15+ years, but was last in MK in Dec. I have never been in MK alone and I'm excited at the thought of just going at my own pace.
I'm usually a big planner, but when I'm alone I am more likely to spontaneously sit and enjoy the environment or shop. I would like to do some of the preparty things that will close and I'd like to ride Tianas, but soaking it all in is really the main goal. Fireworks from some random spot that just feels right and not necessarily the "best" view, I'm game. Watching pieces of the parade as I skirt around to see other things, yes please! Both are things I would never really do when I'm with the whole family or a group.

 

[fla4fun]

Anyone have tips or experiences to share about doing MNSSHP Solo? While I am in town for work, I am going to one night of MNSSHP! Super excited! I haven't been to MNSSHP in 15+ years, but was last in MK in Dec. I have never been in MK alone and I'm excited at the thought of just going at my own pace.
I'm usually a big planner, but when I'm alone I am more likely to spontaneously sit and enjoy the environment or shop. I would like to do some of the preparty things that will close and I'd like to ride Tianas, but soaking it all in is really the main goal. Fireworks from some random spot that just feels right and not necessarily the "best" view, I'm game. Watching pieces of the parade as I skirt around to see other things, yes please! Both are things I would never really do when I'm with the whole family or a group.

I have done it solo a few times. It’s much like doing the parks solo in general. You have the freedom to do what you want, when you want. If you want to sit and people watch (I like to do this on Main Street around four when people are just arriving) or if you want to ride attractions all evening, it’s entirely up to you. I find that doing the party with other people tends to tire me out more than doing it on my own where I can pace myself.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I have. You’ll have a blast, especially since you’re already excited. A couple notes, the general public/party crowd crossover time is very busy. The MNSSHP parade is a lot of fun, I think you’re doing yourself a diservice not planning to see the whole thing. I have arrived to the late one shortly before I expected the horseman to come out and was fine (don’t recall if he is before official start time or not).

 

[Leigh L]

Anyone have tips or experiences to share about doing MNSSHP Solo? While I am in town for work, I am going to one night of MNSSHP! Super excited! I haven't been to MNSSHP in 15+ years, but was last in MK in Dec. I have never been in MK alone and I'm excited at the thought of just going at my own pace.
I'm usually a big planner, but when I'm alone I am more likely to spontaneously sit and enjoy the environment or shop. I would like to do some of the preparty things that will close and I'd like to ride Tianas, but soaking it all in is really the main goal. Fireworks from some random spot that just feels right and not necessarily the "best" view, I'm game. Watching pieces of the parade as I skirt around to see other things, yes please! Both are things I would never really do when I'm with the whole family or a group.

I think you'll have a blast too! Esp with the spontaenous part.

I usually go with my adult daughter, and we do a lot together, but she likes the characters and I prefer the ambiance/rides, so we split up on and off throughout the night.

At the 4 - 6 p.m. hours when it's busiest, I like to do the shows that'll close like CoP, Tikis, etc.

My fireworks spot is up behind the castle near Mine Train. You can hear a little of the audio from the show, but not always great. We usually catch the Hocus Pocus at the last showing (midnight, I believe?)

I have. You’ll have a blast, especially since you’re already excited. A couple notes, the general public/party crowd crossover time is very busy. The MNSSHP parade is a lot of fun, I think you’re doing yourself a diservice not planning to see the whole thing. I have arrived to the late one shortly before I expected the horseman to come out and was fine (don’t recall if he is before official start time or not)

DD and I believe the horseman does come out before the parade starts...I'd guess maybe 10-15 minutes? We are usually on Main Street, though, so it might be closer timewise to the start of the parade back in Frontierland.

 

[sconnell]

I think you'll have a blast too! Esp with the spontaenous part.

I usually go with my adult daughter, and we do a lot together, but she likes the characters and I prefer the ambiance/rides, so we split up on and off throughout the night.

At the 4 - 6 p.m. hours when it's busiest, I like to do the shows that'll close like CoP, Tikis, etc.

My fireworks spot is up behind the castle near Mine Train. You can hear a little of the audio from the show, but not always great. We usually catch the Hocus Pocus at the last showing (midnight, I believe?)

DD and I believe the horseman does come out before the parade starts...I'd guess maybe 10-15 minutes? We are usually on Main Street, though, so it might be closer timewise to the start of the parade back in Frontierland.

That's awesome! Mother/Daughter trips are the best!
Thanks for the tips on fireworks spot! When DD was small, we accidentally timed her first ride on Dumbo with the fireworks (old location) and so we planned it 2 years later for my son. Magical! I think that's pretty close to the same geographic location to where you are describing.

 

[Leigh L]

That's awesome! Mother/Daughter trips are the best!
Thanks for the tips on fireworks spot! When DD was small, we accidentally timed her first ride on Dumbo with the fireworks (old location) and so we planned it 2 years later for my son. Magical! I think that's pretty close to the same geographic location to where you are describing.

Yes, I think it is the same general area. Usually lots of space back there and great fireworks views!
I hope you have a blast planning (and not planning)!

 

[Mouseforward]

I will be doing MNSSHP solo this labor day week, Tried a few years ago but it was miserable and pouring rain so I left.

I like the just hang out , catch the parade and later grab a few rides loose schedule approach.

 

[kwdw]

I've been to MNSSHP solo, I think, three times - and I would do it again. Tips:

• While I like HEA from behind the castle, no way I would watch the party ones there. It's not really so crowded and it's pretty easy as a solo to get a good spot in front of the castle at the last minute.
• Parade is AWESOME - find a spot and watch the whole thing. Lots of folks wait a long time for this in the hub - I'm not cool with that. And lots of folks have one member of their party go get food for everyone - and as a solo - I can't leave without losing my spot. So - I watch in Frontierland and get my snacks before I find a spot. I'm "whatever" on the headless horsemen - but most folks view that as the start of the parade - so everyone will be in place for that.
• If you are going to wait for any of the characters that have long wait times - make friends with those around you. Again - as a solo - if you have to unexpectedly run off to the restroom - you need them to be your tribe to let you back in the line.
• The QS places can be full between 4-6pm - which can make it hard for a solo to find a place to sit because folks are holding tables. They may have mobile ordered - or be ordering in line. You won't have someone to hold a table for you - so keep that in mind.
• I like to shop party merchandise early in the evening. If that's a plan for you, have a bag to make carrying your purchases easy all night. Remember, you'll get a treat bag for candy, too. (The treat lines are WAY shorter later in the evening - and the candy selection doesn't change.)
• If you want to wear a costume - go for it! You will see solos in costumes. I just have a Disney Halloween T-shirt I wear. While not everyone - a LARGE proportion of party attendees are in the Halloween spirit with their attire - Disney bounding, costumes, Halloween T-shirts, orange or other fall themed shirts. I find "I fit in" better with the crowd if my attire matches the spirit of the evening.
• If you have never been to a party - realize the time can go FAST! So - read the discussion board threads about making the most of your time for tips. Yes - you can go with the flow - but you also don't want to be unprepared. I was my first party and I left feeling like I didn't get to do a bunch of things I thought I'd get to do.

 

[OP95]

The first time I went to Disney solo I did the party solo, I unfortunately didn’t do much research/plan at the time and that’s the only thing I wish I did a bit differently . The parade and fireworks were amazing to see. I’m sure you’ll have a great time going solo as there’s so much going on! I’ll be doing the Christmas party this year.

 

[georgina]

I am not a laid-back park person, I usually try to do a lot of rides in addition to the party things.

I have been several times solo, would have been there last Sept if a hurricane hadn't closed the parks that day. Pre-covid when I had an AP, one trip I waited in line for Jack & Sally meet, then went on to the Pooh & friends meet in their Halloween costumes. Both of those were before the official 7 PM party start, but I got in line (with food) for J&S before 4:00. Not sure if they are still allowing AP holders to do that.

Another trip I did the fireworks dessert party solo. It was nice having the viewing area reserved. I do love the party fireworks and parade.

These days (no AP) I usually eat at Geyser Point at the Wilderness Lodge before the party starts and take the boat over to line up to enter around 3:30. A UV umbrella is helpful for the hot sun.