MNSSHP Strategies

[CinderellaElla]

My husband and I have been to Disney World many, many times since we were both kids. Usually we are the ones suggesting Disney World strategies to our friends! This time, we need your help!! This year is our first time going to MNSSHP. Anybody have a "this is the best way to see the most stuff with the least amount of lines/crowds" strategy? We don't know when we will be able to visit for the Halloween Party again, so we want to do as much as we can.

Here's a little bit more info:
- We're going Sept 30-Oct 2
- We want to see all of the parade/shows in front of the castle (times are undecided for us).
- Characters we want to see are:
-Belle and Gaston
-Alice and company
-All characters in Storybook Circus
- Rides we want to go on:
-Haunted Mansion
**We are AP so part of me says "don't worry too much about the rides, just do things at the MNSSHP that you normally wouldn't be able to do otherwise." But then another part of me says "the lines might be so much shorter for the rides!! Go on them!!!" Suggestions from MNSSHP vets????

We were just going to collect candy along the way.

Any suggestions about how to get through MNSSHP or how you like to do it are most appreciated!! I know there is a whole thread about MNSSHP but I don't want to read through 5,000+ messages

 

[alliecat523]

Character lines are long so you need to prioritize that first. Decide who is most important to see and start with them. Lines start forming early so you need to be prepared.

Headless Horseman starts shortly before the parade so you need to be in position early to see him.

 

[RJstanis]

For storybook characters if you want to meet 7Dwarves, I'd recommend being in line by 5ish, then getting in line for the ducks and minnie after that meet. Cruella I'm not exactly sure when best time to meet her or how long line will be. Ducks don't come out until 7 but you should close to the front. Goofy typically has short lines as party goes on. He's in same costume as during day. From there I'd try to catch the Wonderland's. We went at 710, and waited maybe 15 minutes for Queen and Tweedles. Alice and Hatters line wasnt to long after that but you could meet them during the day as well.
Also can't help you with Belle and Gaston either

 

[RJstanis]

If possible inclement weather see first parade, if not, then see 2nd parade after watching fireworks and such, and save Hocus Pocus for midnight showing if you can stay up that late. We did rides and trick or treating in between characters and shows, with emphasis of trick or treating closer to end of the night