We just went the end of sept/first of October. Our parties were not crowded. I would recommend getting there at 4pm with kids your age. You can go into Fantasyland and try to do some of those rides. That said, you won't be able to do the dance party until after the start of the Halloween Party so you might have to come back if you want to do this. We didn't as my DS9 would rather ride space mountain (not me but ....). We found that these ride lines in Fantasyland were pretty steady until after 10pm or so. Then they really lighten up. Since we are from the West Coast we did
MNSSHP the first part of our trip so we were still on Pacific time. This let us do the entire party as when it closed at midnight was really only 9pm for us. It worked.
I would definitely do the parade. We watched from over by Space Mountain for the first parade. It was good as it started there and many wanted to be on main street. If you get there early to get a spot often they have CMs along the parade route with hula hoops, etc. It is fun to watch. Plus, the parade ends here first and you can head around the back end of the park by Thunder Mt. to get away from the crowds and start on some rides.
Trick or Treating they have set up in specific areas. I would definitely go back to Toon Town. Get you picture taken for photopass at the entrance of Toon Town. It is cute. Then you can do Toon Town and finish up by trick or treating. This path will take you alongside the back of the park where they have trick or treat stations set up with CMs dressed up like Alice in Wonderland characters. It is fun. Plus it is a concentrated area for trick or treat. Feels more like the old fashion door to door trick or treating. You come out by Space Mt. Then you can head over to Buzz Lightyear and do that ride. There is another station in front of Carousel of Progress which you can go through. Keep in mind that when we went there were seldom long lines. From here you might want to head over to adventureland and ride Alladin carpets, pirates, etc. where you will find a couple more stations. Be sure to get a map as they outline on that map specifically where the trick or treat areas are - they will also give you bags to trick or treat with - be sure that adults take the bags, too. You are included!
The fireworks are not to be missed. You can see them well from Fantasyland but you miss the silhouettes on the castle. Watching in Fantasyland allowed us to jump right on Pooh and a couple other rides. Some were closed, though, due to the fireworks and it takes a bit to get them opened back up. The second party we went to we were in front of the castle and that was great as we saw the whole show. As you face the castle, if you get over to the left of it a bit the trees will not block your view of the fireworks. There are spots on main street area that trees have grown and the angle to watch fireworks is not the best. Be sure to keep that in mind when picking a spot.
Post any specific questions and we will try to answer.
