MNSSHP-Tips, Tricks, Secrets newbies should know (from the 2009 party!)

[Lucky4me]

We just got back from a very WARM five days at WDW. Record breaking heat that seemed to make people a tad crabby, myself included. It was our first visit in four years and we couldn't wait to see all the new rides and our old favorites.

We went to Mickeys Halloween party on Friday 10/9.
Got in at 3:50pm. The CMs put on our wrist bands and handed us treat bags. We loved how great the park looked all decorated for the party!
We walked on all the rides in Adventure and Frontier lands between 4 and 5pm.
We stopped for a bite to eat at Cosmic Rays around 5.
After we ate, we walked on all of future world. I really liked the Stitch ride, which is weird since last time I didn't like it at all. COP was awesome as usual. The people mover didn't seem any different and Buzz felt a bit dated.

We planned on waiting for the later parade, but there were lots of open spots around Frontier land for the first one. We lined up about 15 minutes before and couldn't believe all the people who pushed in at the last minute. It was shocking how they just did not care who they blocked, as long as they could see.
The Headless Horseman came through about 8 minutes before the parade started. The parade was great!
After the parade, we went on Pirates, Splash and Thunder again with no wait.
We watched Hallowishes from the fence in front of Crystal Palace. It's a good spot if you stay to the right when facing the castle. Hardly anyone was watching from there. At this point, the park seemed packed-really crowded, so it was nice finding a quieter place for Hallowishes.
After the fireworks, we decided to check out Fantasy land. We thought maybe the little ones would be clearing out of the park by that time of night. Wrong! We should have done Fantasy land a lot earlier. Peter Pan had a 75 minute wait at 9:30pm! We went on Small World with a 10 minute wait instead. Peter Pan was a long wait right up until 11:30pm. (we ended up coming back Saturday night to go on what we missed due to the crowds at the party- but Saturday was even more crowded!)
Between rides, we did a lot of Trick Or Treating, a few character photos, but stopped for rests and cold drinks more than anything else. The heat was oppressive, not even the slightest breeze to help cool things a little.
We finally gave it up at 11:45pm and slowly made our way out of the park.
I enjoyed this party much more than mvmcp, but would have enjoyed it even more had it been a bit cooler. Looking forward to next year!

 

[copperbrick]

To Lucky4Me: Oh my gosh, it was so incredibly hot on the night you went. We were there (not for the party that night, just at WDW and trying to cope), and I feel your pain. Hot, hot, HOT!

Who knew? It was record-breaking weather that week. We didn't expect it either. I planned for an Oct. vacation this year instead of Sept., just to beat the heat . . . NOT!

Augh. Such heat. Good for you for keeping your chin as high as possible. I'm still cringing from thinking about how you must have felt that night.

Sending a hug.

 

[KimRaye]

We did the 10/8 party. There were many things we wanted to do but did not have time (Dance Party in Tomorrowland, 7 Dwarfs, Alice's treat trail, face painting, etc.). You can't do everything ... we only rode 2 rides during the party (BTMR & HM ... and they were walk ons ... I'm not counting Splash since we did it at the stroke of midnight). If you have any questions, let me know!

We did 10/6 and I agree, 5 hours is NOT enough time!

 

[Lucky4me]

To Lucky4Me: Oh my gosh, it was so incredibly hot on the night you went. We were there (not for the party that night, just at WDW and trying to cope), and I feel your pain. Hot, hot, HOT!

Who knew? It was record-breaking weather that week. We didn't expect it either. I planned for an Oct. vacation this year instead of Sept., just to beat the heat . . . NOT!

Augh. Such heat. Good for you for keeping your chin as high as possible. I'm still cringing from thinking about how you must have felt that night.

Sending a hug.

Thanks copperbrick! Yes, it was hotter than the times we've been in August
and for so many days in a row, it was really strange.
The party was still fun, even in the heat. I haven't been trick or treating in 38 years. I enjoyed every minute of it. That night there were not as many people in costumes, I'm sure it was just too hot for a lot of people to put on anything extra. We wore light weight decorated black T's which were hot enough, but not as bad as a full pirate or wench costume.
We did notice a lot of people being herded out of the park because of the party and not being too happy about it. I felt bad for the kids, but the parents should have been more aware-don't they advertise all over the place that the park closes at 7pm?

I liked the one candy trail near toontown where Alice and friends were - they gave out the most candy and they were very friendly. dd had a lot of fun with the cm's.

 

[Dustmouse]

I liked the one candy trail near toontown where Alice and friends were - they gave out the most candy and they were very friendly. dd had a lot of fun with the cm's.

I totally agree! I went to City Hall and filled out a guest comment card to compliment the CM's at that location. Super fun!

 

[Nutz4Dizney]

Hey everyone! This is a question for those of you down there now or there recently.

Has this shirt sold out yet?

Last year, we went to the party and my mom LOVED this shirt, but she waited to buy it (our families curse... we do that way too often). Then when she finally went to get it, they didn't have her size. We're going to the party next week, but I'm afraid there won't be any left. Thanks guys!

that shirt was not sold out as of 10/10/09. It's not the official Party shirt so I'm sure they have plenty

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

that shirt was not sold out as of 10/10/09. It's not the official Party shirt so I'm sure they have plenty

We just returned on Sunday and I saw that shirt all over the place, parks and resorts. You shouldn't have a problem.

 

[copperbrick]

Thanks copperbrick! Yes, it was hotter than the times we've been in August
and for so many days in a row, it was really strange.

Yes. We were there through Oct 11, and we couldn't believe how incredibly, wrenching HOT it was.

I hope when we go next year it will be different.

Still, after some time passes, you don't remember the heat nearly as much as you remember the memories.

With the exception of Hollywood Studios! That darn park is the hottest of them all. The last three trips, my biggest memory of HS is heat, sweat, ice cream bars melting immediately, and more heat. Augh!

Still, I'd do it again in a heartbeat, and plan to do so next year. Go figure.

One thing for sure, we're packing light for costumes when we do MNSSHP again. T-shirts all the way.

 

[bgsnmky]

Is the pirates league where you have to pay for it separate right?

they were mixing in jewels 9/18-my kids thought that was great.

Also, if you are doing the hitch hiking ghosts try to wait until it gets dark-we did it early to avoid the line but the picture is only so-so because it was still so bright outside-

 

[bgsnmky]

Curious when you go to the haunted mansion this early...is it different - meaning are the CM's already dressed for the party..usually they have more makeup etc.

And I heard there is someone out on the lawn.

Or will this not happen till 7.

Hi! We went last night and had a BALL! Crowds were easy and manageable, ride waits were minimal we found and there was plenty room to see the parades and villians show. Everyone was friendly!
Me (Cheshire Cat), DS (biologist) and DD (bee). MIL was MIL!
We arrived and ate with an ADR at the Plaza at 5:15pm. We rode Haunted Mansion with 5 minute wait, we finished and rode walk on at Winnie the Pooh, the Tea Cups (2 minute wait) and we then went straight to Alices Mad hatter Tea Party Line. Took a picture with Alice (waited in line at 6:55pm and saw her at 7:05pm). She was signing autographs but we just took pics. Then went through all the candy stations there (3?). Arrived just in time for the tomorrowland dance party with Goofy, Stitch and Pluto (FUN!) Then we went to another line for candy, and saw Buzz Lightyear. Then we took a seat for the first villians show and stayed seated for the parade (with a quick taking turns at bathroom and attack of the candy). Watched the amazing parade and then went over to Adventureland where we met Baloo, Rafiki and Tarzan and got more candy. Went through the jungle cruise candy line, the pirates candy line and stayed on the bridge at Frontierland for AMAZING full 360 view of fireworks and could see the castle. Will stand there from now on to see those fireworks! Then there was another candy line! Then another at Liberty Square, then back around to Fantasyland where we did the next dance party with Minnie and Mickey. Saw Winnie the Pooh and Tigger (5 min wait) and two more candy lines before my kids wanted to ride Small World (walk on) where we saw: The Haunted Mansion Folks from here and I yelled OMG Its the folks from the DISboards!! And they likely thought I was nuts...cough, cough!
Walked onto Speedway before slowly heading out of the park at 11:30pm (DD was fast asleep by then). Wonderful time will CERTAINLY do it again next year!
P.S. Hope the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts didn't think this Cheshire Cat was being too crazy - I kept saying Hi!
Oh we got a great selection of candy there was an equal amount for us of chocolate, hard and soft candy, lollipops etc. Something for everyone

 

[kangaand2roos]

Hi all! I'm doing a no-kids-or-husband solo trip for four nights the 29th to the 2nd. My main reason for going is to go to MNSSHP and F&W fest. I have a ticket for November 1. I have a tour scheduled for Friday morning, but am thinking of cancelling it infavor of a second MNSSHP on the 29th. Will two parties be overkill for me going solo? How crowded do you think those two particular parties will be?

 

[DaniTaylor]

Went to the party last night and had a blast thought due to weather a lot of the characters weren't out. They didn't have Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs taking photos they were just added to the Dance Party by Ariel's Grotto, same with Donald and Daisy so I was bummed out as those were the characters I really wanted to get our photo taken with but it was still a great night. We got a ton of candy and I got a TON of chocolate I probably got a dozen 3 muskateers and both me and my husband got M&Ms. I also got snickers and kitkats. We did get a ton of tootsie rolls but I love tootsie rolls so that was fine with me and I scored a red tootsie pop which is my FAVE.

We scored an awesome spot in front of the castle for the 2nd parade and were able to watch the Villains show from there. The Villains did come out and took pictures after that show and Frolo and the Queen of Hearts came out into the street and were interacting with the crowd waiting for the parade. The headless horseman road about 10 minutes before the parade.

I heard the Haunted Mansion was closed for a while but we rode it twice with no problem. We also walked onto Winnie The Pooh, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear and Pirates. The trick or treat lines moved fast and everyone was super friendly!

 

[MusiqChic99]

Went to the party last night and had a blast thought due to weather a lot of the characters weren't out. They didn't have Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs taking photos they were just added to the Dance Party by Ariel's Grotto, same with Donald and Daisy so I was bummed out as those were the characters I really wanted to get our photo taken with but it was still a great night. We got a ton of candy and I got a TON of chocolate I probably got a dozen 3 muskateers and both me and my husband got M&Ms. I also got snickers and kitkats. We did get a ton of tootsie rolls but I love tootsie rolls so that was fine with me and I scored a red tootsie pop which is my FAVE.

We scored an awesome spot in front of the castle for the 2nd parade and were able to watch the Villains show from there. The Villains did come out and took pictures after that show and Frolo and the Queen of Hearts came out into the street and were interacting with the crowd waiting for the parade. The headless horseman road about 10 minutes before the parade.

I heard the Haunted Mansion was closed for a while but we rode it twice with no problem. We also walked onto Winnie The Pooh, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear and Pirates. The trick or treat lines moved fast and everyone was super friendly!

I'm really glad to see you had a good time. So many people have had complaints this year so I'm happy to see someone enjoyed themselves. We will be going next week and it's our first time so we have nothing to compare it to.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

We went to the 10/6 party. It was the first time going to MNNSHP for us. We dressed up as a full house, (3 kings and 2 queens) with crowns and t-shirts with the card on them. It was super HOT so I am glad we didn't have warm costumes.

I had planned to get the MK by 6:30 or so but we got delayed a long time at our 1900 Park Fare dinner so didn't arrive until shortly before 8. We could have really used that hour! There was so much to do and not near enough time. We could have used 3 extra hours! We stopped at the dance parties for a very short time. We didn't do any character stops. Snow White & Dwarves were not out when we walked by their area, probably on break. Didn't get to the Villan show. We hit all the treat stops and the lines moved quickly. Candy was mainly smarties, laffy taffy and now/laters. Very little chocolate but it was very hot!

Watched the fireworks from the hub and they were fantastic! Watched the 2nd parade in Frontierland in front of the Diamond Horseshoe. Great parade, we loved the headless horseman. One big negative was at the end of the Halloween parade a grown man pushed into my DS's stroller which knocked him out onto his face!! The man looked down at him and just kept on going, no sorry or concern at all! I picked up my crying, scraped up son and boy was I mad! Luckily he was okay and recovered quickly.

We did the 2 photopass stops at the HM. Rode HM, Buzz and BTMRR as walk ons.

Great party but I just wish we had more time. Only other party we've been to is the Pirate and Princess. I think I liked the P&PP a little better just due to the much lower crowds. We were able to get everything in at that party.

 

[DisneyGerry]

Me and 2 DS went last Thursday and had such a great time I got tickets for the 29th but seeing if I can exchange for the 31st

 

[aja319se]

Hi! Count us in for a family that was there on 10/6 as well. While the temp was HOT we had an awesome time! We waited until the end of the night to trick or treat and by Frontierland they LOADED the kids bags up (I'm talking fist fulls!!) We watched the second parade and the crowds were managable. My daughters favorite memory was when a CM was entertaining people prior to the parade he pulled all the kids out and had them march in their own parade halfway around the circle. She's still talking about being in a parade at WDW It was awesome and we would do it again in a heartbeat. The rides were all walk on and most people were in a good mood despite the heat.

 

[copperbrick]

Hi all! I'm doing a no-kids-or-husband solo trip for four nights the 29th to the 2nd. My main reason for going is to go to MNSSHP and F&W fest. I have a ticket for November 1. I have a tour scheduled for Friday morning, but am thinking of cancelling it infavor of a second MNSSHP on the 29th. Will two parties be overkill for me going solo? How crowded do you think those two particular parties will be?

It might be overkill. I'd go to touringplans.com and check the crowd calendar and decide from there.

For a solo person, I would think one night would be enough, but it really all depends on what you're looking for. Rides? Candy? An extra night in case of bad weather or whatever? Or, maybe you're looking for enjoying the experience of talking to Cast Members and guests?

If you're a people person, two nights might be GREAT! People at MNNSHP are party people for the most part.

So, tell us! What are you hoping for? It might help us help you.

Really though, if you listen to your heart and do what you really, really want to do, you'll be fine. You know yourself better than anyone.

It is a shame that the night you're looking to add is before the night you already have. If it were not, I'd suggest going and then deciding if you wanted to call for tickets to a second night. The economy is lagging, and tickets will probably be available -- no guarantees, of course, but it would probably be a safe bet.

Tell us more!

 

[copperbrick]

Hi all! I'm doing a no-kids-or-husband solo trip for four nights the 29th to the 2nd. My main reason for going is to go to MNSSHP and F&W fest. I have a ticket for November 1. I have a tour scheduled for Friday morning, but am thinking of cancelling it infavor of a second MNSSHP on the 29th. Will two parties be overkill for me going solo? How crowded do you think those two particular parties will be?

PS: Here is another idea. Weeks back, I called Disney to ask if I could change my reservation from one night to another. They said yes.

You might want to change your ressie to the earlier night, go and see how much you enjoy it, and then book another night if you like.

Again, no guarantee that reservations will be available, but I'd think they might very well be.

Hugs,
Copper

 

[kangaand2roos]

PS: Here is another idea. Weeks back, I called Disney to ask if I could change my reservation from one night to another. They said yes.

You might want to change your ressie to the earlier night, go and see how much you enjoy it, and then book another night if you like.

Again, no guarantee that reservations will be available, but I'd think they might very well be.

Hugs,
Copper

I was thinking of doing that, but I think I am going to cancel my tour regardless, and play it by ear on my arrival day. If I am not too tired and think I'll make it to midnight, I'll go t mnsshp. If I am tired, I'll go to epcot for the festival.

What I want to accomplish at the party...

Parade and fireworks
shows
dance parties
characters
some rides (the ones that will seem different at night)
candy if I have time, but not a priority)

hmmmm... It looks lime I want it all... Maybe two parties is a good idea.

I am a very social person and I've never met a stranger. That is one of the best things about traveling solo. I can talk to new people without annoying kids and hubby! I love offering to take family photos for people! I also love people watching. The thought of being able to see the parade and fireworks twice is also very appealing.

 

[junebugTN]

We went on the 6th also and had a blast, but I agree with others who said they felt like there wasn't enough time for everything. We returned on the 9th and were surprised by how much lower the Friday crowds seemed than Tuesday's (the 6th)!

Here's some video we just uploaded from those two evenings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o48NLizqTI

Hope you enjoy it!
June