Mom, Zach & I are going to the party twice - Oct 2nd and Oct 6th. The first party is for mom and I to go character hunting without Zach complaining (we are bringing his DS that night LOL). The second date is for Zach to do what he wants without US complaining. I'm trying to gather as much info I can for the first party date so I'm not wasting time. I don't think I will see the parade the first night since I can use that time to get some photos of characters while others are watching the parade but you never know
)
I have read all 41 pages in this post plus posts elsewhere about
MNSSHP and this is the info I have gathered so far. I hope it helps someone.
01. * take a rest during the day before the party.
02. * You can get into the park at 4pm with your MNSSHP ticket. This is a great way to avoid the 7pm rush of people coming out of the park! None of the party activities begin until 7pm. The reason to get in at 4pm is to get your wristbands, candy bags, settle in, get something to eat, map out your game plan and you will be ready at 7pm to participate in the festivities. If you get there at 7pm, you will have to wait in a long line to get in and get your wristbands and candy bags and you will be later starting the party. If you don't plan to get to MK at 4pm when you can first get in, still plan to go somewhat early if you are traveling via buses from the resorts. Many, many, many families go back to the resorts for their children to change into their costumes and then catch the bus to return to the MK for a 7pm party.
03. * Second Parade is much less crowded.
04. * Do not waste time early in the party waiting on lines for candy. Towards the end of the party, the lines disappear, and "SOME" cast members will give out candy by the handfuls. They actually will try to fill your candy bag to the top if you let them. Again not all cast members do this.
05. * If you are a BIG candy hog make sure you bring your own big trick or treat bag. Disney does hand out smaller bags about the size of a sandwich paper bag. Don't forget to say THANK YOU (it is nice to hear).
06. * Just outside of the Carousel of Progress, they have a candy station set up where you walk through some illuminated hoops, and end at barrels where cast members are stationed to distribute the candy. Early in the evening, you will be waiting on line to get candy. Later in the evening, you will be able to walk right through and get the candy. If you wish, you can continue looping though as many times as you like.
07. * Headless Horseman - Line up early he comes out about 15 minutes before the parade starts.
08. * Photo Ops - I would suggest you line up on your first MUST character line before 7:00.
* Cinderella's coach is out in the Fantasyland stroller parking area (next to It's A Small World). Get there early- the line gets long and closes quickly.
* Tarzan, Jane, Terk, Rafiki, and Baloo are in a large room next to the Dole Whip stand that is opened up for the party. As you exit, they give you special candy it was different from the candy being distributed elsewhere. It's on your right as soon as you cross over the bridge to Adventureland. You enter the room referred to through doors that are adjacent to the little dining area. There are cast members stationed there inviting people in, and there is a small sign identifying the area.
* Alice, Tweedle Dee and Dum, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts are on the trail between Toontown and Tommorrowland.
* Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are in Fantasyland near Dumbo or the entrance to Toontown, fairly close to the teacups (I have heard different stories of where they are - so check with a CM) Get there early- the line gets long and closes quickly.
* Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween Costumes were at the beginning of Main Street, in a Gazebo, between Exposition Hall and the Train Station. I also heard you can find Mickey in costume in his house and Minnie in Toontown Hall. Again ask a CM
* Donald at Donald's Boat
* Goofy at Barnstormer
* Cinderella/Prince Charming and Aurora/Prince Phillip should be in Toontown in the Princess room
* Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet are out, in costume near Pooh's Playground
* Woody, Jessie and Bullseye should be in Frontierland, near the Diamond Horseshoe
* Peter Pan, Wendy, Hook, and Smee should be near the PotC ride
* Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, and Genie should be near the Carpet ride
* Daisy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Belle at Toontown Town Hall gift shop
* Little Einsteins at Toontown Train station
* Ariel at Ariel's Grotto
* Goliath the Gargoyle behind Cinderella Castle
* Br'er Bear & Br'er Rabbit at Big Thunder Mountain
* Buzz Lightyear at Timekeeper
* Stitch at Cosmic Ray's
* Fairies in Toontown tent
* Stepsisters and Lady Tremaine in Belle's Garden (I heard Merlin was here at one time)
* Make sure you stick around after the Villains show, they come down and you can get pics with them! They don't do autographs, because of time constraints, but you can meet Malifecent, the Evil Queen, Cruella DeVil, the Queen of Hearts, Frollo, Captain Hook, and Jafar. The villains are out for about 15 minutes after all of their shows EXCEPT for one show. There is one show per night that they don't stay out after because there isn't enough time, I heard it was the show before the fireworks.
09. * Other Photo Ops-There's a Mickey ghost on a pathway near Crystal Palace, the store Windows on Main St, a HUGE Pumbaa in Adventureland -- the candy stops have neat displays to take photos after the crowds die down.
10. * Enjoy the hidden gems: the ghouls in front of HM are awesome and if they tease you, zing 'em back.
11. * If it calls for rain bring your ponchos.
12. * During the party Face painting is FREE
13. * Face makeup doesn't run too much in rain, but does smear when you try to wipe the pouring rain off your face.
14. * If you want MNSSHP T-shirts (last year's were about $20-$24, be sure to buy them sooner than later during the night. They do run out.
15. * Take your Glow Sticks with you. Cheaper than buying them there. Maybe bring a small flashlight for map reading or walking in the dark LOL
16.* Remember to take it all in, RELAX and have fun. You probably won't be able to do every single thing so do your MUSTS first
When my mom asked for the the bags the CM asked her how did she know about them and my mom laughed and a said what doesnt my daughter know know about disney 
