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

[Pookasaurus]

We'll bring long sleeves and hoodies just in case we get lucky and its cool out!

 

[beattyfamily]

I've been to Disney Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec many times and to MNSSHP 4 times and it was always VERY hot in Sept.

Didn't cool off at night till November.

Now December, you definitely need to have gloves and coats just in case but then again you may not need them.

 

[dizcraze1]

MNSSHP is the best time to see characters that are hard to find or not at all. We ate lunch at AK at 2pm and then went to MK at 4pm. My husband and kids parked it right in front of the castle for the villians show while I walked around to find the Cinderella coach. We had a great view for the show and afterwards we met EVERY single villian from the show. They do not sign autographs but will pose for pics. (The first year we couldn't get anywhere near the stage after the show, so we went in with a plan last year and it paid off!) We met Jafar, Queen of Hearts, Snow White's Evil Queen, Frollo from Hunchback of Notre Dame, Cruella, and Malificent. Malificent is my favorite and was completely bummed when we didn't get to see her the year before so my husband was determined we'd get to her this year. What a prince! We then went to Cinderella's coach for pics and spent almost the whole evening looking for characters. We saw the White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts again, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Jessie and Bullseye, Genie, and then towards the end we ate dinner at Cosmic Ray's, and afterwards, my DH stood in the Snow White and 7 Dwarves line while I took the kids to ride the Teacups about 5x till we were closer in line to the front. In fact, about 5 min after my husband got in line, they closed it for the evening and promised everyone already in line would see them! The parades and fireworks are nice to see once, but the non-crowd control on those is INSANE and I almost lost my mind the first year. Disney controls it as much as they can, but people are SO rude and lots of crazies. There are really nice people too, don't get me wrong, but watch out for the village idiots. And have fun!

 

[100AcreWood]

We are going in October (week of the 18th). In the past I have bought tickets way in advance. This time my in laws are "supposed" to join us. It's not confirmed yet so I'm hesitating to buy tickets. How long do you think I could wait before buying tickets? Are they often sold out in advance?

 

[disneypolybride2008]

We saw the White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts again, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Jessie and Bullseye, Genie, and then towards the end we ate dinner at Cosmic Ray's, and afterwards, my DH stood in the Snow White and 7 Dwarves line while I took the kids to ride the Teacups about 5x till we were closer in line to the front. And have fun!

Where was Jessie and Bullseye????? I hope they have more Toy Story characters out this year, since Toy Story 3 just came out... like Lotsobear and barbie and ken would be cool. I've only seen Buzz, and he was over by Carosel of Progress...

does anyone have a map showing the locations of the characters? that would be so helpful!

 

[tink too]

does anyone have a map showing the locations of the characters? that would be so helpful!

Check out the link on the first page of this thread. Although that's the 2009 map, it will give you an idea of where the characters usually hang out.

The map for this year's parties won't be available until after the first party date.

 

[smithmom]

We did this last year and going again this year. I have a few tips:

1. My boys were so ecstatic about the candy they were in every line as soon as they saw the sign for it. We did pack our own bags - disney reusable shopping bags, but decided to use the smaller ones they gave out. I'm glad we did. We had SO MUCH candy it was ridiculous!!! We even got Star Wars toothbrushes. They loved them. We stayed pretty late and as we walked out they had an enormous bin filled with candy and if your bag wasn't filled when you left they brought you over and topped it off... We ended up passing over our candy to a family checking in as we left. : )

2. We dressed the boys (4 & 3 yo) in their pajamas (disney ones) underneath their costumes. When it got too hot, they took the costumes off and were still "disney". It worked out especially well for the younger one who fell asleep on the boat back to the hotel and just slid him in bed! BONUS!!!

** an extra tip with young ones... just follow them! They'll go towards what they want to do. We had already visited Magic Kingdom in our visit so I wasn't pushing them in any direction, I just followed and I saw more fun than I would have if I lead them. LOVED IT!!!

 

[Disney93]

Really looking forward to watching the parade. I plan on being in position 45 minutes before parade time, is this early enough?

 

[disneypolybride2008]

on our first trip we got a spot early, still not 45 min though, more like 1/2 hour it. we were on main street and it seemed like it took forever waiting! It doesnt get to mainstreet til after start time, 20 min i think.. so then the next year we didnt go early to get a spot, just went over at parade start time and were able to get a seat on the curb. the later parade isnt as crowded, which saves you the waiting time for your spot which makes more party time.

 

[serene56]

MNSSHP is the best time to see characters that are hard to find or not at all. We ate lunch at AK at 2pm and then went to MK at 4pm. My husband and kids parked it right in front of the castle for the villians show while I walked around to find the Cinderella coach. We had a great view for the show and afterwards we met EVERY single villian from the show. They do not sign autographs but will pose for pics. (The first year we couldn't get anywhere near the stage after the show, so we went in with a plan last year and it paid off!) !

so in your opinion-- the first villian show is the one to head to.
Rides are not our objective here---maybe the Haunted Mansion to keep with the theme.
Where would you suggest to stand to get the most out of those villains

We were thinking of hitting the last party-- with the Hallowishes and the 2nd parade then the villains show before we left. (no way am I spending this money to sit and wait for a parade to start--lol

how long was the wait for Cinderellas Coach and Snow White?

is there not a problem with line cutting to get your kids with their dad?

 

[seadd67]

Last years opening for MNSSHP Boo to you

 

[seadd67]

sorry this was a test for my frist pict
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/huskie1963/disney09/154.jpg

 

[disneypolybride2008]

we did cinderella's coach on our first MNSSHP and the wait was long, even though the line didnt look long it took forever! the picture didnt even come out that good either, but it's a nice momento. Snow White was a long wait too, but we started waiting before the party started, she comes out at 7:30pm and the line was LONG behind us, i was glad we waited before it started. That picture came out great and they used our camera too. The quickest line was for tigger and piglet which i though they were the cutest, a pirate and a fairy.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I could use some advice about planning for the party. We have done MVMCP and we said that we wouldn't do it again. It was so crowded on Main Street and for the parade and fireworks, it was insane! We staked out a spot way ahead of time for both, and we were still so squished in, our kids could barely see. We only saw a couple of characters and rode a few rides, so it didn't feel worth the money. My DH said he would not do the party again, yet he wants to go to MNSSHP. I would like to see the parade and fireworks and get to see as many characters as possible. I know my kids will want to trick or treat and ride some rides. It would be a bonus for one of my dds if she got to go to a dance party. What did I do wrong last time?

 

[FFerret]

I could use some advice about planning for the party. We have done MVMCP and we said that we wouldn't do it again. It was so crowded on Main Street and for the parade and fireworks, it was insane! We staked out a spot way ahead of time for both, and we were still so squished in, our kids could barely see. We only saw a couple of characters and rode a few rides, so it didn't feel worth the money. My DH said he would not do the party again, yet he wants to go to MNSSHP. I would like to see the parade and fireworks and get to see as many characters as possible. I know my kids will want to trick or treat and ride some rides. It would be a bonus for one of my dds if she got to go to a dance party. What did I do wrong last time?

Sound like you went on a VERY popular night I know the second parade won't be as crowded as the first. I've done the princess and pirate party and MNSSHP and LOVED MNSSHP. For advice look at the original post--it has a link to the page w/ a whole mess of outstanding tips.

 

[mom2rtk]

Sound like you went on a VERY popular night I know the second parade won't be as crowded as the first. I've done the princess and pirate party and MNSSHP and LOVED MNSSHP. For advice look at the original post--it has a link to the page w/ a whole mess of outstanding tips.

What date and day of the week did you attend before?

The first big choice you make is when you attend.

Here are some other random suggestions:

1) Attend the second parade

2) Pick your most important item to do and get in line BEFORE the party starts. If it's SW and the 7D, get in line at 6:30. If it's Mickey, then be there at 6:30.

3) Prioritize! Know what your want most and work your way down the list.

4) adjust your expectations. With the exception of a few parties on weeknights early in the season, they are ALL heavily attended.

5) rest during the day so you don't have to leave a moment before midnight.

6) stay tuned in here to the boards for reports coming back from others who attend the parties before you. You can get an early idea of a good itinerary.

7) It's expensive, and hard to justify once, let alone twice, but I try hard to go twice on every trip when there is a party. It helps me relax and enjoy BOTH parties so much more knowing if I miss something the first night, I can catch it the second night.

Just know you really CAN'T do it all in one party. With the way the stagger and trade off characters, it's almost impossible to do it all even in two parties.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

Sound like you went on a VERY popular night I know the second parade won't be as crowded as the first. I've done the princess and pirate party and MNSSHP and LOVED MNSSHP. For advice look at the original post--it has a link to the page w/ a whole mess of outstanding tips.

I think we went on Dec 1, which was a Tuesday. I looked at my photo times too, and I think we did watch the first parade. I'm going to write down every tip I read on here so we can have the best possible time!

We watched the parade near the castle. Does anyone have a spot they think is good for parade viewing, maybe not quite so crowded? How about for fireworks?

 

[FFerret]

This year we're going to the very first one.

[happy ferret dance]


It's the only one during the whole week, so we hope it isn't too crowded. But, it's also something like Tuesday,Sep 14, which is WAY out from Halloween.

We did it back in 03 on our first WDW trip. It was GORGEOUS. But the candy people were completely stingy with their love. You get one piece. Period. Now, go away. Mr. FFerret and I must have had something like a dozen pieces of candy combined....

My big regret is that LTT isn't doing their character dinners anymore. THAT WAS SO COOL! The munks, Pluto and Minnie with masks. Perfect way to start the party. Really gets you in the Sleepy Hollow mood. Also got us in the park when no one else was allowed before the party. Talk about deserted.


I'm tryin to figure out how I'm going to convince my family to do the fireworks, parade, character signings, villain mix and mingle. They're only going to want to do maybe do one or two of those then ride, ride, ride. But guys, we can ride the rest of the week..... Com'n, please? Just one more autograph?


Unfortunately, I can't overplan like I want to though because it's the first one this year. Who knows what will happen? Can we actually enter at 4:00?

I'll be sure to post what it was like though when we get back

 

[mom2rtk]

This year we're going to the very first one.

[happy ferret dance]


It's the only one during the whole week, so we hope it isn't too crowded. But, it's also something like Tuesday,Sep 14, which is WAY out from Halloween.

We did it back in 03 on our first WDW trip. It was GORGEOUS. But the candy people were completely stingy with their love. You get one piece. Period. Now, go away. Mr. FFerret and I must have had something like a dozen pieces of candy combined....

My big regret is that LTT isn't doing their character dinners anymore. THAT WAS SO COOL! The munks, Pluto and Minnie with masks. Perfect way to start the party. Really gets you in the Sleepy Hollow mood. Also got us in the park when no one else was allowed before the party. Talk about deserted.


I'm tryin to figure out how I'm going to convince my family to do the fireworks, parade, character signings, villain mix and mingle. They're only going to want to do maybe do one or two of those then ride, ride, ride. But guys, we can ride the rest of the week..... Com'n, please? Just one more autograph?


Unfortunately, I can't overplan like I want to though because it's the first one this year. Who knows what will happen? Can we actually enter at 4:00?

I'll be sure to post what it was like though when we get back

Just a word of warning. The parties that are way out from the holiday DO tend to be less attended. However, if you're going 9/14, that IS the first party of the year, and I would expect it to be fairly heavily attended, especially since they are starting later this year than in the past.

I don't say that to scare you, but so you can plan accordingly and adjust your expectations if that IS the case.

 

[onnawufei]

The first year I went (2008) I didn't know there were two parades, so when I did the Christmas celebration last year I was all "well why aren't there two parades for Halloween?!". I didn't know there were until reading this thread. Go me!

It also wasn't until reading this thread that I realized just how much I missed the first year I went. I blame the fact that it was my first day at Disney ever so I was a little overwhelmed. So this year I have a feeling I'll have even more fun.