MNSSHP worth it with small children??

[Sim4242]

Hi! We are already starting to plan our 2017 trip and are debating between May or September - We've gone in May before and loved it, but we really wanted to go to MNSSHP with our kids who will be just turned 7,5, and one who is just shy of 3 at that time next year - my question is, is MNSSHP worth it for these ages? I think so but then I read a bunch of reviews online that said parents with small kids were miserable there...We went last year when our kids were under 1, 2, 4 and had the best time even though people said we wouldn't so I'm thinking this could be the same for next year. I am looking for thoughts and opinions for this age range...will they make it? will they have fun? will we have fun? are the lines really shorter? will we be able to see the parades, etc? I read also that the crowds which are suppose to be light really aren't and lines for candy were outrageous (not that getting candy would be our main focus)

I personally think taking my kids at these ages will be very fun for them but I could totally be wrong her

 

[Princesspolly0110]

We went last year with my nieces and nephews. They were 9,6,6. They loved it except for they fell asleep before fireworks and parade... On the ground of Main Street. If you're going to go, I suggest doing a pool day in the morning, and hitting the park around 4-5 for the party. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[DisneyMomma63026]

We took our then 4 year old a few years ago and she loved it! she still sings the song from the parade from time to time and she's 7 now!

 

[DisneyMomma63026]

Also, we never had to wait more than 10 min or so in line (we went 10-27 - 11-2) another plus-- the weather was still warm enough to swim!

 

[AshleeH]

My boys were 7 and 4 on our first trip and we loved it so much we were kicking ourselves for not doing two parties. We did two parties on every single subsequent trip, including our last one with our newest baby.

I take reviews with a grain of salt - parents with young kids who were miserable were probably parents who'd made their kids go from rope drop to party end. We always have a midday break - especially on party days! And we plan a late ADR breakfast for the day after the party to rest up and recharge.

 

[Bluegrrl]

You will love it if you don't (imho)
1. Don't go to any park that day. Stay at the hotel or explore some others. Don't waste a park day there, just chill at home.

2. Get to the park at 4pm. Go to the back of the park for rides or get in line for characters like Jack EARLY or super late. Middle of party the characters lines get a long.
3. Candy lines may look long, but they move FAST. Bring your own bag b/c the ones they give you get filled up. The treat line is a very quick one.

4. Eat before you go to event, because nothing is worst than a crank butt kid. Get a snack mid- party, good ole party food, like fries and a soda!

5. My boy LOVES the dance parties! Do those.

6. If the munchkins can make it, 2nd parade is better and less crowded.

7. last but not least, my boy and our family have loved each party. Don't wear anything hot and over complicated, but wear a costume - it's fun!
Have fun!!!

 

[Sim4242]

You will love it if you don't (imho)
1. Don't go to any park that day. Stay at the hotel or explore some others. Don't waste a park day there, just chill at home.

2. Get to the park at 4pm. Go to the back of the park for rides or get in line for characters like Jack EARLY or super late. Middle of party the characters lines get a long.
3. Candy lines may look long, but they move FAST. Bring your own bag b/c the ones they give you get filled up. The treat line is a very quick one.

4. Eat before you go to event, because nothing is worst than a crank butt kid. Get a snack mid- party, good ole party food, like fries and a soda!

5. My boy LOVES the dance parties! Do those.

6. If the munchkins can make it, 2nd parade is better and less crowded.

7. last but not least, my boy and our family have loved each party. Don't wear anything hot and over complicated, but wear a costume - it's fun!
Have fun!!!

All great advice, thank you!!

 

[Sim4242]

My boys were 7 and 4 on our first trip and we loved it so much we were kicking ourselves for not doing two parties. We did two parties on every single subsequent trip, including our last one with our newest baby.

I take reviews with a grain of salt - parents with young kids who were miserable were probably parents who'd made their kids go from rope drop to party end. We always have a midday break - especially on party days! And we plan a late ADR breakfast for the day after the party to rest up and recharge.

Ha ha, yeah, I should take reviews with a grain of salt too! I would for sure do a chill day before the party. Thank you for your reply!

 

[disneymom0104]

We went in 2008 with a 6 and 4 year old and it was fantastic, I remember it being their first time out until midnight and they did great. We did not do a rope drop the following morning. We have also done a DL Halloween party with a 9, 7 and 19 month old. I don't think we made it until midnight but got plenty done. This year we will have a 14, 12, 6 and 2 year old. We are planning on going to MK in the morning and have an 11am breakfast at 1900 PF. Then we will go back to the resort to rest and back to the party that evening. I don't think it is ideal as we likely won't get as much of a rest as I would like. We may have to split up and have one of us go back with the younger 2. My biggest concern is my 6 year old, he will be really tired and falls apart in a different way than my older 2 ever did. My 2 year old could just sleep in the stroller if needed. We will see!

 

[Tucker24]

We went to MNSSHP when kids were 4 and 3. They loved the character meet and greets and the parade but HATED the fireworks. My daughter was actually sleeping in the stroller for the first 1.5 hours so that little nap helped her. Everyone had fun but I think my husband and I had the most fun out of everyone. We even tried to give them candy to juice them up a bit in the night, but then realized they were spent. We also made the mistake of going to MK earlier that day. Looking back the best option was to take a break that day and get to the party at 4

 

[Angel Ariel]

Hi! We are already starting to plan our 2017 trip and are debating between May or September - We've gone in May before and loved it, but we really wanted to go to MNSSHP with our kids who will be just turned 7,5, and one who is just shy of 3 at that time next year - my question is, is MNSSHP worth it for these ages? I think so but then I read a bunch of reviews online that said parents with small kids were miserable there...We went last year when our kids were under 1, 2, 4 and had the best time even though people said we wouldn't so I'm thinking this could be the same for next year. I am looking for thoughts and opinions for this age range...will they make it? will they have fun? will we have fun? are the lines really shorter? will we be able to see the parades, etc? I read also that the crowds which are suppose to be light really aren't and lines for candy were outrageous (not that getting candy would be our main focus)

I personally think taking my kids at these ages will be very fun for them but I could totally be wrong her

We were there for MNSSHP when Dd was 15 months, and had a great time. It was the only time we were sure we would be going in October, so we didn't want to miss it. DD did just fine. ETA - now remembering we didn't go into a park that morning at all. didn't enter til 4, and she did nap at the hotel during the day so evening wasn't a problem. We all stayed until the end of Hallowishes. DD actually fell asleep during the fireworks (no fussing or crying before hand either). My parents were with us, so the took her back to the hotel while DH and I stayed for a few more rides. Even if they hadn't been there, though, and we'd left right after Hallowishes, it would have been totally worth it. The best part of the night were the meet and greets..esp. with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. DH and I had dressed like them, and my mom made Dd a Pascal costume. Rapunzel and Flynn absolutely loved her costume and we're amazing throughout the meet and greet!It's one of our favorite Disney memories by far