MNSSHP Worth it?

[ahunt]

So my dilemna is that I was hoping to attend MNSSHP on the Saturday night but it's only happening on the Friday of our vacation. I had already booked all of our reservations before this and now the parks we're attending are set because I don't want to give up the reservations we have. Be Our Guest for the most part!

Where I need advice is whether to attend MNSSHP on the Friday night after going to Animal Kingdom during the day or to skip it and just watch the fireworks at the Polynesian that night? My son is 8 and although he has tons of energy this will also be our 5th day touring parks and I'm thinking it might be alot to do both parks in one day. I'm thinking in order to do both we would have to skip the walking tours at AK.

This is our first and realistically our only trip to Disney. What would you do? Skip the perimeter things at AK for MNSSHP or forego MNSSHP in order to see everything at AK?

Thanks!

 

[Dolphindee]

I personally think that the party is worth it! Seriously the best part of our last two trips. But, it really depends on you and your family. The price is pretty crazy for what you get, but the atmosphere is just so amazing. There are characters that you would not see during the regular hours (7 dwarves, lots of Villians), tons of candy, awesome parade and the rides have very short lines....most of the time. The longest ride line we have encountered is the Haunted Mansion and we only waited for about 15 mins.

I would skip some of AK for the party. If you can even get the chance to go rest a bit, that would be ideal. We did Epcot in 2011 with our 5 and 2 year old. We then rested at our place for a few hours and headed to the party. My 5 year old lasted until 11:30 (my 2 year old napped most of it but he was free anyway). Last year my 7 year old and 4 1/5 year old lasted until the end.


Have an amazing trip!

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I thought it was one of the best memories I ever had! I would give up another park to attend, or make AK a short day. Especially if it is your only trip.
The atmosphere is amazing, Jack Sparrow and other characters, the zombie outfits at the Haunted Mansion along with special affects, THE BEST!

 

[fairy oma]

We did MNSSHP last year with our DD and her family...it is one of our best memories of the trip. The gravediggers performance in the parade is a don't miss experience. You don't have a line for the rides and the kids enjoy trick or treating. We are now debating on the Mickey Christmas Party but we think the MNSSHP is going to be hard to beat.

 

[Bishoparc]

My wife and I are going down for our anniversary 9/13-9/21 and are going to MNSSHP for the very first time on the 19 while we are down. I live in Florida and have never been but after watching the DIS Unplugged podcasts about the parties in years past (and this year) we decided it looks really awesome and are going to give it a try.

From what I've heard the parade and the fireworks are some of the best that they do. We did 2 years ago see the fireworks show from atop the Contemporary and I must say it truly was one of their best fireworks shows.

If you're going after we are I'll come back and reply to the thread again after we've gone and let you know what we thought.

Regardless, have fun and enjoy your trip!

Arc

 

[ariane37]

I hate to tell someone who's never been to a certain park to skip it, but I totally think MNSSHP is the best thing WDW does! We just did our 3rd party on 9/1 with DS's 8 & 12. We let them sleep in that day-I think they were up around 9-DS12 and DH went to DTD for a bit while DS8 & I swam. DS8 made it through the whole party, but he did start asking to leave at 11:30. Bad parents that we are made him stick it out another 30 minutes lol.

If your DS doesn't get up too early Friday, maybe he'll make it through the party?? If you can't fit AK in another day, you could make some FP's for mid-morning rather than getting there at rope drop. My 2nd suggestion is going early and yes, maybe skipping those things there that aren't your "must-do's" in order for DS to take a rest before MNSSHP.

It's a hard choice to make! Whatever you decide, have a magical first trip!

 

[patrickpiteo]

So my dilemna is that I was hoping to attend MNSSHP on the Saturday night but it's only happening on the Friday of our vacation. I had already booked all of our reservations before this and now the parks we're attending are set because I don't want to give up the reservations we have. Be Our Guest for the most part! Where I need advice is whether to attend MNSSHP on the Friday night after going to Animal Kingdom during the day or to skip it and just watch the fireworks at the Polynesian that night? My son is 8 and although he has tons of energy this will also be our 5th day touring parks and I'm thinking it might be alot to do both parks in one day. I'm thinking in order to do both we would have to skip the walking tours at AK. This is our first and realistically our only trip to Disney. What would you do? Skip the perimeter things at AK for MNSSHP or forego MNSSHP in order to see everything at AK? Thanks!

Do the party the parade and fireworks are truly awesome been to 8 parties over the years and try not to miss a year..

 

[brinafair]

After much debate, we bought our tickets for 10/3! Keeping fingers crossed for good weather!

 

[Raenstoirm]

We have been to 12 MNSSHPs and have two schedule for this month. Its our favorite Disney thing!

 

[my3kids143]

I'm debating the same thing. For our family of 5 it will cost us just under $400 for the one night!
Is it really worth the experience?

 

[ahunt]

We bought tickets and are so excited! We're doing Ak in the morning early because if breakfast reservations at Tuskers and then we have a rest planned at the hotel before the party. One more week! Can't wait. Party is on the 10th.

 

[sbarisch]

Yes!!! We were there this past Tuesday and it was a wonderful time! The parade and shows are awesome and all the rides were walk-ons I would suggest a Tuesday if it works in the plans, as those pairs tend to be a bit less crowded.

 

[Fiveisaparty]

I am on the fence with this question. I went with the whole family in 2011 and 6 tickets worth, I thought it was not worth it. However, I am going to the MNSSHP again this year with only myself and one child. I really enjoyed it, but it didn't seem worth it for 400+ before. When I only have to pay 130 it seems ok. I am excited about it and i loved the fireworks and the parade last time. I hope this time it is less crowded and less hot

 

[reesecup]

Kind of wondering the same thing. Our dd is doing the College Program right now and she went last week one night. She said it was amazing and we will absolutely love it. Our problem is, we can really only go on Sat. , Oct. 24th and I'm just worried it is going to be way more crowded than when she went. Was hoping to go Sunday but we have to get our son back to college in Sarasota that night with our flight leaving to come home on Monday (back in Orlando). Really want to go but really don't want to deal with a huge crowd. We have never been so I figured we will enjoy the fireworks and parade….don't really care about the candy stops. Our dd said there was a fun dance thing that I would enjoy. And of course we would like to ride the rides without long waits. Any advice? Not trying to steal this thread…was going to start my own but then saw this one and figured it related. Thanks