We will be going twice this year.
We bought tickets for the party the night before we are supposed to leave (it will be me, dh, and ds3). My husband just found out that he has to go on a business trip and needs to leave Disney the day of our party. We were both really disappointed as the party has been the highlight of our Disney trips the past couple of years.
I found out there will be another party the day we arrive. In the back of my mind, I was thinking, "Wouldn't it be fun to go the day we arrived AND our last full day?" but knew it was really expensive. However, when I called Disney to see if they could refund or transfer my tickets, I was told they can't do that and I'm stuck with them. Sooo... dh, ds, and myself will be going our first day, and ds and I will go again on our last full day. An expensive mistake, but one I'm really looking forward to!
My plan of action- the first night we go will be a Friday night and probably more crowded than the second time we go, which will be a Tuesday night. The first night, I plan on seeing the shows, parade, fireworks, and do some rides in between. The second party, we'll concentrate on meeting all the characters, doing the dance parties, and going on more rides.