Need help choosing trip dates for Oct/Nov

[COscrapper]

Yes I am already overwhelmed just with choosing dates! Am hoping to hold off booking until a discount is announced (budget is def a priority), but I realize I may have to book our dates before that happens in order to figure out ADRs and park days...I have looked at crowd predictions, etc. on various websites and we are shooting for a week in October or first half of Nov...this will prob be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. None of us has been to DW except for me when I was in high school (with the band and I didn't get to see a whole lot), maaaaaany moons ago. We did take our older son to DL in 2009 however.

We plan on getting 5-day hoppers for a Sun-Sat stay, if that makes any difference - hoping to stay at one of the mod resorts. We have 2 boys who will be 6 (almost 7) and 11 at the time of trip. They are def more into rides than meeting characters and both are high-energy; I'd be surprised if they needed a mid-day break while there. Should I avoid "jersey week"? I don't even know when that is, but I've seen it mentioned on the boards. Also, are any of the Oct/Nov weeks typically blocked out from discount offers? Was leaning towards the week of Oct 31 because Halloween party stuff would be over but it would still be before Christmas stuff, right?

MNSSHP is what's throwing me off more than anything. What is really special about it? Isn't it like $70 pp? I can't imagine coughing that up for 4 people just to see a slightly diff parade or fireworks - I mean, am I missing something there besides the kids getting candy? They won't care about special characters. And if we don't go, then we have to leave MK early, right (bummer!)? Sounds like we should avoid it if we don't buy tickets? That would def push us into the first few weeks of Nov. Would love any advice/suggestions from the pros!

 

[siskaren]

The MNSSHP parade isn't slightly different, it's completely different - different floats, different music, the works. (HalloWishes is also very different from Wishes). There's also special stage shows (last year there was a new one based on the movie Hocus Pocus that was very popular), but if Halloween-themed parades, fireworks, character meets and stage shows (as well as trick or treating) don't interest you, then there's no reason to spend the money on it. The MK closes at 7pm on party nights, but if you don't care about not seeing MSEP and Wishes, then those are actually great days to go to MK because most people will be turned off by the shorter hours, so crowds will be lower. You would actually have the same issue with the MVMCP, which generally starts about November 8, so the first week of November would be a good time to go if you don't want to worry about MK closing at 7.

 

[maxiesmom]

If it is a once in a lifetime trip, 5 days won't allow you to see everything. Not even close. So you will need to do a lot of planning, and trying to pick and choose which rides and attractions your family will really enjoy.

For me, the Halloween Party is a do not miss event. The fireworks are the best (imho) that Disney does. The parade is beyond cool.

 

[Kellie_G3]

If it is a once in a lifetime trip, 5 days won't allow you to see everything. Not even close. So you will need to do a lot of planning, and trying to pick and choose which rides and attractions your family will really enjoy.

For me, the Halloween Party is a do not miss event. The fireworks are the best (imho) that Disney does. The parade is beyond cool.

Agree! I lovedddd the HalloWishes and the parade was my fav from what I did see. I also liked how the cast members at HM were dressed up a little more!

 

[COscrapper]

Maxiesmom: oh I am well aware that we wil not be able to see everything in 5 days! That's why I don't want to waste money on something that may not be worth it to our family.

I realize that crowds can vary greatly on any given day, but IN GENERAL, is the NSSHP a big crowd-draw? Let's say we decide to do it for the sake of argument - is getting a spot for the parade or show always a nightmare? If we did the first week of November, that would mean we'd have oct 31 at the beginning of our trip so it would give us the option of doing the party if we wanted to...but I'm guessing that's probably the most popular date for the party, right?

 

[maxiesmom]

The Halloween party of Oct 31 sells out well in advance.

I think for starters you need to look at each park, and then list all of the rides and attractions you think are must-dos for your family. Are you big fireworks people? How about the parades? The fireworks don't suck your time as much as the parades do. If you want a good vantage point for a parade you need to grab your spot ahead of time. At least 30 minutes. If you want to watch the parade in the Magic Kingdom on Main Street make that an hour. If you are parade and firework people, that would push the Halloween Party up on the must-do list.

 

[Kellie_G3]

Maxiesmom: oh I am well aware that we wil not be able to see everything in 5 days! That's why I don't want to waste money on something that may not be worth it to our family.

I realize that crowds can vary greatly on any given day, but IN GENERAL, is the NSSHP a big crowd-draw? Let's say we decide to do it for the sake of argument - is getting a spot for the parade or show always a nightmare? If we did the first week of November, that would mean we'd have oct 31 at the beginning of our trip so it would give us the option of doing the party if we wanted to...but I'm guessing that's probably the most popular date for the party, right?

We managed to find a few good spots last minute but then a few times we moved because they were holding spots and put kids on the shoulders and couldn't see anymore I enjoyed the parade though. 31st is definitely going to be sold out quick. Resorts do some stuff too though on Halloween if your there

 

[nkereina]

We've been twice the week before Thanksgiving and this past year, we went the last week of October. If discounts are a consideration, most of October was blacked out for free dining and Jersey Week in November is usually blacked out for free dining as well.

In our experience, October is just a busy time now. It's by no means Christmas week-crazy, but I would say it's moderately busy whereas the week before Thanksgiving felt less crowded. October has become more popular due to the increased popularity with the Halloween party as well as Food & Wine Festival. So, for us, October was busier but had more desirable weather. The week before Thanksgiving was more tolerable with crowds and wait times, but both times we have gone this week, the weather had been dicey. Either rainy or cold. Couldn't use the pool much at all.

It seems like there are pros and cons to every time of year, so I think the best thing to do is narrow down which factors are most important to you and then rank them. If weather is not a concern but crowds are, go later. If discounts are a concern, check historical dates to know when blackout times are.

 

[DizDaD7]

Maxiesmom: oh I am well aware that we wil not be able to see everything in 5 days! That's why I don't want to waste money on something that may not be worth it to our family.

I realize that crowds can vary greatly on any given day, but IN GENERAL, is the NSSHP a big crowd-draw? Let's say we decide to do it for the sake of argument - is getting a spot for the parade or show always a nightmare? If we did the first week of November, that would mean we'd have oct 31 at the beginning of our trip so it would give us the option of doing the party if we wanted to...but I'm guessing that's probably the most popular date for the party, right?

Can you try an add on another day or 2 to your passes? It shouldn't be much more money to do this.and will definitely help you accomplish what you need to...

I've only gone 3 times in the fall, and all were Jersey week....It's really not as bad as some make it seem... Crowds of 5's & 6's for the most part... And also weather will be pretty nice. Not a huge difference from end of Oct. thru early Nov. though.

 

[2Gma]

We've been to WDW twice it in the fall time (last week of Sept/first week of Oct) and have NOT gone to the Halloween Party. Since it was our first (and second) visit to WDW I didn't feel I needed to experience a different/unique side of WDW because we were so busy just experiencing the "regular" WDW Plus its an added expense and maybe you'd prefer to use that money on another experience (ADR, Tour, experience, etc.)

We've been going to Disney for 5 years now and while crowds are "lower" during the fall time it is still busy. Especially if there is free dinning. Restaurants fill up quickly. I know you mentioned your boys being high energy and most likely not needing a break...I thought the same about my kids but honestly while its hard to pull yourself away from having fun it does get to be overstimulating after all day. The noise, the crowds, the wait times. Make sure to schedule some down time for pool, rest breaks.

Like others mentioned, make a touring plan and see what you be interested in doing in each park and schedule your park days based on that. You may realize that the party does or doesn't fit with your plans. You'll still have fun no matter what!

 

[minniemous]

Maxiesmom: oh I am well aware that we wil not be able to see everything in 5 days! That's why I don't want to waste money on something that may not be worth it to our family.

I realize that crowds can vary greatly on any given day, but IN GENERAL, is the NSSHP a big crowd-draw? Let's say we decide to do it for the sake of argument - is getting a spot for the parade or show always a nightmare? If we did the first week of November, that would mean we'd have oct 31 at the beginning of our trip so it would give us the option of doing the party if we wanted to...but I'm guessing that's probably the most popular date for the party, right?

I think the Halloween party is NOT a must do. It is very expensive and if it was the choice between the party and another night I would take another night hands down (I have been to the party twice). Halloween night is always the first to sell out so if you do want to do it you would have to commit to doing it rather soon after the tickets become available.

Our favorite time visit is October and November. If you do arrive October 31st it great because you get to see MK all decked out for Halloween and then you are around to see the transformation to the Christmas decorations..which is very cool. That is our favorite. This year we will be arriving November 4th. We did the Hallloween Party and Christmas this past trip and we are in agreement that we will not spend the money on either again. It is a good parade but in my opinion really not worth the money. If budget was not a problem then I would say certainly go for it because it is fun...just not a great value.

Jersey week is not bad at all and actually a very nice time to go. I have never found the crowds to be bad and I found in general it is a good group of Disney Visitors during that week. The weather is great in general. This past year was very strange and we were there from October 27th to November 9th and it was sweltering hot! It was over 90 just about every day and humid. Whereas the year before we had a couple days that were freezing. So it is a hit or miss there.

I think you will have a great time and it will be action packed. We have had 5 day trips and 11 day trips and I have equally great memories for each. I agree that you want to get a good plan..you do not have to stick to it but it certainly helps.

 

[dipastor]

We've gone during Halloween three years in a row... starting when my kids were 4 to 6 yo. The MNSSHP is not to be missed. We felt the crowds were lower during the evening and we found great trick or treating spots. It's usually beautiful weather and crowds are pretty low... even with NJ teacher week. I miss going at that time. My kids are too old to pull out of school now. Our usual travel time was October 28th through November 3rd. Now... we go week before Christmas. Have fun planning!

 

[senadler]

Our family usually goes in October as well, and we really enjoy MNSSHP. We do not wait in line for characters, but the parade and fireworks are great, and if you plan for the later parade you can take advantage of some short lines for many attractions. The overall atmosphere in the park is so much fun, and the kids like the trick or treating as well. It is definitely an extra expense, but if you use the first half of the day to do something not park related, you can get in at 4 PM without using a day of your regular tickets.

 

[COscrapper]

Well, DH looked over our tax return today and it looks like we might be getting a nice refund - which would mean budget isn't quite as tight as I thought and we might actually be able to add a day or two! I think we would add another night before paying for the Halloween party though. The problem is, if we are there over Halloween we almost HAVE to do the party because my boys will be "missing" Halloween at home and they will rebel if they get NO Halloween activities.

Question on discounts - online it seems like they have been offered in the fall in the past - if they are normally blocked out for October and Jersey Week, when do they actually have fall discounts?

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

The last week of October was not blacked out last year. We've done MNSSHP before, but after our trip in 2014 we decided it wasn't worth the money anymore. It's gotten more crowded and would be almost $300 for our family. We'd rather spend that money on an adding an extra day.

 

[MommaBerd]

Mousesavers has a historical list of discounts and when they were offered here: http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/#codechart

But remember, past offers may not be offered in the future.

 

[DizDaD7]

Just an fyi.....Both of our first 2 Jersey week trips, we did Mods. w/ FD....I moved my trip up by a day...As long as you check in on the last day that it is offered, you'll be able to get FD for the entire week. Or however long... It worked out great. But don't just settle on that. There are some room discounts that are just as good..Or look into renting points from DVC rental...You're sure to save some cash ...

Good luck whichever route you go...

 

[minniemous]

Well, DH looked over our tax return today and it looks like we might be getting a nice refund - which would mean budget isn't quite as tight as I thought and we might actually be able to add a day or two! I think we would add another night before paying for the Halloween party though. The problem is, if we are there over Halloween we almost HAVE to do the party because my boys will be "missing" Halloween at home and they will rebel if they get NO Halloween activities.

Question on discounts - online it seems like they have been offered in the fall in the past - if they are normally blocked out for October and Jersey Week, when do they actually have fall discounts?

This past year we did go to the party. I stand by my opinion that it is totally skippable and if it comes to an extra night or party do the extra nights. However we did the party by choice this past year on November 1st. I do not think it will be offered November 1st this year. It always just depends on what day Halloween falls on. I felt so bad my daughter would miss halloween. However what we did instead was a lot of fun. On Halloween night my daughter dressed in her costume and we had a dinner at hoopdydoo review. All the campsites do trick or treating and they go ALL OUT! It was quite crazy the decorations and the candy they hand out. So we made a night of it.

Now the Hoopydoo review is expensive but you do not have to do that... you can just take a bus to the campgrounds that night (especially if you arrive on Halloween night early in the day and do not want to waste a park pass). Do some really unique fun trick or treating with your kids. My daughter loved it and did not feel like she was being cheated out of Halloween. Just a suggestion if you have to arrive that night for a discount and do not want to do the party.

 

[maxiesmom]

This past year we did go to the party. I stand by my opinion that it is totally skippable and if it comes to an extra night or party do the extra nights.

And I will stand by mine that it is a must do! Especially given that the OP has never been before. The Magic Kingdom will be decked out for Halloween, and it can be more than a bit disappointing to be leaving the park when a whole lot of guests, all dressed up for the fun, are streaming in.

OP--How about watching some you-tube videos of the parade and fireworks and seeing if you think it is something your family will like? Don't forget too that if you are concerned your kids will be missing out on trick or treating that that is something they will be able to do during the party. And the Haunted Mansion is extra special on party nights. But take a look for yourself and see what you think.

 

[GWhitten98]

I agree with PP on the party, We have not done MNNSHP but have done MVMCP. The parade was neat and we did get to see a few characters that are not normally out, but overall if I to choose b/t having an extra park day (or 2) or going to a party. I would totally go with the extra park days. A benefit to going when the parties are going on though is that MK on party days are generally lower crowds. It worked in our favor to do morning till mid afternoon on party days and then hop to another park for the evening.