Need touring plan for MNSSHP

[Boo Mc]

This will be our first time at the party. We are trying to decide between the 17th and the 20th. So my first question is which date should we pick? Also, we need a plan (yes, I'm one of those crazy planners!). We did not make a PS and will probably just eat a big lunch and grab some counter service at the MK. I know we should get our pictures first but then what? I want to make sure we do all of the stuff that you can only do at the party. Since we'll have other days at MK, I'm not as concerned about the rides. If we get to them that's great but it's not a priority. We plan to get there at 4 and stay till closing. So I'm wondering which parade we should go to, where's a good place to sit for the parade and the headless horseman, is there a costume contest and/or parade, and any other opinions on what has worked well for you. Our kids are almost 6 and 8 and will be up for anything (especially trick or treating). I've read a lot of the official MNSSHP thread but if you have any other tips about which order to do things is the least crowded I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[lovethattink]

If we see that the picture lines are too long, we wait until after 10pm. Lines for pictures are usually non-existant between 10 and midnight.

 

[AFMom]

I'm not good at touring plans - but we went 10/1, and here are some tips:
Get out of Tomorrowland as soon as you can! It's mobbed! Come back a few hours later and it's fine.
Wait to trick or treat until you get away from Tomorrowland
Don't get your picture taken until after 10pm
Plan Fantasyland as late as you can - most of the littler kids don't make it past 11pm. We waited until 10:30 and walked on all of the rides
Have fun!

 

[Boo Mc]

Thanks for the tips! Anyone else have any?

 

[kathyclownfish]

We had a 4:30 PS in the castle for dinner. Got out around 5:30 and started touring. People that didn't have a Party ticket were leaving and many of the party ticket holders didn't arrive yet. We got our picture first. No line. We then did all the "big" attractions Second. NO LINES AT ALL! By the time we flew through all of these things, we were able to relax, enjoy trick or treating and enjoy the sites. My favorite thing was the Halloween fireworks and seeing the witch come down the line. We did have to stake out a spot pretty early!! Find a spot to sit on main street. We used our blanket we got from the airplane to put across the sidewalk where we wanted to sit. I would say we had to sit for about 45 minutes or so. Have someone stay on the blanket and "guard it" while someone else gets snacks.

My son was able to ride splash mountain 4 times in a row..brrrr...

Have fun! I wanted to go to the party this year, but planned this trip too late and the tickets are sold out