Not So Scary Halloween Party

[ZoZo]

Even though the park closes early for everyone not going to the party, the MK wasn't crowded at all that morning, probably because people often choose to go to the park with the longest hours, but you could get a lot done at MK before the party.

Actually, going to MK on a party day is a great strategy! Most folks skip MK when it closes early, so the crowds are quite low. You can stay until 7:00 pm (if you're not staying for the party), and I've found that people leave in droves from about 4:00 on, making the ride lines very short.

 

[ses1230]

Good to know that rides will be running that night too, as I was under the impression that rides stopped.

Are the restaurants open as normal during the Halloween party?

HERE is last year's map. It will show what is open and what isn't. Only a couple rides are closed for the parties. (HoP, Jungle Cruise, Liberty Belle)

 

[Frozen2014]

Actually, going to MK on a party day is a great strategy! Most folks skip MK when it closes early, so the crowds are quite low. You can stay until 7:00 pm (if you're not staying for the party), and I've found that people leave in droves from about 4:00 on, making the ride lines very short.

Would this be true for a Friday as well? Cause I've heard Friday's are busier with locals coming and could see them heading over earlier. I was thinking of on the Friday of our trip, going to Epcot and then heading over to MK for the MNSSHP around 4pm. But perhaps we should spend the day there?

 

[starsweeper]

My two 7yos and I went to our first MNSSHP last October and are going again this year. I was skeptical that it would be worth the money but it was fantastic. It reminded of Disney when I was a kid with great staff and special touches. Every CM we encountered was wonderful, fireworks were the best I've ever seen anywhere, parade was very fun and we rode tons of rides, including popular rides, several times. We didn't want the night to end!

The party starts at 7pm but you can get in around 4pm and get your wristband for the party. We arrived around 4:30pm, headed for Fantasyland for a quick CS dinner and got a few rides in before the party started. A tip we learned by accident: We were checking out dance parties in Frontierland just before the parade and got a great position 15 minutes before on the elevated platforms along the sidewalks. As soon as it passed us, we quickly walked over to the walkway that runs in front of Casey's towards the castle, midway to the hub. We had a great, unobstructed view of the fireworks. We were there for quite a while but so many people leave after fireworks, we were able to make up "lost time" watching the parade and fireworks easily by skipping the 2nd parade.

 

[Frozen2014]

What time are fireworks at MNSSHP? Some are so late that my little one wouldn't last? But if we go on our last day, would be a great way to end our trip.

 

[smitch425]

What time are fireworks at MNSSHP? Some are so late that my little one wouldn't last? But if we go on our last day, would be a great way to end our trip.

Fireworks are typically at 9:30pm, with parades at 8:15pm and 10:30pm. The second parade is much less crowded, and either parade will be less crowded when viewed in Frontierland.

 

[weebabes]

Does anyone know where you buy the tickets from and when are they usually available?

 

[ses1230]

Does anyone know where you buy the tickets from and when are they usually available?

They historically go on sale around May 1st. You buy them right from Disney, they will be available on the website.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

They historically go on sale around May 1st. You buy them right from Disney, they will be available on the website.

One thing I haven't been able to find out......do they release the party dates before they commence ticket sales (like a week or two prior?). Or do dates get released the day ticket sales open up?

 

[ses1230]

One thing I haven't been able to find out......do they release the party dates before they commence ticket sales (like a week or two prior?). Or do dates get released the day ticket sales open up?

If memory serves, the dates are available shortly before ticket sales start.

However, the Sept. and Oct. calendars are out, so a 7pm MK closing is a pretty good indication of a party that night except Sept. 5 and 6 which is NOJ.

 

[jennab]

Does anyone know if you can buy the tickets with Disney rewards dollars?

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

Thanks for the map! I was hoping BOG would be open - I'll have to try to get an earlier dinner reservation then

 

[ses1230]

Does anyone know if you can buy the tickets with Disney rewards dollars?

Yes. I have done that myself.

 

[TraceyTalbot]

We never been to disney before going for the first time in September on our first day there we planning to do mk and it's day of a party as well so going get tickets for that day, do we get our waistbands when we first entire mk in the morning or do we go back at about 4pm to get waistbands to stay in the park for the party.

 

[jennab]

Yes. I have done that myself.

Perfect thanks! I'm assuming you have to first tell them you want to cash out some rewards dollars then once received order the tickets? Sorry this is my first time with the rewards, have been hoarding them for our Sept trip

 

[ses1230]

We never been to disney before going for the first time in September on our first day there we planning to do mk and it's day of a party as well so going get tickets for that day, do we get our waistbands when we first entire mk in the morning or do we go back at about 4pm to get waistbands to stay in the park for the party.

You don't get the wristband until 4. However, there will be stations set up in the park to get them, you don't have to go back to the front gate.

 

[TraceyTalbot]

Thank you, that's good we don't have go back to front gate. X

 

[csmith041177]

We are going for the first time this year. Can't wait!

 

[LisaTC]

I have been there for Halloween week the last two years and totally love MNSSHP! Both years I have done two parties. I travel solo so the budget and touring are more flexible. I don't dress up but I do trick-or-treat and will get some character autographs.

One thing nobody has mentioned is the Villains Mix & Mingle show in front of the castle. All the great ones are in the show then they come down and sign autographs for about 10-15 minutes immediately after each show.

The fireworks and the parade are my favorites. The music from both is more villain centric, but not really scary either. The music for the fireworks always has me practically jumping up and down.

Here is a link to my photos on Flickr: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjMSDyer. There are tons of pics of the party, parade and pics with Jack Skellington and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Last year was their first time at MNSSHP.

You will love the party!

Photos beautiful. Your photo 196 was the view from our POR room. LOVE POR!!!!

Here's a little advice on your plan. I would bag spending the day at another park. Sleep in, hit up the pool, eat a good lunch. Then plan to be at MK for the party before 4. When you're spending $60 per person for the party ticket, you're going to want to maximize the amount of time you're spending at the party. Having an easy morning will let you stay a bit later at the party.

Good Advice, MissyRose...we do this. While it doesn't fully cover your ticket, it does save a bit. You can get in at 4 and don't need a hopper or park admission ticket.

We love MNSSHP...hoping to go this Oct. Had a blast. Like another PP mentioned got to ride things multiple times. It was heavenly!

 

[hsmamainva]

Thanks for all the great tips!!!

Heading to MNSSHP this October with my oldest. She ADORES Jack & Sally! They are now a "permanent fixture" at the Halloween parties, correct?