Planning for Oct & MNSSHP--HOW?!

[chilihead]

We have decided to return to WDW for MNSSHP and being a planning freak, I need to get started! But since the dates won't come out for a few months, how do I get started? I'm sure the rooms will sell fairly quickly so I thought maybe I could book now and then apply codes as they become available. Has anyone done this before? How did you decide on your dates? Any ideas on when it's the least crowded?

Another question: My DH wants to stay at a deluxe this time and we are thinkng Swan or Dolphin. Does anyone have an opinion on why one is better than the other?

Can you see Illuminations from the boardwalk (by the shops, not the hotel)? Is there a level we can ask for at S/D that would allow us to see it from our room?

I've been away from the boards for a while, but I know I can count on the DISers to have the answers!

TIA.

Chilihead

 

[Luv2Roam]

For MNSSHP last October, they held it 13 different nights. (12 for Christmas)

Columbus Day weekend falls in October. Disney also usually holds a 10k run that weekend.
Due to the holiday I would avoid that weekend, if you are concerned over crowds. ANY holiday = more guests.

We attended two MNSSHP last October (mid month and Halloween night).
Halloween night sells out fast.

Either is do-able. But if planning ahead, I would avoid Columbus Day weekend and you should be fairly okay.

Can't help with S/D questions. Sorry.

 

[TLinden16]

Yes, you can book rooms now, and apply codes when and if they become available. I went the week before Halloween last year. The crowds weren't bad. I can't remember having long waits for anything. We went to MNSSHP on a Sunday night, and it was pretty empty--we did two rounds of trick or treating in the park, and road a bunch of rides with no waits. Tickets for Halloween night will always sell out well in advance.

You said that you are considering staying at the Swan or Dolphin. They do not offer codes like Disney does, but there are often discounted rates available through the DIS. You can link to the discounts from www.wdwinfo.com . At times, they also offer discounts for Annual Passholders, AAA/AARP members, Military, Government workers, Teachers, Nurses, and Entertainment Book holders.

I stayed at the Swan and had a fantastic stay. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the heavenly beds lived up to their names.

Yes, you can see Illuminations from the Boardwalk. I've stood on the Boardwalk several times to watch them.

Have fun planning!

Karen

 

[dpic]

We've been to WDW for MNSSHP's on three different trips (muliple parties each trip). Obviously, we love it. Here's a link for the dates from last year. You can almost always count on Sundays. Here's some suggestions for do's and don't's:

Do's:

1) Buy your tickets early because you can make dinner reservations for LTT when you buy our tickets. The 90 day PS limit does not apply for this. If you wait until 90 days out, LTT will be sold out. LTT is a great place for pre-MNSSHP dinner. All the CM's and characters dress up--it's great fun.
2) You can enter the MK at 4:00 with MNSSHP tickets.
3) Dress up, It's fun and many adults do it.
4) The parade and fireworks are great. The first parade is the busiest.
5) Crowds are the biggest around FantasyLand. Hit that later when all the little tikes peter out.
6) The best candy is had taking the walk from ToonTown to Tomorrowland (you'll make a haul).
7) Great autographs in front of the Castle (villains).
8) Get your photo later when lines are very low.
9) Make the day of the party an R&R day (if possible). Enjoy the pool, relax, and take naps. I've seen too many parents with very tired little ones during the party.
10) My best advice. Go twice. MNSSHP is one of the best times in the park. MK is the best at night, and the crowds are relatively light.

Don't's:

1) Don't go on Friday's, and avoid the 31st if possible. (Sunday's and Tuesdays are the best).
2) Don't wait until 7:00 to go to the park. Transportation is awful the hour before the party.
3) Don't dress the kids in hot costumes--it can be very warm even at night that time of year. You'll be carrying them (the kids or the costumes) before the end of the night.

That's a quick list. Again, we love the party. This year we're trying MVMCP. We want to try something different, and we love the party nights. Have a great time.

Edit: BTW, I'm a planning freak, too. I'm always a couple years ahead on our trips. I started planning our upcoming Dec trip even before we left for our October trip. One of the best resources is the menu list and prices for all the restuarants at WDW. That's been real handy.

 

[skiwee1]

We go every year for MNSSHP. I book my room about 6 months in advance. Since we stay around 10-12 nights starting October 1st I know I will be there for at least one MNSSHP. Then when the party dates come out I buy the tickets for the night I want. I also try to add the AP rate on when they come out or at least the AAA rate.

 

[henrylovespooh]

I agree with shooting for a Sunday or Tuesday night MNSSHP. Avoid the 31st.

I would stay in the Dolphin over the Swan. I stayed in the Swan and thought it was nice and then I went to visit someone in the Dolphin and thought it was nicer. They were in a suite, which might have made a difference. I liked it better. I don't think you can go wrong with either, though.