Questions about MNSSHP

[AllAboutPluto]

Hi!!

Our last night at Disney is the first MNSSHP. Before I invest my child's college savings into tickets , I have a few questions!

-If we're already in the MK at 6pm park closing, do we just get to stay in the park with our ticket until the 7pm opening of the party? When I was making my ADRs the CM I was talking with suggested that we eat IN the park that night if we are going to the party. I was making my ressies for that night at 1900 Park Fare, because DD and I are likely going to the party while DH and DS will probably go to Epcot for EMHs and I thought Park Fare was a good place to eat since it's on the monorail. CM said that getting back in for the party will be crazy and take forever. Anyhow, after deciding where we would eat in the park, I went with Liberty Tree Tavern (because I am the biggest fan of Pluto ever!) but the latest ressie I could get was 4:15! Well, if we eat at 4:15, we'll certainly be done before 6pm. So do we have to leave? Do I keep calling back everyday to see if a later time comes open?

-As I said, the party is on our last night there. DH, in his infinite wisdom, decided we should take the 8:10am flight out of MCO. I've since found out that DME will pick us up 3 hrs in advance of that. So, we're getting up at 4. Am I nuts to even consider taking a 5 yr old to this party and then getting her up at 4:30am???

-What is going on during the party? I'm sure there are characters galore and I've seen some pics of huge candy hauls, but what else? Am I nuts for thinking of not going?

-Does anyone have an adult sized Pluto Costume for sale *wink wink nudge nudge*

Please, tell me all and tell me things I haven't even thought about too!! Much appreciated!!

***Editing to add... My cousin and family went to Disney over the Halloween week and went on Halloween night to MNSSHP and hated it. The crowds were horrible. People were pushy and rude etc. The only good thing she has to say is that the parade and fireworks are great. I'm hoping that by going to the first one of the season, crowds will be considerably lighter and people will be pleasant. Are my odds good?

And second... what time are the parade and fireworks?

Thx again!

 

[NJBlackBerry]

You do not have to leave the park. Late afternoon, you show your MNSSHP tickets at one of the locations around tha park where they give you your wristband for the evening. At 6, when the day guests are leaving, you have to go to Frontierland or Tomorrowland (I think) while the clean up and get ready for the party. At 7, the party (with massive amounts of candy) begins.

The party is great. The parade is wonderful and the fireworks (at least the last two years) are fantastic. The park is done up for Halloween. Don't miss The Haunted Mansion. Luckily I am down there for a conference and I wouldn't miss it!

Can't help with your second part - never had to get up that early with our kids.