Some planning questions including MNSSP

[mshanson3121]

Going Sept 12th-17th. Arrival day is out (won't get in until late afternoon). So we have Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday to work with. Party of 7 (grandfather, grandmother, 3 grandchildren ages 12, 9, and 7, and myself and my SIL - we've all been before, some multiple times). I have some questions:

1. What day will be best to see the party in terms of crowd levels? Friday or Sunday?
2. We have 3 day base tickets, and plan on doing MK, HS, AK. I doubt we'll do AK at night, definitely want to do MK and HS at night for their fireworks etc... Any suggestion as to what order would be better?

I had a tentative thought (assuming Sunday might be lowest party crowds):

Friday: AK (evening free)
Saturday: HS (afternoon break)
Sunday: MNSSHP (relax during the day since night before would be late)
Monday: MK (sleep in, pack etc... and enter the park after lunch)

Thoughts?

 

[DisDreaming4116]

While everyone likes to vacation their own way, you seem very heavy on down time. For 5 nights in WDW, you currently have scheduled 3 half park days and 1 fullish day with an afternoon break.
As to your questions, I'd pick the Sunday party. Also, if you are concerned about there not being enough to do for a full day at AK, there is plenty and nighttime is special now at AK. Between the Tree of Life Awakenings and Pandora, it's a unique experience.

 

[mshanson3121]

While everyone likes to vacation their own way, you seem very heavy on down time. For 5 nights in WDW, you currently have scheduled 3 half park days and 1 fullish day with an afternoon break.
As to your questions, I'd pick the Sunday party. Also, if you are concerned about there not being enough to do for a full day at AK, there is plenty and nighttime is special now at AK. Between the Tree of Life Awakenings and Pandora, it's a unique experience.

We have two special needs children, downtime is crucial. That said I certainly do not consider 8-9 hours of park time, a "half day"
I'm torn on AK at night. I've heard Pandora is beautiful at night, I just wasn't sure if walking through Pandora at night itself was really worth it? I doubt we would do RoL, I think my son would enjoy it, but I have a feeling the two youngest would be bored.

 

[mom2rtk]

One late start in the MK coupled with MSSHP would not be enough for my taste. Nor would I recommend that for first time visitors (the others in your party).

If the others in your group don't feel they need as much down time, are they the sort to stay in the park while you go back to the room with your kids?

 

[mshanson3121]

One late start in the MK coupled with MSSHP would not be enough for my taste. Nor would I recommend that for first time visitors (the others in your party).

If the others in your group don't feel they need as much down time, are they the sort to stay in the park while you go back to the room with your kids?

Everyone in the party has all been before, some multiple times, so that's a plus
And believe it or not, my SIL/her son, will actually want more downtime than us! It'll more likely be us staying in the park when they go back. I'm not sure they'll do the late nights that we will. We loved nights in the parks, and my kids are at an awesome age for that now at least. However, there is no way, we can do a park in the morning, right after MNSSHP. Just not possible.

 

[siren0119]

We were there in mid september the last two years and attended MNSSHP both times - once on a Tuesday, once on a Friday. TBH there was little to no noticeable difference in the crowds between the two years. So I'd say go to the party when it works best for your family.

As far as the progression of days, HS is probably the park where I feel like I have the LEAST amount of walking to do. So that's a good one to plan on a day AFTER you've had a physically taxing day. AK I always feel like I walk a ton.

Also don't forget that on Party day, you can enter MK at 4pm and do stuff in MK from 4-7 before the party actually starts.

 

[mshanson3121]

We were there in mid september the last two years and attended MNSSHP both times - once on a Tuesday, once on a Friday. TBH there was little to no noticeable difference in the crowds between the two years. So I'd say go to the party when it works best for your family.

As far as the progression of days, HS is probably the park where I feel like I have the LEAST amount of walking to do. So that's a good one to plan on a day AFTER you've had a physically taxing day. AK I always feel like I walk a ton.

Also don't forget that on Party day, you can enter MK at 4pm and do stuff in MK from 4-7 before the party actually starts.

Yes we definitely plan on being in the park at 4:00! Can you still book FP+ for 4, 5, 6?
Good point about the walking consideration.

 

[siren0119]

Yes we definitely plan on being in the park at 4:00! Can you still book FP+ for 4, 5, 6?
Good point about the walking consideration.

I have heard that you can, as long as your party ticket is linked in MDE. I haven't tried it myself so perhaps someone who has done this can confirm?