Sway me Re:MNSSHP

[la79al]

For a few years I told my girls that I would love to take them to MNSSHP if we were ever there around Halloween. I have not mentioned this for a few years now. This year, we will be in Florida visiting relatives in early October. DD9 mentioned the other day that since we are going in October this time, maybe they will have the Halloween party while we are there. Of course they do and it's not sold out yet. Here's the thing. My girls are probably the perfect ages (9, barely 7 and 2, aka free) BUT, we went to DW for a few days last spring and the 2 big ones were not overly impressed. Maybe it was too hot, too crowded whatever. They just did not see the magic in the long lines and walking. Also, we are on a budget. Like a 'we have money for gas to get to Florida and a trip to the grocery store once we are there' sort of budget. MNSSHP tickets alone would be almost $300. I could probably come up with the money but not sure if I can justify it. I have gone to MNSSHP once before but it was 10 years ago, with my 20 something year old sister, before I had kids. It poured down rain the entire night but it was a lot of fun. Not sure it would be as much fun as the only adult with 3 kids in tow. So I think the girls would be at a great age and they seem to want to go. They really don't ask for much so I do like to accommodate when I can. I just don't know if it would actually be fun or if I would regret scraping together money for 1 evening out. Opinions???

 

[maxiesmom]

Are you only going to the party? You are not doing any other park days?

I love the Halloween Party. It may be warm but you won't have the sun beating down on you, so that is a good thing. I think the fireworks are the best Disney does, and I love the parade. It is neat seeing all of the costumes, as adults can dress up some put a lot of thought into them.

Would your 2 year old be happy and sleep in a stroller, or would they just be cranky and need a bed?

 

[la79al]

Are you only going to the party? You are not doing any other park days?

I love the Halloween Party. It may be warm but you won't have the sun beating down on you, so that is a good thing. I think the fireworks are the best Disney does, and I love the parade. It is neat seeing all of the costumes, as adults can dress up some put a lot of thought into them.

Would your 2 year old be happy and sleep in a stroller, or would they just be cranky and need a bed?

We would only be doing the party. We would be coming from 1.5 hours away and then heading back after the party. I'm pretty sure the littlest would be fine in her stroller though I'm not sure how much she would enjoy being picked up while she's sleeping to do rides. She would probably make it til at least 11 though before she even falls asleep.

 

[lovemy2girls4eva]

MNSSHP was lots of fun! I attended the party on the 29th with my 3 kids: 7, 5 and almost 2. Girls loved getting dressed up (even though it was still August lol) and trick o' treating. The parade was soo much fun as was the Hocus Pocus show in front of castle! My little guy made until 11pm and then crashed. I made sure he napped before the party. Lines weren't that long at all so they got to enjoy rides like 7DMT with a 20 min wait.

 

[SG131]

We did it with DD 4 and 7 in the POURING rain and both still loved it. The parade and fireworks show are spectacular. We only did one ride and focused on Halloween stuff but we had plenty of other park days. With your ticket you should be able to get in at 4 and have time for plenty of rides and the Halloween activities. It was pricey, but especially if you are not sure when you will have the chance to do it again I would go for it if you can swing it.

 

[LongLiveRafiki]

We went to the second party with DD7 and DS2 and they loved it. We did have other park days as well, and the party was so much more relaxed and enjoyable in comparison. The lines were all short, with most of them having a 5-10 minute wait. I agree that the fireworks were spectacular, as was the parade. The kids had fun trick or treating and I got a teal allergy bag and got teal tokens instead of candy and was able to trade them in at the end for craft kits, Smarties, and gummies for my toddler who can't have dairy (the majority of the regular trick or treat candy is chocolate). The kids also LOVED the dance party that runs all night in Tomorrowland. Mike, Sully, and Boo from Monsters Inc are there and they dance with all of the kids and it's a great place for kids to have fun and get rid of some energy. For my toddler, he enjoyed being able to get out of the stroller and jump around.

Overall, I thought it was a great experience and didn't seem nearly as crowded or miserable as our regular Magic Kingdom days. If you are able to afford it, I highly recommend it.

 

[Kelly014]

The Halloween party is so much fun with kids, and if they weren't thrilled about long lines on a previous trip it's a good way to get on some rides without long waits. MK feels extra magical during the party and seeing everyone in their costumes is a fun perk. I say go for it!

 

[Lilylogan]

It shouldn't be $300 for your party - you have 1 adult, 2 children - 2 year old is free.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Based on your description of the girls' reactions to WDW, I wouldn't do it. I just went with DS9 to the first party (August 25) and, yes, we had a good time, but we actually went in a little early (and used another park ticket) to make sure we got on all of the rides we wanted to (even then, the line for 7 DMT was too long and we never got on). The lines for candy were quite long (and this was a party that wasn't crowded) and the lines for the meet and greets were super long (we didn't do any because it would have taken up so much of the party). We did ride most of the rides we wanted to, got candy, saw the parade and fireworks, but DS9 was exhausted by the time the fireworks started and barely made it through. I honestly couldn't imagine doing the party and then having to drive 1 1/2 hours afterward.