To MNNSHP or not...?

[HLAuburn]

We are debating going to MNNSHP this year. We went 3 years ago and had a great time - loved the parade and fireworks. Wanting to take DH who hasn't been, but I've been reading all the negative reviews and I'm really concerned. Our main goals are to ride the rides and see the parade/fireworks, but I don't want to feel like I'm packed in the park like a sardine.

Any recent reports that they're doing a better job checking wristbands? How are the wait times for the rides vs during a "regular" day?


Thanks!

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

They did a good job of checking wristbands when we were there recently. It was a lot more crowded then it was last year. Last year we walked right on to the rides, this year however was not the case. They were lined up for the rides. It was much busier then last time. We enjoyed the parade and such even though some young adults had the nerve to ask if they could have our spots for the parade view. I told them "No, we haven't been standing here for an hour just to give our spots away." They actually seemed surprised at my answer and had to stand behind us to view the parade. I guess they are used to getting what they want. Anyway, it was fun, but much busier this year for us the the previous year. We had our wristbands checked by cast members at least twice while waiting for the parade to start.

 

[PoohsFan1]

You won't hear a negative review from me . We really enjoy going to MNSSHP, on our upcoming trip my kids and I will be going to our third party (DH decided to sit this one out and go to Epcot instead...party pooper, oh well more candy for us ). We love going to see all of the characters that are aren't usually out during the day, love the fireworks and parade, we can't wait to see the new Hocus Pocus Castle Show, plus the dance parties are really fun, then of course you have the trick or treating....yum!!! When we first booked our trip, DH already expressed that he wasn't interested in it and I was thinking of saving money to do something else, well when the time grew nearer, I couldn't help myself so I told DH that if he didn't want to go, that would be fine instead it will be a girls night out which he was more then OK with . We are so excited about going that the girls and I decided to even dress up in a theme this time....we are going as characters from Inside Out. I am going as Riley, DD14 will be Disgust, and DD12 is dressing as Joy.

 

[cvjw]

Just attended our 15th Halloween party. We have been fortunate enough to attend a party every year since 2001. We attended the party on the 22nd, which ended up being sold out.

We have been to multiple sold out parties before, but this one felt different - much more crowded. The lines for candy were so long - longer than we have ever seen. The lines were even long around 11:00 - historically, this has been a great time to trick or treat. The crowds for the 2nd parade were also larger. In prior years, we could just walk right up and grab a nice spot to watch the 2nd parade. This year, the crowds were multiple people deep.

Just had a different feeling - wall to wall people on a Tuesday night. As sad as I am saying this - we probably will not make our 16th party. We did not feel that the party was as special as it had been in the past. I think Disney may be selling more tickets than they did in previous years.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

We are debating going to MNNSHP this year. We went 3 years ago and had a great time - loved the parade and fireworks. Wanting to take DH who hasn't been, but I've been reading all the negative reviews and I'm really concerned. Our main goals are to ride the rides and see the parade/fireworks, but I don't want to feel like I'm packed in the park like a sardine.

Any recent reports that they're doing a better job checking wristbands? How are the wait times for the rides vs during a "regular" day?


Thanks!

The choice really boils down to this. If you're not big on rare characters and you're ho hum on parades and fireworks you will not come away feeling you got your money's worth. If you're big on parades and fireworks, you'll probably come away feeling it was worth it. It can be wall to wall people in spots. These parties have their own unique bottle necks and you have to learn to zig when most zag just like anything else. I personally would not pay the extra cash just to ride the rides. I'd make that day an MK day and do it during the day. So what if I'm out at 7. I'm still going to get a ton in on a day it's not crowded. As for trick or treating, I can buy far more candy than one gets at the party for $10. The shows are nice at these parties, but they don't make them or break them. So again it really boils down to how much you like parades and fireworks.

 

[PAcpl]

The choice really boils down to this. If you're not big on rare characters and you're ho hum on parades and fireworks you will not come away feeling you got your money's worth. If you're big on parades and fireworks, you'll probably come away feeling it was worth it. It can be wall to wall people in spots. These parties have their own unique bottle necks and you have to learn to zig when most zag just like anything else. I personally would not pay the extra cash just to ride the rides. I'd make that day an MK day and do it during the day. So what if I'm out at 7. I'm still going to get a ton in on a day it's not crowded. As for trick or treating, I can buy far more candy than one gets at the party for $10. The shows are nice at these parties, but they don't make them or break them. So again it really boils down to how much you like parades and fireworks.

Very well said. I will also add that it is a very different atmosphere than you typically get in the MK. If you can take a breath and enjoy the night for what it is you will enjoy yourself. If you are running around the party commando style you might be disappointed that you weren't able to get more done.

 

[HLAuburn]

The choice really boils down to this. If you're not big on rare characters and you're ho hum on parades and fireworks you will not come away feeling you got your money's worth. If you're big on parades and fireworks, you'll probably come away feeling it was worth it. It can be wall to wall people in spots. These parties have their own unique bottle necks and you have to learn to zig when most zag just like anything else. I personally would not pay the extra cash just to ride the rides. I'd make that day an MK day and do it during the day. So what if I'm out at 7. I'm still going to get a ton in on a day it's not crowded. As for trick or treating, I can buy far more candy than one gets at the party for $10. The shows are nice at these parties, but they don't make them or break them. So again it really boils down to how much you like parades and fireworks.

I guess I should have been more clear - we would just be driving in for the party and won't have "regular" park tickets. We haven't been to MK since Feb, so we were looking forward to a quick trip and the party would be less $ than one day tickets obviously. But maybe it would be better to go on a non-party day when the park stays open late and get more bang for our buck.

Thanks everyone for the replies!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I guess I should have been more clear - we would just be driving in for the party and won't have "regular" park tickets. We haven't been to MK since Feb, so we were looking forward to a quick trip and the party would be less $ than one day tickets obviously. But maybe it would be better to go on a non-party day when the park stays open late and get more bang for our buck.

Thanks everyone for the replies!

Well in your situation, seeing as how you're driving in yeah. Not a bad idea. The rides should be fairly easily accessed. You'll have from 4pm to midnight. HM tends to be busy. So hit that before the party starts.