Two MHPs too much for a newbie?

[Jennafoo]

As I've mentioned before, I'm taking my first trip to DLR for my birthday - and solo. I've been going back and forth on dates, but I finally decided to fly down (I'm in SF) after work on Tuesday, October 21, so I have a full day on Wednesday. I'll be there Wednesday through Saturday, leaving Sunday morning.

I had already bought a ticket to the MHP on Friday, my birthday. Now, I'm wondering if I should get two MHP tickets and go on Wednesday as well. I can afford it, but I don't know if it will be too much.

Or should I just go out to eat somewhere nice that first night?

ETA: I also considered going on the Happiest Haunts tour instead of the party on Wed., but it sounds like it's not a good idea to go on party nights (and they don't do ultimate experience anymore).

 

[Fantaluminishes]

As I've mentioned before, I'm taking my first trip to DLR for my birthday - and solo. I've been going back and forth on dates, but I finally decided to fly down (I'm in SF) after work on Tuesday, October 21, so I have a full day on Wednesday. I'll be there Wednesday through Saturday, leaving Sunday morning. I had already bought a ticket to the MHP on Friday, my birthday. Now, I'm wondering if I should get two MHP tickets and go on Wednesday as well. I can afford it, but I don't know if it will be too much. Or should I just go out to eat somewhere nice that first night? ETA: I also considered going on the Happiest Haunts tour instead of the party on Wed., but it sounds like it's not a good idea to go on party nights (and they don't do ultimate experience anymore).

Personally, I wouldn't pay to go to 2 parties. Why? I did MNSSHP last year at WDW for the first time, and really liked it. But I wouldn't pay to do it twice on the same trip. If you really are into Halloween, try the Halloween Haunt over at Knott's Berry Farm if it's going on while you're there. That way you can enjoy two different events.

 

[Jennafoo]

Thanks. I definitely won't be going offsite. I don't drive and I think I'd rather stay within walking distance of DLR.

 

[MontanaMickey]

We took our DS to MHP in 2012 for his 13th Birthday and had the best time! It might be too much to go two nights in one trip. It might be fun to do the Haunts Tour the same night as the party, especially if u are alone. I would consider having a nice dinner at Carthay Circle or Napa Rose. U might even enjoy eating at the Chef's counter! Have a great time!

 

[Sherry E]

Jennafoo --

See Lucrezia's info under the October 25th listing in THIS POST that I assembled for the Halloween Time Superthread. I point you in Lucrezia's direction because she was an MHP newbie last year. She bought tickets for 3 MHPs and ended up at 2 of them. Read her detailed comments about whether she felt it was worth it or not. It may give you some insight.

Taylor/tayalltheway went to the MHP on 10/21 last year, and it was his first time -- but he only attended one MHP. However, if you read his recap (linked in that same post) you will get a sense of what another newbie thought.

​

 

[Eeee-va]

You have 4 days in the parks plus Friday's party? (That is personally what I would do if it were my trip, as that would likely be sufficient time to do all of my priorities multiple times, especially going solo.)

If you're really into character meets, 2 party days could be a very good idea, as even a couple greets could eat up a lot of party time. If you think you'll love the Halloween entertainment so much that you really want to see any of it more than once, multiple days could come in handy. Or if you just really really want to wear a costume more than once (or two different costumes), 2 parties would make sense. And the parties are just good peoplewatching, though I imagine you can get a lot of that just by being in the park the 3 hours before the party officially starts.

On the flip side, if thrill rides are a priority, two parties may not be your best bet, since Fastpass isn't offered and lines can be longer than you might expect for a separate ticketed event. Even non-thrill rides may not be walk-ons. And I think going twice might diminish your birthday Halloween party.

Overall, for the average park guest, I don't think I'd recommend paying the money to get an extra 5 hours in Disneyland, even if you have no problem spending it, if that would be one big reason to do 2 parties instead of just 1. Downtime is nice, there are a few resorts to explore if you want, and if you did want to keep going in the parks and you have a hopper, you could always spend a couple hours in what is probably a crowded DCA instead of Disneyland.

But if you have a specific reason to go to the party twice, I'm sure you would have fun.

 

[Jennafoo]

You have 4 days in the parks plus Friday's party? (That is personally what I would do if it were my trip, as that would likely be sufficient time to do all of my priorities multiple times, especially going solo.)

Yes, I'll arrive at the hotel between 9-10pm Tuesday night, and will have Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday all day in the parks. Planning for DL Wednesday, DCA Thursday, and then play it by ear or park hop Friday and Saturday.

Thanks, everyone, for the info and great advice. Now I'm leaning toward my original plan, which was to leave Wednesday night open or book a nice dinner. It'll be my first day in the parks and I think going from 8-midnight might be too much out of the gate...

 

[figment_jii]

As a counter point, I went to two MHP last year and very much enjoyed going to both. I am not a party newbie, so I already knew what to expect, so that probably colors my impressions. I like going to two parties because I don't feel as rushed about trying to get everything done in one party. I can take things more slowly, stop and enjoy the atmosphere, and do things at a more leisurely pace. Last year was the first year I've done two MHP and if I were in the area for a week again this year, I would do two parties again.

 

[Amilo]

I'm in a similar situation (traveling solo, never been to a mhp), and I decided to do two. The way I see it, I will have a chance to catch things I miss the first time. The nights I'm going, dca is only open till 8 or 9 so that's not really a good replacement for me. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great time and an awesome birthday!

 

[ricardol]

This is our third year going to MHP. We have always had a blast at those parties, we really love them! This year we are going back again and we decided to attend 2 parties, so I am excited!.

So our game plan now is to dedicate one party more for the Meet and Greets and the other for trick or treating and events.

The fireworks are amazing so we plan to have good spots for both parties!

 

[Nonsuch]

...I had already bought a ticket to the MHP on Friday, my birthday. Now, I'm wondering if I should get two MHP tickets and go on Wednesday as well. I can afford it, but I don't know if it will be too much...

...The fireworks are amazing so we plan to have good spots for both parties!

Fireworks are sometimes cancelled due to weather, so attending 2 parties will give 2 chances to see the excellent Halloween Fireworks
Devote some time to get an optimal fireworks viewing location (grab a bench early) on Wednesday.