Now THIS is a question I can really sink my teeth into!
Just a little background....lived in NC for over 20 years. Would go to WDW for
MNSSHP every year, sometimes to multiple parties during some trips. MNSSHP is my family's favorite Disney activity.
We moved to Washington State a couple of years ago. Still made our annual pilgrimage to MNSSHP, but with the kids getting older and the extended time and money necessary we decided to give DL a try in 2010.
For years the Halloween party had taken place at California Adventure, but they moved it to DL last year. They made the fireworks and parade elements of the party, rather than nightly events during October.
The DL party has many things in common with MNSSHP. There are dance stations, character meets, and trick or treat pathways. The atmosphere at both parties is terrific. They have the Halloween themed spotlights dancing around Main Street. The castles are all aglow with Halloween colors.
The fireworks are unique and both great. I prefer DL's version. They have Zero, from the Nightmare before Christmas, circling the castle and a giant moon that is used to project characters throughout the display. WDW's fireworks are throughout the park though, so the visual impact is amazing. Both are top-notch.
WDW has ONE thing over DL....the Boo To You Parade. This is by far the best parade around and DL's Character Calvacade pales in comparison. Comparing them really isn't fair. Many people think Boo To You is worth the price of admission alone. I agree.
Now DL has many things over WDW. First is the attraction overlays they do on the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. HM is changed into a Nightmare Before Christmas theme. Simply beautiful, inside and out. Space Mountain is turned into a thrill ride with the addition of ghost projections throughout the ride.
DL also has Halloween roundup at Big Thunder Ranch. It's an area that is country themed at DL. Lots of cool pumpkin displays and Halloween themed crafts are highlighted.
Now I still have my LOVE for MNSSHP, but Mickey's Halloween Party at DL is a worthy substitute. I actually like the overall atmosphere at DL better.
Remember though, DL doesn't release information as far in advance as WDW. It will be months and months before they made an formal announcements about this year's parties. This does make a trip difficult to plan, but parties are typically Tuesday or Friday in October.
Also a rumor that World of Color is getting a Halloween overlay is floating around. I hope this is true, since California Adventure had very little fall/Halloween decorations last year.
Last but not least, just remember that crowds are different at DL. Most visitors are tourists, so they tend to come to these parties for the nightime entertainment. The party feels more crowded because the common areas are narrower. The ride times were very low, even on a Friday near Halloween. Most rides were walk-ons.
Let me know if I can pass along more info. This is my FAVORITE subject afterall!
