What if we don't do MNSSHP?

[cyndik1111]

Thanks for posting the ages, that's helpful. Yes, you stay in MK until 7pm if you're not attending the Party. Just decide if you want to dine in the park (ADR made anytime prior to 7) or out of the Park (after 7pm departure). Guests will begin arriving for MNSSHP at 4pm, and there will be lots of costumes and Halloween spirit. Being in costume will be PERFECTLY appropriate! I believe you make your HCR reservations 180 days in advance. As the 31st will be a popular night, book immediately when the reservations open. Think carefully about times - if leaving MK at 7pm and boarding the boat to FW, assume you will dock at the Fort around 7:45. Modify all times if dining table service in MK. Or just grab some counter serviceon the way out. You will also need a dining ADR (Trails End comes highly reco mmended as a buffet), so maybe do that for 8pm. I'd immediately follow that up with the HCR (and only send the kids and 1 grownup, if necessary to save on cost). The other adults can enjoy the restaurant a bit more. The HCR lasts approximately 30minutes, so everyone could meet at FW's beach around 9pm and watch the Hallowishes Fireworks and the EWP, chow on some packed candy and then head back to the resort. That would be a grand total of $60 plus dinner. If you want to review the menus, look on the allears website. Good luck and happy planning!

PERFECT! I will do just that! I love the whole plan. Do you hire out for other WDW planning?

 

[M likes the mouse]

Honestly.... We liked the MNSSHP SO much...we did it twice in one trip. I would gladly go for one night rather than have the park hopper. If I'm not mistaken, these would be about the same cost. Maybe you can ask the adults in your group which alternative they like best?

 

[cyndik1111]

OK, now that I've got a plan, can anyone answer a few extra questions?

Just got off the phone with Disney...Trails End is $26.62 for 10 and over , and $14.90 for 3-9....WOW that is over $200 for the 9 of us. Guess we'll be eating PB&J on the beach!

If we take the boat over to FW for the HCR and Fireworks/water parade, how do we get back to our car at the MK? I've never done this before, so not sure.
We're talking 10:30pm right?

Also can we walk around FW and check it out? Someone said that there is a campfire. Is that only open to guests of FW? Can we do some of the activities that they offer, that cost $? like horse back riding? Is there another place to get "quick" food at FW that isn't so expensive?

Maybe we should drive our car to FW, stop at a fast food place, and park at FW. Is that even possible? Will they let us park there if we have reservations for HCR?

 

[KristinU]

It might be a good idea to post your planned itinerary over on the Camping board for some feedback on parking and transportation. I remember reading that Halloween is kind of being a little "cracked down" on as far as guests not staying at Fort Wilderness trick-or-treating and such.

Any other night I'd say absolutely you can park at the Fort for your carriage ride and go eat and stuff (rent bikes, canoes, go see the horses, go to the campfire etc). Parking is at the area called The Outpost, then you take an internal bus system to get to The Settlement area where restaurants and activities are. They've moved the stables since the last time we were there, so I can't speak to where you pick up a carriage ride. But since I read about the cracking down, I would double check to be sure you'll be able to park...I can't imagine why you wouldn't be able to with a reservation for your carriage ride...but better safe than sorry.

There is takeout available at Trails End, a few family chicken dinners to go might work well for you guys. I'm not positive of the price on those, but they've got to be cheaper than $25 a person!

Anyway, swing on down to the Camping board and post your plan, I'm sure folks would be happy to help! (and I'm positive someone will know the exact price of the chicken to go and what is included)

 

[ElizabethG]

OK, now that I've got a plan, can anyone answer a few extra questions?

Just got off the phone with Disney...Trails End is $26.62 for 10 and over , and $14.90 for 3-9....WOW that is over $200 for the 9 of us. Guess we'll be eating PB&J on the beach!

If we take the boat over to FW for the HCR and Fireworks/water parade, how do we get back to our car at the MK? I've never done this before, so not sure.
We're talking 10:30pm right?

Also can we walk around FW and check it out? Someone said that there is a campfire. Is that only open to guests of FW? Can we do some of the activities that they offer, that cost $? like horse back riding? Is there another place to get "quick" food at FW that isn't so expensive?

Maybe we should drive our car to FW, stop at a fast food place, and park at FW. Is that even possible? Will they let us park there if we have reservations for HCR?

I think you should make sure to call about the carriage ride. The WDWInfo site says this:

Roam the woods of Fort Wilderness on a 25-minute Haunted Carriage Ride while hearing the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

Can accommodate 4 adults or 2 adults with 3 children ages 9 and under.

Price: $60 per carriage

October 1- November 1, 2011
Rides at 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00 , 10:30 PM


Three carriages available for each ride time.

This ride leaves from the Blacksmith Shop at Fort Wilderness.

This excursion can be booked up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

For food, you could go to Crockett's Tavern (also adult beverages).

Here is a map of Fort Wilderness:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/FWMap.pdf

You can see the parking (down at the bottom of the page) is fairly far from the activities you will be doing (at the top near the boat launch). We took a bus to FW once, instead of the boat from MK. It took forever. We had to wait for the bus from the outpost which was standing room only. Then we made many stops along the way. I would suggest the boat from MK (besides, who doesn't like a boat ride) and then taking the boat back to MK when you are done.

 

[Mirax]

Trails End is pricey but not as expensive as some of the other buffets. Also I believe they have a counter service for dinner, I would look around for that menu. There is a counter service in the contemporary, and at the Wilderness Lodge. First take the monorail/walk to Contemporary, or take the boat to WL. The counter services are a little pricey as well but Disney is expensive. Take the boat to Fort Wilderness from the resort you are eating at. There is a tavern at Fort Wilderness so only one adult has to take the hay ride. I would schedule the hay ride before or after Hallowishes so that you can watch the fireworks from the beach.

Just read your new questions:

The last I looked there is not a bus from MK to Fort Wilderness. You have to take the boat.
You have to take the boat back to MK to get to the parking lot.
I'm not sure from MK to the campgrounds would be faster. I think parking is limited and you have to take the internal campground bus from the parking lot to the carriage rides. It's almost a mile walk from the entrance of the campgrounds(public parking)to the carriage rides.

 

[disneydreamkate]

I think foregoing Park Hoppers for the MNSSHP tickets is a great suggestion. I know there are some who are firm believers you must have them, but there are others just as passionate that you don't. We have gone with and without. More planning is definitely involved with no having a PH, but I definitely do not think they are necessary. The MNSSHP was the absolute highlight of our trip!

 

[MomofKatie]

OK, now that I've got a plan, can anyone answer a few extra questions?

Just got off the phone with Disney...Trails End is $26.62 for 10 and over , and $14.90 for 3-9....WOW that is over $200 for the 9 of us. Guess we'll be eating PB&J on the beach! This is actually one of the least expensive buffets on property, but there is grab & go food available, too.

If we take the boat over to FW for the HCR and Fireworks/water parade, how do we get back to our car at the MK? I've never done this before, so not sure.
We're talking 10:30pm right? Take the boat from the MK dock to FT Wilderness and take it back to MK when you are done. The ferry to the TTC and buses to resorts will run until after the MNSSHP is over, at least til 1am.

Also can we walk around FW and check it out? Yes, no problem to do that. Just tell the guard at the gate. Someone said that there is a campfire. Is that only open to guests of FW? No, it is available to anyone. We have done it a few times and stayed offsite. Can we do some of the activities that they offer, that cost $? like horse back riding? Sure! Anything that costs extra $$, like horseback riding, boat rental, bike rental, or carriage rides, are available to anyone. Is there another place to get "quick" food at FW that isn't so expensive? Grab & go stuff at the Trail's End, snacksat the Chuck Wagon at the movie area, and I believe some grab & go stuff at the Meadow Trading Post, too.

Maybe we should drive our car to FW, stop at a fast food place, and park at FW. Is that even possible? Absolutely! Will they let us park there if we have reservations for HCR? Yes- follow signs for Ft Wilderness from the TTC and tell the guard at the gate you are there for dinner and the Carriage ride. No problem to park at all. You will need to take the internal bus to the Meadows or Settlement areas from the parking area- just look for the color map at the bus stop.

Have fun!!

 

[Chellymouse]

I have to agree with other posters...if you're staying offsite, what is the real liklihood of actually park hopping? If some of the adults want to hop, they can always upgrade their tickets. MNSSHP is a great party and worth the $$

 

[cyndik1111]

thanks for all the responses....a real help!

Unfortunately, we are on a tight budget with this trip. OurPark Hopper tickets are through the yes program. So we can't change them. And the park hopper was only a few dollars extra per sperson, so no where near as close to the $600 for MNSSHP.

We will have to save the MNSSHP for another trip.

And I know $26 is "cheap" for a disney meal, but we wont be doing anything other than CS...frankly because I'm cheap and refuse to spend those crazy amounts on food. We are fine with quick stuff on park days. Plus I hate to be tied down by ADR.

 

[ElizabethG]

First take the monorail/walk to Contemporary, or take the boat to WL. The counter services are a little pricey as well but Disney is expensive. Take the boat to Fort Wilderness from the resort you are eating at. There is a tavern at Fort Wilderness so only one adult has to take the hay ride. I would schedule the hay ride before or after Hallowishes so that you can watch the fireworks from the beach.

That is another option. You can take the monorail to the Contemporary and eat at the CS (Contempo Cafe) there. If you haven't done it, the ride is fun in itself. You can look around the Contemporary a bit. Then, there is a boat to FW from the Contemporary boat launch.

 

[cyndik1111]

That is another option. You can take the monorail to the Contemporary and eat at the CS (Contempo Cafe) there. If you haven't done it, the ride is fun in itself. You can look around the Contemporary a bit. Then, there is a boat to FW from the Contemporary boat launch.

Hmmm What if we don't do the haunted carriage ride, just take monorail to Polynesian, grab food from their cafe and go sit on the beach and watch water pageant and fireworks. i read somewhere that they pipe music onto the beach.

Would we be allowed to do this? Will we be kicked off the beach because we aren't staying there?

Will we be able to take the monorail back to TTC? or does it stop running? Can we walk to the TTC, it looks close on the map? Could we park at Poly. around 7pm?
Has anyone done this or know if we could?
Thanks

 

[AshleeH]

I think foregoing Park Hoppers for the MNSSHP tickets is a great suggestion. I know there are some who are firm believers you must have them, but there are others just as passionate that you don't. We have gone with and without. More planning is definitely involved with no having a PH, but I definitely do not think they are necessary. The MNSSHP was the absolute highlight of our trip!

I agree - we went to MNSSHP our first year and we were kicking ourselves for not canceling our park hoppers (which we never used!) for an additional night at the party (which we would have loved and would've equaled out to the same amount of money). Last year we did just that and splurged for two parties - we loved every second! This year we'll be doing the same - I can't imagine going to Disney World during the Halloween season and not going to the party - it is by far our favorite thing to do on the trip! But then again, if everyone thought the way we did, there wouldn't be low crowds and walk-on rides all night long .

 

[ElizabethG]

Hmmm What if we don't do the haunted carriage ride, just take monorail to Polynesian, grab food from their cafe and go sit on the beach and watch water pageant and fireworks. i read somewhere that they pipe music onto the beach.

Would we be allowed to do this? Will we be kicked off the beach because we aren't staying there?

Will we be able to take the monorail back to TTC? or does it stop running? Can we walk to the TTC, it looks close on the map? Could we park at Poly. around 7pm?
Has anyone done this or know if we could?
Thanks

Yes, you can do that. They pipe the music from the fireworks. You do not have to be a resort guest. You can walk from the Poly to the TTC.

 

[cyndik1111]

Yes, you can do that. They pipe the music from the fireworks. You do not have to be a resort guest. You can walk from the Poly to the TTC.

Thank you for the help

 

[aubriee]

I'm a little confused. Do they have both haunted hay rides and haunted carriage rides or are they the same thing?

 

[stitch34]

The price of party tickets are similar to the price of park hoppers... anyway to plan your schedule so you don't need park hoppers and do the party instead? Plus, on the day of the party you can sort of park hop - go to one park with your regular ticket, and then you have your MNSSHP tickets for MK at night.

Did the party once... gotta say, the kids LOVED the trick or treating aspect of it... parade was great, fireworks were great and loved seeing the characters in their halloween costumes, and some villians that you rarely would see otherwise.
I would ditch the park hoppers and do the party.

 

[popsynic]

It IS expensive!! Let me tell you our plan, which I have modified my attitude about after reading several posts from fellow Disers...
Are you familiar with the Haunted Carriage Ride at Fort Wilderness? It gets rave reviews!! Last year, the price was $60 per family/ per carriage and the event entails a 30ish minute ride through the Fort grounds, while the driver narrates Ichabod Crane's tale in a living rendition (expect a fabulous sighting of a main character). This is a very cool and reasonable alternative to MNSSHP!
My thoughts...
Dress up and head to MK. Enjoy the park until closing time. It you want to extend tour time in MK,make an ADR at a TS restaurant right prior to 7pm. Sometimes they will escort you to the exit after dining, sometimes not. You cannot stay and take advantage of all the Party offers, but you can enjoy the decor and atmosphere as you leave. You may or may not, see the early Parade as you exit. Some folks do, others don't. So appreciate it as a bonus if it happens, but don't expect it to happen.
You can then take the boat from MK to FW, do the carriage ride, enjoy the EWP and Hallowishes from the Fort's beach and call it a night. I wouldconsider bringing some Halloween candy to enjoy during the ride and beachy stuff.
Much cheaper,some of the MNSSHP atmosphere (including lots of folks in costume), candy, the HH during the carriage ride and the EWP and Hallowishes! Fun!!!
Hope that helps.

This is a great idea - and do you know what I think I may do this. We were considering MNSSHP earlier in our vacation (when its a bit cheaper and less crowded) but wasn't planning on going on Halloween night.

Only thing you all should consider is that each carriage only takes can accommodate 4 adults or 2 adults with 3 children ages 9 and under. So with 9 people you will need 2 or 3 carriages at $60 each - and hope you can book them all before others get them.

 

[cyndik1111]

This is a great idea - and do you know what I think I may do this. We were considering MNSSHP earlier in our vacation (when its a bit cheaper and less crowded) but wasn't planning on going on Halloween night.

Only thing you all should consider is that each carriage only takes can accommodate 4 adults or 2 adults with 3 children ages 9 and under. So with 9 people you will need 2 or 3 carriages at $60 each - and hope you can book them all before others get them.

Thanks for the picture of the carriage. That really helps me in my decision. It looks really cool. If we do it, we will get 2 carriages ($120 is much better than $600). I have the 180 day date/time marked on my calendar. So I'm all set with that. Like I said before, NOT doing the park hopper isn't an option anymore. I already bought the tickets through the yes program, and there are no changes/refunds. We will do the MNSSHP if there is another trip.

I just LOVE this forum. Where else can you find such amazing ideas. I never would have known about the carriage, or the fireworks on the beach, etc.

This Forum saved us soooo much money. It made the difference between 4 kids never getting to go to WDW, and 4 kids getting the experience of a lifetime! Even without MNSSHP this trip is gonna be MAGICAL
Thanks to all the devoted people. I really appreciate your willingness to share all your advice

Any one know more about the monorail? will it be running after MNSSHP?

 

[mom2rtk]

Any one know more about the monorail? will it be running after MNSSHP?

Last year they started the party season entirely closing the monorail early. That was a disaster and they changed to keeping the resort monorail running until 12:30 AM. Express Monorail still closed early.