What to expect of MNSSHP

[DSTPDISNEY]

for those of you who have gone in the past, any tips? are the lines long, what are the most popular attractions/events? Will there be an online brochure/schedule for 2006 MNSSHP- Do the early October parties sell out?

 

[princess22]

I went to an early one on a Thursday night a couple years ago. It was not that busy, but it was busier than I thought it was going to be! It was tolerable!

The lines for candy seem to be long at the beginning, but towards the end DBF was running around for last minute stops with my cousin and there were no lines.

Be on time for the parade, cause the headless horseman comes earlier. That was my favorite part of the night!

Just have fun, don't worry or stress too much about anything! Just take the time to enjoy the night!

 

[pperfectmom]

Does the Headless Horseman just run for the first parade? We definately want to see him. We want to do it all!!!!! I am so excited about our first MNSSHP! Also, can anyone confirm that stroller rental is free on those nights? I'm not a cheapskate. I just want to know if we should bother lugging ours from the resort or not. Thanks!

 

[beattyfamily]

Headless Horseman runs for both parades. I believe he doesn't run if it rains because of the danger of a slippery ground.

They do not officially release a schedule but when you enter the park they have party maps with the schedule and location of everything. Most just go by last year's schedule till the first party when people start reporting back with any changes.

The trick or treat lines may seem long but they move VERY fast.

If you want the free photo, IMHO get it done right at 7:00p while your not tired and still fresh or wait till the second parade when it dies down.

Only the last 2 parties and sometimes the last couple Fridays sell out. The early October parties do not sell out.

 

[magicaldisney]

As stated above...lines for candy, even if long, go very fast. Don't forget that lines for the rides are very short, if none at all.

As for the complimentary picture....I've read on here that someone called about them and they are no longer giving complimentary pictures. Pictures will be taken with photopass and some kind of discount offered to order pictures. I think that's a shame, but who am I?

Headless Horseman does not, for sure, come out if the ground is slippery. If he comes out it is usually about 10 minutes before the parade starts.

 

[pperfectmom]

Does anybody know about the strollers?

 

[ssonley]

I've heard rumors that you can get in before the party starts using your party ticket only...

Anyone have any experiences with this? I.e. where to go/who to talk to etc...

Thanks,
Scott

 

[FLPrincessMom]

Last year we got in with just the party ticket at 4:10. It was very easy and no questions were asked.

We then went and picked up our free stroller. Again it was no problem at all...

 

[pperfectmom]

Thanks!!!!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Free strollers!? Gadzooks! I think DW will want me to push her around in one of these

 

[princess22]

I've heard rumors that you can get in before the party starts using your party ticket only...

Anyone have any experiences with this? I.e. where to go/who to talk to etc...

Thanks,
Scott

When I went, it said on the back of our ticket that it was an after 4pm ticket, meaning you could go in after 4. I don't think they have changed this. When you go in after 4, you just need to get a wristband for later!

 

[THEDISFANS]

I loved all the candy. I filled my bag ate some and filled it again.

 

[disneysnowflake]

We got our photo taken right at 7pm and only had to wait maybe 10 minutes.
The people working there were so nice.

The candy lines moved fast.

I was surprised how long the lines were for Fantasyland rides.

It was fun. We'd definately go again.

 

[familydisney]

Would somebody please tell me where the VALUE is in MNSSHP? OK, so my kids get to trick or treat a month before Halloween-- That's the last thing I want at Disney is even more sugar added to the sensory overload. Halloween -themed parade-- Villains out in force-- But Why Oh Why is it worth $160+ for a family of four to go?


It actually grates on me that when I've already ponied up nearly $1000 for park hoppers that I get thrown out halfway through the day and held up for another $160 if I want to get back in....

DW thinks it will be fantastic, but I don't see anything that fantastic. OOh $160 to see the headless horseman! Oooh $160 for Jolly Ranchers!

I'd like to hear from anyone who felt the same way I did before going and tell me how they felt after the evening is over. I'm also rankled by the fact that in the week I'm there, we get kicked out TWICE!

 

[manchurianbrownbear]

MNSSHP has been not only great fun, but also a great value, on the two occasions we’ve gone.

We have attended the party on days when we did not visit another park, our first day at WDW, so we weren’t cutting into our time in another park.

It’s been fun for a lot of reasons, many of which have been discussed on this board. MK is always fun, but the atmosphere in the park during MNSSHP is unique. I love seeing everyone’s costumes, the trick-or-treating is nice, the decorations are fantastic and I think I enjoy the creepy, NSS music in the park as much as anything. And, you haven’t experienced Haunted Mansion until you’ve gone during a MNSSHP.

MNSSHP has been a great value because we’ve been able to ride more attractions during the party than in a full day at MK later in our trip. Both MNSSHPs we’ve attended have been sold out and we still found pretty short lines everywhere except Toon Town. And if you get to MK early, you’ll have it almost all to yourself in the last hour or so while regular guests are leaving and most MNSSHP ticket holders have yet to arrive. The shortest lines I’ve ever experienced in Fantasyland were between 4pm and 6pm before MNSSHP. Our ride-per-dollar ratio from arrival to departure on MNSSHP nights is unmatched!

 

[oobidoo]

MNSSHP is our favorite thing at WDW. This year will be our third trip (last year tried MVMCP-it was good, but not as good) to the halloween party, and we look forward to it all year. We too have had no trouble getting in at 4-ish; not only that, the "gatekeepers" are always excited to see us come in, along with everyone else all dressed up. We are a family of 3 (DD 12), and we go with another couple of 3 (DS 10) every time. Our favorite things are as follows:

**Nonexistent or very short lines. The first year we went we waited in line for ONE ride; it was Peter Pan, and it took exactly 12 minutes. It was incredible not having to wait and to actually get to enjoy the park, not wasting time standing in line.

**Decorations and lights. Since fall is my favorite time of year, this really does it for me. Everything on Mainstreet is is lit with purple, orange, and green, and there are huge MM pumkin baloons swaying high in the breeze. Definitely gives you the warm fall fuzzies, in my opinion.

**Dressing up. We have been pirates and the Flintstones so far, and it was an absolute blast. It is great fun to look around at everyone else also. We have seen a 90+ year old Fairy Godmother and an extended family that was the whole crew from Peter Pan, right down to the lost boys (kids, moms, dads, grandparents...you get the picture) It gives you a wonderful opportunity to interact with others like one big dressed up family!

Here are some other things to make note of:
*Headless Horseman ride: Do not miss this. It is thrilling!
*Fireworks: Its Disney, need I say more?
*Trick-or-Treating: Be patient about the lines. As the night forges on, the lines drop off dramatically (same with pictures-either go right away, or wait until later)
*Choose carefully when you go. Dont go during times that locals are likely to go. We have been very lucky so far going on Oct. 19 and Oct 5.
*Mild weather. The weather is PERFECT. Not too hot, not too cold.

I'm sure there are a hundred other things, but these come to mind at the moment.

Hope this helps!