Wishes, Illuminations, and Mickey's Halloween

[Natalya]

A little background: We are staying on-site at WDW for the first time. DH and I have both been to Disney as children but haven't been there in 12 years. We are bringing our 2 boys, ages 12 and 4, with us...this will be thier first time ever at Disney.

I've read about people "watching" Wishes and Illuminations. Are these the fireworks shows at MK and Epcot, respectively? I am trying to plan an ADR at the California Grill to coincide with the fireworks at MK and looking at the WDW calendar, I can't find "fireworks" unless "Wishes" means the fireworks show.

Also we are going during October which I understand is the Mickey's not so scary Halloween party. Is this something that you can attend with your park admittance or is there an extra charge regarding it? I noticed another poster mentioned that they picked up tickets for this which is why I am asking. If it is an added charge...do you feel it is worth the extra price? Or is it something that is okay to skip?

I guess that is all the questions I have

Thanks to anyone that can help this "newbie" out with planning...it is all so overwhelming!

 

[hockeymomoftwo]

mnsshp is an extra charge per person. I can't remember the exact amount. We are also taking our boys on their first trip and we decided not to do the mnsshp because we wanted to take in as much of the parks and rides as possible since they might not get to return for many years. Trick or treating is something that we can do in our hometown. I'm sure the experience is absolutely wonderful because that is just how disney does things however. If you decide you want to do the mnsshp you probably should book it pretty shortly is what the cm told me yesterday when I inquired about it.

 

[tjmouse]

Michele gave you the correct information, but I have to disagree about MNSSHP (halloween party). I would definately go with boys that age. Yes, you can trick-or-treat at home, but the party is so much more! The villians are out in full force, the parade is second to none, the fireworks (Hallowishes) are the best I have ever seen (and I have only seen them on video - so far!)

We went to the Christmas party and I would pay extra to go to any party Disney throws my way.

I can understand that you want to get as much out of the parks as possible, this being their first trip, but I really think you should consider going to the party. You don't even have to trick-or-treat. You can use that night to ride some rides as the lines are shorter during the party. But the atmosphere and the magic is worth the extra money in my opinion.

 

[MonkeyPants]

I've read about people "watching" Wishes and Illuminations. Are these the fireworks shows at MK and Epcot, respectively? I am trying to plan an ADR at the California Grill to coincide with the fireworks at MK and looking at the WDW calendar, I can't find "fireworks" unless "Wishes" means the fireworks show.

Wishes is indeed the fireworks at the MK. You dont want to be eating while its happening. The show should be experienced (IMO) somwhere from the vantage point of infront of the castle, even if its a little ways down mainstreet, but not too far if you want to see tink fly, make sure you can see the right side of the castle.

Also we are going during October which I understand is the Mickey's not so scary Halloween party. Is this something that you can attend with your park admittance or is there an extra charge regarding it? I noticed another poster mentioned that they picked up tickets for this which is why I am asking. If it is an added charge...do you feel it is worth the extra price? Or is it something that is okay to skip?

I love Halloween. Last year I had the chance to be down there for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween. I made my sister dress up with me (we went as pirates...as did 800 other people ) I love the villains so it was great to see them out in force. The parade was great, we made sure to watch it both times it ran. Hallowishes (the fireworks during the halloween nights) is very cool. Its great to see Mickey and company in their halloween costumes as well. Its not just trick or treating, tho that was fun as well. Its a giant Halloween party, I couldnt believe how many people dressed and how incredibly detailed some costumes were. If you and your family enjoy halloween and dont mind shelling out the extra money (and I admit its not that cheap) its really a fun time. (and definitely dress up, helps get into the spirit of things and the costume doesnt need to be too detailed) We had a great time..and I just bought into DVC and the first trip I booked was for this oct so I could go to MNSSHP again now I jsut need to come up with a new costume!


whether you go to MNSSHP or not, have a great time.

 

[hockeymomoftwo]

Do the villians (characters) etc also do autographs during mnsshp.

I may have to rethink our plans. I knew that Disney would put on a heck of a good event. It is so tough to try and see as much as possible. If only it was easier for us to return that would be the answer. Too much money for us to make a habit.

 

[magicaldisney]

MNSSHP is a DO NOT MISS!! yYes, villians give autographs, but villians are at all of the parks every day giving autographs. If you want to get on every ride at MK, this is the time to do it. There is a limited number of tickets sold for these parties which makes for literally no lines or very very small wait times. You could do every ride in the park at least once during this party if you wanted to.

The party also offers:

trick or treating (wearing costumes is encouraged but not necessary)
characters in costumes
dance parties with the characters
free Halloween photo for each member in your party
special fireworks (very cool)
special parades

This is also the only time you will see this or any park decorated for Halloween.

If you decide to go and want more info, just let us know.

There is an additional charge and it does add up but we feel it is worth it. It's all part of the magic.

About $43.00 per adult and $35.00 per child if bought in advance.