Let's just say this, my DH believes the two best things out of Disney World are
MNSSHP and the Food and Wine Festival, both of which are taking place in October. He wasn't raised going to Disney like I was, so although he enjoys the vacations, he isn't nutso-kooko about them like I am. So coming from him, well, it's a major thing.
MNSSHP is one big show. We saw the parade twice, and it was worth seeing twice. I caught part of the Villians Mix & Mingle while the others went for snacks, and I wish that I would've been much closer. Hallowishes is as good as they get at WDW - but not as good as the
Disneyland "Dreams" fireworks. (Okay, I'm a bit biased there!) We went on a few rides, but spent lots of time getting photos & candy. I'm so looking forward to this trip!
You can also enter the MK at 4:00 the day of the party, even though the official start is 7:00, but not any sooner. We'll be in line to enter right at that time since we won't be going any other day. That way you can ride rides, or whatever you want before 7:00, when the fun begins.
On another note - I'm working on a logo for our group, using our "Wonder, Waves & Wishes" theme. I'll post the ideas once I get something worth showing to see what you think.