Would it be a crime to skip MNSSHP?

[Jubaby]

We are taking our granddaughter (5) in late September.

We have done the Halloween Party twice in the past. The first time we absolutely loved it! Got tons of candy, enjoyed the parade and special fireworks, and the lines were short for all the attractions.

The second time we went with the grandkids. It was packed! Waited in long lines for candy, photos, everything. We finally gave up and just walked around taking in the scenery, left early and went back to the resort.

So we are debating skipping it completely this year and just doing another park that evening and not even letting our granddaughter know about it. What to do????

 

[mindygirl5238]

Ehh, we're planning on skipping it. This will be our girls' first trip, so I know it would be nice to do. But they're going to survive. I don't even think they'll care. One Disney forum I belong to is flooded with posts every day about "strategies" for MNSSHP. What to do first, where to be when, etc. After having to plan your days at Disney like that, I want the nights to be more lax.

 

[SoScary'09]

I know right?! First year, it was awesome. No terrible waits, few lines. The only real crowds and congestion seem to gather on main street and around the hub. (And I've always gone on Halloween night.) Second year, packed! Double the crowds. And last year's party? Forget it! It is going to be our last MNSSHP for awhile. We might try Mickey's Halloween Party in DL since we're to be moving to CA sometime next year.

As for your granddaughter- I wouldn't feel too guilty If she's been, she's had the experience. There are other, less chaotic options. Will you have park hopper? And many of the resorts offer fall time activities as well.

 

[jco_direwolf]

I would say if you question it. It's better to skip it.

Add to that a 5yo, I know mine there is no way he can make it till midnight, and he would likely crash and be a wreak the next day.

 

[sydneysmom]

Me, I wouldn't skip it.... it was SO much fun. We took our DD who was 4 1/2 at the time. I honestly didn't think she'd make it. We had her take a 2 hour nap mid day, and she was wide awake at midnight during the party... she never got tired. (without the nap, it would have been bad...) WHen we went, it was late September (one of the earlier Parties) so the crowds were crazy light... everything was walk on. If it were me, I'd go... but I love that party!

 

[ZoZo]

I would say if you question it, it's better to skip it.

Add to that a 5yo, I know mine there is no way he can make it till midnight, and he would likely crash and be a wreak the next day.

OP, I would agree with this. Since you've been to two different parties in the past, I think you may have already answered your own question.

And the second point this poster makes is a good one, too. Lots of 5-year-olds might poop out early (especially in the heat), which would make it a big waste of money. And with the potential of huge crowds, like you experienced with your second party, it might be best to skip it.

 

[rstamm]

Yes

 

[tndisneyfan]

If you've already been to two parties, I would skip it. We skipped it for the first time last October.

 

[beachbumbob]

Would it be a crime to skip MNSSHP?

The crime is how much they've raised the ticket price for this event in the last few years without adding anything to the party perks.

We simply can't afford to do it anymore, we have to scrimp and save just to be able to make a WDW trip in the first place.

 

[kitty2kidz]

I almost felt guilty about skipping because we took our 2 DD's last trip ~ now my DS 7 would be a great age but for $300 for a few extra hours and candy I cant justify the cost. I know there are characters that you dont normally see, but when we went in the past it was more hoping for shorter lines. We wouldnt want to be waiting in lines just to see a character and I have heard the parties are getting more crowded every year... we are skipping!

 

[brettcw23]

We've done it and love it but certainly get where you're coming from. Maybe come up with some alternatives like mini golf at Fantasia Gardens or heading to DTD to something fun there. There is so much to do at WDW that is both less expensive AND less crowded.

I would however discuss it with your grandchild b\c the last thing that you want is disappointment. I do thing kids are far more willing to skip something like MNSSHP when you are giving them an alternative.

 

[Antonia]

We're skipping the Christmas party this year. We'll have 4 adults as well as our two grandchildren ages 3 & 5. The expense just seems more than the value we will get out of it.

We did MNSSHP with them year before last.

I'm saving all that party money to do other fun things.

 

[wendybeth75]

It would be a crime in my family. We love the party but it's not for everyone. We are working on what our costumes will be this year If you think you may have regret if you don't go then I say go for it. Pick a weeknight to attend as those are not sold out quite as often.

 

[jkc0325]

At age 5 she probably won't even know the difference. The beauty of Disney is that there is always so many things to choose from...do what you like and don't give it another thought!

 

[foots]

Nope no crime at all.... I think it's pretty much a every 3rd trip event anyhow.

 

[lustergirl]

If you have seen it already, definitely not a crime to skip. The pricing of the tickets has gotten outrageous anyways.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We've done it once, that was enough....though it wasn't crowded, it was quite humid...

That said, it is a steep price, we rather take that money and do a dinner show.... HDDR....

 

[Jubaby]

The decision has been made, and we are skipping it. It is a short trip (4 days) and the only night is on the weekend. We already have a Princess Breakfast planned where she can wear her Elsa dress, and we are going to try for FP to A&E, or else stand in line. We have decided to do EMH at HS that night, and not even say a word to her. We will be spending alot of time at MK, and she will be happy. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Princess_Nikki]

We're skipping the Christmas party this year. We'll have 4 adults as well as our two grandchildren ages 3 & 5. The expense just seems more than the value we will get out of it.

We did MNSSHP with them year before last.

I'm saving all that party money to do other fun things.

Ugh, yes...all this ^^^^^ and more!

We've done it a few times now, our DS5 and DS7 do enjoy it, but the cost for 4 of us is somewhere around $230 something. I'm honestly still undecided this year. I don't know. We are close to locals, we are Floridians, and go to WDW about 4 times a year. To keep up with all the things we like to do, I'm torn on these special events anymore.

I wouldn't say it's a crime to miss it, but worth doing at least once

 

[practicallyperfect77]

I'm struggling with this decision myself. The only night that would work with our plans is Halloween night. Which while I think it would be fantastic and fun, I can't see spending the $. It's around $70/ticket that night and there are 6 of us. Kids are 5 and two of them a month shy of 7. We would probably make it to the fireworks and that's it. If they could stay up later maybe but not for only 3 hours of the party.