Food & Wine/Not So Scary Halloween

[saibasabu]

Hey everybody,

My siblings and I are planning a trip to WDW in October (week of the 24th). Some of us had wanted to do Food and Wine while the same also wanted to try the Not So Scary Halloween Party.

I personally only have interest in MK, Epcot, and Blizzard Beach. I went to TL last August and did all 4 parks in January. Sadly, I'm pretty bummed about the current state of things in HS and AK though everything in AK being a walk on was pleasant. It didn't hurt that we got free park hoppers from knowing so many higher ups on the inside so seeing all 4 in January was made possible. I suppose that's what I'm putting into consideration most for this trip. I highly doubt we'll get freebies this time.

Anyways, given the circumstances, my plan is to simply spend one day at Epcot for F&W then do a half day at Blizzard Beach before heading to MK for the Halloween Party. I figure since I only want to see those 3 parks, save money and we'll only be there a few days, it makes sense. First of all, is this the way to go? Would you have any reason for me to go the extra mile and get park hoppers? Does anyone have tips regarding the events in Epcot and MK? As well, I heard from a few sources that they'll admit ticket holders to the Not So Scary Halloween Party starting at 4pm. Does anyone have experience with this?

I also have a curiosity question: For those who may know, is the Halloween party on October 31 much different than any other date during that month or are they all roughly the same?

Thanks for reading!

 

[belledream]

If you're only interested in those 3 parks, that's definitely how I would do it. You'll enjoy the full day of F&W!

And yes, if you have the MNSSHP ticket, you can enter MK at 4 even though the party starts at 7. As far as I know, the 31st is no different than any of the others except that it will most likely sell out and be more crowded, but because it's Halloween!

 

[saibasabu]

Thanks for the info! Have you been to both? Any advice if you have?

 

[belledream]

Yup I went to both last year for the first time. For F&W, we went during the weekdays (tues and wed) and avoided weekends which we heard can get really crowded. We also shared every dish we got so we could try more.

For MNSSHP, dress up! Costumes make the night so much more fun. Depending on what your interests are, spend less time riding rides and more time taking advantage of what the party is about: characters, candy, and of course, the parade and fireworks.

Have fun!

 

[DisneyDaver]

Thanks for the info! Have you been to both? Any advice if you have?

I've been to both as well. I agree with your plan given your parameters.

I also recommend getting into the Halloween spirit and dressing up for MNSSHP.

I think the parade at MNSSHP is the best parade at WDW. I would recommend the later parade as it is likely to be less crowded than the earlier one. And if you are a night owl (like me), most (if not all) of the rides had an under 10 minute wait after 11:00 pm.

 

[FitzherbertFreak]

I've been to, and love, both events. I think it is definitely a wise decision to spend a whole day at F&W. They do let you in a 4 for the Halloween party, and take advantage of it (some of the rides will close once the party actually starts around 7)! I wouldn't recommend going to MNSSHP on Halloween simply because it's crowded, and you won't get to enjoy the party as much as you would if you went on a less crowded day.

 

[JillC LI]

Been to both and agree with your plan. Get an early start at EPCOT so you can do rides before the F&WF opens in the World Showcase at lunch. Get to MK at 4pm for the party, and store your costume in a locker until the party begins. Make sure to catch the beginning of the Boo to You Parade with the Headless Horseman. All nights of the party are essentially the same unless bad weather prevents the Headless Horseman from riding.