I NEED SOME HELP FROM MY FRIENDS...

[yensid67]

Hello my Disney friends! I need your help with a dilemma, We currently have our 2017 trip planned for December 3-14, 2017. We may need to change it because of issues with work. The only reservation that has been paid in full is the hotel, which can be cancelled and I have purchased a 3 day Disney ticket, which should still be good to use! IF we have to change our dates, we will be going in OCTOBER 2017. My question is for those who have been in October...when is the best time to go? Is the Halloween Party scheduled MOST nights? We will not be doing the party so want to schedule a day when its not scheduled. Other than that, our plans can be adapted to the earlier dates! Any help or suggestions would be a great help!

THANK YOU, MY KIND FRIENDS!

 

[flynnibus]

I though this was going to be a Beatles thread...

 

[JIMINYCR]

Too bad that you might have to back out on a December trip. The Christmas decorations and events at that time of year are my favorite. MNSSHP has gotten very popular and Disney is selling a lot of tickets for the event. We found earlier Oct dates were better, the closer to Halloween the busier it gets. Because of its popularity, Disneys been planning 3-4 nights in a week for the event, youll have to wait and watch for the release of the 2017 dates. The park decorations and the carved pumpkins places all around are fabulous to see even without being in on the event.

 

[yensid67]

Thanks Jiminy...We would like to go for Christmas for the decorations but we are OK with going in October for the fall decorations...we will stay away from the party...not that big of a kid when it comes to dressing up and eating candy! Is the BOO TO YOU Parade only on party nights or is it the nighttime parade in October?

 

[JIMINYCR]

Its the special parade that goes on during the MSSHP event. Youll miss out on the headless horseman and some great parade. I'm not a candy eater either but I did get convinced by my friend to costume up ( but you dont have to, lots of non costumed guests attend )... I'd recommend you rethink not doing it , it is much more than a kid event. The parade and fireworks show alone are worth going for and are IMHO the best. And there are lots of characters appearing that you seldom see. I enjoyed it more than the MVMCP.

 

[DisneyDaver]

The Boo To You Parade is my favorite of all the parades by a big margin. MNSSHP is also great for getting a lot done at MK in a short period of time. The lines for most rides (particularly during and after the second parade) are much shorter than during normal hours. I'm not a candy eater either, but I highly recommend the party.

Also, when I go in October, I try to avoid Columbus day weekend.

 

[Belle_MTL]

I love going to MNSSHP simply because we can get a lot done in a short period of time with little to no lines. Two years ago we were a group of 16 with 7 kids ranging from 5 months to 14 years old and none of them seemed to care that we were skipping all of the trick or treating lines. We were all more interested in the rides. To give an example, when were were at the MK during the day the Anna and Elsa line was never less than 2 hours. During the party we waited about 10 minutes to meet them.

 

[yensid67]

Thanks...this definitely gives us something to think about!

 

[Matt_Black]

I went Halloween week in 2013, and crowd levels were very good. So light, I managed to park hop 3 different spots in one day to find stuff to do. And yes, that included MK on non-party evenings.

The weather is good- not too hot, but not too cool.

 

[rob0519]

You know you may have issues at work that will prevent you from taking a vacation in 15 months in advance? Wow. We've never even scheduled a vacation more than 8 weeks in advance due to my work schedule.

 

[yensid67]

The issue is that management CANNOT take of after Thanksgiving for vacations(retail) If my travel partner takes off and goes then she will not have a job when she returns as per the manager. That's why the dilemma. I have already left the ball in her court. I just didn't want her loosing her job on my shoulders. That's why I wanted to find out about October crowds and MNSSHP. The party does sound like it would be a great option, but the price doesn't justify attending at least not to us! We will be doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour the morning of our MK day, so we will have a special time there. I always knew I could always get a little help from my friends on the boards. THANKS to all for information!

 

[mousehockey37]

For the parties, look at this years schedule and just move the calendar up a day. The dates will be pretty close to the same next year... aka, just about every other night... Also remember that Food and Wine is going on during that time as well, so it just won't be the MK that is busy.

 

[yedliW]

I think that Hallo-wishes is probably the best fireworks display.. Anywhere.. We went in mid November last year to see the Christmas decorations.. (And the last year of Osbourn lights) and had a good time.. But I think I like the early/mid October timeframe better.

 

[yensid67]

I thought of some other questions...

1. On non-party nights what do they do as a nighttime parade and fireworks?
2. If you are there on a party day, what time do they start getting day guests out of the park?
3. Can you just purchase a party ticket and go in at 4pm for the party only?
4. Are all the attractions opened or just the major rides?(7DMT, JC, PotC for our fast pass)*
(*=we have tickets for Keys to the Kingdom tour, so we could add the party for that night as long as our FP are open...an suggestions)
5. Where is the BEST place to watch the Headless Horseman on parade route( for recording purposes),, Recording Hallowishes?
6. Is the Hocus Pocus show offered ONLY on party nights or each night in October? Best place to view/record?

 

[ThemeParkJunkee]

1. On non-party days, the regular fireworks and parade will run but it will be extra crowded.
2. Guest will be required to leave by 7PM. Those with ADRs that go past that time will be escorted out.
3. Yes. You may enter with a party ticket at 4PM
4. Between 4 and 7 you will be able to make FP+ reservations. No FP during the party. All rides are available between 4 and 7. A very few will be closed if any after that.
5. Not sure.
6. Only on party nights

 

[rob0519]

The issue is that management CANNOT take of after Thanksgiving for vacations(retail) If my travel partner takes off and goes then she will not have a job when she returns as per the manager. That's why the dilemma. I have already left the ball in her court. I just didn't want her loosing her job on my shoulders. That's why I wanted to find out about October crowds and MNSSHP. The party does sound like it would be a great option, but the price doesn't justify attending at least not to us! We will be doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour the morning of our MK day, so we will have a special time there. I always knew I could always get a little help from my friends on the boards. THANKS to all for information!

Sorry about that. Never having worked retail i would not have thought of that. You do know Christmas is coming 15 months in advance. Hope it all works out.

 

[KikoKea]

We use MNSSHP as an extra day, and really enjoy the party and the special fireworks and parade. MK is decorated, more than the other parks, and you'll enjoy it, even if you don't do the party. Hard to plan to far ahead, I know, but hope it works out for you!

 

[Adam Snider]

and the tickets are only about $70. You just cant get in until after 4. We went on a cruise for our honeymoon last week and went to the party the night before our cruise took off. It was amazing. We spent the morning at Disney Springs and the pool then headed off to the park from 4-12. Most of the rides were walk ons and the parades were great. Even if you do not want to get candy, the people getting it do not get in your way and does not impede on your trip. But if you want a free small snack just hop in a line and get a handful of candy.

 

[yensid67]

[QUOTE="KikoKea, post: 7401382, member: 106302. Hard to plan to far ahead, I know, but hope it works out for you![/QUOTE]

Hard to plan? Not really....I have been planning this trip since 2013!!!! Even though we have our original plans for Christmas, I have no reservations about going in the fall! Is the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot a separate ticketed event or is a pay as you go type event? Since we will be going to Epcot, might as well check out the FWF!!!!

 

[Jess G]

I had arrived one year on the day of Halloween.It was amazing. one day it was fall and the next day they had holiday decor up in MK.