MNSSHP - you decide!

[polynesiangirl]

OK gang, I'll cut down my usual wordiness and just say - we're going to be around for the Halloween party this year. But, as you know, it costs extra. In my opinion, a lot extra. We don't have a lot of time this trip (4 days,) and we didn't want to spend a lot.

So, the plan right now is: skip the party. We are all adults, no little kids so that sort of helped my decision. Should I feel confident in this decision? I'm not sure when we'll be back that time of year but I'm sure we'll have another chance someday...thoughts?

 

[SamatBCV]

We were there for the Halloween Party last year and are going again this year. However, I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter who enjoys it. If we were a party of all adults, I probably wouldn't go. It is nice and all, but the parade is not one of my favorites and I'm old enough that if I want candy, I'll go to the store and pick some up lol. The only part of the party that I really like is the fireworks since it is a much grander show than even Wishes. So don't feel bad about your decision, it sounds like it is the right one for you. Everyone else.... Don't start bashing me for saying this about the party. It is a nice event and depending on who is going, it can be great. However, remember there are 4 main features - free candy, a parade, fireworks, and extra park hours. If you have done it before and don't have kids, you better really be into those things in order to fork over the approx. $40 per person. If you have never done it, then I would recommend you go at least once.

 

[LaughingGravy]

I saw the videos of all the past parades. No big deal to miss. They change the lighting on at least Main St. and a few other places, adding projected moving halloween images and different music is broadcast.

Pooh and characters in their Halloween costumes. Eh. You see a picture, you get the idea.
They dole out candy. I buy my own favorite candy anyway.
If you're really into dressing up for halloween, you'd have a good time.
I would have felt funny going and not dressing up.

If I had the same time there, the fireworks show for the party seems to be the one thing worth going for.

We are always at whatever park at opening in the AM, so the extra hours aren't such a big deal. If I was more confident of really short lines on attractions for the party, I would consider it further.
I have read here that they keep selling more and more tickets each year, so yeah, it's "limited" attendance, but there are a lot of Halloween junkies out there and this thing is getting more popular every year.

I would save the money and book now for Ohana dinner for the same time as the fireworks. They play the music in the restaurant for the show at the same time. We were sitting in the back corner far away from the windows and could still see the fireworks. You can always walk closer to the windows like everybody else does, being careful not to obstruct anyones's view. People seem to be friendly when it comes to that for the brief time of the show.
If not that, I'd plan around being on the Poly beach at the area where they send the music as well at the same time, especially since you're adults.

If money weren't an object and I did have more time, yes, I'd do it. I'm not that much of a curmudgeon, yet.
Also, have you been to WDW in the past year? If not, I'd focus my time more on other things that don't cost the extra $, but are still worth seeing, including Downtown Disney and walking around the resorts, which are attractions by themselves, if you are the type to stay up/out late past any park closing time.

Don't worry, the Halloween party isn't going anywhere and I think will only get better as the years go on.

 

[shoppingnut]

It is a nice event and depending on who is going, it can be great. However, remember there are 4 main features - free candy, a parade, fireworks, and extra park hours. If you have done it before and don't have kids, you better really be into those things in order to fork over the approx. $40 per person. If you have never done it, then I would recommend you go at least once.

If I'm down at that time of year I go to the party as I happen to really love it and I'm with all adults. I consider the price of the ticket as part of my vacation spending $$'s. I happen to like these special parties, but that is just me. I know there are others who could take it or leave it. If this is something that is going to seriously strain the vacation budget, then I'd say don't do it and not worry about it.

 

[hiddenmickey75]

This is a vacation for you right? So splurge on yourself and act like its a vacation. I'm 31, I love it, and when it boils down to it how many times will you be there on vacation in the future? Live a little.

 

[polynesiangirl]

Thanks all for the great responses. I am still going to talk it over with my husband and sister, to see if either of them is dead set on going, but if not, I think we will have to pass. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge little kid at WDW, it's not like I assume it will be "too babyish" or anything...and also, my husband can vouch that you needn't worry about me not spending money on vacation...or ever. :lol:

It's just that with our limited time, we need to prioritize. And before y'all jump on me and tell me to stay longer - it hasn't even been a year since our last trip and my husband and I are down to our last few vacation days for the year 2006. I'm working with what I have w/o losing my job here!

That said, I think Ohana/Cali Grill/Poly Beach that night to catch the fireworks is a fantastic idea - especially since I was already thinking of going to one of those spots at some point. I'm sure we'll be back in October again someday - we go at least once a year as it is!

 

[Firewolfe51]

We've (4 adults) have already gotten our tickets for 10/30! You don't need kids to have fun @ Disney. This will be our 2nd go for MNSSHP. Come on...FEEL THE MAGIC...go to the party!

 

[tecowdw]

We've (4 adults) have already gotten our tickets for 10/30! You don't need kids to have fun @ Disney. This will be our 2nd go for MNSSHP. Come on...FEEL THE MAGIC...go to the party!

I agree! I don't have any kids and try to make it to one each year now. There is just something special about the park when it's all dressed up for a party.

I also wondered if it would be worth it the first year I was going to be at WDW during October. I really enjoyed it. Now, even as expensive as it is, I still make plans to travel during a night of the party. You really should atten it at least once, even if not this year due to your short time.

 

[blackerbys17]

Personally, I love the party. I wouldn't miss it unless I really couldn't afford it. Just me though!

 

[DisneyBride94]

I would SO TOTALLY go without kids... Especially since you only have 4 days...what a way to maximize what you can do! It's way cheaper than buying a park admission to the MK for the day...and the crowds are FAR less than during the day--so you can get WAY more down....outside the heat of the day, too....

If I had only 4 days at WDW....during MNSSHP days... I'd do a 1/2 day at AK, finish up for an EMH at MGM... then do MK for a day... Epcot for a Day... Typhoon Lagoon for a Day... then go to MNSSHP that evening... That way you are only paying for 3 days of park admissions... plus the cost of the MNSSHP which gets you so much more than you'd get during the regular day. (Only downside is that not all of the eating establishments are open during MNSSHP).

Without kids, I think MNSSHP would allow you to do even more... We go with our kids, but DH and I would definitely do it without them if we could! Ha ha!

We (DH, kids ages 2, 4 and 6, and myself) are going on our arrival day... that way we don't waste a full day's park admission on a day that we couldn't get into the parks until after 3:30 at the earliest....but we can still jump start our vacation with a big old dose of MK, without big crowds... I suppose the earlier in the MNSSHP schedule, the crowds will be lighter due to peopel not in the spirit of Halloween quite yet... We'll take advantage of that! We've gone twice before and enjoyed the "no waiting" on all the rides...

With no kids, you don't have anybody falling asleep on you as midnight approaches... though my three at 1, 3 and 5 (last year) all stayed awake until nearly the end... My 3 year old daughter passed out in her stroller whiel DH and the boys were on their last ride (Buzz LightYear) and the baby passed out in the sling while waiting for the bus (SO I had two sleeping children in my arms--my 1 and 3 year olds--AND a backpack on my back...and one seat to sit in on the bus for the three of us...lol. My 5 year old fell asleep on the bus on the way home...

 

[ClemsonTigger]

If you've never seen it (and MVMCP) I do suggest that you do it at least once. Many people do not get dressed up (I don't), but as with many things Disney...I think it is at least as much fun for adults as for children. Some of the other costumes that you will see are very impressive...more so toward the end of October.

Contrary to what some have said here, I think the parade is better than most 3:00 parades. Night time parades are more fun and there are a lot more dance numbers and cast presentations that make it very different.
Trick or treating is fun as are the snack stations. Fireworks are great.

Can you live without it, sure, but do plan on doing it at least once in some future October visit.

 

[New2WDW]

I am not sure how you plan your park days but we do not go to a park on the day of the MNSSHP and thus make a whole days worth out of the party! This is due to the fact that I can only usually afford one or two days of tickets. If you're on an AP then that is a different story, but like mentioned before it is a whole different feel to the MK!

 

[sleepybear]

The party is a lot of fun and the atmosphere is great. The decorations and lighting are awesome, and it adds a spooky element to attractions you've been on before. (The Haunted Mansion on MNSSHP nights is spectacular.)

Then again, I'm a Halloween nut. So MNSSHP is on our must-do list. It's actually one of the reasons we go in October.

If it's not your favorite holiday, and some adults are skittish, then maybe take in La Nouba or Pleasure Island. Since I doubt any of the other parks will be open at the same time the party is going on.

 

[rob45]

Go for it! My wife and I will be there for MNSCHP on Oct. 31. No kids ( just 2 big kids at heart). We went to the christmas party 4 years ago, and wanted to experience MNSCHP this year on our trip. And yes we'll be in costume!
:sohappy:

 

[shoppingnut]

Also, at MNSSHP, one of the things I love is seeing all the people who dress in costume, some are so imaginative and that is part of the entertainment. I remember one year this older couple, I think in their late 60's, were dressed as Cinderella and Prince Charming and whoever made their costumes, they were great.

 

[phillyfan77]

We've (4 adults) have already gotten our tickets for 10/30! You don't need kids to have fun @ Disney. This will be our 2nd go for MNSSHP. Come on...FEEL THE MAGIC...go to the party!

I also agree! My family consists of four "adults"... our kids are 22 and 27 (today!) and we didn't think twice about if we were going or not. Like the others have said... live a little! This may be your only chance to see the Halloween event depending on how often you go to the World. I'm 44 and consider myself a "big kid" and am planning on getting dressed up to some degree! Even if it's just a Goofy hat!

Trick or Treat, here I come!:sohappy:

 

[Disneybird]

I have never been to the Halloween Party, but am going with my DD, who is 19 this year. It may be a one time shot, but at least we can say we did it.

By the way, I just returned from dinner at Cracker Barrel with my DH and there were 2 adults sitting at a table, looked to be in their early 50's, wearing tye-dyed orange shirts with the Disney's Not So Scary Halloween Party logo on them. I thought that was ironic since I had read this thread before I went to eat.