MSSSHP Strategery

[FaithTrustPixieDust]

We are attending this for the first time this year. We have 2 kids, ages 4 and 6. I'm looking for some sage advice from those of you who have been there, done that.

Can't decide if we should do a table service or counter service for dinner. Will we feel like we are wasting valuable MNSSHP time if we spend an hour in a character meal?

Also, any general strategery on what to do, where to go first, etc, would be welcome!
Thanks!!

[princessimagineer]

befor we went to MNSSHP, we ate at 1900 Park faire at the Grand Floridian and had reservations that we wud be done by the time MNSSHP started

[GrmGrninGost]

We do a TS at LTT before the party. As far as what to do, you can't do it all, so there are decisions to be made on what to leave out. I would not miss the parade, the fireworks or the character meet and greets. Also, we always do the trick or treating. There is also storytelling which is cool. If you do all this, you won't have much time for rides. But, anyway you do it, the party is a LOT of fun!

[DDuck66]

The first year that my DW and I attended, we had ADR's for LTT at 5:45 for dinner. The wait was the worst we had ever had, we did not even get seated until after 6:30. By the time we finished eating, we had already missed the first parade. We have found that there is so much to do that we usually have a big lunch and eat CS and/or snacks for dinner and spend time enjoying the party.
As far as unique attractions that you need to do...make sure that you go to the HM and then get your pictures taken in front of the horseless carriage. The ghostly driver will show up when you pick up the picture.

[JPL]

Focus on the Special Event related activities like the shows, parade and fireworks. This is what you are paying for. I have heard too many people go to a party and basically spent $50 to ride attraction that you can do any time of the year. I'm not saying that you shouldn't ride but just make the special activities a priority. If you happen to get on a few rides in between it's a bonus

[mickey&missy]

We went on Halloween last year with an almost 4 year and a 5.5 year old and had a blast!

We had a 4:30 ADR at LTT and it was great. We didn't wait long, the food was good and the characters in Halloween costumes were cool! I would say If you do a TS, like LTT, don't go much later then 4:30 or 5, there where a lot of people waiting when we left.

Definitely don't miss the special events, like a previous poster said. The parade and fireworks are fantastic! Also, my piece of sage advice/knowledge, because of our early ADR we were able to go on rides between dinner and the beginning of the party. The park was emptying out fast at that point. We were able to go on a bunch of rides with NO line at all. We went on Buzz Lightyear and It's a Small World twice, on Small World we didn't even have to get off. It was definitely a great way to do a lot in a short amount of time!

Good Luck! Your going to love MNSSHP!!!

[Natazu]

We usually have a late lunch and then a snack during the party.

Oh, by the way, Cool User ID!

[Old School Mouse Ears]

i have our tickets for 14 sept for two middle aged kids this will be the first time at such an event for us. is the trick or treating for just kids? or is there a chance of getting free candy? just kidding.. at home we have a big costume party at halloween so i hope to get some great ideas at MMNSSHP

[TammiMcMan]

I have two methods that work pretty well. The first is hitting the MK early in the morning for rides. That kind of gets it out of their systems for that evening and you can maybe enjoy more of the special events going on instead. So, be there first thing in the morning and out by 1pm for an afternoon swim and nap. Head back so that you're in the park by 5:30pm with an ADR for the Crystal Palace buffet.

Second option, try to plan a quiet day, with sleeping in late and an afternoon nap if possible. If you aren't planning on going into the park that day, in the past, you could get in with your special event ticket at 4pm. Book dinner for 5 - 5:30pm. You can eat at your own pace at the Crystal Buffet, see some characters and already be inside the park for the 7pm kick-off. If you get into the MK at 4pm, you'll also have an hour to maybe do a ride to two in Fantasyland before dinner.

If a family photo is important to you, get that done first. Take a look through the guide and plan your method of attack. If possible, get the guide ahead of time from guest services at your resort. Decide which events the kids might enjoy and work your way around. I'd plan on watching the earlier parade unless you think the kids will make it until 11pm. The fireworks are pretty amazing and best seen from the roundabout on Main Street. Just don't get too close to the Castle.

[emmatink]

We will be attending the MNSSHP on Halloween day, and before the festivities begin we have reservations at LTT. We were told we could enter the park on the MNSSHP tickets as early as 4 pm so we could eat before it all begins!:

[Mickey91]

Originally Posted by Old School Mouse Ears

i have our tickets for 14 sept for two middle aged kids this will be the first time at such an event for us. is the trick or treating for just kids? or is there a chance of getting free candy? just kidding.. at home we have a big costume party at halloween so i hope to get some great ideas at MMNSSHP

The middle aged kids get candy too!! I'm actually the ring leader in our family when it comes to the trick or treat line! Between my DH looking for cool characters and me wanting to hit the candy lines our poor DKs are in for a long night!

Also, to answer the original question, we like to eat at LTT between 4 and 5:30. The characters are usually already dressed in Halloween Costumes and we don't waste any party time!

[llamaface]

So did I make a mistake by scheduling dinner at 7 the night of the party? It's funny, I actually had ADR's for LTT at 4:30 on a Friday party night, but I didn't think the characters would be dressed up. So, I cancelled and rescheduled for the Thursday party (hoped it would be less crowded than a Friday), but could only get into LTT at 7. Is it worth it to spend an hour at dinner during the party - we did attend last year.....

[TammiMcMan]

Originally Posted by llamaface

So did I make a mistake by scheduling dinner at 7 the night of the party?

It really depends on what you're looking to get out of the party. If you're planning on the late parade and staying until it ends, then a 7pm ADR probably isn't bad at all. You can get to the park at 4pm and do some rides while it's fairly empty. When everyone else heads for the activities, you can be enjoying your dinner with the characters.

Since you've already been once, you probably know best the things you'd like to see.

[beksy]

Thanks for all the great advice! This is our first year attending and we are really looking forward to it--already working on costumes! This is the best site for finding advice and information on things that I would never even think about (and I think I've visited about all of them! )