Can you get a lot accomplished at
MNSSHP?
Well, I went last year in September and mid October. Neither night was sold out. Was it crowded?
For the September visit, I was standing outside the Diamond Horseshoe Review, about 4 people back from the parade, so it was pretty crowded. I followed the (street filled wall of people) at the end of the parade to the castle, where I watched the show and the fireworks. Show was good, the fireworks were great. Crowded? It was your standard sea of people for as far as you could see.
The second time I sat on the curb at Main Street over an hour before hand in order to avoid standing several people back from the parade, along with all the other parade campers. There's a costume for you. Dress up as a camper with a campsite with Coleman lanterns and grills. Sadly, you will not stand out.
Keep in mind, neither night was sold out when I went. October 28 will most likely be sold out. As I recall, the last week or so is typically sold out. So if you're thinking of going, buy your tickets soon-ish.
Since you are paying (a lot) more for these few hours, you should make a plan and decide what you want to do.
On these nights, you are paying for special Halloweenie things you can't see or do any other night, such as:
Trick or Treat (not exactly free candy)
Special Halloween character meet and greet
Castle show
Castle Fireworks
Boo-To-You Parade (hitch hiking ghosts!)
People watching (great costumes)
Hang out on Main Street for the lights and music
These things are only available on the MNSSHP nights.
The character meet and greet is tempting. But the wait times are long, no FastPass+ScreamEdition. You can burn up a lot of time getting these photos of special characters; like Jack and Sally. Maybe find some great photos people share here and photoshop yourself in.
The show is good, if you can get close enough and you think your kids will like it. There's no Mickey and Minnie in this show. It's all the bad guys, including the big bag of scary himself, Mr. Oogie Boogie.
The fireworks (narrated by your Ghost Host) are fabulous. Better than Christmas, in my opinion. (no, I'm not starting a war on Christmas)
The parade is good. The Hitch Hiking Ghosts are awesome! The Boo-To-You song will get stuck in your head. (in a good way)
Hanging out on main street, watching all the people in costume walk by, with the buildings lit up for Halloween and listening to Halloween themed music was actually a unique and entertaining Disney experience. These are the only nights adults can wear costumes. That alone makes it pretty special.
You need to decide what your kids will want to do. Don't get caught up in a list of must-do's. (even my list, which is clearly the correct list) Who cares what you do (except you), as long as you all had a great time. If that happens, then your experience is priceless. (espeically if you don't keep the reciept)
