Goodness..we had thunderstorms most of the night...nice background sound to set the mood while writing about Halloween but didn't want my PC to blow up...now that
would be scarey!!!
jwwi had a great suggestion on arriving early.When you arrive you get a MNSSHP wristband so they know you're there for the party .I've never been that much earlier (usually arrive at 6p.m.) but I think we'll try 5p.m. this year.I think that's a really great idea if you need to rent a stroller or wheel chair.It's really something getting there while thousands of others are exiting....it looks like mass confusion as you arrive but it goes quite smoothly!
My biggest tip is the day of the party have a light schedule and
take a NAP the afternoon of the party! I can't stress this enough!!
My boys were 9 last year and we still did this.Even if they didn't actually sleep they watched t.v. and rested...Joe and I slept! LOL! You want to be able to stay as late as possible because the later it gets the more the crowd thins out.It seems alot of people start exiting after the fireworks which is shortly after the first parade.
Tip about fireworks...try and see "the special guest" that takes over Tinkersbells flight before the fireworks begins.The BEST viewing area is on the bridge to Tomorrowland.
Costume tip...make sure your child's costume is COMFORTABLE and EASY to get around in.You'll be getting on and off rides and do not want anything that is cumbersome.
I also suggest something in a light weight fabric.Those of us that are accustom to Halloweens up North are use to Trick or Treating in something warm.I grew up in Indiana and it was always cold and/or raining when I was a Trick or Treater! The costumes that are sold through the Disney catalog,like Tigger or Pooh,the jump suit FUR type ones,those are really TOO HEAVY for a Halloween in Florida!The most we've ever needed at MNSSHP is a light jacket or sweatshirt.I make my boys costumes.Let's see the costumes I can remember... Erich has been a Mickey,a pirate ,a t-rex,a turtle,a triceratops,an Ewok.Jonathan and Erich were Teenage Ninja Turtles in '01 and Pokemon in '02.I make the costumes from shorts and t-shirts.Then I have a sweatshirt and sweatpants that are the same color that they can wear over the shorts and under the shirt if the night is chilly.Joe and I have worn light jackets.
If your little girl is going to be a Princess or something quite lovely... I know she looks adorable in those glass slippers but bring sneakers or some other comfortable shoe for her to wear.I've seen little ones dragging around crying about their feet hurting because they're in those plastic dress up shoes which are killing them!
Here's Disneys "official " guidlines for costumes at MNSSHP:
They should not interfere with their ability to board and unboard attractions and WDW transportation system..
Do not drag on the ground.
Do not contain sharp or pointed objects or material that may accidentally strike another guest.
Be offensive to other guest.
Should not contain any weapon(s) which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
About the last one....when Erich was the pirate he had a flexible rubber pirate knife with a skull on the end.When the boys were Ninja Turtle's one had plastic swords strapped to his back and the other the little plastic daggers in his belt.We had NO PROBLEMS either time with these props.
Well that's about all I can think of right now,oh I have a question for those of you going this year...
What are you or your little ones dressing up as for MNSSHP?
My boys want to be black Ninjas..oh boy...I'm hoping I can talk them into something a little more fun and colorful to wear...after all I have almost 5 to months to convince them!!
Happy Haunting!
