This past September, I made my 5th overall trip to WDW and the second with my family (DW, DS8, DD5). This was my first trip during September and I was able to enjoy two new elements to what is always the highlight of my year when I go to WDW. These two things were the lower overall crowd levels and the MNSSHP. Halloween is not necessarily my favorite time of the year, but I do not exactly hate it. I guess I am trying to say you should not read this assuming I am a 32 year old Halloween obsessive. I am not. My wife is, but I am not. First, the decor. They decorate the park, but honestly it was not as if they went overboard. Everything was tastefully done. Even with the decorations not being as in your face as I assumed, you knew you were in for a different night. This was observed in the lighting used for both the Castle and Main Street. The Ghost Host voice-overs were also a nice touch. The characters available during the meet and greets were top notch. The Tremaines are a treasure. I have never seen them on property, though I do believe I have read they are part of a character dining experience. Maybe 1900? Anyway, you have the Tremaines, Seven Dwarves, Gaston, Jafar, Captain Jack, etc, the list goes on. All of that leads to the first of the two "Main Events"- Mickey's Boo To You Halloween Parade. This is kicked off by the Headless Horeseman's ride thru the parade route. I could go on about all the great characters and CMs, and it was great, but I will single out the Gravediggers and Hitchhicking Ghosts from Haunted Mansion. These guys sell it sooooooo well. And when the Gravediggers drag their shovels over the concrete and set sparks to flying, you absolutely realize that the $200+ extra you paid for this was probably worth it, until............ Your 5 year old daughter's legs get tired an hour prior to HalloWishes (the second Main Event) and insists on climbing on to your shoulders. At that moment you remember that after the last WDW trip you walked like an old man for a week because that kid dang near crippled you by doing this. But you wanna make her stop so you give in, and within an hour you are contemplating faking your death and hiding in Pecos Bills (aka the worst restaurant to have never given you food poisoning) until the coast was clear. But you don't do that. Instead you stay and experience a fireworks presentation that is, in my humble opinion, the best show Disney offers. We are already planning our next vacation. As it sits, and mainly due to MNSSHP, we are shooting for the second week of September 2014.
Growing up with a Grandfather living in Miami, our family would travel down to Florida once a year just about every other year since I was 5 till I was about 16. So the only time of year we could go was the summer and when one of our friends was getting married in December a few years ago down there, I was wondering how it would be? Best experience at Walt Disney World ever. Weather is beautiful to maybe a chill at night to make it really feel like winter. People seem nicer, Mickey's Christmas Party and parade are a can't miss with free hot cocoa and cookies, fake snow shooting up from the houses on Main Street, and limited park attendance. (Did I mention the weather is beautiful? :) Low to mid 80's with no dripping-sweat-humid weather aggravating people more and more while waiting on line) Osbourne Festival of Lights is extraordinary with the faux New York city, the Candlelight Procession in Epcot is a nice time to relax the legs from walking all day and listen to a beautiful chorus ensemble including a guest reader for "T'was the night before Christmas." We have been down the the past 4 winters and this year will make 5! Unfortunately for us when the days get shorter they seem to get longer with something like Walt Disney World waiting for you. :)
We have been lucky enough to visit the lights and sights the past three years and this year will be our fourth. We love all the lights and music that go along with the Osborne lights. It is very festive and the kids young and old will love it. It is a must see while at Disney.
I always love StarWarsWeekend I saw new characters that I haven't seen there before Great Weekend
Best time of year to visit Disney Parks! Weather great and parks not too crowded as most kids are in school. Everyone is in a good mood enjoying the food & benerages offered. A MUST Do for any Disney fan, food fan, or someone who like ot experience different cultures. We have been attending for past 8 years straight now. Would not want to miss it. Always try to entice new friends / family members to join us.
i think that Let the Memories Begin is a very good idea for the theme i love it!
This celebration is one of the most heart-felt yet! An important reminder to make every moment count, this is one of my favorite 'events' disney has done! (especially with the addition of The Magic! Memories! and You!