I still struggle with my opinion/thoughts on our two party nights this year:
Friday 9/21 - $79 adult ticket and AP/DVC discounts available
Friday 10/5 - $109 adult ticket with no AP/DVC discounts available (Columbus Day weekend, cheaper parties both 10/4 and 10/7)
Both had similar weather.
I was joining the ‘too crowded chorus’ after 9/21. We ultimately had an OK night, it just ‘felt’ more crowded than my past experiences... to the point where it interfered with our enjoyment of the party. Was it more crowded? Was I just reading too much DIS? Did I make bad zig/zag decisions? Off night? I don’t really know. All I know is it wasn’t all that great a night and I was pretty bummed, as
MNSSHP has been a favorite over the last few years.
10/5, while not completely night and day - was pretty darn close. From start to end the night was so much more manageable. We did tons of rides, almost all of the treat lines. Easily found spots for both parades and fireworks. Walked around the park with ease. This night elt just like my prior party experiences. It was DW’s first MNSSHP and she says we’re absolutely going back next year.
I hate to start equating the cost to crowd levels, but it was pretty much the only difference between nights.