I'm guessing you've read Disney's guidelines, but they definitely are just vague enough that I'd expect this to be fully at a CM's discretion and that's why you've seen it go either way.
That's what I got from the guidelines, and I did see axes in 2019...hence why I'm hoping someone can speak to last year's ax count. I figure with the Haunted Mansion movie coming out there's bound to be one or two other brides out there. And if it matters, the ax was duct taped into a bouquet of roses, and was still called a weapon at DL.
I was wondering the same thing but I'm thinking it won't work because the dessert parties start at 9:15 for seated and 8:45 standing. I was trying to find out if the parade it still at 9:15 and 11:15 this year or not. Has that been posted?
Thanks!
Most strategies I've read seem to imply that the first parade is much more crowded, as many of the guests with younger kids will watch the first parade/fireworks and then leave.Going in August with three kiddos (16/14/7) and we plan on making it to the end of the night as we killed it last summer with park closing.
What are people's thoughts on a better strategy:
-Watch first parade and fireworks and then ride/meet characters during second parade
or
-Ride/meet characters during first parade, then watch fireworks and second parade?
We are happy either way, just wondering what is better use of our time.
Disney wrote back to me confirming this (bolding added): "We encourage our Guests to wear costumes to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! As you select your costume for this event, please keep the following guidelines in mind. As a reminder, ultimately it is up to security at Park entry to authorize or deny your accessory."
waiting for more details about characters and treats… 
We used that strategy one year during MNSSHP and got a lot done during the first parade. Then it poured afterwards and they did not perform the 2nd parade! There was only about a 20% chance of rain that night and before the time of everyone glued to their phones and weather apps (12ish years ago) so it wasn't really expected. We were so bummed about not seeing the parade that year so we always go for the first parade viewing since the parade is our favorite part of the event.
If it were me, I'd rather plan a costume that I knew would be allowed rather than spend the time in the run up to the party worried that I wasn't going to be let in. A toy axe sounds like it has a pretty good chance of being vetoed by the CMs, especially if you had that experience already last year. Can you plan a different accessory, without the axe? Just the bouquet of flowers? Sure, it might be less authentic, but you wouldn't have any worries about it not being allowed.
We saw the parade in 2019 and found a spot right by the bridge next to sleepy hollow QS. Right before the parade a whole family pushed in front of us and my 4 year old so that we ended up behind a garbage can and were stuck there. Do you have any tips for a good (relatively safe from pushing) spot to see the parade?
It’s tricky, cause strategies tend to go out the window due to unpredictable weather, especially during the August parties. I go to both parades since I love them so. What I’ve noticed is that when the weather is drizzly/rainy early In the evening, many people decide to go to the second parade, hoping the weather will improve, so the first parade is less busy.Going in August with three kiddos (16/14/7) and we plan on making it to the end of the night as we killed it last summer with park closing.
What are people's thoughts on a better strategy:
-Watch first parade and fireworks and then ride/meet characters during second parade
or
-Ride/meet characters during first parade, then watch fireworks and second parade?
We are happy either way, just wondering what is better use of our time.
I used to do rides during the first parade/watch the second but have watched the first parade/done rides during the second parade the past two parties because the posted wait times for rides during the first parade were higher than I wanted. Personally, the wait times for rides seems to increase every year (although it often just comes down to luck in terms of the party and what attendees seem to be prioritizing). So I figure that if I'm going to be waiting around during the early part of the party, then I might as well do it while enjoying some treats and sitting on the ground in Frontierland waiting for the first parade. Then, I get the benefit of shorter ride wait times during the second parade.Going in August with three kiddos (16/14/7) and we plan on making it to the end of the night as we killed it last summer with park closing.
What are people's thoughts on a better strategy:
-Watch first parade and fireworks and then ride/meet characters during second parade
or
-Ride/meet characters during first parade, then watch fireworks and second parade?
We are happy either way, just wondering what is better use of our time.
NOPE. There is nothing confusing about the park rules which list under Prohibited Items “Objects or toys that appear to be firearms or weapons”. Nor is their anything confusing about the costume guidelines that say “Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon”. That thing literally resembles an Ax. There is no carve out in the costume guidelines for fake weapons because Disney characters have them. Even if security lets you in (they absolutely should not) any CM in the park can stop you at any time and make you leave for violating costume and/or park rules.
if it is going to be part of a bouquet, just make one out of cardboard or foamboard, then it will be more obvious fake prob... that plastic one is very realistic looking... maybe glitter lol... could make it ghostly with glow in the dark paint
