Hiking the narrows for the first time

Planning a trip November 13th to hike the narrows. I have done some research but not everything yet. Here is what I learned, please tell me what I have missed.

1. You don’t need a permit if you start at the bottom. We don’t plan on doing a long hike, but want to say we did some of it.
2. Based off of weather and water temp, we should get the bibs, and the whole outfit, right?
3. Parking is limited so take the bus to the last stop?

Am I missing anything of super importance?