HELP! I"m torn over MVMCP!

[morningsidemom]

We'll be at Disney the 1st week in December. My sons will be 11,9, and 5 1/2. It will be the big boys' 2nd trip and the baby's 1st. I've heard and read lots of pros and cons regarding MVMCP. I want honest thoughts. Are we going to feel like we are really missing out if we don't attend? The events sound magical but from what I hear, the crowd levels are awful and there seems to be an awful lot of things going on. It makes me think that we would spend most of our time running to catch the different shows/events that are going on. I thought that we could possibly visit MK until it closes for the event, go to Downtown Disney for dinner at Rainforest and then hop to HS for the Osborne light show. Is the snow falling at MK & HS comparable? Let me know your thoughts so that I can make a decision on this one! Thanks!

[kenny]

We have been the past 2 years and loved it.

The snow at HS and MK are similar. That being said there is also something "special" about walking down mainstreet while it snows. Just feels different then at HS.

We did not find it too crowded and the crowds definitely thinned out as the night went on.

We didn't do it either time for the rides. We did it more for the different parades, fireworks, shows, etc. To us, no holiday is better than Christmas, and no PLACE is better than MK. Together they are truly magical. Others may feel differently.

That all being said, it is expensive. For us (2 adults and 1 child) it was around $150. So I can only imagine what it will cost you. If money is not an issue, I would say try it. It definitely is a lot of fun and puts you in the Christmas spirit.

If you don't want to spend the $$, you are not missing out on the end all, be all. Go to HS for the snow.

[bsbrady]

I keep reading about the crowds at the MVMCP and I dont know what its all about, I was there on Dec 9th last year and it was great. The longest wait for a ride was 10 - 15 minutes. How can you beat that. Its definitely worth it. The fireworks show was awesome, the parades are cool.

I think that the complaints of the crowds are just peoples different expectations. One thing if you go to the party, there will be less people in the MK than any other time on your vacation. I think some people expect to have the park to themselves and thats just unrealistic.

[Rora]

While I have never been, I'm in the same position as you. We finally decided that we would just spend the extra money and do MVMCP. However, there are only 2 of us and we have no kids- so it's tons easier to deal w/ crowds, etc etc. We went to MNSSHP and if the crowds are anything like MVMCP, it's not that bad. I hope you choose to splurge this one time to see if you like it. Good luck and have a great trip! :)

[EverythingDisney]

We are going Dec 6-10th and we are dealing with the same issue-
should we go to MVMCP or not ??!! We are back and forth about the
$$$$ and the crowd levels. My kids are 11 and 5. I don't even know if my
5yo wil make it that late to stay for the entire thing. I'm afraid if we don't go, we will feel we missed out.

[lovetoscrap]

We went a few years ago at the same time and really enjoyed it. I chose to go in December specifically to enjoy all that Disney offers during the holidays so it was a no brainer that we would do MVMCP.

But I used that seperate ticket as our only park ticket for the day. We spent the day touring the resorts to see them decorated for Christmas and see the Gingerbreads and Christmas Trees at different places. We had a nap in the early afternoon and then went to MK. This way I wasn't "double spending" park tix for the day (I am chea. . FRUGAL!) Traditionally they have let people into the park around 4:30 or so with just the party ticket, so you can plan on quite a few hours if they allow that again this year (watch the boards here for reports back). We found the crowds for the rides were pretty light. We were able to do most things and really enjoyed it. It can be a late night and our youngest was around 4 or 5 and she fell asleep in the stroller towards the end and the older one was dragging but they still talk about the parade and the snow and hot chocolate and cookies and how fun it was.


But, you also have to see the lights at Disney Studios! They are really awesome and your kids will also love them so can you fit that in another night if you do MVMCP?

[Aliceacc]

I've never been there, yet as usual I'm free with advice.

There is SO MUCH to see and do. No one thing will make or break your trip, particularly something that your kids have never heard of. Something that will cost you extra money you're not sure you have. Something that will push your youngest past a comfortable bed time.

Save it for your next trip. HAve a wonderful vacation without it this time.

[morningsidemom]

Aliceacc, I posted a question to you earlier today on another thread. I had read your comment about your discount code. Can you share the info?

Thanks for your response to my dilemma. That's really the way I feel about it to. I just wanted some other insights.

[Shenandoah Minnie]

I think it is definetely worth it. It is crowded on Main Street before the fireworks but they were the best fireworks I had ever seen. When you first get there go to the back of the parks it is less crowded for sure. We had wonderful Character visits at this time. We also did not ride any rides. We danced, watched fireworks, ate cocoa and cookies and visited characters. Don't forget to buy MVMCP stuff that is only for sale at the time of the parties!! :)

[Aliceacc]

Sure. Sorry, I must have missed the question.

We were the lucky recipients of a 40% off PIN code. I'm not sure how or why. The two factors that a lot of people think may put you in the running are a) going to the reservations website and playing with dates and resorts, pricing out some options and b) ordering the trip-planning DVD. I did both and somehow lucked into the PIN.

In the meantime, check with AAA if you haven't already done so. You can get a discount ranging from 10-20% depending on dates, resort and availability. It's first-come, first serve for your resort and dates, but beyond that it doesn't rely on luck.

Good luck, and let me know if I can help you any more. I've learned a LOT in the months I've been researching this trip!!!

[morningsidemom]

Aliceacc, I've done the same things. I was just wondering if you received the PIN in the mail, through email, or when you called reservations. Thanks!

[MousekaMaddi]

just my 2 cents.......
dont do MVMCP for the rides, go for the experiences, parades, snow, costumed characters, u will love it, Twas the night b4 xmas show was darling ,JMHO.
:santa: Have fun!!

[EverythingDisney]

Aliceacc, I've done the same things. I was just wondering if you received the PIN in the mail, through email, or when you called reservations. Thanks!

I have received my 40% room only rate card in the mail. I called WDW to make sure I was on the mailing list and to verify my address, a few weeks later, my coupon card arrived !! Now we are going in December, about $45/night at the POP.

[Aliceacc]

Mine was in the mail as well. It arrived in mid January (we booked last August for this August.) It was from Disney Destinations.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

[Chellymouse]

We love MVMCP so much that we are going 2 nights on our upcoming 12/08 trip! The parade and fireworks alone are worth the price of admission. It's a great time for some awesome character pics (along with a HUGE discount if you buy pics with photopass on a party night) and the ride lines are short, short, short! Last time we went to MVMCP we rode Splash MT and BTM 5 times each in 70 minutes! Awesome!! The added shows for the party are also amazing!

[pepe of ohio]

WE haven't had the occasion to do the xmas party, yet, but we did the MNSSHP and we glad we did it. Wouldn't do it every October but it is different. That being said, since we never done the xmas party, and we were in the world at that time, we would give it a try no matter what anybody else said. First time for anything is always the best. Every couple of years for these parties but we still attend the HDDR every trip, go figure, must be the food, I'm sure its the drink though and shows a-one. Give the xmas party a shot, disney decorates to the nines.

[Pinky166]

We love MVMCP so much that we are going 2 nights on our upcoming 12/08 trip! The parade and fireworks alone are worth the price of admission. It's a great time for some awesome character pics (along with a HUGE discount if you buy pics with photopass on a party night) and the ride lines are short, short, short! Last time we went to MVMCP we rode Splash MT and BTM 5 times each in 70 minutes! Awesome!! The added shows for the party are also amazing!

I have a question regarding the huge discount on the photopass - doe the discount just apply for the pictures taken at the MVMCP or all the pics on your photopass from the rest of the trip aswell? Thanks in advance. :thumbsup2

[Laney1]

We went around the 14th or 15th of December last year and the crowds were so small. We never waited for any ride. It kind of spoiled us. We missed the parade because our boys (ages 3 and 5) got to ride Splash Mtn over and over and over. We will go back this year and try to make the parade. I asked them if they wanted to go back to the Christmas party and explained that it is one of their gifts.

[skeeder]

My husband and I absolutely love it. We love watching the shows, parade, and fireworks. Snow on Main Street. December 2006 we caught carolers not this past December. The feeling in the air. We would love to go for 2 MVMCP-1 night to do the shows, parade, fireworks -2nd night to take advantage of shorter lines. We LOVE it. Hope this helps.

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

It's a must do for us! Wouldn't think of missing it! :santa:

[Dave Tavener]

We're planning on taking our 6 kids to see the party on Dec 12th. It's our last night at WDW and I can't think of a better way to finish the week. I just hope everyone isn't worn down to the bone by then...
We made room in the budget by not getting the park hopper option on the 6-day MYW passes which we have usually purchased in the past. We'll use the party to "park hop" that day - maybe go to DHS or Epcot in the morning, go back and take a nap, hit Wilderness Lodge for an early dinner, and then take the boat to MK (I love doing that!). I'm planning on concentrating mostly on the shows and party-related activities and maybe hitting some highlight attractions in between. The 3.8YO probably won't make the 10:30 parade, but we'll see how it goes...

Dave :santa:

[asfarrell]

GO! We went this past November. It was so much fun. The crowds weren't "terrible" and we were there the week of Thanksgiving.

They have such GREAT character interaction! The kids got to dance hand in hand with Goofy, Chip and Dale...the Evil Step Sister and Evil Step Mother, etc.. (at the dance "parties" set up through out the park).

It is the only place we met Alice in Wonderland. Belle and Snow White wear their "winter" clothes (boys might not care about that).

Free cookies and hot chocolate was our DS favorite, I think he made himself sick.

If you are there during the "Holiday" time....you shouldn't miss it!!!!!

[goofyboyzmom]

We have done the MVMCP 5 times. The "snow" on Mainstreet is Magical and the fireworks are great, but that being said, it is "less" magical each year. It is much busier as, obviously, more people find out about it. They used to give a keepsake button with the Mickey and the year on it and MVMCP on it. They used to give one FREE picture with the MVMCP background in it. Now I would happily PAY for it if they still had the background because we had a collection going:rotfl2: . The hot chocolate and cookies were given out at special places and just felt cool. Now you wait in LONG lines to get it.

I believe a lot of the problem with the crowds is that you only need a wristband to ride the rides and on chillier nights people have long sleeves on anyways, so more people are staying around to see the parade and fireworks and shows because they are not kicked out. I really feel that they need to close and clear the park before the party. And yes, this may sound bitter, but I pay $250 extra for my family of five to take part in activities that scammers are seeing for free.