MNSSHP and MVMCP: What Exactly Are They?

[jrtoastyman]

I see frequent references to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Party on here all the time, and I get that these are holiday themed special events, but what exactly are they? Is it just the normal Magic Kingdom experience with a Halloween/Christmas theme, or is there more to it that than? Are there fewer people in the parks during these special events (or maybe even more)? Is one better than the other?

Thanks!

 

[Raenstoirm]

Lines for rides tend to be non-existant during the parties as they cap the amount of people in the park and everyone is participating in the special activities. I have never been to Christmas, so I cant comment there, but MNSSHP is the best thing Disney does. We went three times last year and are planning 2 or three this year!
There are special fireworks, parade and shows. The parade is the best parade Disney has! Plus two dance parties, tons of unusual character meets and trick or treating. Everything is halloween decorated and all the cast members and characters are dressed up. (the cms just wear a special uniform, but Donald in dressed as a pumpkin for example).
Well worth the money!

 

[nhl66pens]

I've only been to the Christmas Party and the views vary as greatly as the different people that visit here. I think most (MOST) people that have older kids or all adults are able to deal with the crowds better than families with younger kids or older adults. The night we went (Dec 2008) it was sold out and you could hardly move let alone attempt to attend more than one event. Even the rides were crowded until after the 10 PM parade. Some people have a great experience, others find it stifling with the number of people they sell tickets to for this event. We never want to go again.

 

[katemonster2508]

Both parties are excellent! The short lines are a huge part of the reason that people go, but they are both so festive too! The character meets are great (Tarzan and Jane are usually out at Halloween, the Princes are out with the Princesses at both parties), there are great themed fireworks, and (best of all!) the parades are wonderful!!! They are great experiences if you are willing to pay for the extra ticket, which is well worth the money in my opinion.

 

[Reddog1134]

We went to the Halloween Party last year and loved it. We plan to go back this year.

 

[TivoQueen]

I agree with nhl66pens post above, I think everyone has a different opinion of it. We have been to both, did MVMCP for the 2nd time this past year. My first experiences of both parties were not good. I know the Halloween Party we attended was sold out (Columbus Day), but not sure about the CHristmas Party. They were both ridicuously crowded, so much it was not an enjoyable experience. The Halloween Party we attended the lines for the special characters were over an hour wait, lines for the rides were 45 minutes until after the second parade, and we even had to stand in long lines for candy. Some posts were out of candy. We had a hard time finding a spot to watch the parade an hour before. The first Christmas party we attended was not much better. The second MVMCP we attended this past year was less crowded, but still not worth the extra money we put out of our pocket. We were able to see more character and ride more rides, but there were still swarms of people. Honesttly it didn't feel any less crowded than the park during the day. Overall, I think there are parties that are alot less crowded than others and you never know when those are going to be. You just have to chance it. I didn't find the risk worth the money that we paid. We enjoyed the parks more during the regular park hours.

 

[jrtoastyman]

What I'm taking away from this is that it's essentially the regular Disney experience, except that the parades, costumes, uniforms, etc. are themed for the season, plus maybe some extra shows. Is that about right? Sounds like it's a mixed bag in terms of crowd size, so I guess we'd just have to hope for the best on that front if we go, and not make that a part of the analysis.

Also, during these times, I assume Magic Kingdom is closed to someone that hasn't paid extra for the event?

 

[everythingALICE]

I've never been to MVMCP, but I thought MNSSHP was great.

We went mid-September, and it was definitely not sold out. The only thing that had a huge line that night was getting your pictures with Snow White and the 7 Dwarves. Other than that, everything was manageable (only waited about ten minutes for photo in front of Cinderella's carriage, early in the evening).

Super short (or non-existent) waits for rides, an awesome villains dance in front of the castle (characters you don't see around the parks very often), a Halloween parade, and special fireworks. Not to mention loads of candy.

I would definitely recommend attending one further out from the respective holiday. While we went to MNSSHP over a month before Halloween, I think we got to see and do a lot more than those who might go closer to the 31st.

 

[jrtoastyman]

Also, during these times, I assume Magic Kingdom is closed to someone that hasn't paid extra for the event?

'

Follow-up on this point: assuming this to be the case, do they actually kick everyone out and then let everyone back in?

 

[ZoZo]

What I'm taking away from this is that it's essentially the regular Disney experience, except that the parades, costumes, uniforms, etc. are themed for the season, plus maybe some extra shows. Is that about right? Sounds like it's a mixed bag in terms of crowd size, so I guess we'd just have to hope for the best on that front if we go, and not make that a part of the analysis.

Also, during these times, I assume Magic Kingdom is closed to someone that hasn't paid extra for the event?

I think that's a good analysis. There are definitely some extra events that are special to the party (I've only been to MNSSHP), but most seem geared mainly toward children (the dance party, the candy). Since it's a "hard ticket" event that costs almost $60 per person, it's important to realize that it's the basic MK experience, with some extras.

Don't get me wrong -- I loved the parade especially (the Headless Horseman ride is very cool!) and at the three parties I attended over the years, the rides were walk-ons, which was wonderful! But I'm part of an adults-only group, so many of the extra activities are not important to me.

PS - I never could figure out why adults get so excited about the "trick or treating" aspect of the party. I can buy Halloween candy at my local supermarket if I want it!

 

[smitch425]

'

Follow-up on this point: assuming this to be the case, do they actually kick everyone out and then let everyone back in?

Typically guests with a party ticket can begin to enter the park at 4 pm even though the party does not officially begin until 7pm. As 7pm approaches, there will be CMs gently heading people off from areas in the back of the park. Once 7pm arrives, if you do not have a party ticket you can not ride, shop, or eat and some have reported not being allowed to use the restroom. If you have a 6:45 ADR, as soon as your meal is finished you will be escorted to the gate by a CM.

The reason for the 4pm entry is to allow party guest a 3 hour span of arriving so there is no massive amount of party guests arriving at once. Party guest are given a wristband, and CM's check them constantly. Basically, if you don't have a party ticket, you will be shown out of the park promptly because you did not pay to be there after 7pm.

 

[jrtoastyman]

^^about as complete an answer as one could hope for. Thank you!

 

[smitch425]

^^about as complete an answer as one could hope for. Thank you!

Happy to help!

 

[ses1230]

What I'm taking away from this is that it's essentially the regular Disney experience, except that the parades, costumes, uniforms, etc. are themed for the season, plus maybe some extra shows. Is that about right? Sounds like it's a mixed bag in terms of crowd size, so I guess we'd just have to hope for the best on that front if we go, and not make that a part of the analysis.

Also, during these times, I assume Magic Kingdom is closed to someone that hasn't paid extra for the event?

I have been to both parties and MNSSHP is much better imho.

Yes, MK at the holidays is beautiful but over the past few years some things have been cut from the party that no longer make it worth it to me. The castle lights are gorgeous but that is something you can see on all nights of the holiday season.

As for if it is a regular "Disney experience", I don't think MNSSHP is. There is so much more that is put into the atmosphere on those nights that make it different. From the lighting, songs, etc. to the fireworks and especially the parade. You should look on YouTube for a video of the parade - it's awesome.

eta: I see you are a new DVC member, I just wanted to mention that October is a very popular DVC time (as opposed to popular theme park times) because of low points and low predicted crowds.

 

[amberdburke]

I have been to both parties, and I personally did not care for the Christmas Party.

However, MNSSHP with my mom and sisters (we are all adults) was the most fun I have ever had at Disney. The rest of my family feels the same way. We go every year for our anniversary. The parade and fireworks are great, lines are super short, great meet-and-greets, and tons of candy. Last time we all went dressed as the Flintstones and had a blast. As long as you go earlier in October the crowds shouldn't be too bad.

 

[weheartdisney]

Next October will be our first time at Disney for the MNSSHP. Are there certain nights that are usually set aside for the party? Is there a night that is usually less crowded. We are planning to go the 3rd week of October. Do you buy the tickets when you purchase your vacation package?

Thanks.

 

[smitch425]

Next October will be our first time at Disney for the MNSSHP. Are there certain nights that are usually set aside for the party? Is there a night that is usually less crowded. We are planning to go the 3rd week of October. Do you buy the tickets when you purchase your vacation package?

Thanks.

I would avoid Fridays and Saturdays (not sure they even do it on Sat) because locals will likely come on those nights. Also, the closer you get to Halloween the more people will attend so you might want to do the party early in your trip. You can purchase your tickets anytime-- even the day of the party, but some days are listed with an Advanced Purchase (available until the day before the party) discount. Here is the purchasing page...

http://tickets.disney.go.com/buy/Ti...ExNwiZpMvMY29kyorFzJr9kxpU5hAqD&drnid=4472653

 

[TandLMommy28]

Here's my experience:

I am not a big Halloween fan. Hubby is. I agreed to go to MNSSHP with him. I fell in love with it!

MNSSHP was *NOT* just another night at MK, that's for sure. There was so much candy to be had, for one. My kids were beside themselves! There were special character meet and greets and different parades and fireworks and shows.

But the best part for me? No lines for any rides! Everyone was so busy meeting characters and all that, no one is on the rides! We got on Big Thunder Mountain andwe had to wait a few minutes because they didn't want to run it for just two people! When 2 more showed up, we finally got to ride! There's something that you wouldn't normally experiece at WDW!!! Waiting because there's not ENOUGH people.

All in all, I have to say that my relunctant self has concluded that these special events are things you just shouldn't miss if you are there when they happen.

 

[CurlyJo224]

I've never been to the MVMCP but we've been to the MNSSHP five times. I think a lot of the crowd problem depends on your timing. I would avoid Halloween night itself, and try to go on a weeknight. I definitely think it's worth it.