Christmas Party help with rides/planning

[EllenMurphy]

Hello Everyone,

I guess I should have done more research but I have already bought tickets so here it goes. My parents are coming to Orlando with us. Due to various health issues my father probably will only be joining us for one day at Disney but my Mom will probably be joining us more days. To be clear, we are renting off-site as it just makes most sense.

It is most likely that the "one day" for my father will be the Christmas party but I now have learned to use this party to wait less time in line is probably a waste of money. Additionally, I don't want to just miss the parade, etc. I do know we can enter ML 4 p.m.

My Dad really wants to ride teacups, Jungle cruise, dumbo, and haunted mansion as that is what he remembers from our childhood trip. Is it possible to still ride these rides AND see the Christmas entertainment? Would it make sense to buy Genie Plus for the 4-7 p.m. window and try to book those rides?

I also assume our best bet is to eat before 7 p.m. at a counter service since we wont want to leave the park.

Your input would be most appreciated.

 

[Her Dotness]

Our party strategy has been to book a MK TS around 5:00, enjoy a leisurely meal, and then get over behind the Castle into Fantasyland ASAP after that. The QS are generally pretty busy unless you want to duck out to the GF or CR.

We stay in the outskirts of MK until about 6:30 because CMs begin checking for wristbands and herding non-partygoers toward the MK gate at around 4:30-5:00. I mean that literally. There will be a CM carrying a sign, followed by a string of wristbandless people.

With this strategy, we'd have walked straight onto 7DMT had we not gotten distracted playing the standby games. There probably won't be a great many doing rides, our experience through a half dozen parties, although no telling if it will be like that currently.

Closer to 7:00, we head for The Emporium to look over the display of party souvenirs. CMs are vigilant about not allowing any shoppers near those until precisely 7:00. The party t-shirts go fast, so be sure to look in there at 7:00 or soon after if considering buying shirts.

Most of all, have fun! And watch for snow falling along Main Street after dark when the magic makes it real.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I think kind of hard to answer those questions....is the party even the same as in years past???? Do you know for a fact that early admission at 4pm is still a thing? Can you even buy G+ with a party ticket instead of a regular park ticket?

Based on past party nights......
Decide what your plan for the night is...rides VS party specific stuff
Eat your main meal prior to 4pm and then snack through the night.
Prioritize the must do rides(or any rides) and get in as many as possible prior to 7pm. ....this mainly applies if your goal is to be party specific after 7pm.
Teacups and Dumbo should be no line if you leave those until later in the evening. HM shouldn't be too bad but JC will be long all night long as there is an overlay.

BTW...there are a ton of spots that you can get for the parade right before it starts as long as you don't want to be on Main ST. If you do want a Main St. spot you will have to camp out at least 90 min early...probably more like 2hrs. IMO, that's a huge waste of time.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Hello Everyone,

I guess I should have done more research but I have already bought tickets so here it goes. My parents are coming to Orlando with us. Due to various health issues my father probably will only be joining us for one day at Disney but my Mom will probably be joining us more days. To be clear, we are renting off-site as it just makes most sense.

It is most likely that the "one day" for my father will be the Christmas party but I now have learned to use this party to wait less time in line is probably a waste of money. Additionally, I don't want to just miss the parade, etc. I do know we can enter ML 4 p.m.

My Dad really wants to ride teacups, Jungle cruise, dumbo, and haunted mansion as that is what he remembers from our childhood trip. Is it possible to still ride these rides AND see the Christmas entertainment? Would it make sense to buy Genie Plus for the 4-7 p.m. window and try to book those rides?

I also assume our best bet is to eat before 7 p.m. at a counter service since we wont want to leave the park.

Your input would be most appreciated.

What date/day of the week is your party night? Some party nights early in the season are not that crowded. We've done the mid nov parties during the week and they're not that busy. For us, we use the party ticket for getting party specific treats, shorter ride waits and cookies. We usually don't eat a real meal during the party and will have a later lunch/early dinner prior to entry time and just snack our way around. Just keep tabs of what will be open during the party in case someone gets ravenous because sometimes it's slim pickings.

Outside of which night you go, I would prioritize Jungle Cruise and book a G+ for that right at 7am for the pre-party time frame. As far as the other rides your dad wants to do, I'd select Haunted for your next G+ for the pre-party window and then you shouldn't have super long waits for dumbo or teacups. I see no reason why you can't do 4 rides from 4pm-midnight and see entertainment too. That's 1 ride every two hours.

 

[EllenMurphy]

Thanks everyone. To be clear, this is our first time at Disney. I mean, I went for a day or two in the early 90s so I kind of consider it my first time. Yes, I am basing some of this on past christmas parties. However, this was the information from Disney in my confirmation email:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Guests with tickets to this event do not need to make a theme park reservation in order to enter the park at 4:00 PM or later. If you plan to arrive earlier than 4:00 PM, valid park admission as well as a theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom park will be required.

Event Hours

The event takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight.

Event Check-In

Official check-in for the event will take place at the Main Entrance to Magic Kingdom park beginning at 4:00 PM.

 

[EllenMurphy]

What date/day of the week is your party night? Some party nights early in the season are not that crowded. We've done the mid nov parties during the week and they're not that busy. For us, we use the party ticket for getting party specific treats, shorter ride waits and cookies. We usually don't eat a real meal during the party and will have a later lunch/early dinner prior to entry time and just snack our way around. Just keep tabs of what will be open during the party in case someone gets ravenous because sometimes it's slim pickings.

Outside of which night you go, I would prioritize Jungle Cruise and book a G+ for that right at 7am for the pre-party time frame. As far as the other rides your dad wants to do, I'd select Haunted for your next G+ for the pre-party window and then you shouldn't have super long waits for dumbo or teacups. I see no reason why you can't do 4 rides from 4pm-midnight and see entertainment too. That's 1 ride every two hours.

Hi,

Thanks for this information! I do wonder if you can buy G plus for the 4-7 timeframe. Our tickets are for Monday Nov 14th.

 

[EllenMurphy]

Are there things to eat that are not just sweets? My father is diabetic so are there other choices beyond straight cookies or does anyone have any suggestions? I suppose we should pack him some snacks.

 

[Mle8308]

Thanks everyone. To be clear, this is our first time at Disney. I mean, I went for a day or two in the early 90s so I kind of consider it my first time. Yes, I am basing some of this on past christmas parties. However, this was the information from Disney in my confirmation email:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Guests with tickets to this event do not need to make a theme park reservation in order to enter the park at 4:00 PM or later. If you plan to arrive earlier than 4:00 PM, valid park admission as well as a theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom park will be required.

Event Hours

The event takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight.

Event Check-In

Official check-in for the event will take place at the Main Entrance to Magic Kingdom park beginning at 4:00 PM.

I am 99% sure that unless your father has a day ticket to the MK, you won't be able to buy Genie+ for him, you can only buy it if you have regular park tickets, not special event tickets. Also, you can't choose your return times like you could with FP. You get what Genie gives you. Not ideal.

 

[EllenMurphy]

I am 99% sure that unless your father has a day ticket to the MK, you won't be able to buy Genie+ for him, you can only buy it if you have regular park tickets, not special event tickets. Also, you can't choose your return times like you could with FP. You get what Genie gives you. Not ideal.

Thank you for that information!

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Hi,

Thanks for this information! I do wonder if you can buy G plus for the 4-7 timeframe. Our tickets are for Monday Nov 14th.

I have no idea as we've always done standby and never bothered but I think there's all sorts of threads on here about G+ and party days. Disney has not officially come out and said there's no G+ but if it does work like the old FP+ did, you should be able to get G+ if you have a valid theme park ticket before party time.

So we did a Nov 15 party before and found it to be pretty light. I feel like that was a Wed or Thursday but a Monday night party that early in the season will/should not be as crazy as a weekend party closer to Christmas.

Are there things to eat that are not just sweets? My father is diabetic so are there other choices beyond straight cookies or does anyone have any suggestions? I suppose we should pack him some snacks.

So I know I've seen allergy friendly items for the free snacks but I don't remember if any are sugar free/diabetic friendly. I would peruse the menus of the QS that will be open that do mobile dining and see what might work for your dad. As you get closer to the date, Disney will add more info to the party page and you'll have a better idea.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Thanks everyone. To be clear, this is our first time at Disney. I mean, I went for a day or two in the early 90s so I kind of consider it my first time. Yes, I am basing some of this on past christmas parties. However, this was the information from Disney in my confirmation email:

Sort of your first time.....I would have to say that doing a party night is not really good value for you unless you have a couple of other MK days planned. If you only have 1 MK planned you would be far better off booking a second full MK day on a non party day. You will see and do much more this way. Without seeing how they are going to do the parties this year I would be holding off on booking one in your circumstance. I've been going to WDW for many years and go 2-3 times a year. We have done lots of parties and special events....I am waiting to see how they do it this year.

 

[EllenMurphy]

Sort of your first time.....I would have to say that doing a party night is not really good value for you unless you have a couple of other MK days planned. If you only have 1 MK planned you would be far better off booking a second full MK day on a non party day. You will see and do much more this way. Without seeing how they are going to do the parties this year I would be holding off on booking one in your circumstance. I've been going to WDW for many years and go 2-3 times a year. We have done lots of parties and special events....I am waiting to see how they do it this year.

We are going for more than one day but my father is only going one and expressed interest in the Christmas party. So, it's HIS only day most likely that is why I am trying to cross off some items on his list

 

[EllenMurphy]

We already booked the tickets so going to make the best of it!

 

[bababear_50]

My thoughts
Enter and go to Haunted Mansion #1


Have a bite to eat at Columbia Harbor house as it's close by (see if they do mobile ordering)
https://allears.net/dining/menu/columbia-harbour-house/lunch-dinner/

Maybe buy a special 2023 Ornament at this shop to celebrate the trip together.
https://www.disneyinsidertips.com/ye-olde-christmas-shoppe/


Head over to Peter Pan's Flight and then The Tea cups #2


Circle around and go over to Dumbo #3


Check night time Parade hours and head over to watch.


Head to Adventureland and try for Jingle Jungle Cruise or Pirates Of The Caribbean. #4


Grab some Christmas cookies & hot chocolate along the way.

https://mickeyblog.com/2018/12/21/5-best-mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-cookies/

If you are looking for a oldie but goodie The Carousel Of Progress always brings back some good memories.


Don't forget to pick up a few souvenirs too.
It would be great if he could get a few of those Genie+ things but if not you will make it work.



Have fun planning

Hugs
Mel
p.s.
I also wanted to mention that if your Dad has certain health issues perhaps checking into what a DAS is and if he would qualify for that might be an idea.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/guest-services/disability-access-service/

 

[EllenMurphy]

My thoughts
Enter and go to Haunted Mansion #1

View attachment 682650
Have a bite to eat at Columbia Harbor house as it's close by (see if they do mobile ordering)
https://allears.net/dining/menu/columbia-harbour-house/lunch-dinner/

Maybe buy a special 2023 Ornament at this shop to celebrate the trip together.
https://www.disneyinsidertips.com/ye-olde-christmas-shoppe/


Head over to Peter Pan's Flight and then The Tea cups #2
View attachment 682646

Circle around and go over to Dumbo #3
View attachment 682651

Check night time Parade hours and head over to watch.


Head to Adventureland and try for Jingle Jungle Cruise or Pirates Of The Caribbean. #4
View attachment 682652

Grab some Christmas cookies & hot chocolate along the way.

https://mickeyblog.com/2018/12/21/5-best-mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-cookies/

If you are looking for a oldie but goodie The Carousel Of Progress always brings back some good memories.


Don't forget to pick up a few souvenirs too.
It would be great if he could get a few of those Genie+ things but if not you will make it work.



Have fun planning
View attachment 682654
Hugs
Mel
p.s.
I also wanted to mention that if your Dad has certain health issues perhaps checking into what a DAS is and if he would qualify for that might be an idea.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/guest-services/disability-access-service/

Thanks so much. This is really helpful!!

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

Hi,

Thanks for this information! I do wonder if you can buy G plus for the 4-7 timeframe. Our tickets are for Monday Nov 14th.

Pretty sure G+ doesn't work for parties.

 

[tgropp]

Monday night is a great day to take in the party. After the second Parade, it is basically a walk on for any ride. Eat early as they do provide a variety of snacks and hot chocolate. At last years party we got free Mickey ice cream bars and a variety of drinks and snacks but I haven’t read where they are continuing that for this years party. Arrive at 4 and hopefully you will get some rides in before the party starts. Enjoy yourself. The nighttime parade is so magical,,,,to me at least