Doing MVMCP in a Group of 7 or larger?

[susy]

We are doing MVMCP Nov 30th. It is my DS's b-day, so we've invited his grandparents to come along.

My mom and her DH will be with us from the beginning of the trip (Nov 26) and my inlaws will be coming in on the 29th. We all have reservations at the WL.

On the evening of the 29th, the adults will have dinner at AP and DS will go to the Cub's den. My inlaws won't have park passes, so they will hang around the Lodge (the next day) until it is time for the party. We will all go over together. My main question is... can we do the party together in such a large group? since it's my son's b-day I don't see anyone wanting to be away from him and splitting up. We don't really care about the rides, but want to see the shows, etc. Should my DH or I kind of "be in charge" and lead everyone around? Since none of us has ever been it will be the "blind leading the blind", but hope to get enough tips to be able to enjoy ourselves and be sure everyone is having fun. Any ideas on how to keep the evening running smoothly?

Also,what time should we head over to MK from WL?? My inlaws won't have park passes, so we don't want to go over too early and have them not be able to get in. We will do EE that morning and return for a break.

It might even end up being 9 of us if my dad and his wife decide to go.

 

[cpdrn7]

When we took a party of 9--me and my husband took charge to make sure we got to see what was important to us as a group and tried to fit everything inand since you will be there that day and can get some info on what is available early and have a map of the park for the layout, I would suggest that is the time to make the plans.But I when we went, it wasn't hard at all to fit in everything and still have extra time to do some rides two or three times.

 

[CarolMN]

Doing MVMCP with a party of 7 or 9 is really no different than doing the MK (or any other park) with a party of 7 or 9. If you haven't been to the MK before, try to go before the day of the party to get a feel for the park. If you've been before, there's no need to do that at all. It's a very good idead to get a good rest/nap in the afternoon of the party. I see you've already built that in to your plans. If you plan to mostly do shows and the parade, a larger party won't be much of a problem at all.

If you do a search, you can find the MVMCP show times/parade times and fireworks schedule from last year. My advice is to take some time to decide which activities are "must dos" for your group and then make a plan to fit those in. IMHO, the parade, the fireworks and seeing the snow on Main Street are the "absolutely do not miss" items. Also, do plan to get your pictures taken - it really makes a great souvenir. One picture per person/paid admission is included in your admission.

Last year, guests with only MVMCP tickets (and no regular park admission tickets) were allowed into the park at approximately 4 p.m. During the time between park close for the day (6 p.m) and party start (7 p.m.) party guests were directed to wait in Tomorrowland while the CMs got the park ready for the party. Rides in Tomorrowland and at least one counter service restaurant remained open during that time. It's nice to be in the park and ready to go at party start, but it's also just magical to walk down Main Street with the "opening crowds" and experience the snow and holiday atmosphere! Your choice.

I suggest that you go to one of the picture stations towards the back of the park as soon as the party starts. It won't be crowded then and you will all look better at the start of the party than at the end, LOL. Then either stake out a good spot for the first parade or enjoy one of the shows/entertainment options. You might grab some free hot cocoa and cookies if you're not too full from dinner.

If you think you can last, the second parade is less crowded than the first, and the rides are usually quite uncrowded during the first parade. Many people plop right down on Main Street to wait for the first parade as soon as they arrive, even though that may mean a wait of 90 minutes or more. Personally, I think there are lots of good places to watch theparade in Liberty Square or Frontierland that do not require you to grab a spot so early in the evening! A number of people do leave right after the fireworks, which makes the last couple of hours uncrowded for the rest.

We always enjoy the show in front of the castle and especially the one in the Tomorrowland Theater - "Twas the Night Before Christmas". Try to arrive early for that one to get a good seat. The seats in the very front are reserved for guests traveling in wheelchairs or who have other special needs.

Enjoy the party - I can't think of a better way to spend a birthday. Hope your DS and all of you have a wonderful time!

 

[susy]

Thanks!! I think our must do's will be the parade, fireworks, snow on Mainstreet. We will probably walk in when they open and experience the 'snow'. Then head to the back of the park for pictures. I there a place for this in Frontierland? Then maybe we will try to see the first parade from Liberty square-Frontierland. Wow!!! That would get two of our must-do's done! Seeing a couple of shows and fireworks would be great!!! If we got some of the cookies/hot cocoa and got to do a few rides, I'd say we had the perfect evening!

That morning we will take our Ds to MK for EE to get his b-day button. We will have an early lunch at Crystal Palace and then head back to the WL for naps.

I just thought of something else!!!! Will it be a problem to get a stroller? We want to rent him one for the party and we will make sure we bring plenty of warm clothes and a blanket for him.