help with MVMCP dinner plans please

[Karnak]

I'm not at all sure how things work at the Magic Kingdom when the park switches from normal running to Christmas Party time. The Official WDW web site indicates that the park will close at 7:00 pm on party nights; but also indicates that the party starts at the same time, 7:00 pm.

Not knowing just how to proceed, I made the following two steps for my upcoming solo visit to WDW: (1) ordered a ticket for the party on Nov. 28, and (2) made a reservation at Tony's for dinner at 6:30 on the same date.

Planning to spend the entire day at the Magic Kingdom, I hope this works out OK for me.

Any thoughts?

Enjoy.

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm not at all sure how things work at the Magic Kingdom when the park switches from normal running to Christmas Party time. The Official WDW web site indicates that the park will close at 7:00 pm on party nights; but also indicates that the party starts at the same time, 7:00 pm.

Not knowing just how to proceed, I made the following two steps for my upcoming solo visit to WDW: (1) ordered a ticket for the party on Nov. 28, and (2) made a reservation at Tony's for dinner at 6:30 on the same date.

Planning to spend the entire day at the Magic Kingdom, I hope this works out OK for me.

Any thoughts?

Enjoy.

For many years they have closed the park for a least an hour between 6:00p and 7:00p (used to be two hours back in 1999) but for some reason (either a mistake or a new procedure) they have MK closing at 7:00p AND the party starting at 7:00p AND Wishes at 6:00p (which I also question) and Holidaywishes at 9:15p (I've never seen them do two sets of fireworks in one night).

We'll know by the first party whether or not this is a new thing or a mistake.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

For many years they have closed the park for a least an hour between 6:00p and 7:00p (used to be two hours back in 1999) but for some reason (either a mistake or a new procedure) they have MK closing at 7:00p AND the party starting at 7:00p AND Wishes at 6:00p (which I also question) and Holidaywishes at 9:15p (I've never seen them do two sets of fireworks in one night).

We'll know by the first party whether or not this is a new thing or a mistake.

I noticed the park closing at 7 p.m. and wondered about that. I didn't know about the fireworks. Very interesting. If they have Wishes at 6 they'll have such a hard time getting people out and the people coming in will have to walk against the "herding" of the people leaving. What a mess . It will be interesting though, to see what happens...

 

[goofie4goofy]

Last year we went to CG for dinner before the MVMCP. We had the earliest reservation possible. I;m not sure if it ws 5 or 5:30, but the restaurant was empty and so peaceful...I think there were 4 other couples. As we were leaving the crowds started coming in. The view at that time of day is incredible as the sun was setting and the christmas lights were starting to go on. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen, and since you are up so high, the sunset show lasted almost the entire dinner. It was better than the fireworks! We had a great dinner, then rode the monorail to the MK for the party. It was a wonderful evening.

Oh, yeah...skip dessert that night because you will want to eat all the goodies in the MK!

We will be doing the same thing this year too!

 

[goodeats]

We had a 5:00 dinner ADR at Kona Cafe. We got to the MK by 6:30 and had no problem getting in with just our MVMCP tickets. We went to Fantasyland and a CM asked to see our wristbands and she said the party hadn't started yet, and to head to Fronteirland. We rode BTMRR twice with out getting back in line, then we saw Country Bears. By then the party had started.

IMO you don't need to eat dinner inside the MK. I don't like LTT for dinner, and I'd rather have a relaxing sit down meal then CP. As long as your ADR is early enough you won't waste party time.

ETA - Make sure you wear warm clothes. Like long-underwear warm. It gets COLD at night in December.

 

[goofie4goofy]

We had a 5:00 dinner ADR at Kona Cafe. We got to the MK by 6:30 and had no problem getting in with just our MVMCP tickets. We went to Fantasyland and a CM asked to see our wristbands and she said the party hadn't started yet, and to head to Fronteirland. We rode BTMRR twice with out getting back in line, then we saw Country Bears. By then the party had started.

IMO you don't need to eat dinner inside the MK. I don't like LTT for dinner, and I'd rather have a relaxing sit down meal then CP. As long as your ADR is early enough you won't waste party time.

ETA - Make sure you wear warm clothes. Like long-underwear warm. It gets COLD at night in December.

Oh Yeah! Last year It was very very cold then the next night it was warmer. I packed clothes that can be layered and a light jacket that can keep you warm.

I also found that you don't have to RUSH to the party. There are 2 parades and lots of shows. By gedtting there later you miss the mad rush of the people that need to be first. The party thins out by the end of the 1st parade. The lines become for photos and cocoa become shorter and the viewing for the 2nd parade is great. Best plan of attack....take your time,enjoy a nice TS meal outside the MK, go on attractions during the first parade then enjoy the 2nd one. Also get the map on the way in it will show you what and when is going on. After the 2nd parade go to the Castle ...try for a spot in the front middle, and wait for the fireworks. I have seen FW at WDW many many times but those are magical.

It is such a great time......

 

[teamagic]

Oh Yeah! Last year It was very very cold then the next night it was warmer. I packed clothes that can be layered and a light jacket that can keep you warm.

I also found that you don't have to RUSH to the party. There are 2 parades and lots of shows. By gedtting there later you miss the mad rush of the people that need to be first. The party thins out by the end of the 1st parade. The lines become for photos and cocoa become shorter and the viewing for the 2nd parade is great. Best plan of attack....take your time,enjoy a nice TS meal outside the MK, go on attractions during the first parade then enjoy the 2nd one. Also get the map on the way in it will show you what and when is going on. After the 2nd parade go to the Castle ...try for a spot in the front middle, and wait for the fireworks. I have seen FW at WDW many many times but those are magical.

It is such a great time......

Can anyone tell me the time of the second parade? What time are the fireworks? I have a 5 & 2 year old and I am trying to plan out the evening.

 

[beattyfamily]

Can anyone tell me the time of the second parade? What time are the fireworks? I have a 5 & 2 year old and I am trying to plan out the evening.

Last year the parade were 8:15p and 10:45p and the fireworks are always at 9:15p.

 

[marconat]

When we did the MVMCP we made reservation at Crystal Palace and when we came out, we got our bracelets for the party and went to get our picture taken right away,(before the crowds came in) after that it was party time and had a blast...

 

[heylucy]

We have a ADR for 5:05 at Ohana before the MVMCP.

 

[katydid08]

Last year we were already in the park waiting to be herded but went to ride TMR with no lines. WE actually rode it 3x's in a row. All the rides were up and running we just had to show we were there for the party. No lines anywhere. It was great. I thought we would have to go wait an hour in tomorrowland..

 

[beattyfamily]

Last year we were already in the park waiting to be herded but went to ride TMR with no lines. WE actually rode it 3x's in a row. All the rides were up and running we just had to show we were there for the party. No lines anywhere. It was great. I thought we would have to go wait an hour in tomorrowland..

That's because last year they changed which lands they kept open. They kept Adventureland/Frontierland open instead of Tomorrowland.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We are eating at Liberty Tree Tavern on Dec. 11 before MVMCP. We have an ADR time of 5:25.