How do you plan which parks/days for December?

[epicureangirl]

We will be going on our first December trip, but will only have a few pre-cruise days at BCV before our DCL cruise and one day after. Since I don't have much time on the land portion of the trip, I'm thinking that I will probably only be able to spend two days at the parks.

I have two girls (will be 3 and 11 at that time), so I was thinking that MVMCP (?) would be a must. I know it requires another ticket, so does that mean if I get a multi-day pass that I can't use one of those tickets JUST for that event? Or is it a completely separate ticket that needs to be booked differently? Also, can you actually DO any of the rides during that evening, or is it just the party?

For the second park, I was thinking of going to Epcot, which means I'd miss out on the Osbourne lights but would have superior meal options!

If you could only go to two parks which would they be? Or would you get a park-hopper and hit a certain one in the evening only, reserving the day-time for another park?

Also, are these special events everyday during the season, or do you have to check the schedule closer to the date to decide what's on when?

Thanks!

 

[dcamdad]

We made our first December trip this past December 18 - 26 and there are a number of things on the must do list in our opinion. You mentioned MVMCP, with or without children is a must, it does require a completly seperate ticket along with your park pass. Another must is the Candlelite Processional at Epcot, it requires a dinner package to insure seating at the event. You mentioned you had a few days, with a few days you should be able to do these and have time for Osbournes Festival of Lights.

 

[epicureangirl]

So if I don't have a park hopper I will have to buy my General Admission ticket AND an MVMCP ticket to attend? In that case it would be the Magic Kingdom all day?

A dinner package with a restless 3 year old?

It looks like this trip I'm going commando and will need some recovery time after !

I should have mentioned that this will also be the first trip 'home' as we're new owners at BCV. We were really hoping to enjoy puttering around BCV, SAB and the Boardwalk for a day or so too.

 

[bobbiwoz]

They let you into the MK with a MVMCP ticket at or just a bit after 4PM. So, if you plan to do other things, you can get to MK and enjoy a significant amount of rides and attractions before the party begins. This year, we went on Dec. 11, a sold out event, we got to the park around 4:30 and did at least 5 things that we wanted to do before the party. A special treat was the castle lighting around 5:45 and then what we didn't expect, but loved, was regular Wishes at 6, I think it was 6. Then we went to Pecos Bills for dinner and were refreshed and ready for the party at 7.

So, you can go to MK that day in the late afternoon, but use the morning and early afternoon to relax around SAB and the Boardwalk area. If you only had one other day, I would get a park hopper. Try to make the first (around 5PM) CP, then hop on the boat and see the Osborne lights. I would probably buy a multi day park hopper from undercovertourist or some other reputable discounter, make it non expiration and keep it for another visit.

Bobbi

 

[epicureangirl]

I would probably buy a multi day park hopper from undercovertourist or some other reputable discounter, make it non expiration and keep it for another visit.

Bobbi

That's great advice. I was thinking of getting the 10 day park hoppers (no expiration) and hanging on to them for the next trips. Would you get the passes that also include the water parks etc. or is that a waste in your opinion?

When you say to make the first CP, is that with a dinner package or have you done it without one? I was planning to do the DDP, so wasn't planning on arranging other meals outside of my TS reservations.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

If you are planning any additional trips after your December 2008 trip and before Dec 2009, consider an AP. It will be cheaper than a 10 day non-expiring ticket.

 

[bobbiwoz]

That's great advice. I was thinking of getting the 10 day park hoppers (no expiration) and hanging on to them for the next trips. Would you get the passes that also include the water parks etc. or is that a waste in your opinion?

When you say to make the first CP, is that with a dinner package or have you done it without one? I was planning to do the DDP, so wasn't planning on arranging other meals outside of my TS reservations.

I have old non-expiring park hopper with water park options that I've had for years. We don't get to water parks as much as we want to! For ourselves, we have the DVC discounted AP and use those old tickets when we do go to a water park...I think we have 2 water park options left on each. I buy hopper tickets for our family's use, and my last purchase for them was non-expiring 5 park days with the water park options, because now that the DGC are growing up, I expect to get to water parks more frequently.

When we did the first show Candlelight Processional package in December '06, the package included lunch, not dinner. I don't know how that fits in with your plans. We had that lunch at Le Cellier and it worked for us. We knew a girl who was singing with her school in the first show that night, and we were glad to be able to see her.

So, I think the water park options are worth it on the non-expiring tickets.

We use our AP's for about 20 admissions in the year, so getting the AP is best. If you're going to come back soon, as Tinkerdreams suggests, a discounted AP may be best for you, too.

Bobbi

 

[dianeschlicht]

YEs, we think the discounted AP is the best value too. If this is your first trip "home", you'll likely be doing others in the next 12 months, so it would be worth it. Also, if you have never done the holiday time before, I would NOT limit your park access. It is a fun time to go, and whle some think MVMCP is a must, I also think Epcot and the Studios are a must too. Heck, we think ALL the parks and ALL the resorts are "must visits" during the holiday time. We like to see all the decorations and shows!