How to get the most out of Mickey's Very Merry Chirstmas Party?

[Puffy2]

Let's hear all the tips, suggestions for getting the most out of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

1. Best days to book?

2. Ways to have dinner?

3. Touring suggestions?

4. Special events/activities not to be missed?

5. Inside secrets?

Thanks in advance to anyone who offers suggestions!

 

[LUVMICKEY]

I, for one would love to here some suggestions to all those questions. The last time we went, which was our first time, we hardly saw anything. By the time we finished dinner(LTT), the parade was started, and from there the rest of the evening went so fast, it felt like we had just got there and the night was over after the fireworks. Where did we go wrong?

Michele

 

[Spartan]

One thing that we did that we had heard about was to head straight back to Liberty Square to get our picture taken (or any out of the way spot that was doing pictures instead of the first one you come across). There was only about 1 or 2 families in front of us. We saw much longer lines throughout the rest of the night, and people wasting a lot of their time standing in a line. Also, the second parade was much less crowded if you can wait until then.

 

[luvdamouse]

Thanks, Puffy2, for starting this thread!!!

I've been wondering the same things. I didn't find much info in the Passporter or the Unofficial Guide, and of course can't search most of the time here!

For those who know - will we get a list of what activities are where (e.g. the various photo areas) when we enter the park? I've received our tickets, and they listed the activities, but no information about when or where they'll be.

Thanks!
Jo

 

[NavyDotz]

this will be our 1st MVMCP also

but from some other posts what you need to do is get a special map when you enter the party, it's different than the regular daily map, this one lists all the locations open, photo spots, ect.

 

[Sandi]

Jo - yes, you'll get a special map showing where and when things are. It's a little difficult to read it in the dark, so try to read and plan while it's still light.

I definitely agree with the posters who suggest getting to Liberty Square or Frontierland for photos. We did it at Liberty Square in 2001 and only waited for one other family in front of us.

We did an early PS at LTT, got out and headed for our photo shoot. That worked well. I'm not sure I would do LTT again; it was fine and all, but we were so anxious to get out to the Party I think we didn't take time to enjoy dinner.

If you can hold out for the 2nd parade, do it. Much smaller crowds -- most folks with real little kids have left by then.

Finally, the special show in Tomorrowland is terrific. We didn't get there soon enough for seats and I really wish we had. Standing was okay, but it got tiring.

 

[Puffy2]

Where is the tommorrow land show held , what kind of seating and how do you suggest getting a jump on that?

What about "cocoa and cookies" - do the lines get long for this? Tips?

I was thinking a character meal before the start of everything - what PS time is the best? and which dinner, Liberty Tree or Chrystal Palace?

Best spot to view the parade?

Tips for exiting after the fireworks?

Still need tips for best nights to book: how is Sunday? Sat.? or is during the week better?

 

[scarlett873]

thanks for starting this thread!!! we'll be enjoying our first MVMCP in 2004...

 

[gillis95]

I would skip the "cocoa and cookies" all together. We found them in a section of Adventure Land..not sure if they are elsewhere. The cocoa was watered down and scalding hot. I blew on my cup for the longest time and still never enjoyed it. The cookies are bland flat hard sugar coated grocery store style..actually my grocery store had better Christmas cookies. Definitely not worth the wait. If the kids fuss..promise them a proper dessert later.

We had a great time enjoying the evening. Be aware that there are photos being taken for purchase with the castle. We had our picture taken 2x (to see which was best) in the middle of main street in front of the castle and along the bridge to Tomorrowland. Many people would jump in line thinking they were the free pics and then get ticked when they got to the front of the line and could hear the CM giving purchase/pickup instructions.

Definitely skip the first parade if you can.

Christmas Mickey and Minnie were at Town Square Exposition Hall. The line started up the ramp on the right side of the building and was not really obvious because people just walk in looking straight down Main St. Pooh and Friends were out in front of Exposition Hall both times we went.

 

[katypop]

how early do you suggest finding a spot for the 2nd parade if you want one on main street?
thanks
katypop

 

[DebbieB]

We've found spots on Main Street about 30 minutes before for the second parade. In 2001, we saw it in Town Square and there were plenty of curb seats available at parade time.

We always go on Sunday or Tuesday, they are usually not too crowded. Friday nights usually sellout, so it should be the most crowded.

Last year they allowed admission as early as 4:00pm with your MVMCP ticket and you got your wristband at the turnstile. This gave us a great jump on the party. They allowed us to go to Tomorrowland between 6:00 & 7:00 and still ride while they cleared the park of day guests.

We always head back to Fantasyland after the official opening and get our picture taken at Small World, no line. The rides back there have no lines when the party starts.

The biggest mistake is finding a spot for the first parade as soon as you arrive. So you spend over a hour sitting on a curb, wasting the best time in the park. Then complain how crowded the rides, shows & photo spots are afterwards.

 

[TonyS20]

I would suggest a late lunch/early dinner because you want to be there early. We waited until later in the evening for our photo and really wish we would've done it first thing - we did not look very good!

We watched the 2nd parade in Liberty Square outside of the Hall of Presidents (right where the parade rounds the corner). We got our seats about 15 minutes before parade time and could've sat on the curb (we stood and let kids sit on the curb! )

Be sure to be in front of the castle for the fireworks. You will get a list of shows and times. Be aware that some are the same as the daytime show (IE Country Bears), so don't waste party time seeing those.

Also, if it rains (it did on us last year), be sure to go to guest relations and see about getting tickets for another night. Our first party night we rode the rides in the rain, but none of the shows/parade/fireworks were held. We were able to get free tickets for another night. We came back and had a great time!

The cookie and cocoa lines were usually not unbearable, even though they are not very good. It was cold when we went, so it was nice to have something hot to drink. Sometimes, the area appears to be crowded, but most of the time there are several tables in the room and the line goes fast (grab a cookie, grab a cup of cocoa and walk off! ) Most people stand around to eat their cookie, so it will only "appear" to be crowded.

Another piece of advice - make sure you have sweaters and jeans. My DH and I are not cold people by nature; however, we were in sweaters and jeans and were still cold. We brought gloves and that helped, so be prepared!

I also agree that during the week is better. I think Friday/Saturday and even Sunday are busy. Our first night was a Thursday and it wasn't busy (it was RAINING, though). We went again on Sunday and it wasn't that bad, but it was busy and there were some lines.

Sorry this is so long, but I hope I answered most of your questions. If you have any other questions, let me know and I'll be glad to help!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

These are great ideas, thanks!

 

[clutter]

Last year, we got dinner reservations at Tony's for maybe 5:30/5:45. When we were done, it was right before 7, so we beat the crowds. Amazing walking down Main Street when it was empty. We went straight to Adventureland, got our picture taken (there was one party in front of us, they were the only other guests we'd seen until then), and went to BTMRR. Rode it 3 times in a row without even having to exit. (My dd was in heaven.) Then we went through the line another time or two.

I didn't think we'd be able to do both rides and shows, but we really managed it. Caught the parade in Frontierland, where it's always less crowded. Watched the midnight show at the castle. Managed to catch the last half of Belle's story.

Marvelous, marvelous, marvelous.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Always good to have a late afternoon meal (5 or so) in the park. As said above, relax, have your meal, walk out into the park at the start of the evening festivities. 2nd parade for sure. Skip the cookies and hot chocolate, not worth the wait. Head for your picture location first. I have always gone to POTC. Parade from in front of LTT is great, as is the viewing of the fireworks from there. Be aware of the night chill/cold when you head over to the park. Check the forecast, be prepared to bundle up if needed. I have been there in shorts, as well as Chicago winter coats, gloves and hats.

http://wdwig.com/hol_mk.htm

 

[skuttle]

We went a couple of years ago. We ate before the party started. We were also in the park before it closed for MVMCP, so we were able to get our wrist bands early and stay in the park. We took our picture first. We took advantage of the smaller crowds and rode rides that normally have a long line that we normally wouldn't wait for (like most of fantasyland since we didn't have kids at the time). We also made sure the catch many of the shows, the parade, and the fireworks. We also took pictures w/ all the characters, that way we didn't have to worry about doing that during our normal park days (and there were TONS of characters out at MVMCP). And even though we had shorts on, we still got the hot chocolate and cookies. Oh, don't forget to save time to enjoy the "snow" on Main Street.

 

[luvdamouse]

I'm sure I speak for the other MVMCP first-timers when I say thank you thank you thank you for all the great info!!!

A couple more questions - sorry!

Where do we pick up the wristbands, and what time (generally) can we do that?

We're thinking of a PS around 5:00 - 5:30... Now I'm second-guessing from some other posts - is that too late?

Thanks again!!!
Jo

 

[zuzanne]

We are going to the Party for first time on Tuesday, Dec. 16th. We have PS for LTT at 5:30. Is the Party the same every night? If so can some one going first day or two of the party keep their schedule & post the events, parades & times of them, so the rest of us can be preplanning our evenings at the Party? We are really not interested in the hot cocoa & cookies, but do want to see all of the shows & parades that we can. TIA
Suki

 

[helenm29]

Thanks again for starting this thread. I'm a little unclear on weather they clear the park for this or not? can you eat in the park and go directly to the party?

 

[C.Ann]

Uh oh! Do I need to rethink my plans? We weren't planning on being in the parks on Dec. 4th (that's when we have our MVMCP tickets for) because there is NO WAY that my 5 yr. old granddaughter could do the parks all day and then stay up till midnight for all of the festivities.. We were planning on maybe going to DTD early in the day - and then riding around a bit sightseeing in the afternoon so that the little one would catch a 2-hour nap or so in the car..

What time will they let us in the parks if we're not already there? Should I change our plans??

I'm so confused! I don't want my little punkin' to miss a thing and without a nap she'll just never be able to handle a day that long..