If you had to choose one Christmas event?

[jbertwallace]

We are new annual passholders and are heading down Dec. 3-7 with our boys who are 10 and 5 years old. I wasn't planning on spending the extra $$$ on the Christmas party, because there seems to be enough similar activities going on. I really wanted to do the Candlelight Processional and knew I would not be able to ask them to sit for over an hour to wait for a choir, so I booked the dining package. I now realize that the cost is about the same (although at least a meal is included). For those who have done one or both...am I cheating the kids out of something great? Which would you choose? Assuming tickets are still available, lol!

 

[Ninja Mom]

Definitely do the Christmas party over the Candle light processional. The Candle Light processional is not something that children that age would really enjoy when compared to all of the MANY fun things at the Christmas party.

~NM

 

[tlh]

Christmas party for young kids.

 

[disneydanni]

I would love to say Candlelight Processional because it is truly wonderful and my kids were 10 and 7 when we did it, but with a 5 yr old, I have to vote Christmas party--they will love the parade and if they are not into waiting on line for characters, there are dance parties and rides.

 

[Marthasor]

Christmas Party. We just did it with DS7 on Nov. 21 and it was awesome. The parade and fireworks are spectacular and the special events inside the park (dance parties, seeing the 7 dwarves) were a ton of fun. We will do Candlelight Processional at some point, but there is no way he would sit through it right now. Would rather have 5 hours of MK Christmas fun than an hour of him squirming at Candlelight this year!

 

[tinkerhon]

We are new annual passholders and are heading down Dec. 3-7 with our boys who are 10 and 5 years old. I wasn't planning on spending the extra $$$ on the Christmas party, because there seems to be enough similar activities going on. I really wanted to do the Candlelight Processional and knew I would not be able to ask them to sit for over an hour to wait for a choir, so I booked the dining package. I now realize that the cost is about the same (although at least a meal is included). For those who have done one or both...am I cheating the kids out of something great? Which would you choose? Assuming tickets are still available, lol!

Definitely CP--- our kids--- 3 and 8 love it!!! Just saw Jodi benson and she was great!! And not to go off - topic, but if you wanted to spend some extra money--- we went to sea world yesterday and did the fireside feast bundle--- was absolutely amazing!!

 

[Brian Noble]

With kids that age, I'd probably go with the Party all things being equal. With older kids, an all-adult party, or a family with younger kids that made a habit of going to more formal cultural events (symphony, choral concerts, etc.) I'd do the Processional instead.

 

[jtopp]

After seeing both, the Christmas party is the way to go for younger children.
That being said, we feel the candlelight with dinner is a better deal, and not to be missed when the children are older. Enjoy the snow!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I would def. do the party. Our 3 kids have seen the cp a few times but they were used to sitting in church and being quiet and listening so they were ok with it.

Only you would know if your little one could sit that long.

You can see the cp for free if you stand in the back or you could choose to go in the standby line too without a package.

Our ds always have loved the christmas party.

Have a great time whatever you decide.

 

[MulanMom]

Christmas party over Candlelight Processional.

BTW, you can always "hear" or catch a glimpse of the CP while you are over in world showcase. Whereas, you have no chance to see the Christmas party parade and/or shows unless you plan to be in Disney World after Dec. 19th.

Have fun whatever you decide to do!

 

[cattywampus]

Christmas Party. All the entertainment plus walk on most rides!

 

[CanadianPaco]

Christmas Party. All the entertainment plus walk on most rides!

I agree! It is sounding pretty strong for the party!

 

[jbertwallace]

Thank you so much for all of these helpful responses!! I think we will definitely go for the party....we'll try to catch the CP without the package or try it when they're older. Thank you!!

 

[jcemom]

Thank you so much for all of these helpful responses!! I think we will definitely go for the party....we'll try to catch the CP without the package or try it when they're older. Thank you!!

Good choice! I agree with most of the others. The Christmas Party is far better for kids. I really enjoyed the CP (with friends / no kids) but I know my kids would have been bored.

 

[McKelly]

The Christmas Party is worth it just for the parade! LOVE IT! It's my favorite part of the Xmas festivities!

 

[DOOM1001]

The Osborne Lights are better for young kids than the CP and its included in park admission,I would do the lights and the Christmas party.The CP is also free but to ask kids to make the 2 hour plus standby line to then sit stil for the length of the show will be a challenge.

 

[McKelly]

There are some reports of FP being offered for the CP now, maybe you could try to nab some of those? That would not cost you anything in addition to park admission.

 

[aribelle]

We are new annual passholders and are heading down Dec. 3-7 with our boys who are 10 and 5 years old. I wasn't planning on spending the extra $$$ on the Christmas party, because there seems to be enough similar activities going on. I really wanted to do the Candlelight Processional and knew I would not be able to ask them to sit for over an hour to wait for a choir, so I booked the dining package. I now realize that the cost is about the same (although at least a meal is included). For those who have done one or both...am I cheating the kids out of something great? Which would you choose? Assuming tickets are still available, lol!

For a 5 and 10 year old, I'd say the party would be more entertaining for them. I LOVE Candlelight Processional, and so do my kids, but it is sitting and listening to a speaker read the Christmas story and listening to beautiful songs from a fantastic choir and gorgeously lit up......but the party will be running around, seeing special holiday characters, riding rides, a special parade, fireworks, and even snow on Main Street. For an average 5 to 10 year old the party is definitely going to be the choice. Oh...and the line for most rides is 10 minutes or walk on by later in the evening.

Plus, the party is 5 hours long....whereas CP is an hour long show.

A suggestion/hint......because the party goes until midnight, make the daytime events very mild....I've seen so many people do the park from rope drop try to take the kids back for an afternoon nap and return for the party with everyone tired and cranky.....and those kids are miserable and the family leaves before the party is over. I'd make the early part of that day a non-park day......maybe go to a couple of the resorts and see the holiday decor (Grand Floridian has a life size gingerbread house), and maybe do a little shopping at DTD, but don't go full bore in the park and wear out your kids (or you!).

 

[aribelle]

Oh, and another thing I'd do...which is free and included in your admission, is at EPCOT...wander around the various countries and listen to their Christmas stories....each country has one, America has several. Get a time guide when you arrive and try to hit as many as possible. They are quite interesting and most are lively enough to keep a kid's interest.

 

[eastatlantaguys]

We loved MVMCP! The snow on Main Street and the fireworks are amazing. As a fan of the campgrounds I would also suggest you go have appetizers at wilderness lodge the take the ferry to the campground and see the decorations. It's so much fun!