Is MVMCP worth it with younger children?

[MermaidMommy]

We've been trying to decide this as well...I actually posted a thread about it, but didn't get much response. My kids are 3 and 1, though. I know the 3-year-old might be able to handle it, but I'm not so sure about the little one. And we have a character breakfast at Chef Mickey's the next morning at 7:30 (the only time we could get) which is something we cannot miss. My son loved it last year, and he loves Mickey, etc. I really want to go to the party, but I'm just not sure about the expense and everything else being that they may not make it past 10!

The problem is, we are picking up my father-in-law from the airport the only other night they are having the parade while we are there, so I don't think we can swing it that night!

It seems like a lot of the kids that you all are talking about are older...anyone go with little ones?

Courtney

Hi, Courtney. I posted on this topic already, but my DD was 2 years older than your oldest, so a little bit different situation. My concern with your schedule would be the Chef Mickey's ressie -- that's pretty early after a late night. If your kiddos are reliable nappers, then maybe a nap in the afternoon might make up for the late night, otherwise, I'd be a little unsure, unless you could do just Chef Mickey's and then take it easy the rest of the day. The other option might be to leave your youngest behind if you've got another adult with you, and just take the oldest to the party, but that just depends on what you and your family like to do.

And, I'll post this again -- unless you're going to Disney World after the last MVMCP, which this year is Dec. 22, you WON'T be able to see the special holiday parade during regular admission hours.

 

[Camno's Mama]

We've been having a hard time deciding, but I think we have come to the conclusion that this is not the year for us to try for MVMCP.

We are planning on going to Animal Kingdom on that day, and we will see the Jingle Jungle Parade. We were not planning on going to AK before this, so I think it will be worth it!

So, MK doesn't do any kind of parade during the day that has anything Christmassy?

Thanks everyone! Your info has been so helpful!
Courtney

 

[alicenwonder99]

My kids will be 5 1/2yrs and almost 4yrs when we go to Disney in 6 1/2wks. I'm considering doing MVMCP but don't know if it's worth it. My kids are normally in bed by 8:30, can stay up to 9:30 if well rested throughout the day. The day I was looking into attending the "party", we'd be going to Sea World the day of. Just don't know if it's worth it. Anyone have any experience with younger kids who can give me some insight? Is it worth the extra $155 for us?

I haven't read the other comments yet, so sorry if I'm repeating.

Here's my experience with MVMCP with my younger kids when they were 5 and 7 (last year). We went to AK at opening and stayed just until lunch time. We went back to our resort for a nap (ha!). By the time the kids (who haven't taken naps in years) fell asleep, it was time to get up. We were all groggy. We went down to Pop's food court for dinner, then headed over to MK. It was around 7:30pm when we made it into MK's gates. The parade had already started, so we hung out on the balcony by the train station to watch (it's a VERY LONG parade).

It was COOOLLLLDDD that night. We're from Chicago so we have heavy-duty warm winter coats that we brought with. The kids were bundled up in layers of clothes, PLUS winter coats, PLUS mittens and hats, PLUS I gave them my winter coat to use as a blanket (I rented a double stroller for them). By 10:30pm they were freezing and tired.

I said I wouldn't do it again until the children were ALOT older...maybe preteen age or older. It's just too much money to spend to freeze and ride a couple of rides.

Mary