Is MVMCP worth the money?

[v.t.]

I have asked this on the celebration's board, but for those who are budget minded like me.........

We are flying down the Thursday before Thanksgiving, got FD and used points for airfare. This is our makeup trip from Christmas, 2 years ago, DS went into the hospital the day we were leaving. So, we are trying to do a lot of Christmas events.
Friday, the 22nd is the only day we can go to the party. I have heard it will be crowded. We aren't going for the characters, we want to see the parades and shows. I just don't know if I will be thinking, "We paid an extra $500 to fight THIS crowd!" or is the party so magical I won't think of the money. LOL

 

[jimandami]

The one time we went to MVMCP, it was the Friday of Jersey Week and I will tell you, I WAS thinking, "I can't believe we paid this much money to fight this crowd." Everywhere was pretty much packed. We did enjoy the parade (what we could see of it), but had to watch the fireworks from behind the Castle, which wasn't the best view. Trying to get out of the park was complete madness. The snow on Main Street was awesome to see though. Having said that, we are trying it again this year, but on a Tuesday (Dec 10) so we are hoping for fewer crowds. I hate to sound negative about it, but I would not do it again on a crowded night.

 

[dunningdisney]

we have done it before and we thought it was very worth it--but we probably were not there on the crowded night

something that may help with the cost, we had read that they will let you in around 4 pm with the mvmcp tickets, so we just go to the park around then, so we do not have to use a day on the park hopper

 

[crisi]

Years ago we did the Halloween party - when it was way cheaper - and it wasn't worth it. At that time, for that event, it MIGHT have been worth it with older kids - the lines to the Mountains was very short since most of the kids were little and into characters and candy.

 

[Pembo]

For us, it was worth it. At that time it was a cost effective way to add another park day to our trip. Not sure if that still holds true now.

It was very cool to see it snow on Main Street. Would I do it again? Maybe. What I would do again is the Candlelight Processional - that was lovely.

 

[Daisy'sMama]

IMHO, NO! We went two years ago on a Tuesday night. I was told the party was no where near sold out. Every time we got in line to see a character, they left. Not all the cocoa and cookie stands were not all open all night. They cancelled the stage show. I felt like I was being run over by strollers all night. I couldn't believe people would drag their toddlers out late like that. There are so many magical things to enjoy at WDW for Christmas, I would encourage you to focus on them. I have heard a horse and buggy ride at Wilderness Lodge is amazing, we loved CP and Osborne Lights. Just touring the monorail resorts and seeing the decorations is awesome. Have fun!

 

[v.t.]

Thanks for the feeback. We are already planning on going to MK that day, so it would not be a park hopper benefit. Most of the other threads I have read, say it is not to be missed. So I appreciate all the honest answers.
Still haven't made up my mind, but I really do appreciate the answers.

 

[2disneyboys]

We have done the Christmas Party (2 times), the Halloween Party (2 times) & back when they had them, the Pirate and Princess Party (1 time).. each time with 6 people (4 of us & 2 guests)

Yes, there are short lines to some of the rides
Yes, there are special shows, parades & characters
No, we do not feel the value of what you get is worth what you pay. We gave the Christmas Party & Halloween Party 2 tries each because once was bad weather & once was during POP Warner so we figured another shot was due. The 2nd visit to both were perfect conditions (weather, local events etc) and both were still extremly crowded.

now I LOVED the Pirate and Princess Party & would repeat that one in a second!

My sister on the other hand would rather spend $ on a party night ticket then a regular ticket so as you can see, the above is only 1 opinion of many!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We think the Christmas Party is worth the cost, ONCE.
2) Beyond that, no, financially speaking.
3) If you go for the Christmas activities and shows, there are lots to do.
4) It can take you almost all night.
5) And, it is FUN, FUN, FUN.

NOTE: Many people use the party to ride the rides, because the HUGE
crowds take in the Christmas shows and events. However, for the price of
the party, it is a TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE waste of money for rides.

 

[Rustyroo]

1) We think the Christmas Party is worth the cost, ONCE.
2) Beyond that, no, financially speaking.
3) If you go for the Christmas activities and shows, there are lots to do.
4) It can take you almost all night.
5) And, it is FUN, FUN, FUN.

NOTE: Many people use the party to ride the rides, because the HUGE
crowds take in the Christmas shows and events. However, for the price of
the party, it is a TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE waste of money for rides.

I'd have to agree with this 100%. Do it at least once, but beyond that, might not be worth it. In full disclosure, we've done it two years in a row. But that second time I could really start to see the value of it disappear quickly. But there is something so cool about being on Main Street when it snows. Nothing like that. If you go close to Christmas, I believe you can get most of the MVMCP perks without paying separate admission...

 

[jimandami]

We have done the Christmas Party (2 times), the Halloween Party (2 times) & back when they had them, the Pirate and Princess Party (1 time).. each time with 6 people (4 of us & 2 guests)

Yes, there are short lines to some of the rides
Yes, there are special shows, parades & characters
No, we do not feel the value of what you get is worth what you pay. We gave the Christmas Party & Halloween Party 2 tries each because once was bad weather & once was during POP Warner so we figured another shot was due. The 2nd visit to both were perfect conditions (weather, local events etc) and both were still extremly crowded.

now I LOVED the Pirate and Princess Party & would repeat that one in a second!

My sister on the other hand would rather spend $ on a party night ticket then a regular ticket so as you can see, the above is only 1 opinion of many!

Yes, the Pirate and Princess Party was by far the best!!!

 

[TBLaube]

we have tickets for the November 22nd party. My mom has Stage 4 cancer and wants to go so it is a no brainer for us. I could do without, but am excited to be trying it once. We won't go back again most likely, but want to check it out. We are easy going and will go with the flow of events. She will be in a wheelchair so mostly enjoying the sites. Hopefully it won't be too packed and uncomfortable.

 

[crisi]

NOTE: Many people use the party to ride the rides, because the HUGE
crowds take in the Christmas shows and events. However, for the price of
the party, it is a TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE waste of money for rides.

But that assumes you want to see the shows and events - please, shoot me before I have to watch another syrupy sweet Disney show or camp out for another parade. If shows and parades are your thing, the ticketed parties do special shows and parades you can only see during the party - and it might be more worth it - but if it isn't your thing, than that is not adding value.

 

[ekatiel]

We went last year over Thanksgiving. Honestly I can't remember what night. I think I blocked it out . I did not think it was worth the $$. We had been once before the week before Christmas, so we got to see most of the things for "free" (it's hard to use that term at Disney without quotes!). It was neat to see the parade at night, but it was super crowded. I felt like all we did was see the parade and fireworks. DH and the kids found a parade spot while I went and got us hot chocolate. We watched the parade and then made our way to Main St. to see the Fireworks. Then we went back to the hotel. I don't think I would pay for it again.

 

[meggybear17]

We went last year, I think it was probably the first Thursday in December? Anyway I LOVED it! We were a group of four adults and one two year old. And yes we did keep our toddler out late that night! He took a good nap that afternoon and we got to the park around 5 and made it almost to midnight. We thought the shows were great, and the parade was the best I have ever seen (although I hear the Halloween parade is better! ). And the fireworks that night were the best display I have seen in my life. We didn't do too many characters, just a few here and there that had short lines. Same with the rides, we did a few but mainly focused on the parties and shows. The best part was seeing my two year old dancing with chip and dale and woody and Jessie and having that one on one attention in the dance parties. So I ink it is worth it at least once to attend and decide for yourself. Now I don't know that I would run back with my son now that I have to pay for a ticket for him haha!

 

[Shmily1]

We've done MNSSHP and MVMCP several times each and love them. they are definitely worth it for us. That said, we don't do a park that day and just go in at 4 pm with the party tickets. In the morning/ early afternoon, we do DTD or the resort pool, then lunch, then get ready for the party. For us, these are the best times to go. The later it gets, the shorter the lines get for the attractions. There are have been many times we've done Space Mountain and HM over and over just walking off and right back on. We've also been on BTMRR when they just run you through until some more people show up in line to ride. To us, it's definitely worth it!

 

[darkwing818]

We've done MNSSHP & MVMCP both twice & found them to worth every penny. But that's just my 2 cents worth.

 

[v.t.]

I think y'all are making it harder to decide what to do. LOL
But my budget minded DS has solved the problem. To save money just he and I are going to go. The rest have to stay at the resort.
I love hearing everyones' thoughts and experiences. I really appreciate the help.

 

[EeyoreEma]

MVMCP - not so much. MNSSHP - YES! Of course, my feelings towards it might have been swayed because we were there when there were record low temperatures, and were not as prepared for that as we should have been.

 

[Leshaface]

I got to experience MVMCP last December and it was wonderful and we had such a good time and would definitely do it again. I'm so glad we got to do it because this year my DH's winter break (he's a teacher) changed without any notice and we will no longer be able to go to WDW during December anymore I remember going back and forth about spending the extra money to do this, but now, i'm SO happy that we made that decision!