Is the Mickey's xmas party tickets worth it?

[TammiMcMan]

We did it for the first time this year, 12/12. I'm glad we went, but it's not something that I would plan on doing again. From hearing other DIS'ers recount their trips, it sounds like it was more special in the past. I loved the decorations on Main Street, but once you left that area, I didn't feel all that Christmasy. I'm sure if you go to all the shows, that will definitely put you in the spirit, but even on a Sunday night, they were packed. It ended up being an expensive e-ticket night for my family. We rode on almost everything there with very little wait time. I'm a "home for the holidays" type of girl and really WDW is just a vacation for us, no matter what time of year we go. For what it's worth, I thought that Epcot seemed more dressed for the holidays.

Tammi

 

[PolyAddict]

Is the extra cost worth it? Do you get the feel of the holiday without going to this extra event? Thanks!

Del

My very good friend just got back last Sunday. She said that the Christmas party was the least favorite part of her trip. She said that except for the party the parks were not crowded and she couldn't believe they had paid extra to be with MORE people!! She was glad she did it and wants to go back at this time again but will pocket the money for something else!!

Michele

 

[snyderla]

Does anyone know when they go on sale? MIL is really looking forward to going next year, DH read that they expect record crowds all year long in 2005, so MIL is concerned about not getting tickets...she's a worrier, so I told her we will buy them as soon as they become available. Thanks...
Lori

 

[tink2]

We did the party for the first time this year and went two nights. I'm glad we did it once, but I do not think we will do it again. We were there Dec. 5-11 and went on Tues and Thurs nights. The crowds in the parks were low during the day, so we really wanted to do the special Christmas stuff. THe shows were absolutely packed! We got to them early and got a good spot, but still....... sooo many people! The crowds were much larger for this than during the daytime. The parade was awesome and especially on Main Street with the snow. But, we had to stake out a spot beginning at 7:00 for the 8:15 parade. While DH and other family members held our place, I walked DS3 around at about 7:15 and there was not a front row spot anywhere in the park for the parade- I thought this was a bit early. I walked around the rides- small waits, but again, they were very small waits during the day too. We didn't try to ride rides- that's not what we paid the extra money for. We did all the shows except Belle's storytime, saw the parade and fireworks. It was neat. The cookies and hot chocolate were ok. We enjoyed it- but I'm not sure we will fork over the $110 or so it cost us to get our family of 4 in again. Just too many people....The parade was the best part and we did LOVE it, but not that much.....JMO

 

[cobbler]

Does anyone know when they go on sale? MIL is really looking forward to going next year, DH read that they expect record crowds all year long in 2005, so MIL is concerned about not getting tickets...she's a worrier, so I told her we will buy them as soon as they become available. Thanks...
Lori

This year I do believe they went on sale around May 1st. I know I got mine the first day they went on sale. Just watch here on the disboards starting late spring time and there will be talk of them going on sale.

 

[DebbieB]

Keep in mind that they are non-refundable. Nights don't start selling out until the fall and even then usually only Fridays (starting with the last Friday). Come fall, people will be putting up posts trying to sell them because their plans changed (which the DIS will prompty delete).

 

[Del]

We are back and we did go on Dec. 9th, and I thought it was worth it. The rides were empty and we enjoyed the shows. We got the spirit!!! Thanks everyone. Merry Christmas!

 

[johde]

Yes, I think it is woth it. We went last year and enjoyed it. It was our third year going. We normally plan on going mid week Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and using it as our sleep in and tour the resorts day. I would not spend money to go into the park all day and then pay again for the party that night. We arrived at 4:30 and were let in with just our party tickets.

 

[sunny04]

FYI -- I thought the only time it snowed was at the party, but it snowed on us 4 times during our trip, and once was at MGM. So, you can even get that during regular hours. Just a little info.

 

[wilderness01]

I guess we are glad we did it but will not do it again. Too crowded for our taste.

 

[vmkids]

got to say this is the first time we went to the party and I was a little disappointed. We are character hunters and the characters were spread out and not easy to get because they did not stay out long. We could get characters easier through the day and not too many different ones. After seeing all the comments on here about the cool ones out at halloween, we were expecting the same at Christmas party. I would say save the money. We was there during the taping of the abc parade and could have seen the parade for free that afternoon of taping. They ran the entire parade in its normal way. I sat and watched $200 go by for free!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've never been to the MVMCP. I'm too much of a cheapskate to spend the extra money. I've only been to WDW once in December (so far-hope to go back during the holiday season next year). I felt there was so much other great holiday stuff that I didn't regret my decision at all. What with Christmas tree lighting, resort decorations, Christmas music, the characters in their holiday attire, Candlelight Processional (that I'd say-DON'T MISS), holiday storytellers, etc. I really felt I got quite a holiday feel and loved it. Didn't feel any need for MVMCP and don't plan on it next year either.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

The way I look at the cost of the event is this: if you don't go in a park that day, you are paying less than a day's ticket cost to go to the party. Now, granted this doesn't work if you have LOS passes, but we get park hopper passes. We know we can get one less day on the pass than we would usually because we don't need one for the day of the party. So, we have actually saved money. You can go to the MK from 4 till midnight for $37.

Earlier in the day, you can shop at DTD, sleep late, or as one poster suggested, check out resort Christmas decorations. There is always sonething to do w/out going in a park.

The party is alot of fun! We went on 12/14 ... very cold, but we had a great time!

 

[ppony]

Well in our experience, we LOVED it! We went for the first time last year and won't miss it next year either. Sure, if you've never been, you don't know what your missing, and it isn't for everyone I guess, but we thought the MK at night was VERY special, shopping was fun with the few extra things they put out for those nights only, and coming form MN, I even found their snow so fun at night. And we're no strangers to the white stuff! though this wasn't real snow, it was darned close. If you'd rather spend that extra $ somewhere else, then it's totally a personal call, but we really feel that the whole even is a magical thing and we just can't get enough fo the Disney Christmas feeling! To those that can go often to WDW, maybe it's not as special but when you can only go every couple years or even longer, it's a must to get in every bit of the magic we can!

I and my family personally recommend the MVMCP!

What's this about record crowds next year? Don't they say that every year almost? Or is there a reason this time?

 

[LindaBabe]

I've done it 5 years in a row - the first year few years it included a lanyard with pin, dinner, commemorative button, and picture. This year, the price is higher and didn't even include the button. The night we went, there were very few people there, but it was so cold we lasted only through the fireworks and parade and then left, so it was not good value. We didn't see one single show, ride, charactor who was not in the parade. Not disney's fault, they can't control the weather. On the other hand, had the price included dinner, I could have consoled myself that at least I got a meal out for my money. I think I'll give it a miss next year.