Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Central 2005

[ms.ojo]

The only restaurant I have heard that offers a limited selection on the menu is San Angel Inn. We ate there in 2004 and I remember being limited to appetizers, the tortilla soup and ceviche were two I remember. Also, for dessert, you were only allowed flan ... icky. We dined at Le Cellier last year and had whatever we liked on the menu. Well worth it.

Thank you. That's good to know. I was thinking of maybe springing for LeCellier but didn't want to be limited in our selections. Am also considering Alredo's, Teppanyaki or on the other extreme Biergarten. We have children age 6 and almost 3 at the time of the trip. I'm thinking the Italian restaurant will be too formal....even though they both love pasta. And as I recall the tables are really close together. Maybe not the best place for kids. I thought the German entertainment might be a good distraction, but not sure on food selections for the kids and I've heard bev. service is very slow. Similarly slow svc reports at the Japanese rest. (and wildly diff't experiences based on the chef) So then I thought, maybe just stick w/ LeCellier. Anybody have any suggestions?????

 

[RaySharpton]

Hey Ray, Thanks for the links and info'n. I've been a bit nervous about the Mousefest. Not really about large meets and too many people at the parks/parties....but that the people who will be there willl be VERY Disney saavy. All running to the same places when the gates open, etc.

Hi, ms.ojo. Most of the meets are very small, where a few friends decide to do something that they like to do and invite others to comme. Ususlly a thread is started and if someone is interested, they start talking to each other like they do here inorder to get to know each other. But that is not necessary either. Some people just show up.

And most people will arrive separately, except those that are there with their own party of friends on the same vacation. Everyone has their on itiniary and then at the designated time, they plan their position in the park to be near the meet. Then they leave and continue on their own itinerary.

Now, I must admit, sometimes their are several different meets the Mousefest try to plan one after the other so that if someone wanted to go from one meet to another, they could.

Sometimes people just see when other meets are planned and plan their meet around other meets.

O.K...I'm confusing myself, and I'm not sure that I am spelling itinerary correctly...lol.

On the flip side, it might be fun to meet people who are as avid about the Mouse as we are!!!! We aren't doing MVMCP until the 13th....but hopefully when they post their schedule for this yr we can join up for a meet or 2.

Many people on the DIS will start posting their own meets for all of December as the time gets closer and closer. People will start posting who will be going to MVMCP on such and such day, and them meet planning begins.

Mousefest is comprised of two segments. This year the land portion is from, I think, Tuesday, November 29th until Saturday, December 3rd. Then the Sea portion on the Disney four day Wonder Cruise will be from Sunday, December 4th, until Thursday, December 8th. I went on my first cruise last year solo and had a great time.

There will be meets from different websites before, during, and after Mousefest set days. So keep an eye out.

At the moment, I don't think the Mega meet will fit into our plans (which is too bad as that's the one I'd most like to go to!) Will have to relook at which parks on which days! Yes, it's only June and I'm already shaping that out!!! Please post a link when you see the official Mousefest schedule for this year!!!

Me, too. Don't you just love planning. I usually plan, but then I go with the flow once I get to WDW. Here is a link to 2005 Mousefest. You can sign up for Deb Wills email update if you want so that you will know what meets are being planned and when.

Most meets are free, but some are limited, such as an Illuminations Cruises because of the boat size, and they split the fee among all of the participants.

O.K...here's the 2005 Mousefest link, but look at my previous post and see all of the meets that were planned last year.

http://www.mousefest.org

and

http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/mousefest.htm

and

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/2005MouseFest/join

Sincerely, Ray

 

[ccgegg]

Updated... (and the fun begins in less than 6 months for some!!)

Nov 27 roelongo, Calie_j, Michelina, Eeyoreloverforever, zawisza, RichNKatHolly, Mom2Dash, dawnsb, Live4FW, sarahsmom73
Nov 29 AP discount PixiePop, beattyfamily, bigbabyblues, cobbler, mrslur, kimbac3, jonestavern, RichNKatHolly, Tinkaroo, ShariVT, imadisneyholic, lts862, Minnie824, smjj, WDWBetsy, athenna, sfbank, SherryB, angels05, nrsldy, JennInTN, wanna-b-Tink, mousefansmom, Stacy's a freak, JDarling, J and R's mom
Dec 1 AP discount triplefigs, skiwee1, fun & fancy free, CheriePenguin, Madi100, pettyone, ShariVT, macphrsn, knoxt, daisy_77, blueeyes101817, SpoonfulofSugar, RaySharpton
Dec 2 lindsey, TinkerbellMama
Dec 4 AP discount TeresaMc, vic32, mrsR123, imadisneyholic, liznboys, Kata, HayGan, Mahorn, chipmunkfan, jenjersnap, 2gether, fam4jc, webprinter, bleeps, erinz, Mickey's Sister, DrmWvr1299, tclowe
Dec 6 J. Galt, shopgirl72, erikthewise, rseverhart, Tricialiv, poohangel, Good Ol Gal, CDN Prince Charming, irishone1979, SnowyPrincesses, dpic, erinz, Dan Murphy, eblondie, exwdwcm, helenk
Dec 8 Dopey Sharon, mickey58729, scraphappy92, webprinter, Eeyoreloverforever, MickeyMacks, Christine & family, MAGICX2, wasabi girl, kath1210, aspcamhreditor2, Amy
Dec 9 Beastlover, legalslave
Dec 11 Storminator, 7thdwarf/dopey, bobbiwoz
Dec 13 AP discount dreams4disney, tzuhouse, DisneyBB, MemoryMakers2669, ccgegg, grimgrningghost, CAJUNWDWFAN, hockey mom, keishashadow, 7thdwarf/dopey, Hugpug, ms.ojo
Dec 15 WANNABE@WDW, BernardandMissBianca, daisy112878, wdwjunkie2005
Dec 16 LADYnTRAMP, goofyshell, angey77, spotncleo
Dec 18 littleowensmommy, CarolinaBlue, kandeebunny, JPRCH, zippehsmom, micksterlee, panthergirl, Bunch24, zagafi, Doc and Family, Piglette, sheridac, MICKEEP, widget, raider93, AreWeThereYet, Goofyish, gottaluvEeyore, Shellybird
Dec 20 MDM, tjevans, TxDisneyFan, skuttle, DonaldsGrl103, WANNABE@WDW, JoannaOhio, NHAnn, KinziePooh, LynnTarrant, cinderminnie, Robundrh2o, Doc and Family, LovnMickey, studog100, Tammi67, CajunMouseFan, skuttle, BB&T mom, Beiji

 

[RaySharpton]

Updated... (and the fun begins in less than 6 months for some!!)

Nov 27 roelongo, Calie_j, Michelina, Eeyoreloverforever, zawisza, RichNKatHolly, Mom2Dash, dawnsb, Live4FW, sarahsmom73
Nov 29- AP discount PixiePop, beattyfamily, bigbabyblues, cobbler, mrslur, kimbac3, jonestavern, RichNKatHolly, Tinkaroo, ShariVT, imadisneyholic, lts862, Minnie824, smjj, WDWBetsy, athenna, sfbank, SherryB, angels05, nrsldy, JennInTN, wanna-b-Tink, mousefansmom, Stacy's a freak, JDarling, J and R's mom
Dec 1- AP discount triplefigs, skiwee1, fun & fancy free, CheriePenguin, Madi100, pettyone, ShariVT, macphrsn, knoxt, daisy_77, blueeyes101817, SpoonfulofSugar, RaySharpton
Dec 2 lindsey, TinkerbellMama
Dec 4- AP discount TeresaMc, vic32, mrsR123, imadisneyholic, liznboys, Kata, HayGan, Mahorn, chipmunkfan, jenjersnap, 2gether, fam4jc, webprinter, bleeps, erinz, Mickey's Sister, DrmWvr1299, tclowe
Dec 6 J. Galt, shopgirl72, erikthewise, rseverhart, Tricialiv, poohangel, Good Ol Gal, CDN Prince Charming, irishone1979, SnowyPrincesses, dpic, erinz, Dan Murphy, eblondie, exwdwcm, helenk
Dec 8 Dopey Sharon, mickey58729, scraphappy92, webprinter, Eeyoreloverforever, MickeyMacks, Christine & family, MAGICX2, wasabi girl, kath1210, aspcamhreditor2, Amy
Dec 9 Beastlover, legalslave
Dec 11 Storminator, 7thdwarf/dopey, bobbiwoz
Dec 13- AP discount dreams4disney, tzuhouse, DisneyBB, MemoryMakers2669, ccgegg, grimgrningghost, CAJUNWDWFAN, hockey mom, keishashadow, 7thdwarf/dopey, Hugpug, ms.ojo
Dec 15 WANNABE@WDW, BernardandMissBianca, daisy112878, wdwjunkie2005
Dec 16 LADYnTRAMP, goofyshell, angey77, spotncleo
Dec 18 littleowensmommy, CarolinaBlue, kandeebunny, JPRCH, zippehsmom, micksterlee, panthergirl, Bunch24, zagafi, Doc and Family, Piglette, sheridac, MICKEEP, widget, raider93, AreWeThereYet, Goofyish, gottaluvEeyore, Shellybird
Dec 20 MDM, tjevans, TxDisneyFan, skuttle, DonaldsGrl103, WANNABE@WDW, JoannaOhio, NHAnn, KinziePooh, LynnTarrant, cinderminnie, Robundrh2o, Doc and Family, LovnMickey, studog100, Tammi67, CajunMouseFan, skuttle, BB&T mom, Beiji

Hi, ccgreg. Cool list of DISers going to MVMCP. A great way to see who is going an if a DIS meet might get started.

Thanks, Ray

 

[angey77]

So then I thought, maybe just stick w/ LeCellier. Anybody have any suggestions?????

I'm doing the same boat, can't seem to beat LeCellier, and the CP package for it sells pretty fast!

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Hi Ray, Thank you for posting the brochure from last year's MVMCP! A lot of time went into that and it is much appreciated!!!

Question, do they ever change any of the restaurants that are open during the party? I notice that Columbia Harbor Hpuse isn't listed as being open. I was hoping for one last Garden Galley Salad before leaving (we're planning to do MVMCP our last day, Dec. 4). For some crazy reason, I just crave those things!

Thank again!
Jessica

 

[ccgegg]

Thank you. That's good to know. I was thinking of maybe springing for LeCellier but didn't want to be limited in our selections. Am also considering Alredo's, Teppanyaki or on the other extreme Biergarten. We have children age 6 and almost 3 at the time of the trip. I'm thinking the Italian restaurant will be too formal....even though they both love pasta. And as I recall the tables are really close together. Maybe not the best place for kids. I thought the German entertainment might be a good distraction, but not sure on food selections for the kids and I've heard bev. service is very slow. Similarly slow svc reports at the Japanese rest. (and wildly diff't experiences based on the chef) So then I thought, maybe just stick w/ LeCellier. Anybody have any suggestions?????

Is LeCellier ok for kids? Ours will be 5 and almost 2 at the time of our trip. We like to do at least one nice dinner on our trip and we're bringing my mom for her first-ever trip. Since we're planning a CP dinner pkg anyway, we might as well do our nice dinner that night. What better way to start our first-ever Christmas trip than with CP and LeCellier!!

Based on LeCellier's menu, it looks like you could really cash in on the $45 CP dinner pkg. One entree is $37 alone. Are you sure the CP dinner pkg doesn't limit your menu choices at Le Cellier?

 

[goofy4tink]

My very picky dd, 11, loves LeCellier!!! It's one of her favorite spots to eat.

And put me down for MVMCP on Dec 1. don't have my ticket yet but I'll get it early July. See you all there.

 

[ms.ojo]

Is LeCellier ok for kids? Ours will be 5 and almost 2 at the time of our trip. We like to do at least one nice dinner on our trip and we're bringing my mom for her first-ever trip. Since we're planning a CP dinner pkg anyway, we might as well do our nice dinner that night. What better way to start our first-ever Christmas trip than with CP and LeCellier!!

Based on LeCellier's menu, it looks like you could really cash in on the $45 CP dinner pkg. One entree is $37 alone. Are you sure the CP dinner pkg doesn't limit your menu choices at Le Cellier?

That's what I was asking, and someone said they were there last Dec and there were no restrictions. So it sounds like a good oppty for me. I think any of the restaurants in Epcot are OK for kids (that is people expect them there). But places like France & Italy...which are DEF. more on the romantic side and very long dinner expectations (slow service) I think would be more challenging. I think I"m going to give Le Cellier a chance. Though I have heard kids do really well at Germany w/ all the entertainment to distract them. That's still in the back of my mind as an option. After all, if they aren't happy....neither is the mommy!

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi Ray, Thank you for posting the brochure from last year's MVMCP! A lot of time went into that and it is much appreciated!!!

Question, do they ever change any of the restaurants that are open during the party? I notice that Columbia Harbor Hpuse isn't listed as being open. I was hoping for one last Garden
Galley Salad before leaving (we're planning to do MVMCP our last day, Dec. 4). For some crazy reason, I just crave those things!

Thank again!
Jessica

You're welcome. And I always used to think that everything stayed the same year after year, but when I wrote out the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party brochure last year, I noticed that they did change a few things.

I don't know if the the Columbia Harbour House will be open for 2005, but maybe WDW will open it this year for MVMCP.

Since you mention this I thought that I would list some of the different years of links to the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Here is the 2004 MVMCP brochure that I wrote out word for word last year on the first day:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=688683

Here is the 2003 MVMCP brochure that I wrote out word for word two years ago:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=654434

It doesn't look like the Columbia Harbour House was open for MVMCP in 2004 and 2003.

Anyway, maybe these two MVMCP brochures will help you plan for 2005.

Have fun.

 

[ms.ojo]

Hi, ms.ojo. Most of the meets are very small, where a few friends decide to do something that they like to do and invite others to comme. Ususlly a thread is started and if someone is interested, they start talking to each other like they do here inorder to get to know each other. But that is not necessary either. Some people just show up. ..... Then they leave and continue on their own itinerary.

Sincerely, Ray

Wow, Thanks for the reply Ray. You certainly are good at sharing info'n!!!

Actually, my thought wasn't that all the Mousefesters (good grief it sounds like something from the Munsters) would be going in a pack around the park....just that being avid board readers, they would probably all be doing the same sort of savvy park touring. I.e. making the "typical" mornings at any of the parks a bit more crowded as they would "know" to make their way to certain rides first and be there before opening. kwim??? But still, all 300 (or 600) won't be in the same park on the same morning so I guess it's still just a drop of sand in the hour glass.

I did sign up for the Mousefest2005 info'n through your link. Can't wait to see what they schedule. Could be fun to meet up for a bit here and there during our journey. Actually, looking at some of the pics, I believe I have met a few of the "leaders" on our trip in Oct 2003. There is one gentleman who looks VERY much like a person we ran into then who helped explain about pin trading to my ds (turning 4 that day). He was so sweet, and very recognizable. His love for pins passed to my son, who was really taken w/ him. And we've been trading ever since! He gave him a special pin for his bday and my son still happily points it out to everyone when he shows them his collection.

But I digress. have a great day everyone!!!!

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Looks like I'll have to get my fill of Garden Galley Salads earlier in the week! Really strange thing to crave, I know! Can't explain it. Thanks again!

Jessica

 

[mom2cinderella]

Here is the 2004 MVMCP brochure that I wrote out word for word last year on the first day:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=688683

GREAT link!! Thanks so much!!

Michele

 

[Beiji]

Thanks for the links, Ray! The way it stands now my trip is about three weeks long, so I may be able to make some meets if they occur a little bit later in the month. I'm not sure I want to go the day after I arrive. I'll be in commando mode then!

 

[RaySharpton]

Looks like I'll have to get my fill of Garden Galley Salads earlier in the week! Really strange thing to crave, I know! Can't explain it. Thanks again!

Jessica

Or, earlier in the day. Sometimes I'll eat a late lunch, instead of a sitdown dinner before MVMCP so that I can see the 6:15 P.M. MVMCP show, "Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas" A great way to start the night.

I love the Garden Galley Salad - mixed greens with chicken, pecans, pineapple and feta cheese...hmmm.

 

[ms.ojo]

Sometimes it's the little things you learn that make it so special....

Following this thread I went over to AllEars.net to check out the menu for Columbia Harbour House Restaurant. YUM YUM!!! I had completely overlooked this place before...but we're going to seek it out on our next trip. I can't wait to try the Galley Salad...and dh LOVES NE Clam Chowder. Sounds really nice.

 

[Kitty-chan]

Um, I'm going to ask something perhaps a bit unpopular here, but I think you folks know more about MVMCP than anybody else on the planet, so maybe you can help me! If nothing else, maybe answering my questions will help reaffirm why you love MVMCP so much.

My apologies if these have all been answered before -- I just couldn't bring myself to read all 68 pages of this thread.

My son and I aren't really much for parades; we generally consider them to be a good time to hit the rides, since they draw the crowds and keep the lines shorter. And the only shows that have really done it for us have been Fantasmic (at MGM, not DL/A) and Alladin (at DCA). So, I'm really excited because I'll be at WDW during MVMCP, but then I look at the ticket prices and shudder.

What are the shows like? Are they aimed at a younger audience (like the Christmas show last year in WDW/MK Tomorrowland, or like Snow White at DL/A), or at a slightly older, more sarcastic crew (like Alladin at DCA)?

Is the MVMCP parade substantially better and different than most WDW parades, and if so, why?

How bad are the crowds, for parades, shows, rides? Is MVMCP a good chance to ride Buzz Lightyear 10 times in a row, because the park is open so late and the crowds are all at the parade?

Are the other parks quieter, since everybody's at MVMCP, making it a good time to see Fantasmic? Or are there so few tickets sold to MVMCP that it doesn't make much difference (especially given that it doesn't start til 7, so maybe people stay at MGM til closing and then hop on over to MK?

Please help me decide whether to spend the bucks on this -- I'm always on a tight budget and want to make the most of it.

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Another reason to visit Columbia Harbor House...there is a second floor dining room that is quiet & every time we've been there, relatively empty. I don't think many people know it's there. (I guess I shouldn't be giving away the secret, ) If you need a lovely break from the parks - or the heat, if you're there in summer - this is the PERFECT spot. Someone also said that if you get a window table you watch the comings & goings outside, though I can't vouch for this since we sat in the back & just enjoyed each other's company. Anyway, get your food downstairs (counter service) then head up the steps. Plus the food is very good - everyone in our family - 9 of us - enjoys it! I know it sounds crazy, but of all the excellent food I've had at Disney, the thing I crave the most is that salad! Go figure....

Of course, the salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing at Liberty Tree Tavern is pretty awesome too!

Sorry to get off topic for this thread!

Jessica

 

[ccgegg]

I'll try to help even though this will be our first MVMCP. But I've read most of the 68 pages on this thread AND I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

You didn't say how old your son is, but I'm guessing he's not a little one (under 6-7). It sounds like your preferences are rides and the shows geared toward the not-so-young youths. If that's the case, then I suggest going to MK the day of MVMCP and leave at 6pm when the park closes for MVMCP. I've read that park attendance during the day of a MVMCP is lower than normal. Sounds like that is your best bang for your buck. It's low season and you'll get on a lot of rides.

 

[Mickey's Sister]

I accidently wrote Mrs! Sorry about that! See what just thinking of that crazy salad does to me! LOL

Jessica