Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Central 2005

[RaySharpton]

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.

I have read where a lot of people like to ride the attraction rides when the parades are scheduled. And the tickets can get expensive, especially the larger the group that you have to pay for. If you have a WDW Annual Pass, there are a few nights that charge less for MVMCP tickets. And you should be able to ask a question about anything that you want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. At least that is my opinion.

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)?

I like tha MVMCP "Mickey's Twas the Night Before Chirstmas" show in MK's Tomorrowland's Galaxy Theater is great for both adults and children. It is much more of a muscial show with different sets than you would see at the Cinderella Castle forecort stage show. I really enjoyed it. I have never been to DCA, I didn't know that the Aladdin show or parade was like that.

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

I like parades. I think that the MVMCP parade is directed at all children at heart. A lot of christmas type floats and music. Everything geared toward the Christmas holiday type parade. And if you are on Mainstreet during the parade they have snow. And then again it is at night, and you have all of the Christmas lights everywhere to add to the atmoshere. But I still like Spectromagic better than any parade.

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?

I really don't know the answer to this. A lot of people say that the parades draw all of the crowds away from the attraction rides. The parades are packed down Mainstreet and in front of the castle, but I think second parade may not be as crowded. And the weekends may be busier, and more likely to sell out because of the local population are more likely to go on the weekends. Fridays usually are the first to sell out.

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?

I remember Epcot seeming like it was slower on a Tuesday night when MVMCP was being held. I don't know about Fantasmic. I must always go when it is full. Did you know that for the last four years they have allowed people to enter MK at around 4:00 P.M. to MVMCP. This could give you more for your money by three extra hours.

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.

This is a very subjective question. I guess going at 4:00 P.M. will increase your money's worth. I love MVMCP and MK. I would go just for the magical experience. I would also go on Tuesday or Thursday, and try to go on a night when you can get AP lower prices.

I hope that you get to go to MVMCP.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[Mickey's Sister]

But I still like Spectromagic better than any parade.

My favorite parade too Ray! Just hearing the music gives me chills! BUT haven't been to MVMCP yet so I don't know. But I'm a Christmas fanatic so I'm sure I'll LOVE it too!

Jessica

 

[kath1210]

Well, I already ordered amd rec'd our MVMCP tickets, but now I am SO tempted to change our vacation to take advantage of the free dining plan.

I know they are non-refundable. Can I sell them on e-bay?

 

[tink2020]

Add us! Me, dh, dd7 and dd1 with in-laws will be there on Nov. 27 with LTT ressies for 5:25. And myself, dh, dd7 and dd1 will be there again on Dec. 8 with LTT for 5:30. I can't wait! All I can think about now is Christmas. I have even started buying things for stockings and for the trip!

We will be there (me, DH, sister (13) and parents) on December 16.... with, of course, LTT dinner at 5:25! Yay!

 

[JenLoy]

I hope this question wasn't asked before. My apologies if it was. AP's get a discount for certain dates. My question is does only the AP get the discount or is the AP able to buy more than one ticket and get the discount. I am the only one in my family with the AP? Will I be able to get my DH's and In-laws tickets at the discounted price?

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

I believe you can buy up to (4) four discounted tickets with the AP.

 

[LilMamiBella]

My dh, dd-3, ds-6, mom, and I will be at the Xmas party on Dec 13th. Our ps at ltt is at 6:50. It was the earliest dinner they had. I hope we won't miss too much. Or should I make a ps elsewhere?

 

[ccgegg]

My dh, dd-3, ds-6, mom, and I will be at the Xmas party on Dec 13th. Our ps at ltt is at 6:50. It was the earliest dinner they had. I hope we won't miss too much. Or should I make a ps elsewhere?

Wow-- glad I called when I did. At the 90-day mark, there will likely be a few cancellations, so I would try to move your time up then. Or you can book the Castle or Crystal Palace at the 90-day mark. Or you can book Tony's now.

Funny..... your party is almost identical to ours-- me, DW, DD5, DS2 and my mom.

Can your little ones last very long? We're hoping ours make it through the fireworks. With a 6:50 PS, you probably won't get a great spot for the first parade (if that matters to you).

 

[ccgegg]

The "snow" on Main Street during the MVMCP parade..... what is it made out of and will it affect videotaping the parade (i.e. stick to the lens)? Does it snow during the entire parade? While I'm on the subject, what is the best spot to watch the MVMCP parade from? I assume it follows the normal path from Frontierland to City Hall.

 

[ms.ojo]

Wow-- glad I called when I did. At the 90-day mark, there will likely be a few cancellations, so I would try to move your time up then. Or you can book the Castle or Crystal Palace at the 90-day mark. Or you can book Tony's now.

Funny..... your party is almost identical to ours-- me, DW, DD5, DS2 and my mom.

Can your little ones last very long? We're hoping ours make it through the fireworks. With a 6:50 PS, you probably won't get a great spot for the first parade (if that matters to you).

OK we 3 families just HAVE to meet up! We are going to MVMCP on the 13th and our family is me, dh, ds6 and dd2(turning 3)!!!!

 

[J and R's mom]

Well, I already ordered amd rec'd our MVMCP tickets, but now I am SO tempted to change our vacation to take advantage of the free dining plan.

I know they are non-refundable. Can I sell them on e-bay?

I don't see why not. I noticed that someone is already selling MNSSHP tickets on e-bay. You might want to check out that listing and see how it was done if you're interested in selling them that way.

Also, you never know, they may extend the free dining offer...There is a thread going on the codes board about the possibilty of it...but again, it's all just speculation.

Either way, enjoy the trip..

 

[RaySharpton]

The "snow" on Main Street during the MVMCP parade..... what is it made out of and will it affect videotaping the parade (i.e. stick to the lens)?

The snow is not real snow, but it looks like snow when looking down Mainstreet.

There are these machines on the roofs of all the Mainstreet buildings that generate some sort of snow like flakes. Some are big flakes and some are small. Usually the snow disappears by the time it hits the ground or in your hand.

I don't know what it is made of, but someone said it might be a soap like substance. It doesn't feel like soap. And it really doesn't look all like real snow. But we are in Florida and the Magic Kingdom, and it is a magical place.

It's the feeling and emotions that it evokes when it falls down on Mainstreet at night, surrounded by all the Christmas lights and the huge Christmas tree at the end of the street.

Don't you just love it when the kids chase the snow and try to catch a snow flake. I lot of people never even see snow from the warmer states. Maybe you have to be one of those guests to enjoy the fake snow more.[/QUOTE]

I don't ever recall the snow messing up my glasses, so I guess your camera should be safe.

Does it snow during the entire parade?

Good question. It only snows down Mainstreet because the snow machine makers are located on the roofs of the buildings.

The lights usually go out in the section the parade is getting ready to start. I can't remember if it starts early in the parade or later in the parade. I remember seeing during the marching toy soldiers with bugles and the dancing raindeer and at the end with Mrs. Santa Claus and Mr. Santa Claus.

I also remember seeing the snow after 12:00 A.M. when the park is supposed to close for MVMCP and everyone is leaving. Truly magical.

You have to go see the nightly MGM Osborne Spectacle of Lights. It has snow down the New York Street area, too. And the lights are beautiful.

While I'm on the subject, what is the best spot to watch the MVMCP parade from?

Boy is that the question of the day. Most people line up Mainstreet two hours early for the MVMCP parade at night. Probably because of the snow, and everything.

If you don't want to wait that long, I guess that you could line up near Splash Mountain where it can be less crowded and less time to line up for a position to wait for the parade.

With kids, I would like to be on the curb on Mainstreet to watch the parade and snow along Mainstreet.

Maybe closer to Casey's Hot Dog so that you can see the castle, too while you are waiting.

Or the other end of the Mainstreet to see the huge Christmas tree with fast exit.

Just go by your gut feeling to decide.

I assume it follows the normal path from Frontierland to City Hall.

Yes, that is the normal path, but I have yet to understand which direction that they start from.
With two parades at each MVMCP, I have seen the parade start from the front and then from the back. Then another time visa versa. Go figure.

Another time I saw both parades start from the back. I don't know how they decide which end they start the parade from.

You know that they have a Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas show at 6:15 P.M. at the Tomorrowland Galaxy Theater. This would be a great way to start the night.

Have a Magical vacation.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[RaySharpton]

My favorite parade too Ray! Just hearing the music gives me chills! BUT haven't been to MVMCP yet so I don't know. But I'm a Christmas fanatic so I'm sure I'll LOVE it too!

Jessica

You will love it Jessica. I guess you know that if you get a space along Mainstreet, that you will see it snow down Mainstreet, too.

I love everything with all of the christmas lights and christmas trees, too.

All of the resorts, and parks, and DTD have great decorations.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[wannabebelle]

What is MGM Osborne Spectacle of Lights?

 

[angey77]

What is MGM Osborne Spectacle of Lights?

It's MGM's wonderful contribution to the holidays! Can't miss it. Here is more info.
Osborne Lights

 

[Beiji]

Did you know that for the last four years they have allowed people to enter MK at around 4:00 P.M. to MVMCP. This could give you more for your money by three extra hours.

Hi Ray! Does this mean you'll be entering the MK before it's actually closed to non-MVMCP guests? So, if you have an AP, you'll get to park for free?

Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge about MVMCP!

Lisa

 

[JoannaOhio]

We're planning to be at the turnstyles at 4pm sharp - hoping to get in an extra 3 hours of fun before the party officially starts.

 

[Good Ol Gal]

If you have an AP may not be able to park for free. I think there is some clause stating that free parking is not included on some special nights when you need an extra ticket??

BUT, that being said.. if you are there early enough and the MVMCP hasn't officially started yet, then yes you should be able to get in free

We did get in last year at 4pm, with only our MVMCP tickets.

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi Ray! Does this mean you'll be entering the MK before it's actually closed to non-MVMCP guests?

Well...sort of. They have been opening the gates lately at 4:00 P.M. for issuing MVMCP wrist bands for your MVMCP ticket. Sometimes they can be a little late if there are newbie Castmembers trying to get things set up.

The gates stay open, and the Castmembers start bringing out boxes and handfulls of the MVMCP wrist bands. Sometimes they start on the right turnstyle and then slowly spread across to all of the turnstyles. Just keep an eye out.

If you have an Annual Pass, of course you can come in earlier. You can come back to the gate and exchange your MVMCP ticket for a wristband. Or if you have an Advanced Reservation/Priority Seating inside the park sometime later, sometimes the restaurant manager will have the MVMCP wristbands. Also the later the time gets, the more Castmembers you will find with the MVMCP with wristbands to exchange. Also, at some point, everyone gets hearded in two directions. Either out the exit or to Tomorrowland if you are staying for MVMCP. If you don't have your MVMCP ticket by now, then you can get them in the Tomorrowland from Castmembers. About 7:00 P.M., the Castmembers let people out to other parts of the park and they try to look to see if you are wearing a MVMCP wristband. You can ride most of the rides in Tomorrowland until 7:00 P.M., too.

I don't know if people can sneak through the cracks and get in. But I do remember seeing a a few people without MVMCP wristbands during the night.

If you get out of dinner, they will let you go to Tomorrowland or stay at the restuarant on the porch.

So, if you have an AP, you'll get to park for free?

Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge about MVMCP!

Lisa

If you have a Annual Pass, you can park at any of the parks for free.

If you are staying at one of the WDW Resorts, you can park free.

...Except for special events. But I have never tried parking for MVMCP. I wonder if you get there before the MVMCP starts, if you get to park free. Or maybe the reason that they let people in a 4:00 P.M., is to charge for separate parking. But I have never heard anyone talk about this. I would say to show up early.

Here is what AllEarsNet says on AP benefits and parking:

Complimentary parking: AP/PAP holders are entitled to free parking at the MK, Epcot, MGM and AK parking lots. Florida Seasonal Passholders do not get this benefit. Free parking is not valid for special events requiring a separate admission charge or special events that are not open to the general public.

Boy, isn't that parking expensive at the parks?

And you're welcome.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[erikthewise]

One thing you definitely DON'T want to try is parking at the resorts. That is not permitted.

Last year we had a PS for dinner at Kona Cafe about 5:15 before heading over to the party. DW suggested we just park at the Polynesian and leave our car there. I told her that was a big no-no and I wasn't going to do it. When we pulled up to entrance booth, the CM gave us a 3-hour pass and told us "drive away slowly -- I'm recording your license number". If I had any doubts, that made up my mind. I circled back around to MK parking, and hiked back to the Polynesian. It wasn't as convenient but it was still free, and they probably would have compacted our car if we left it at the Polynesian. That would have been hard to explain to National!