Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Central 2005

[MJS1902]

Do all means of transporation continue to run after MK closes and then re-opens at 7:00? We would like to take a launch to Fort Wilderness, eat at Trails End, and then return by launch for MVMCP. FYI ..... Ordering was painless. I ordered on the web, got the early ordering discount, and received my tickets (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald) in five days.

 

[SSPrincessMom]

Hi....I'm new to the board and have loved reading all the comments and ideas so far. Thanks so much! We are going Dec 9-17 and can not wait!! We are traveling with lots of family members (dh, dd4, dd1, both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephew) Most of us will be there for the entire week. My sister in law, her husband, and my nephew will only be there a few nights- 2 or 3 tops.

My question is...we will be going to night time events at all parks (Epcot, MGM, and Spectro, along with MVMCP) My sister in law will be about 7 months pregnant and my nephew will be almost 2yrs. Would you recommend them skipping MVMCP and doing night time events at other parks or would this be better? Like I said, they will only have about 2-3 nights so I want them to have the "best of the best" experience.

Any help you can give would be great! Thanks again!

 

[angey77]

Hi....I'm new to the board and have loved reading all the comments and ideas so far. Thanks so much! We are going Dec 9-17 and can not wait!! We are traveling with lots of family members (dh, dd4, dd1, both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephew) Most of us will be there for the entire week. My sister in law, her husband, and my nephew will only be there a few nights- 2 or 3 tops.

My question is...we will be going to night time events at all parks (Epcot, MGM, and Spectro, along with MVMCP) My sister in law will be about 7 months pregnant and my nephew will be almost 2yrs. Would you recommend them skipping MVMCP and doing night time events at other parks or would this be better? Like I said, they will only have about 2-3 nights so I want them to have the "best of the best" experience.

Any help you can give would be great! Thanks again!

I would have them go to MVMCP, mostly, since your sister-in-law is so far along, there are plenty of things to do in MK outside of regular rides and attractions she can also enjoy. She and your nephew could almost spend the entire night just taking in all the shows only true to MVMCP during that week.
If you have 2-3 nights, MGM usually closes around 6-7p in early December. If anything, you can fit in Osborne Lights then hop the boat to Epcot for Illuminations and maybe the late Candelight Processional.

 

[SSPrincessMom]

That is a great idea about doing MGM and Epcot on the same night. Do you think we would be able to do CP? I'm thinking we would need to skip Fantasmic. I'll sugest that they come to the MVMCP. Thanks for the great ideas!

 

[ronniereb]

We are going to the MVMCP on the 1st and have made dinner reservations for LTT @ 7PM. I am a little concerned as to what time we will be able to get in the park. I have read as early as 4 but then they make everyone who is staying go to Tommorowland until they clear the park. what time does this normally occur and will it effect us making our dinner reservation on time.

 

[angey77]

That is a great idea about doing MGM and Epcot on the same night. Do you think we would be able to do CP? I'm thinking we would need to skip Fantasmic. I'll sugest that they come to the MVMCP. Thanks for the great ideas!

The Candlelight Processionals are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15p nightly. I'm not sure exactly what time the Osborne Lights start, but I'm thinking around 5 or 6. Now that I think about it, Osborne Lights could also be an option for you guys the night of MVMCP, so you can keep that flexible.
Keep in mind also with CP, the stand-by line can get a bit long, and there is no guarantee you'll get in even if being in line for two hours. The only way you can be sure to get in is to arrive about 45 minutes to an hour earlier with a CP Dinner Package. Maybe you should do that, so that you have a nice dinner also. The dinner and the CP alone will occupy the night pretty well, maybe book the 8:15 show (which ends just before Illuminations), and book a dinner for around 5:30-6p, so that you will be in the package line at a good time.
Just another option!

 

[ccgegg]

That is a great idea about doing MGM and Epcot on the same night. Do you think we would be able to do CP? I'm thinking we would need to skip Fantasmic. I'll sugest that they come to the MVMCP. Thanks for the great ideas!

It sure would help if they had 3 nights. Then they could do the Epcot stuff one night (6:45 Candlelight Proc and 9:30 Illuminations)... MVMCP one night... and Osborne Lights the third night. Doing all that in 2 nights is probably possible (Osborne Lights at 6pm at MGM then they'll just be late for MVMCP, which starts at 7pm at MK). Of course, this is also assuming everyone is happy and healthy. Who knows how well a 7-month pregnant mom and her DS2 will hold up. Out of all those events, the CP would be the most friendly to the mom-- you just sit there and listen. But that's also probably the least likely for the DS2 to enjoy. I think it just depends on the person. But take Angey77's advice and do the CP dinner package so you don't have to wait in the long standby line and not even be sure if you'll get a seat. The CP dinner pkg is actually a good deal if you take a look at the menus on Allears.

With Osborne Lights at 6pm, it would be tough to get over to Epcot even for the 8:15 CP. Unless maybe you do it on a weeknight and hope the crowds are minimal.

 

[DisneyFreq]

I'm still trying to decide if the MVMCP is worth the cost. Is the Christmas Parade/Night Before Christmas show scheduled outside of the Party? Can it be seen during the day? Thanks for the help.

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm still trying to decide if the MVMCP is worth the cost. Is the Christmas Parade/Night Before Christmas show scheduled outside of the Party? Can it be seen during the day? Thanks for the help.

No, the only festive thing that is done during the day that is also done at MVMCP is Country Bear Jamboree Christmas show.

The Christmas parade and shows are only seen at MVMCP until the week of Christmas. Then they switch to the day time.

 

[DisneyFreq]

I understand that last year the MVMCP was shown on the weekends before the last party came and went. I wonder if the other shows were scheduled during the weekend? Not that I really want to go out my way to visit MK on a Sat. I think we'll go Thrusday, Dec. 15. I've heard most ppl recommend weekdays (I've read all 88 pages of this thread) but one person was avidly opposed to thursdays. Wonder why?

I'm not sure why so many ppl are gung ho for LLT. I, personally, am not a big fan of the food at MK. However, I think I will try that salad at Columbia House that another DISer mentioned. My husband pretty much has his MK food itinerary etched in stone, turkey legs. Since the "leg" cart will be open, I think we'll use our hour coral wisely and get our pics out of the way. Honestly, the MVMCP tix are going to cost me about $150, I can't imagine shelling out nearly $80 for LLT that offers fare similar to what I serve around here on a weekly basis (I'm a southern gal, what can I say?)

Thanks Ray for all the vital info. You're a source of consistant assistance!

Angey77, I swear you're everywhere! I look for you in each thread like I do a hidden mickey at WDW. I know she has an opinion in here somewhere, now where is it?

 

[angey77]

Angey77, I swear you're everywhere! I look for you in each thread like I do a hidden mickey at WDW. I know she has an opinion in here somewhere, now where is it?

I'm here, I'm here! Guess I post a lot since I work for the state and seem to have lots of free time
I see you live in Milton. My sis lives in Pensacola.

 

[Kuffam]

We're wanting to go to the party. Thurs or Fri (12-8 or 9) are the options. Wife hates crowds, so we're looking at thurs. But I heard they often sell-out so does it make a difference?

That being the case going Friday would be better because we're flying in on Thursday. I'm worried about missing the party if our plane is delayed.

 

[RaySharpton]

We're wanting to go to the party. Thurs or Fri (12-8 or 9) are the options. Wife hates crowds, so we're looking at thurs. But I heard they often sell-out so does it make a difference?

That being the case going Friday would be better because we're flying in on Thursday. I'm worried about missing the party if our plane is delayed.

Hi, Kuffam. This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't want to take a chance of missing the MVMCP on a Thursday if the plane was delayed.

But I have been able to go to guest services and exchange a MVMCP ticket that I couldn't go to for another night. I don't know if this is WDW policy. Of course, if they were sold out, I probably couldn't exchange it for that night.

Also, just my opinion. But I guess that some Fridays sell out because the local Floridians are starting there weekends after a work week, and add their numbers to all of the vacationers already there.

The last MVMCP Friday might also sell out for the same reason.

It may be hard to really tell which nights are the busiest, but if I were living in Floriday, I would tend to go on the weekends instead of during the week.

The main thing is to go with an open mind of having a great time.

Also, if you don't want to use up a regular WDW ticket for the day, the past four years, they have allowed MVMCP ticket holders in the park at about 4:00 P.M. even though the party officially starts at 7:00 P.M. You could spend more time riding rides until the shows and parades start.

I have a link in my signature below of times, etc., below from last year for planning for this year.

Have a great vacation.

RaySharpton

This might e

 

[RaySharpton]

I understand that last year the MVMCP was shown on the weekends before the last party came and went. I wonder if the other shows were scheduled during the weekend?

Hi, DisneyFreq. I not sure about your question. Do you mean the MVMCP parade? The MVMCP parade usually replaces the afternoon parade after the last night of the MVMCP's. But then again, I only have the schedule from last years first two weeks

The only MVMCP things that I have seen scheduled was the Country Bears show, mainly because they can't change the show for just a few hours between the the MVMCP at night and the day time. I did notice on the link below that they showed "Mickey's Twas The Night Before Christmas" on the two first Saturdays. Here is a quote of the times:

Mickey's Twas The Night Before Christmas - Galaxy Palace Theater
(Saturday) - 11:15am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:15pm

When I go this year, I will be staying until the 15th, so maybe I can get some more info.

Not that I really want to go out my way to visit MK on a Sat. I think we'll go Thrusday, Dec. 15. I've heard most ppl recommend weekdays (I've read all 88 pages of this thread) but one person was avidly opposed to thursdays. Wonder why?

I don't know. I have always assumed that the weekends would be busier because the local Floridians would rather go on their weekends off of work instead of during the week. Also for those that are visiting from out of town for just the weekend because they work during the week.

I like going on the week days. This year, I will be going on Thursday, December 1st, and Tuesday, December 13th.

But I will say that everybody has their own expectations of what is busy and and what is not. I just go with an open mind to enjoy myself and take my time.

I'm not sure why so many ppl are gung ho for LLT. I, personally, am not a big fan of the food at MK. However, I think I will try that salad at Columbia House that another DISer mentioned. My husband pretty much has his MK food itinerary etched in stone, turkey legs. Since the "leg" cart will be open, I think we'll use our hour coral wisely and get our pics out of the way.

I've decided not to do LLT this year too. I love LLT, but I decided to have a late lunch at Tony's, and see the first show of Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas show at 6:15 P.M..

I love that salad that they have at the Columbia House. It has pecans and pineapple and chicken and balsimic dressing. Just have your husband buy his turkey leg and carry it to the Columbia House. I like eating on the second level. It is usually quieter, a lot of atmosphere.

Honestly, the MVMCP tix are going to cost me about $150, I can't imagine shelling out nearly $80 for LLT that offers fare similar to what I serve around here on a weekly basis (I'm a southern gal, what can I say?)

Thanks Ray for all the vital info. You're a source of consistant assistance!

You're welcome.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[DisneyFreq]

Yes, I think we will be taking advantage of the "tip" to eat on the second floor. I'm not sure I've ever even been in Columbia House, but if I have, I'm sure I never noticed a second floor. If I saw a set of stairs I probably just assumed they went to a restricted CM area (I'm a stickler for the rules). The idea of a "quiet" meal in the world is almost unbelievable and very appealing.

The MVMCP parade is listed on Saturdays/Sundays during the month of December on a schedule link for last year that angey77 posted. (2PM I believe). It's an unofficial site so it could be wrong. The parade and the twas the night before show are the two things I really want to get out of the MVMCP. However, since my kids are at the right age ( 9 & 6 when we go) and this is their first chirstmas at the world, I'm going to go ahead and splurge on the tickets and if we dont think it was worth the expense, then on our next trip during the holidays, we can just hit the parade/show on Sunday. (I swear, I drive my family crazy b/c I want to stop for all the shows and they don't want the rides interupted...stop and smell the entertainment I always say). You said it all depends on what you consider a crowd...we're floridians and we never step food on disney grounds in June/July. It's almost sacreligous. A 30min wait is somewhat crowded and anything over an hour wait is unbearably crowded...time to go back to the hotel or move to another park.

Now, noone get offended about the "right age" remark. I know that alot of adult only groups regularly attend MVMCP. What I mean is that they are not so young that they'll poop out before the second parade and at least one of them still believes in Santa and though the other one has been told he's not real (sorry, when I'm asked a direct question, especially by my kids, "I cannot tell a lie") she still struggles with the issue....I think, like many kids her age, regardless of what adults or older kids say, he's real if you believe he's real. Sort of ties in with the whole Disney Magic, doesn't it? I think it will be a great experience for them and I just hope they can SEE everything w/out getting jostled around (which is why we may for go the snow and see the parade from frontierland). We've had some bad experiences staking out a curb ahead of time only to have some wide reared adult stand in the walkway right in front of us (and when CMs told them to step on to the curb they pushed US back so they could step up). I know adults enjoy disney, but come on! Don't ruin it for the little ones. Ok...done with my rant...for now.

 

[RaySharpton]

Yes, I think we will be taking advantage of the "tip" to eat on the second floor. I'm not sure I've ever even been in Columbia House, but if I have, I'm sure I never noticed a second floor. The idea of a "quiet" meal in the world is almost unbelievable and very appealing.

Well, maybe quieter may be the better word. I guess it depends on how many people are there that day. If the first floor is full, then the Castmembers direct people to the second floor. But I like the fact that it is away from the first floor ordering counter and lines.

The MVMCP parade is listed on Saturdays/Sundays during the month of December on a schedule link for last year that angey77 posted. (2PM I believe).

I didn't see the special MVMCP holiday parade listed in the two week schedule from last year. But I usually go during the first two weeks. Maybe this year, I can grab the third week, too.

Usually they don't show the MVMCP in the afternoon until after the MVMCP nights are through. Although there was one weekend several years ago, I remember them taping the MVMCP parade in bits and pieces down MK Main Street on one Saturday and Sunday. But I don't think that this happened last year.

If you remember, do you remember which weekends the MVMCP parade was on or the link?

I want to stop for all the shows and they don't want the rides interupted...stop and smell the entertainment I always say

Me to. I love the parades and shows, but I love the rides, too.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[DisneyFreq]

I just knew I should have earmarked that link. I had to hunt for it, it was way back on page 76. http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/dec.html

You are absolutely right though, the parade didn't start till the third weekend and since MVMCP ended earlier last year, I guess that explains why. Guess I should pay more attention. Oh well...planning on partying with the mouse anyways.

 

[Bluefamily]

Heading to Fort wilderness Dec 11th through the 18th and really looking forward to our 1st christmas visit to Disney. I tried to get PS at LTT about 3 times and kept getting told to wait until the 90 day mark, so thank you to those of you who posted the info about getting earlier reservations. Just a note though- NONE OF THE OPERATORS KNOW ABOUT THIS!-It has driven me crazy trying to get them to book it. You must tell them firmly that you have a reservation at a Disney property and they have to put your reservation number in the system before it will allow the to enter it.

GL to everyone-

The Blue family

 

[smahoney6]

Okay- with a one park a day ticket, if we buy mvmcp tickets, can we go somewhere other magic kingdom the day of the party?

 

[Piglette]

Yes, if I understood your question. The MVMCP ticket gives you admission to MK. So you will use your one day one park ticket during the day for whatever park you want to go to. Then use the MVMCP ticket for admission to MK for the party (actually, they usually will let you in at about 4:00 p.m.).