MNSSHP or MVMCP?

[ptrbryant]

I'm trying to do some advance planning for a 2005 trip to WDW. We've been 3x off-season and I love the idea of going during the holiday season (well, early enough in it to get Value Rates at WDW resorts). Our family, DH, DS8 and myself love WDW, but do NOT like sensory overload---yes, WDW is possible without it if you plan carefully! Anyway, I've been reading about both MNSSHP and MVMCP and can't decide which one to plan a trip around. On one hand, MVMCP has tons of special shows, parade, etc. and it would be magical to see WDW decorated for Christmas. BUT, we're big holiday people and usually love all the preparations, family gatherings, etc. at home. I worry that a Dec. WDW trip would feel "squeezed" into an already busy season. MNSSHP sounds more manageable and, if we went the last weekend in Sept./early Oct., it wouldn't really interfere with other plans. (We homeschool so the time of "school year" isn't a factor.) Yet, it seems like MNSSHP is much less "special"--is that right or wrong?
Any opinions?
TIA!
Karla B.

 

[catsrule]

I've been to both. Love them both. Had more fun at MNSSHP. I also love the warmer October weather. I saw more cute little Princesses at MNSSHP than ever anywhere. The parade was fun, and going around getting candy was loads of fun.

 

[beattyfamily]

Well, from your post, it seems that you answered your own question. You think a Dec trip will be to difficult with the holiday plans you have back home and that MNSSHP in October will be easier on your family's schedule.

Now if you want my opinion on which is better/more fun and festive, I'd pick MVMCP in a heartbeat!!!! There is NOTHING like WDW in December! The Xmas music being piped in everywhere, the decorations everywhere etc...then there's MVMCP! Wow, it's so festive and fun!

I love both parties, though, and I now alternate them yearly. This year I'll go to my second MNSSHP and I've been to MVMCP 3 times so far and plan on going to it again next year!! If I had to choose, though, it's MVMCP handsdown.

I know what you mean about festivities back home when you go to WDW in December, I'm the same way, but it all works out and is worth it to me. I go the first week of December and the day we get home from WDW, we buy a real tree and finish up the decorating. I do most of my Xmas shopping/wrapping before the trip, and the day we leave for Disney World, I mail out my Xmas cards on the way to the airport!!! It's absolutely worth it to us as WDW is so festive and wonderful in December!!!

 

[webray]

`

We love them both. Hard to choose..would probably do halloween before christmas though.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by ptrbryant
Yet, it seems like MNSSHP is much less "special"--is that right or wrong?

That depends on how much your family enjoys Halloween. If Christmas is a big, major deal for your family, but Halloween is a "take it or leave it" holiday, then MNSSHP will be less special. If you treat the holidays more or less equally, however, you'll have a wonderful time at the Halloween party!

The thing about Halloween is that EVERYONE decorates and goes all out for Christmas ... not a lot of people go gangbusters for Halloween. So it's really cool to be in the MK with full-out decor and shows and parades. It's new and different. You EXPECT Christmas stuff to be magical, and so you go in there already in the mood. With Halloween, you have fewer expectations, so everything is a surprise. Everything is a little more special, because it's harder to predict what you'll see next.

I say go for Halloween.

 

[ptrbryant]

Thanks, everyone! I like the idea of alternating. I think I'll try MNSSHP first and maybe MVMCP in 2006 (Seems so far away!) Now all I'll have to worry about is hurricane season!!!

Karla B.