mvmcp 1st-timer

[anneofgreengables]

Wanted to try it out for the first time. Glad we did it to appease our curiosity. But I wouldn't do it again (shelling out extra money for the tickets when we have Parkhoppers).

Best thing about it is that there were hardly any lines for rides. Just walked on many of them.

The shows and parade were crowded, and I found out we could have watched the same Christmas show and parade on a non-MVMCP night. Liked that my girls got chosen to be Cogsworth and Lumiere at Belle's storytelling time. That was the only show we went to that wasn't crowded. Others where we had to fight and wait to get a spot and a view that wasn't that great were the castle show, the Tomorrowland show and the Christmas parade.

There was a family without wristbands staking a parade spot on the sidewalk. CMs would check for wristbands, tell them they have to go or buy wristbands and come back. They would say they would go buy wristbands, but do nothing and just sit there. My SIL, who tagged along on our trip and agreed to buy MVMCP tickets for her whole family to be with us, told me that it wasn't fair that people who didn't buy tickets could stay in the park. So, as much as I hate to be a ticket-police and because I was the one who planned this trip for us and my in-laws, I looked for a CM and discreetly told them about the family. The CM went over, urged them to leave, but the family wouldn't budge. The mom kept insisting that they were going to buy tickets, but the CM didn't buy their story and finally got them to leave. I assured my SIL that only ticket-holders are allowed to ride the rides or buy food.

They didn't have the free photos I heard about in previous years.

After catching the shows, we went on the rides and had a blast walking onto them without lines.

Caught the snowflakes on Main Street on our way out of the park. But it wasn't so magical anymore, because it was crowded, it was the end of the night for us, and we were tired.

The most magical Christmas experience for us, on the other hand, was not MVMCP, but the Osborne Christmas lights at MGM. Even though there were a lot of people, getting caught up in the music, lights and snowflakes was wonderful.

Given that they have the same parade and shows during non-MVMCP times and that these shows were still crowded on MVMCP night and that the only perks now are the free cocoa and cookies (which we only had once because we were full from dinner), no lines on rides (we live near Disneyland, so no need to feel that we need to go on the same rides), snowflakes (which we enjoyed much more at MGM) and the Christmas fireworks, we would skip it if there is ever a next time.

 

[budbeerlady]

I have to agree with you, MVMCP just isnt worth the extra $.

 

[mrp4352]

Part of it depends on when you go - when we were there (the week of December 11th), the parades and shows weren't being run at any other time. I'm sorry you had a crowded night!

 

[hello kitty]

We attended MVMCP for the first time on December 11th. God willing, we will be going again... and again and again. Maybe you can do some of the same things during the day as you can at night (the shows and parades weren't running at any other time when we were there) but, the atmosphere is totally different. It was truly magical! To each his own though.

The only problem we had was being misinformed which caused a little aggravation. We entered the park at 1:30 and was told by a CM at the turnstiles to hold on to our party tickets, CMs would be out around 7:00 collecting tickets and distributing wristbands. Okay. Simple enough. Fastforward to 6:50. My daughter was standing in line to meet with Eeyore and Pooh. 7:00 rolls around and a CM asks to see our wristbands. Well, we still hadn't been approached so we didn't have any. I showed the CM our party tickets and tried to explain our situation but she made us get out of the line anyway. I know, she was just doing her job. Needless to say, we had to make our way through the crowds coming and going and we never did get a picture because we couldn't find Eeyore and Pooh together again. It kind of made me sad because it was the first time my daughter wanted her picture taken with any of the characters in about 8 years. Oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes. We made other wonderful memories.

I have to agree with you on one thing, the Osborne lights were spectacular! Breathtaking to be more exact. Loves them!

 

[ploto]

I've been the last two years and this is what I've figured works best for us:

MVMCP is not a great deal if you're in the parks that day anyway (have used a day on your park tickets). This year, however, we took a break for the parks on our MVMCP day, used the party ticket only, and went to MK around 4:00. I thought that was well worth it. Had a day to relax around to resort, didn't use a day on our park tickets (no expiration), and still enjoyed MK for 8 hrs, which is enough in one day for us.

 

[horseshowmom]

The only problem we had was being misinformed which caused a little aggravation. We entered the park at 1:30 and was told by a CM at the turnstiles to hold on to our party tickets, CMs would be out around 7:00 collecting tickets and distributing wristbands. Okay. Simple enough.

We had some aggravation with that too. We, also, were already at MK. I had been told that there would be locations at the back of the park to get our armbands. When we started asking CM's we got a bunch of different answers. The only answer that turned out to be correct was to get the armband at the rose garden. Nobody was in the other locations we were sent to.

We did love MVMCP though and look forward to going back.

 

[jillyjoey]

Wanted to try it out for the first time. Glad we did it to appease our curiosity. But I wouldn't do it again (shelling out extra money for the tickets when we have Parkhoppers).

Best thing about it is that there were hardly any lines for rides. Just walked on many of them.

The shows and parade were crowded,

They didn't have the free photos I heard about in previous years.


The most magical Christmas experience for us, on the other hand, was not MVMCP, but the Osborne Christmas lights at MGM. Even though there were a lot of people, getting caught up in the music, lights and snowflakes was wonderful.

Given that they have the same parade and shows during non-MVMCP times and that these shows were still crowded on MVMCP night and that the only perks now are the free cocoa and cookies (which we only had once because we were full from dinner), no lines on rides (we live near Disneyland, so no need to feel that we need to go on the same rides), snowflakes (which we enjoyed much more at MGM) and the Christmas fireworks, we would skip it if there is ever a next time.

My sentiments exactly. My other problem was that my group: DH, DS, sister, BIL only wanted to ride. DD(4) and I tried to catch a couple shows but they were SRO. Glad that I tried it to see what it was all about but probably won't do again.

On the other hand -- Osborne Lights -- oh my goodness -it moved me so . . . I actually cried and felt I was going to bust. (I know I'm a dork)

 

[anneofgreengables]

My sentiments exactly. My other problem was that my group: DH, DS, sister, BIL only wanted to ride. DD(4) and I tried to catch a couple shows but they were SRO. Glad that I tried it to see what it was all about but probably won't do again.

On the other hand -- Osborne Lights -- oh my goodness -it moved me so . . . I actually cried and felt I was going to bust. (I know I'm a dork)

What is SRO?

 

[Kick Save]

SRO == Standing Room Only

We had the same feeling as the OP on the Party...fun, enjoyed it, glad we did it, probably won't fork of the $$ to do it again if we're down there when it's going on.

For entry, we went in with our MVMCP tickets at about 4:30, got our wristbands, and rode rides until regular ol' Wishes started. Worked like a charm.

 

[2giddy4wdw]

We have been to MVMCP many times over the years. I have to admit the biggest disappointment for me was the pictures. We looked forward to getting them done every year. There have been times in the past that we have gone to 2 parties. We always go during the week, when it isn't as busy. And we are going right after Thanksgiving so none of the parades or shows are being done during the day, only during the party. We also make sure that the morning of the party we don't hit the MK, we usually go to the AK, go back to our room for a little while, go to dinner then hit the xmas party. We love that most rides we can just walk on to, and always hit the later parade and sit over in Frontierland for great seats. Also it gets us into the Holiday feeling by going. I also like the Osborne Lights for that, but haven't been too impressed with them since the took down Residental Street and have them the way the do now. I like that they are doing the dancing lights, but as far as with all the technology out that, thought they could have been done a little better. I'm sure I will get flamed for my thoughts on that...but again it's only the way I feel.

I'm going to miss the party this year as we are going for MNSSHP & Food and Wine Festival. But we have many years ahead of us to go again!!

 

[teamagic]

There was a family without wristbands staking a parade spot on the sidewalk. CMs would check for wristbands, tell them they have to go or buy wristbands and come back. They would say they would go buy wristbands, but do nothing and just sit there. My SIL, who tagged along on our trip and agreed to buy MVMCP tickets for her whole family to be with us, told me that it wasn't fair that people who didn't buy tickets could stay in the park. So, as much as I hate to be a ticket-police and because I was the one who planned this trip for us and my in-laws, I looked for a CM and discreetly told them about the family. The CM went over, urged them to leave, but the family wouldn't budge. The mom kept insisting that they were going to buy tickets, but the CM didn't buy their story and finally got them to leave. I assured my SIL that only ticket-holders are allowed to ride the rides or buy food.

Had the same experience as you did at the MVMCP on December 5th. My mom was so upset that everyone sitting around us waiting for the parade did not have a wristband. Even when the CM would ask, they said that someone in their party went to purchase them and they were saving their seats. It was very frustrating, knowing that we paid the extra money and others did not, but still enjoyed the party. I read that others had to show their bands in order to ride or get into shows. It was very cold that night and I never had to show my band to anyone.

 

[horseshowmom]

Had the same experience as you did at the MVMCP on December 5th. My mom was so upset that everyone sitting around us waiting for the parade did not have a wristband. Even when the CM would ask, they said that someone in their party went to purchase them and they were saving their seats. It was very frustrating, knowing that we paid the extra money and others did not, but still enjoyed the party. I read that others had to show their bands in order to ride or get into shows. It was very cold that night and I never had to show my band to anyone.

The only place anybody checked mine was at the rides, but when DD and her BF went to get our food (DH and I saved a table), she said they got stopped and checked several times. Of course, we were eating at outside Casey's which is right on Main Street, and it was close to 7 p.m. then, so that may be why they were checking so much at that point.

 

[anneofgreengables]

This is another reason I feel it's not worth the extra money if you already have Parkhoppers. I got the feeling plenty of people without wristbands were around, causing the parades and shows to be more crowded than it would have been had they complied. The only time they checked our wristbands were the 'Twas the Night show, the rides and the parade (which, as I mentioned earlier, wasn't that successful, given that some people without wristbands were taking up the front row seats on the sidewalks).

 

[jillyjoey]

I am miffed that alot of you spotted people without wristbands and they did not leave. One CM told us (we were a group of 6) that if my DD(4) did not put her wristband on she would have to leave the park even though she was with me (I had mine and her wristband on my wrist-- she said it bothered her) -- we eventually convinced her to put the band on.

 

[C.Ann]

I feel like I'm living in the Twilight Zone here - LOL..

We did MVMCP on Dec.5th.. We did not see the same parade and shows that we did prior to that date or after that date.. We couldn't do anything at all without showing our wrist bands.. We saw people without them escorted out of the park.. And there were no lines for anything - it was like having the park to ourselves..

I loved it - and will be taking my sister there next November..

 

[dismomma]

I know this is an old thread but I am glad I found it. I have several questions due to the fact that I am a planning dork and am taking 5 kids by myself in Nov. to Disney. 1st- Has anyone been to Disney in general between the day after Thanksgiving to the 2nd week in Dec. to tell me if the weather is cooler yet or not? 2nd- What are the normal hours of this party? 3rd.-What is the earliest you can enter the park with your ticket? 4th- We are planning to go right after Thanksgiving if possible- Does any one know if they are doing the parades in the middle of the day that they will do for the party? I also read several people stating that there were no lines- Do you miss party activities to do this or is there time to see and do it all? It's only Feb. and I am still excited.

 

[2giddy4wdw]

1- We usually leave the day after Thanksgiving for our trip. Unfortunately...you can't go from year to year on the weather. One year, the nights were very cold, and then this past year we had some temps in the lower 80's. For the most part temps during the days are in the mid 70's and nights are 60's.

2- As for park hours during the party...7 to midnight!!

3- I have been told that the earilest you can get in for the party is 4. I don't know how true that is.

4- They do not have the same parade during the day as they do for the party. The only time you get to see the Christmas parade is during the party, or I believe it's the week of Christmas. We usually miss some of the activites...only because our kids are older. We usually take the time for the parade and for Wishes!!! I guess it would depend on the age of the kids!

You will love to go during this time. It's already decorated for Christmas...and starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving...the crowds drop right off. Longest wait is probably 10-15 muinutes.

 

[disneytraveler]

Weather -i went last year for my 1st time and had a blast. Layer your clothes
as its varies alot. I went the week of dec 5th-cool and dry some days, cold other days. For me i wore a sweater and carried gloves so when it became cold or damp i put the sweater on .When the weather became warmer i took it off.

 

[Boardwalker]

Yes, you do have to choose between seeing the shows and riding the rides at MVMCP. They have shows going throughout the park, and we found it was hard to see them all if we wanted to hit all of our favorite rides.

 

[tnmom25]

I'm trying to decide on whether to plan for MVMCP or not . We've never been at Christmastime (this will only be our 2nd trip) and the kids want to go to the party. I'm just wondering if it's worth the $$. I'm leaning towards yes! All eight of us will be there Dec 1-8.

But, am I understanding this all correctly?

If you do not have a MVMCP ticket, you are "supposed" to leave at 7pm when the private party starts? And you don't get to see the Christmas parades & shows?

If you have a MVMCP ticket, you can enter the park earlier than 7pm and stay until midnight? And, doing this does not use a day on your park ticket? I like the idea of hitting another park that morning, then going to the MVMCP in the afternoon.