mvmcp 2006 tips only

[dimoe]

I know there are a ton of us who are VERY excited about Mvmcp and I know that a good many of those are experiencing it for the first time this year! I hope nobody minds, but I'd like to start a thread on Tips and Strategies on how to go about doing Mvmcp.
Some things that we might want to include:
What to bring with you/Things you buy for Mvmcp
What to wear
Where to eat
Special things to do
Timing
I'm sure there is more, but let's make this all about tips! Ok? Have fun!
My tip to bring cotton gloves to wear if it is cold.
Diane

 

[dbenlee]

This is a great idea for a thread, thanks for starting it dimoe. This is our first year to go so I will be watching this thread closely!!

 

[momof2dizkids]

This will be our first year going also!! Thanks for starting this thread - I can't wait for people to post their suggestions!

 

[Stitch's O'hana]

My mom and I are going for the 1st time as well on Dec.7 and can't wait!!!!!!!

Would also love to hear about any tips or info. anyone has on MVMCP!

 

[S.Poppins]

We went last year the week after Thanksgiving. We had a great time. One suggestion I would make is to be prepared for crowds. I guess I expected no crowds - that was the way I sold it to my husband. "Honey, it will be great - and you have to have a ticket so the crowd will be small." I was wrong. It was the largest crowd all week. With that said, I would do it again. The atmosphere was great. They actually did the same parade the next day during the day. But the fireworks were great. It was a good experience.

 

[kimbac3]

Here are some tips I learned last year:

2nd the cotton gloves!!
Bring sweatshirts and those rain ponchos..party goes on rain or shine!!
Eat BEFORE the party, don't waste precious party time eating!!
Look for Party specific merchandise. Like pins, t-shirts, sweatshirts,and Christmas ornament.
If you can hang till the last hour..it is AWESOME. Walk right on Dumbo! They have an event called "Fantasyland Holiday Hop" (or something like that). You can dance with some characters. It's fun and if you go during that last hour you have the characters to yourself!!
Try to see "Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas" show. It's great!
The parade is very nice as is the special Wishes. I liked this Wishes so much more than the regular one.
Grab your FREE hot chocolate and cookie about 15-20mins before the 2nd parade then go grab a spot to sit and wait. Great way to pass the time.
The cookie was some sort of Snickerdoodle type. If your kids don't like that consider bringing some cookies or grab some at the Main Street Bakery on your way in.
Get your wristband early -if you are already in the park - around 4:30, if you are not you can get in around 5 on your party ticket. Grab your map and schedule and plan your night. What shows are must sees for you?
Have fun!!!

I hope this helped someone!!! If you have any specific questions, please ask. I'll try the best I can to answer!!
Kimba

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

We Have Been Three Times. We Love It. We Usually Carry A Sweatshirt And Gloves In Case Of A Chilly Night. If You Usually Go To Bed Early, Rest Up Earlier In The Day Especailly With Little Ones. You Dont Want Them Cranky And Tired And You Dont Want Them To Miss The Special Parades Or Fireworks. We Usually Get In The Park For A Dinner Ressie Which Most Of The Time They End At 4:30 P.m. So They Can Get Everybody Out Of The Park. If You Do This You Will Be There In The Transition Period And Can Get On Some Of The Rides Earlier. They Also Take Pictures, Although We Have Never Waited In The Line. The Children Think The Hot Cocoa And Cookies Are Great(they Are Okay) Last Year We Forgot Our Sweatshirts At The Hotel And Ended Up Buying One Because We Were Freezing.

 

[makinorlando]

SORRY - I have some tips on MNSSHP too - I didn't read the topic very well!!!


If you get to the park around party start time - expect a large crowd getting into the parks. We made the mistake of eating at the Concourse last year before MVMCP, and got to the park just about 7pm and had quite wait to get in - for all other parties we were already in the park.

I also agree with the other poster who commented that you should not expect - no crowd - depending on when you go it can be VERY crowded!

For those going to MNSSHP remember that it MAY be very warm during your party (even on 10/31)- so plan accordingly for you costume. DD will usually wear a costume for a bit, but then strip down to her shorts and T-shirt....

There are times that MVMCP can be warm as well early in the evening or it can be VERY chilly! I always hope for a cool evenig - we usually go the first Friday of Dec while my Dsis is visiting, and it has not been cool in three years!

If you are into the characters - look for those special hard to find characters at both parties. We have not done this before at either party in the past three years... something I learned from the Dis is that there are great hard to find characters many times out during these events.

The past two years I believe they have only sold the party pins in the Expo building by (near the front of the park) - if you are interested - don't forget to stop by - they will not sell these until 7pm.

Later in the evening is definitely less crowded. The second parade has far less folks than the first. My DD9 is not a late nighter, so we have not always stayed to the end. This year I got a room at the Poly, so we can just hop on the monorail and go to bed - even though home is only 35 min away - it can take that long to get out of the park!!! I want to be there until midnight!

I love both the Halloween and Christmas parade... just love when it snows on Main Street for Christmas.

I can't think of anything else... this is the first year I made ADRs for dinner in the park for both MNSSHP & MVMCP (thanks agan to the Dis). I can't wait for both events!

That makes me think of another point - don't think you will be able to walk up to a TS restaurant for dinner without an ADR. They book up early during these nights. Only CP & LTT (I believe) are open in the parks during the party.

 

[Stitch's O'hana]

I have one question, I love the Disney Pins( along with other goodies) and I want to make sure that I am able to get them before they are all gone~ Will they have it on the map's that they give us when we enter the park where the special MVMCP merchandise will be sold or do I just need to ask a CM when the party starts at 7pm?
Thanks!

 

[makinorlando]

I have one question, I love the Disney Pins( along with other goodies) and I want to make sure that I am able to get them before they are all gone~ Will they have it on the map's that they give us when we enter the park where the special MVMCP merchandise will be sold or do I just need to ask a CM when the party starts at 7pm?
Thanks!

The past two years (I think it was two... but definitely last year) they have sold the special event pins only in the EXPO building. Prior to that I was able to get them in the Emporium. You might want to ask to be sure. You can purchase two pins per party ticket.

 

[rosiejo]

Just subscribing - it's our first MVMCP this year and I need all the tips I can get

 

[abbs25]

I am just subscribing. I can't wait until Dec. 19th when my sister and I go to MVMCP!

 

[TinksMagic54]

Question: We will be going to MVMCP and eating about 5:30 (outside the MK). Do we have to wait until 7:00 to get in or will they let us in earlier than 7:00 with our ticket?

This will be our first Christmas and first MVMCP so any and all info is appreciated.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

This will be our second Christmas party at MK!!

You can enter after 4pm with your party tickets...

The 2nd parade will be much less crowded!!

At MNSSHP Halloween night crowds were really thining out by 10pm...So if you can last till midnight do it!!!

Take in the snow on mainstreet USA!!

Don't do the picture in Fantasyland..Go to one of the other places and do it first....

Just slow down and enjoy the decorations, music, snow...Everything about the whole night! I just can not wait!

We will be there Dec 14th!

I am waiting too see how they handle the 7pm closing for the Halloween parties?????

 

[C.Ann]

We don't want to use a day of our regular passes before we get in with our MVMCP passes, so what is the absolute best time for us to arrive at the gates to obtain admission on just the MVMCP tickets?

Can't wait!! Our first time and we're really excited!!

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

We plan too arrive at MK around 4:30 with our party tickets in hand...I don't want to wait till 7 pm when it gets really crazy!!

I figure that is why the start letting people in early so that everyone is not trying to get through the gates at 7pm...Makes sense.

On allearsnet she posts that you can enter after 4pm with your tickets.

Before they always herded us into tomorrowland around 6pm and roped things off till it officially started at 7pm. At the Halloween party they had music and dancing to entertain everyone. I don't know how it will work this year with them not closing an hour early to clear the park.

 

[C.Ann]

We plan too arrive at MK around 4:30 with our party tickets in hand...I don't want to wait till 7 pm when it gets really crazy!!

I figure that is why the start letting people in early so that everyone is not trying to get through the gates at 7pm...Makes sense.

On allearsnet she posts that you can enter after 4pm with your tickets.

Before they always herded us into tomorrowland around 6pm and roped things off till it officially started at 7pm. At the Halloween party they had music and dancing to entertain everyone. I don't know how it will work this year with them not closing an hour early to clear the park.

--------------------------------------------

Thanks! Guess we'll try at 4 pm and see what happens.. We plan on doing part of Epcot in the morning - then going back to the hotel to rest before we come back to the MK for the party..

 

[Desnik]

Thanks for starting this thread! We will be going to MVMCP for the first time in Nov.!!! We have ADR for Tony's at 6pm but plan to arrive around 5/5:30 to get our wristbands. I have a couple of questions.
What times are the parades and shows?(when were they last year?)
Is there enough time to see them all?
How early do you have to arrive to a show to get good seats?

 

[Tiffer]

Here is my suggestion:

LAYER! It can get cold, wrap a sweatshirt around your waist, tuck some thin gloves in your backpack/fannypack, wear jeans, and pack a warm hat, if not a thin blanket into your pack as well for the parade viewing.

I love this tread, although I wish more people followed the OP's request, that there are no I am so excitied, can't wait to go ONLY posts.....w/that said..I can't wait to go either..BUT I contributed..does that give me a pass?

I am getting it straight that we can enter w/ our tickets anytime after 4 pm and get a wristband once in the park??? I too do not wnat to use a regular admission day..

Any dining suggestions?

 

[kimbac3]

This is what my guide from last year states:

Mickey Very Merry Christmas Parade
Stepping off in Town Square - 8:15 & 10:45pm

Holiday Wishes
All New Fireworks Spectacular - 9:15pm

Mickey's 'Twas The Night Before Christmas ShowGalaxy Palace Theater in Tomorowland
6:45, 7:45, 8:45, 10:00 & 11:00pm

Celebrate the Season Show
Castle Forecourt Stage - 7:00, 10:00 & 11:30pm

Fantasyland Holiday Hop
Join in a Holiday Dance Party

Lake Howell Holiday Brass
Tomorrowland - 7:00, 8:00, 8:50pm

and See Santa
Next to City Hall in Town Square


ALSO: Complimentary Treats in Liberty Square and Tomorrowland

Kimba