mvmcp 2006 tips only

[horseshowmom]

Is there a day of the week that is better to go on or doesn't it matter?

We're deciding between Monday and Tuesday (Dec. 18th or 19th) and leaning toward the 19th. Any input? Thanks!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

This will be our 3rd MVMCP!! We love it but don't do very many Christmas activities as we like to see the park with all of the Christmas decorations and snow and we love the very short lines for the rides. It has been very crowded both times~second week of December both times~ (and VERY cold on our last trip). My main tip is if you eat outside of the park (like we do, it's a tradition to go to 'Ohanas before MVMCP) and happen to be done to where you would be arriving at MK at 7 p.m. I would spend 10-15 minutes walking around the resort you are at as it's usually very crowded to get in at or 30 minutes before 7. We usually get to the park between 7:15-7:30 and we've never had a line to get in and we practically have the park to ourselves between 11:15-midnight. Also my other big tip is to wait until late in the evening to get your free picture. Lines are usually horrible for this (especially before 10 p.m.). We wait until about 10:15-10:30 and just have a few (or no) people waiting in front of us.

We've been on a Tuesday twice and I think it's the best day of the week to go. The weekends and days close to the weekend (Thursday) sell out first.

While they have been allowing people to enter before MVMCP technically starts, to relieve the crowds entering at 7, I wouldn't plan on being let in early as it isn't guaranteed and can change at anytime. Disney doesn't announce these early entry times to the public so that they can make changes at any time. But they have been letting people in early for a few years (but I know I would be disappointed if I didn't have a park hopper or an AP and had dinner ADR's before 7 and couldn't get in). Just my $.02.

 

[gssmks]

DD and I will be at MVMCP on Dec. 19th. This is our first Christmas trip. Thanks for all the info. I am surprised to hear that it actually gets so cold there. Is that a "it could" meaning maybe but probably not, or is that the normally night time temps for Florida?

 

[hniki234]

Being from the south myself, "it could" means maybe. (I'm from south MS.) You never know what the weather is going to be like in the winter. Last year, we had maybe two weeks worth of cold weather. Not two weeks straight...I mean about 14 days where it was actually cold. The year before last we had more cold weather. I'm hoping for a colder winter this year, so hopefully I'll be needing the sweatshirt when I'm at WDW in Dec.!

 

[DisneyStar006]

Just a ? about the (maybe) free picture.

Is it printed out there and then? or is it on the photopass system? or something else?

Its also my first MVMCP, thanks for all the tips so far, keep them coming!

 

[beattyfamily]

Just a ? about the (maybe) free picture.

Is it printed out there and then? or is it on the photopass system? or something else?

Its also my first MVMCP, thanks for all the tips so far, keep them coming!

Well, we can only tell you about last year; this year is anyone's guess.

It was mailed to you a week after it was taken. While in line you'd fill out a form with your address and they'd mark the quantity you were allowed (based on how many tickets you purchased).

It was not part of the Photopass system.

 

[d.kurz]

Oh, I HOPE they are doing the pics!

 

[sarehm]

I am so excited to be going to MVMCP on Dec. 12th. I've been to WDW during the holidays and it is just so wonderful but I've never done the party. X-mas is my favorite holiday ever and I know I'll just be bursting w/ excitement! Thanks to all for the wonderful posts and tips. It helps a lot for us first timers.

 

[striker3636]

Thanks everyone for all the great info! We will be there on Dec 19th too!

 

[dimoe]

I am hoping to get tickets to Dec 7th. I havent bought tickets yet?

 

[LVSWL]

This is a great thread. Can't wait to go. Will be there December 12th! Love the gloves idea. Layers are a must. Our only experience, the weather was warm, but I know that could change. Thanks everyone!

 

[momimouse27]

You guys are gonna love MVMCP! We have been twice and loved it. My tip is to go ahead and watch the first parade. Both times we have been, we expected the first one to be very crowded. We have found the opposite to be true, and the best place to watch for us was Frontierland near the Liberty Tree Tavern. There were very few people there-I guess they all stop at Main Street.

The park is nice and empty when the second parade is going on!

 

[Northstar]

I agree with everybody who's said don't waste party time eating! Last year, our second, we did Crystal Palace character meal and it was good, but couldn't enjoy it because we were raring to go and too excited to be hungry. This year we'll do a late lunch and grab counter service (or maybe just the cookies).

Another tip: the lines for rides varied a lot... we got in one line that was long and (darn!) it kept getting shorter and shorter behind us! Apparently we'd hit the line at the same time as everyone getting out of a show nearby. So look around and see where the people aren't.

Anybody else wish they'd have a Fastpass system going? I guess the window is just too short because of the party's length.

Can you count on getting into the park for a 4pm dinner reservation using only your MVMCP ticket?

No, when we went last year there were lines (short) waiting to get in when they opened the turnstiles to partygoers... you might not be the first trying to get in! Better go for 4:15 or 4:30...



And everybody, please wear festive hats and stuff so we can enjoy people-watching! PARTEEE!!

 

[martyshoney]

When we were there 2 years ago it was very warm, we wore Mickey Christmas sweatshirts and we had to wear shorts!! If you want the Party Pin for this year get it early, I waited until it was towards the end and people were literally fighting for them b/c they were getting down to the bottom of what was left. Get there early b/c they do let you in early.
Have fun!!!

 

[pbnjrockette]

Several newbie questions!!



What is the reason for going to MVMCP at 4:00 if it doesn't officially start until 7:00?

Where would you suggest eating if you don't have ADR's?

We are staying at the Polynesian...can we eat somewhere there without a reservation? (oh, lordy there is still so much to learn about WDW!!)

Am thrilled to be going on Monday 12/4. Was only able to talk hubby into it by agreeing to do the Backstage Tour during the day---now I'm afraid he'll really be pooped out and not want to go at all!!! (Afternoon nap and quick, light supper might do the trick.)

 

[LUVMICKEY]

This is what we did last year and we were able to do a couple of rides in between but mostly focus on the shows, fireworks and parade:

Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at 7:15p
Galaxy Palace Theater in Tomorrowland
Times: 6:15, 7:15, 8:15, 9:30 & 10:30 PM

We fit in Buzz and Toontown before the fireworks.

Fireworks at 9:15p (then stayed for the show)

Celebrate the Seasons at 9:40p
Castle Forecourt Stage
Times: 7:00, 9:40 PM & 12 Midnight

Parade at 10:45p
MVMCP Parade
Times: 8:15p and 10:45p

This was the first year I took the time to see all the shows and they are fun and festive!

I really like this itinerary. It sounds like a plan. We have been to the party two other times and we thought we did pretty good trying to get everything in as much as we could. But this plan sounds better than what we tried. Thank you for posting it. We'll be at the party on Dec. 3.

 

[StacyPop]

DD and I will be at MVMCP on Dec. 19th. This is our first Christmas trip. Thanks for all the info. I am surprised to hear that it actually gets so cold there. Is that a "it could" meaning maybe but probably not, or is that the normally night time temps for Florida?

I have been every year for the past 4-5 years in Dec and it has been in the 40's at night. For me-that is a blizzard-although I have seen people in shorts! Guess it depends on what cold is for you. Pretty consistently as low as 40 at night though.

 

[kirstiebird]

My best advice is to come prepared to stay up late -- that means the children,too. DD4 and DS5 napped in the afternoon and had an absolute blast by 11:30pm when the park was as close to empty as we will ever see. No lines anywhere -- not dumbo, not pirates, not peter pan. I'm so glad that they were able to stay up late and get to do so much. Can't wait until November 28th for our next Christmas Party!

 

[gssmks]

We are going to be at WDW for thirteen days and think that we will have time to ride all the rides we want. We are going to MVMCP for the atmosphere. If riding the rides is not a priority for us during the party, will we be able to see and do all of the special Christmas themed activities and shows?

 

[jonestavern]

We'll be there Nov. 13th!

Desnik
allisonswonderland
ton80
Maybe we'll see you there!!!!

Add Jonestavern to that list! We'll be wearing LGMHPC so be sure to say 'Hi'!

We will be having dinner @ CP @ 4:55 pm.

I will be phoning in a cancellation for our LTT ADR--which I think, is for 6:15 pm.
I will be cancelling that in the next 2 days, heads up if anyone is interested, PM us~

Here's my hint:
this will be the 1st 'opening' night for MVMCP we've been to. In the past we've gone on weeknights in the 1st week of December. We avoid Fridays & Saturdays on the theory they may be the most crowded. Still, it does get plenty of people, just prepare your schedule, be somewhat flexible, & get in a holiday mindset.

Although, it can always be a big bottleneck on Main Street, the 'snow' is just gorgeous & no shoveling!

Despite the snaking line for the 'free' family photo was nasty long last year, we were through it in no more than 20 minutes! Lots of partygoers to chat with & there was a whole bank of photographers & CMs directing traffic making it painless!

Yes, do the shows!

Ooh, I didn't know about the special pins! Thanks for that one!

Jean