MVMCP - how busy?

[akalittleeva]

Just realized we will be there for MVMCP in November, we would like to give it a try - never been to it before - how busy does it get - if we did it, it would be Monday, Nov. 13th or Friday, Nov. 17th...my undertanding is it is like a night at MK, but all Xmas themed, right? Is it worth the extra $$? We arrive early on the 13th, but weren't planning to do a park that day, so going to it on the 13th would take one of our park days, right? (which would be fine because we are heading to SW one day and will have an extra park day...)

 

[gonemousin']

Nope - it wouldn't take one of your park days. Buying tickets for MVMCP gives you park entrance without using your "regular" park tickets, and you can enter the parks starting at about 4pm (if I remember correctly) and stay until closing.

As for crowd levels...we went mid December on a Tuesday night and we were shocked by how crowded the park was. Ride wait times weren't bad, but there seemed to be a lot of people moving around inside the park. However, it didn't detract from our experience and we really enjoyed the parade and fireworks. It was very festive!

 

[Rella Bella]

We went two nights in early December... both weeknights. There were lots of people and some of the shows were crowded but the ride lines weren't bad at all. In fact we walked on to some.

It was beautiful! The special Christmas Wishes was amazing. The Very Merry Christmas Parade was great. There are extra shows and entertainment all around the park. You can get free Hot Chocolate at many different places. It was definitely worth the extra even though not all the rides were open (I think all the main attractions were, but not all the smaller ones.

The mistake we made was trying to eat counter service! It was unbelievably crowded and the lines there took forever! So either eat before you go in or get an ADR.

 

[mrsltg]

I've been to three of the parties and they are fantastic. The limit on the number of tickets sold is MUCH lower than park capacity. I agree with the pp who suggested getting an adr, though.

 

[HayGan]

We went on a Sunday in early December last year and although it seemed as if there were alot of people in the park, lines were very short for almost every ride! We even rode Splash Mountian several times in a row!

I agree about the CS restaurants though! We went to Pecos Bill's and it took FOREVER to get our food and find a table! We will definately be eating at a TS outside of the MK before we go! (LTT and Tony's don't appeal to us )

 

[beattyfamily]

I agree about the CS restaurants though! We went to Pecos Bill's and it took FOREVER to get our food and find a table! We will definately be eating at a TS outside of the MK before we go! (LTT and Tony's don't appeal to us )

I also agree about eating in a TS before the party instead of CS.

Just an fyi (although I'll bet you know this HayGan) for others...Crystal Palace, the Castle and the Plaza will also take ADRs up to 6:00p so there are more choices other then LTT and Tony's.

 

[akalittleeva]

I also agree about eating in a TS before the party instead of CS.

Just an fyi (although I'll bet you know this HayGan) for others...Crystal Palace, the Castle and the Plaza will also take ADRs up to 6:00p so there are more choices other then LTT and Tony's.

Good point - so I could make an ADR for when I arrive (before 6:00) and go from there...talking with dh - he would like to do it the first night we are there (also the first night for MVMCP) - would that make any difference on attendence? Our goal would be to try and take in all the MVMCP stuff and if we got a few regular attractions in - great - and then start our commando touring the next day.

If we buy tickets now - are they sent to us and are we given a schedule of shows/parades beforehand or is that something we have to wait for until we arrive?

 

[akalittleeva]

Just another thought - is CS as busy between say 4:00-6:00 as it is during the evening? Could an earlier CS in the park be an option?

 

[HayGan]

Good point - so I could make an ADR for when I arrive (before 6:00) and go from there...talking with dh - he would like to do it the first night we are there (also the first night for MVMCP) - would that make any difference on attendence? Our goal would be to try and take in all the MVMCP stuff and if we got a few regular attractions in - great - and then start our commando touring the next day.

If we buy tickets now - are they sent to us and are we given a schedule of shows/parades beforehand or is that something we have to wait for until we arrive?

Yes, you can make an ADR for beofre the party. Your MVMCP ticket actually gets you into the park at 4pm (assuming it is the same as past years) so you could do any of the TS restaurants starting after 4pm.

If you buy tickets now they will send them to you but you do not get a schedule. You can pick one up when you enter the park.

Beattyfamily, thanks for the tip (yeah, I did know that ) We really like to spend our MVMCP time enjoying the short lines and shows/parades rather than sitting down at a meal. Parade times are always a good time to sit down and enjoy a good snack!

 

[beattyfamily]

Good point - so I could make an ADR for when I arrive (before 6:00) and go from there...talking with dh - he would like to do it the first night we are there (also the first night for MVMCP) - would that make any difference on attendence? Our goal would be to try and take in all the MVMCP stuff and if we got a few regular attractions in - great - and then start our commando touring the next day.

If we buy tickets now - are they sent to us and are we given a schedule of shows/parades beforehand or is that something we have to wait for until we arrive?

Because those MVMCP dates you can attend are so early (first time they ever had them BEFORE Thanksgiving), I don't think they'll be as crowded as later MVMCPs. Some people (locals) just aren't ready for Christmas-type stuff that early. So I think either night would be fine.

They will not send any kind of schedule. There will be special party maps all over the park as you enter for the party. Things usually stay the same from year to year give or take a few minutes. Parades usually 8:30p and 10:30p and the fireworks at 9:15p.

The show times last year:

Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Galaxy Palace Theater in Tomorrowland
6:45, 7:45, 8:45, 10:00 & 11:00 PM

Celebrate the Seasons
Castle Forecourt Stage
7:00, 10:00 PM & 11:30 PM

HERE's a great website for MVMCP info.
You can check

 

[HayGan]

Just another thought - is CS as busy between say 4:00-6:00 as it is during the evening? Could an earlier CS in the park be an option?

We went to Pecos Bill's about 5:30 and it was packed!

 

[akalittleeva]

Thanks guys! We've decided to go - very excited about it now! Never thought we would get a chance with our dates! I start putting the Xmas music on the day after H'ween - so I'll definitely be in the holiday spirit!