MVMCP - how crowded will it be?

[JeninTexas]

We are going to be at the parks from Nov 15 to the 23rd. There are several parties during those dates, but I am concerned that the parties will be a lot more crowded than MK earlier in the day. What is your experience with Mickey's Christmas party? Is it worth it and if so, why? Will it be packed? I am traveling with 2 kids and our main reason for visiting when we are is because it is supposed to be a low crowd week. I would hate to pay extra for party tickets only to be packed in like sardines!

 

[rwdavis2]

I don't think a party in the middle of the week will be that crowded. Weekends are a different story as it would attract more locals.

Worth it? Only you can be the judge of that. Look up what usually happens at the parties and see. During parties there is a special fireworks show, the Christmas parade, a castle show, a party in Tomorrow Land.

We loved it and did not even ride any rides that night.

 

[michellej47]

Are all rides open during that time?

 

[mesaboy2]

Are all rides open during that time?

Unless otherwise under refurb, all major attractions are open. Standard exceptions are Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise, one or two more.

 

[MouseOfGold]

I won't be able to comment regarding the week you are visiting in Nov.. We went during the 2nd week of Dec. last year and really enjoyed the party. We are going again this year. My kids love the parades and we all really loved the MVMCP one. We had a spot on main street to view the parade. It was especially crowded along the parade route. We waited about 2 hours and had 2nd row viewing. We bought Mickey cupcakes from the confectionary and enjoyed the falling snow and Christmas music while we waited.

We had visited MK another day during the week in which they were hosting the party and noticed as we were leaving (close to 7pm) that there were empty spots on Main Street to view the parade still. That evening didn't seem as crowded as the night we chose. So I guess it's hit or miss.

I would highly recommend the party! We didn't go on any attractions during the event. We did go to a character dance party but I've read many rides have shorter lines or are walk-on during the party.

 

[dakotix]

We're going Nov 13-21. I picked that time frame because it's supposed to be the least busiest time. If you do a Google search for Disney crowd calendars you'll find some handy tips on which parks to avoid on particular days off your trip.

 

[nfceagles]

I'm wondering the same thing. The thought of paying that much to wait two hours for a parade doesn't appeal to me. We're not big into parades and characters and the Wishes fireworks are a bit late for my kids, but I'm torn because this might be our only trip during the Christmas season.

 

[georgina]

The last time we were at the MVMCP was 2002, but we enjoyed it and we are not big parade and character people either. We had planned to see the late parade, but my youngest was too tired and cranky. We did rides, had a Christmas photo taken, had hot chocolate and cookies, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. I am thinking of going again this year with just DH. That is, if I can get a ressie with a bounceback offer now that they released free dining, I'm afraid the dates may get booked up!

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I'm wondering the same thing. The thought of paying that much to wait two hours for a parade doesn't appeal to me. We're not big into parades and characters and the Wishes fireworks are a bit late for my kids, but I'm torn because this might be our only trip during the Christmas season.

We caught the second parade during 3 sold out MNSSHP. We waited 15 minutes and had a front row spot in Liberty Square. There isn't really any need to wait hours, but some people do. If you want to be on Main St, you need to wait but it's not worth it.

We did the same during 3 MVMCP (only 1 was sold out) and only waited 15 minutes too.

 

[scoker]

We are planning the same days as you are. I don't plan to buy party tickets ahead of time. I'm hoping we can go Thursday of that week. I had plans to go to the Halloween event at DLR and happily had not purchased tickets ahead because it poured the day we would have gone.

If we go I think we will go with the idea that we will be there quite late. I'm guessing that mid-week any crowds that are there will thin out early. We will go to the second parade and try to do other stuff while people camp out for two hours for the first parade.

Hopefully my plan will work out but I won't be crushed either if we don't go since it is pretty expensive.