MVMCP - Tips, Tricks, Secrets newbies should know...

[Prinny27]

We'll be there on the 13th as part of Magic & Merriment, too. See everyone there!

 

[LISAVWL]

add us to the 13th too. I thought choosing a Sunday night was a good plan -- lower crowds. Oh well, better to be in Disney on a crowded night than at home.

 

[StrikerObi]

Well, it sounds like there will be quite a few of us there on December 13th...

We are at BLT from 12/12-12/19, had been hoping that the MVMCP on the 13th would be low volume, do you think having the D23 event will increase attendance to the point it will be unbearable?

I'd say that's doubtful considering it seems like there were only about 200 tickets available for the event. 200 extra people is pretty much unnoticeable in MK.

Now if only I could get a table at California Grill for Dec 13. We're going to Citricos right now but I keep crossing my fingers that somebody will cancel their California Grill ADR.

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

I'd say that's doubtful considering it seems like there were only about 200 tickets available for the event. 200 extra people is pretty much unnoticeable in MK.

I agree. The parties have limited attendance to begin with. It will not be more crowded than a normal day at MK. In my experience, it has been the people that arrive with no plan that get caught up in the wave of the crowds anyway. As previously stated, I've attended a few sold-out parties and have never found it unbearably crowded. I'm sure plenty would disagree with me, but "crowded" is a relative term. The places crowds can be dense are the castle forecourt for the Celebrate the Season show (see a later show if you can); on Main Street for Wishes (arrive about a half hour early); Main Street for the first parade (see the second one if possible, or watch in Frontierland); and character greeting lines (if this is a priority, choose the most important character to you and be on line prior to 7pm). A little planning, flexibility, and holiday cheer will go a long way towards enjoying the party.

Now if only I could get a table at California Grill for Dec 13. We're going to Citricos right now but I keep crossing my fingers that somebody will cancel their California Grill ADR.

Sending some ADR pixie dust your way!

ETA: It gets VERY crowded during the Castle Lighting Ceremony. I attribute this to the fact that it takes place around 6pm, so not only are party-guests gathering to watch, but day-guests as well. We always stand on Main Street between Casey's and The Plaza, or the curb right next to The Plaza. When it's over, we make a beeline past Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace and head into Tomorrowland. Beats the crowds every time!

 

[lucas]

I'll be headed down to MVMCP on 12/13 as part of D23's Magic & Merriment event (I was one of the few lucky enough to get tickets). I haven't been to the party since I was 10 years old (which was 16 years ago). I'm pretty excited about finally being able to go again. We'll be in the MK all day, then ducking out for dinner a Citricos at 6, and then back for the rest of the party

I think I missed something. Can someone explain what the D23 Magic & Merriment event is?

 

[mward73]

I've read through the posts, but might have missed it.

Is there a master list of sorts with the characters that will be out for pictures? Mainly I'm looking for the characters that only appear during special events, but I'm trying to make a list of what we'll potentially see

Thanks!

 

[scribega]

We have been trying to decide if we should go to the party. The extra money is a big factor, but we also want to have the full experience.

From what I read, the castle lights are on every night and snow falls on main street every night. Those are the biggest things for us. We have a 3DS and 6DD so I don't think they would know the differences in parades or fireworks.

So my big question is: what do you get at the party that you don't get during a regular visit?? (fyi: we are currently scheduled to go to MK during a EMH evening)

Thanks

 

[If U Had Wings]

I'm making my first trip down to MVMCP this year, and it's the first time I'm traveling to Disney in December as well. Usually I'm there in the late spring or early fall.

Can any of the veterans tell me what the weather tends to be like in the evening in December? I'm from New England, so I'm sure I'll be fine no matter what (we tend t, but I just want to be sure that I'll be comfortable once the sun goes down. Are long sleeves or a light sweater necessary?

 

[beattyfamily]

We have been trying to decide if we should go to the party. The extra money is a big factor, but we also want to have the full experience.

From what I read, the castle lights are on every night and snow falls on main street every night. Those are the biggest things for us. We have a 3DS and 6DD so I don't think they would know the differences in parades or fireworks.

So my big question is: what do you get at the party that you don't get during a regular visit?? (fyi: we are currently scheduled to go to MK during a EMH evening)

Thanks

It only snows at the parties UNTIL Christmas week. Then it snows every night.

You get the parade and fireworks, special shows and characters out.

You get the free cocoa and cookies.

 

[phyllis1966]

I'm making my first trip down to MVMCP this year, and it's the first time I'm traveling to Disney in December as well. Usually I'm there in the late spring or early fall.

Can any of the veterans tell me what the weather tends to be like in the evening in December? I'm from New England, so I'm sure I'll be fine no matter what (we tend t, but I just want to be sure that I'll be comfortable once the sun goes down. Are long sleeves or a light sweater necessary?

The evenings in December were cool to chilly when we visited WDW in December 2006. In the evening, we changed into jeans and hoodies from our short sleeves and shorts. We're from central NJ, so we're used to cold weather, too - it was nice not to be sweating at night!

 

[If U Had Wings]

The evenings in December were cool to chilly when we visited WDW in December 2006. In the evening, we changed into jeans and hoodies from our short sleeves and shorts. We're from central NJ, so we're used to cold weather, too - it was nice not to be sweating at night!

Thanks! It's going to be wonderful not sweltering even at night in Disney!

 

[beattyfamily]

I've been to 4 MVMCP parties and 2 we had to wear our winter coats, gloves and brought a blanket for the wait for the parade on the curb. The other two, it was warm and no coats needed.

December weather is very unpredicible and can vary greatly.

We are from MA.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Any news yet about when and where the MK Christmas tree is going this year? I remember last year it didn't go up at all until a couple of days after parade taping weekend.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I've been to 4 MVMCP parties and 2 we had to wear our winter coats, gloves and brought a blanket for the wait for the parade on the curb. The other two, it was warm and no coats needed.

December weather is very unpredicible and can vary greatly.

We are from MA.

Okay, that had to be chilly if people from MA needed a coat. I'll have whatever coat I wear down with me, and I plan on bringing some fingerless gloves so I'll be all set to go no matter what.

 

[StrikerObi]

I've been to 4 MVMCP parties and 2 we had to wear our winter coats, gloves and brought a blanket for the wait for the parade on the curb. The other two, it was warm and no coats needed.

December weather is very unpredicible and can vary greatly.

We are from MA.

It's early November right now and in the 70s here in Tallahassee, which is only 4 hours north of Orlando. A week and a half ago it was dipping into the 40s overnight. It seems to have been switching back and forth every week from nearly-summer to nearly-winter temperatures. By mid December I would expect overnight lows in the 40s at the lowest and daily highs in the 70s. Early mornings (dawn) and late nights will probably be mid 50s. The answer to the wardrobe question is as it always will be: Layers.

 

[lurkyloo]

I think I missed something. Can someone explain what the D23 Magic & Merriment event is?

Here is a description of the Magic & Merriment event:


http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/100709_D23Event_MagicMerriment.html

 

[mandy2012]

I'll share my plan for this year.

We will arrive at MK at 4pm. We like to take some Main Street pictures, soak up the holiday decorations and hit some rides. Then we'll be at the Hub for the castle-lighting ceremony featuring the Fairy Godmother. Based on last year, I'm estimating this will take place around 6pm. Since there will be no Twas show this year , we'll just leisurely make our way over to Mickey's house to stand in line and meet him at 7. Minnie will be next. Until 9pm, we'll enjoy rides and cocoa. At 9, we'll secure our traditional spot on Main Street to watch Wishes at 9:30, and we'll stay there for the 10:15 parade. We like to eat some popcorn and cocoa while listening to the Celebrate the Season show in front of the Castle (and watching the MASSES of people head for the exit after Wishes!). After the parade, we might do more rides until about 10 to midnight. Then we head for Main Street, browse the shops and take some pictures. We usually end up leaving the MK at 1am.

As you can see, we don't plan every single minute of the night. We just keep a basic list of must-sees, and fill in the down-time with whatever we're in the mood to do! We're also 3 adults, so obviously this plan may not work if you have small children. Have fun!

I like your plan

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

I like your plan

Thanks! Hope it works out nicely for you too!

 

[mandy2012]

Thanks! Hope it works out nicely for you too!

i hope so too This will be my fisrt time so I want it to be special Just me and my boyfriend

 

[mandy2012]

I hope the new Stitch show doesn't suck...but it most likelly will