MVMCP worth it with an "early" bedtime?

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

We just recently decided to do a quick long weekend at the World in mid December. Crowd levels of 1s and 2s. We will have my 3yo with us. He was pretty good in August making it to Wishes without being a zombie the next day, but I'm pretty sure after a full day at MK he would never make it past 10pm and would be shot the next day if we chanced it. Since this is a quick 3 day sprint, we won't have the luxury of having a sleep in/low key morning and will be therefor RD. Our priority for the party would be meeting the 7 Dwarves and any other party exclusive M&Gs, If they have Woody's Dance party again, Celebrate the Season, Parade, Tomorrowland Christmas Show, Wishes. I'm curious if those who have attended either of the parties would consider it to be a waste of money if you had to bail at 10pm instead of midnight?

 

[saskdw]

We just recently decided to do a quick long weekend at the World in mid December. Crowd levels of 1s and 2s. We will have my 3yo with us. He was pretty good in August making it to Wishes without being a zombie the next day, but I'm pretty sure after a full day at MK he would never make it past 10pm and would be shot the next day if we chanced it. Since this is a quick 3 day sprint, we won't have the luxury of having a sleep in/low key morning and will be therefor RD. Our priority for the party would be meeting the 7 Dwarves and any other party exclusive M&Gs, If they have Woody's Dance party again, Celebrate the Season, Parade, Tomorrowland Christmas Show, Wishes. I'm curious if those who have attended either of the parties would consider it to be a waste of money if you had to bail at 10pm instead of midnight?

Lot's of people with young kids leave after the fireworks. The couple of MVMCP's we've been to I would guess at least 40% of the crowd is leaving by 10pm. We don't have any toddlers and actually love it when all you folks leave early and give us the run of the place!

 

[pmanko]

We did it w/ our 3 y/o - but, it's wasn't a regular park day for us - it was our only park visit - and we went right at 4PM when they will allow you to enter.
We stayed until 9ish - maybe 10?
I am glad we did it if we in Orlando and NOT doing a full Disney trip.
We did the MSSHP the last time we went - son was 5 - we were at Disney all week (6 days) and to be honest that didn't feel worth the extra money - we spent over $1000 on tickets (we had hoppers) and we still left ~10PM - my son just doesn't stay up late.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I've done both parties, the Halloween party with a toddler. In my opinion MVMCP is not worth the extra money if you leave early. The parade, fireworks, and treats are ok. The value comes from the low wait times.

On the other hand, I think that the Halloween parade, fireworks, and trick or treating are worth the ticket price, even if that is all you do.

 

[JennyDrake]

Just my 2 cents--mid December is *not* 1 & 2 crowd levels! I'm there every year and I would say much closer to 6/7.

Agree with PPer that if leaving early party is not worth it at the (current) high prices.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Lot's of people with young kids leave after the fireworks. The couple of MVMCP's we've been to I would guess at least 40% of the crowd is leaving by 10pm. We don't have any toddlers and actually love it when all you folks leave early and give us the run of the place!

Haha, I felt the same way with EMHs last trip and my parents with us to bring lil' guy back to the room.

Just my 2 cents--mid December is *not* 1 & 2 crowd levels! I'm there every year and I would say much closer to 6/7.

Agree with PPer that if leaving early party is not worth it at the (current) high prices.

TP has our days at 2s-3s, Josh has them at 4s. I can't wrap my head around a 2 day, so I'm inclined to believe you and Josh more.

My pro to bringing him is he's Toy Story obsessed so a dance party with Woody and another one with Buzz would blow his mind. Also those Dwarfs.

My con is people say the hot cocoa and cookies aren't worth it, and I can see the nighttime shows the next day when it is a non-party day.

Very conflicted.

 

[Fratthouse]

We were in the exact same situation last December. We had originally opted NOT to do the Christmas party with our 2 yr old because we didn't think it was worth the money if we wouldn't make it past 10. Then, in a very strange turn of events, we were given free tickets to the event. Who says no to free?

However, I left pretty underwhelmed. We were there the first week of December - crowd levels of 3-4 - but the party was SOLD OUT every night of the week. It was crazy crowded. Lines for the rides were low, but the wait for every character was INSANE. People were lining up for the parade by the time we got into the park at 4 pm. We (sort of) watched the parade in frontierland, but then couldn't even walk to the area in front of the castle to view wishes because the crowds were so thick. Overall, it wasn't a great experience - even with the free cookies and hot chocolate.

I'm sure it cleared out after Wishes, but we couldn't stay to enjoy that because our 2 yr old was asleep. I thought we had done our research - I'd read all of easywdw recommendations for the party - but we just were completely overwhelmed by the crowds. I left saying I'd never come to another Christmas party - and for this year at least, I'm sticking to it. We are going to the world in Nov and will not be attending the party.

Sorry to be a downer - I know lots of people (here on the dis especially) love the party. But wanted to chime in with our experience since it was so similar to yours.

 

[Fratthouse]

Also, I would go with Josh's recommendations of '4'. At least that's how it was when we went last December. I was used to 1s & 2s because we always go in September, and the "4" really threw me off my game. It's very different than a 1. My advice would be go in with a plan prepared for relatively larger crowds, then if it's less, you can easily adjust

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Also, I would go with Josh's recommendations of '4'. At least that's how it was when we went last December. I was used to 1s & 2s because we always go in September, and the "4" really threw me off my game. It's very different than a 1. My advice would be go in with a plan prepared for relatively larger crowds, then if it's less, you can easily adjust

Thanks, we are looking at a Tues, Wed, Thurs in the park yet I can't see it being so low with such a limited window each year to see the place all decked out for the holidays.

We were in the exact same situation last December. We had originally opted NOT to do the Christmas party with our 2 yr old because we didn't think it was worth the money if we wouldn't make it past 10. Then, in a very strange turn of events, we were given free tickets to the event. Who says no to free?

However, I left pretty underwhelmed. We were there the first week of December - crowd levels of 3-4 - but the party was SOLD OUT every night of the week. It was crazy crowded. Lines for the rides were low, but the wait for every character was INSANE. People were lining up for the parade by the time we got into the park at 4 pm. We (sort of) watched the parade in frontierland, but then couldn't even walk to the area in front of the castle to view wishes because the crowds were so thick. Overall, it wasn't a great experience - even with the free cookies and hot chocolate.

I'm sure it cleared out after Wishes, but we couldn't stay to enjoy that because our 2 yr old was asleep. I thought we had done our research - I'd read all of easywdw recommendations for the party - but we just were completely overwhelmed by the crowds. I left saying I'd never come to another Christmas party - and for this year at least, I'm sticking to it. We are going to the world in Nov and will not be attending the party.

Sorry to be a downer - I know lots of people (here on the dis especially) love the party. But wanted to chime in with our experience since it was so similar to yours.

Not a downer, very helpful! I was hoping to hear some experiences others have had with toddlers, prior to making any decisions. Thus far I have yet to read a positive one.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Thanks, we are looking at a Tues, Wed, Thurs in the park yet I can't see it being so low with such a limited window each year to see the place all decked out for the holidays. Not a downer, very helpful! I was hoping to hear some experiences others have had with toddlers, prior to making any decisions. Thus far I have yet to read a positive one.

It's also a LOOONG trek back to the hotel with a tired toddler. You have to deal with Disney transportation unless you are staying at the Contemporary and can walk. The monorails aren't working for crap to get you to the TTC so you have to hope you catch a ferry quickly, or you have to deal with a crowded bus.

 

[disneypolybride2008]

did you know there are character dance parties in the disney junior live place at DHS on extra magic hour days that start when the evening extra magic hours start? that makes the times better for a 3 yr old to dance w/ the characters than the party and you wont have to wait in line. the line for the dwarves when we went was crazy long all night. we had lined up the second we could and were a few from the front of the line. there would be no way we could stand in a huge long line with our 3 yr old. that would be a waste of time and money but so many stand in it! we lucked out and caught donald and daisy duck coming out and got right in first place for the line up. the line quickly wrapped all around the block. all the photo ops are like that. we stood in line for buzz and it wasnt that long of a line, but then we went on a break and we had to wait. it's not fun when you feel pressured by the fact that the party is only til midnight, so standing in a line all night long and knowing you have to see fireworks at 9 and leave by 10, is not worth hundreds of dollars for the family, atleast that is what i feel. they can meet toy story characters at DHS and go to their dance party at DHS.

 

[Itinkso]

If you are getting to the park at rope drop, it wouldn't be worth it to stay and go to the Party unless you take a long break for your son to rest up and stay beyond 10:00.

You'd have to get in line for the Dwarfs by 6:00 (5:30 would be better) and would miss Elsa's Castle lighting at 6:15. From the Dwarfs, you'd have to make your way to Scrooge's M&G and then find a spot for MOUCParade before 8:15. The Castle projection show will lead into Holiday Wishes and by the time that is over, it will be time for you to leave, with or without cookies and cocoa.

You'll miss Elsa's Castle lighting at 7:30, Celebrate the Season, Totally Tomorrowland Christmas stage show, and the Dance party.

On a non-party night,you can watch Elsa's Castle lighting @ 6:15 and 7:30 but you won't be able to watch the Christmas stage shows. It's really not worth it to pay for the Party when you'll miss most of the events.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

If you are getting to the park at rope drop, it wouldn't be worth it to stay and go to the Party unless you take a long break for your son to rest up and stay beyond 10:00.

You'd have to get in line for the Dwarfs by 6:00 (5:30 would be better) and would miss Elsa's Castle lighting at 6:15. From the Dwarfs, you'd have to make your way to Scrooge's M&G and then find a spot for MOUCParade before 8:15. The Castle projection show will lead into Holiday Wishes and by the time that is over, it will be time for you to leave, with or without cookies and cocoa.

You'll miss Elsa's Castle lighting at 7:30, Celebrate the Season, Totally Tomorrowland Christmas stage show, and the Dance party.

On a non-party night,you can watch Elsa's Castle lighting @ 6:15 and 7:30 but you won't be able to watch the Christmas stage shows. It's really not worth it to pay for the Party when you'll miss most of the events.

Thanks tink! You are my go to for all things MVMCP. What about if we eliminated both M&Gs? And the midday break is possible.

 

[jms]

I am taking my 3 year old to the first party. We are doing the 9am rope drop and leaving after the 3pm parade for a break. We will come back at 6 and I am planning to make it until 12. If we had to leave at 10 we wouldn't be doing it. I am crossing my fingers that she is still awake for the 11 parade. I want to hit meet and greets during the first parade.

 

[Itinkso]

Thanks tink! You are my go to for all things MVMCP. What about if we eliminated both M&Gs? And the midday break is possible.

If you add your MVMCP tickets to a new MDE, you can garner 3 FPs from that MDE account to go with your first 3 from your regular ticket.

If you take a break after using your 6 FPs, you can enter the Party between 4:00 and 6:00 for the first Elsa Castle lighting at 6:15.

- From there, head to the Dance Party area as it will take a few minutes to see more than a few characters.

- I'm not sure exactly when the first Celebrate the Season will run because of the 2nd Elsa Castle lighting. CtS will probably be immediately after the 7:30 Castle lighting and before the 8:15 parade. So, if you are in place for CtS, you can remain there to watch the Christmas Parade.

- After the parade, move back towards Main Street for the Castle projection show and Holiday Wishes.

- Head to Tomorrowland for Totally Tomorrowland and pick up cookies/cocoa at Cosmic Ray's.

- The 2nd parade runs at 10:30 so some characters won't be out at that time.

- If you choose to stay longer at the Dance Party @ 7:00, you can catch CtS after the 10:30 parade as there are multiple shows each night. Same for Totally Tomorrowland.

 

[jms]

The daily schedule is actually showing the 2nd lighting at 8 and Celebrate the Season at 730 but that information seems to conflict with the times they shared before.

 

[Kimosabe]

Our solution to the young-kids-at-a-party scenario was twofold: (1) have a stroller that can be comfortable for the kid(s); and (2) do not spend all day in a park before the party.

Our youngest had just turned four when we did our first MNSSHP, and we knew she would zonk out long before midnight. We actually rented one of the WDW strollers, which are fairly roomy, so when she did want to doze off, she could do so, and the rest of us could still walk around (self, wife and our six and a half year old, who could have stayed out until 2:00 a.m., as excited as she was about everything going on). Not sure that we stayed all the way until midnight, but we were at least not so pressured to leave really early.

As for park strategies, we didn't see any possible way to be in a park all day and THEN hit the party all night. There is the potential to be in the MK for at least eight hours on a party day, going in at 4:00. Frankly, that's a pretty full day unto itself, and a little cheaper than a full-day ticket (if you're just there for three days anyway...admittedly, the price for more days goes down significantly after that third day). When we did MVMCP, we spent most of the day exploring the resorts to see the Christmas decorations, enjoyed a nice breakfast, and had time for the kids to rest before a very late lunch and heading to the MK gate a little before 4:00 to make the most of our party ticket.

 

[Itinkso]

The daily schedule is actually showing the 2nd lighting at 8 and Celebrate the Season at 730 but that information seems to conflict with the times they shared before.

Thanks! You are correct: the 2nd Lighting is at 8:00 on MVMCP nights and at 7:30 on non-party nights. wdwmagic.com reported the revised info today.

 

[jms]

Thanks! You are correct: the 2nd Lighting is at 8:00 on MVMCP nights and at 7:30 on non-party nights. wdwmagic.com reported the revised info today.

Thanks! I wasn't sure if the website had it as a typo. Will the 8pm lighting be crazy crowded with the parade right after?

 

[Itinkso]

Thanks! I wasn't sure if the website had it as a typo. Will the 8pm lighting be crazy crowded with the parade right after?

This is what I'm predicting: non-party guests will hide among the Party guests for CtS > Castle Lighting > Parade. The CMs last year weren't very successful in moving along the non-party guests from the Hub area. We found it much easier to watch a later CtS.

With the addition of the Frozen cast, it will be beyond crazy because it will be the first sighting of Olaf for most of the Party guests - Olaf will be in CtS and the Castle Lighting.