MVMCP worth it?

[BW0922]

We are going to DW after Thansgiving with my DS. He will be 26 months at the time. My DH and I are trying to decide if it is worth going to the MVMCP with our son. Any thoughts? Is two years old two young?

Additional information I will be 26 weeks pregnant and we will not be returning to DW for two years after this trip.

 

[nytimez]

It won't ruin your trip if you miss it. But I don't think 26 months is too young to enjoy it -- I'm sure he'll have a blast, even if years from now he won't remember it (but you sure will).

It's a nice party. If you love Christmas, you'll enjoy it. But it's not a must-do. You could do it in four or five years when both children are old enough to enjoy it, and I'm sure it'll be the same (or similar) experience... along with the same debates about it on the Dis.

 

[dqpowell]

A child that young doesn't have the ability to distinguish between MVMCP and any other time at the Magic Kingdom. If you're interested in the party for yourselves (you and your husband), then go for it. But if you're considering it as something special for your child, I think he's too young to understand or appreciate the difference.

I think a better idea would be to pick one evening and go to Hollywood Studios, then spend most of your time at the Osborne Lights. That is so wildly different and fun that even two year-olds can appreciate and enjoy it as something different/out of the ordinary. They sell hot chocolate and snacks right there in the middle of the lights. Best part is, you don't have to pay extra for admission to experience it.

David

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

We went last year for our first time. We wanted to see the parades & fireworks. We found it was very very crowded but the parades were awesome!

This year we weren't going to plan on going. However, the week we will be at Disney Magic closes at 7 each night w/ no parades & fireworks. So we decided to go again mainly for the parades & fireworks. It is worth the ticket price to us just to see those. But I must say I was shocked at how crowded the MVMCP was. With a tot I'd problary just go to Magic on a night it was open late & see that parade & fireworks...he'd be just as happy.

 

[nytimez]

A child that young doesn't have the ability to distinguish between MVMCP and any other time at the Magic Kingdom.

I disagree there. It depends on the kid, but many are astute enough to appreciate that it's a special Christmas-themed parade, snow on Main St., etc. I still don't consider it a "must do," especially at that age. But I think a two-year-old can definitely understand the concept of a Christmas party.

The other consideration is the hours -- it doesn't start until 7. If your 26-month-old is normally asleep by 7:30, you may not get much out of it, unless you want to take a sleeping toddler with you everywhere.

 

[dqpowell]

I disagree there. It depends on the kid, but many are astute enough to appreciate that it's a special Christmas-themed parade, snow on Main St., etc.

No way (IMO). The Magic Kingdom is already decked out in Christmas decorations. I have three kids, all "astute," (if by "astute" you mean intelligent, observant, in the gifted programs at school) and at that age, none of them could distinguish meaningfully between a "regular" December parade and a MVMCP parade. They were delighted or bored by the parades in equal measure. Sure, they might notice that the characters are costumed differently, but that's a passing observation and probably not worth $50+ each!

The exception would be something like Spectromagic or MSEP, which are dazzling for kids of all ages, and are significantly different than a 'regular' parade. But those aren't MVMCP events.

The snow on main street is something a child of that age might comment on and then forget 5 minutes later. Even so, it's available for free over at the Osborne Lights.

I hate to say this too loudly, lest somebody at WDW take it to heart and start charging extra for it. But I think the Osborne Lights are a more 'special' holiday themed treat than the MVMCP. And it's different enough from a 'regular' day walking through that section of the park that it will make a big impression even on 2 year olds.

The other consideration is the hours -- it doesn't start until 7. If your 26-month-old is normally asleep by 7:30, you may not get much out of it, unless you want to take a sleeping toddler with you everywhere.

Agreed.

David

 

[nytimez]

I don't understand the cost equation -- OP won't have to pay $50 (or any amount beyond their own adult party tickets) to bring their 26-month-old in.

Also, I try to avoid absolute statements. What your children noticed or did not is not a reflection on other kids.

 

[dqpowell]

I don't understand the cost equation -- OP won't have to pay $50 (or any amount beyond their own adult party tickets) to bring their 26-month-old in.

The OP is talking about spending $100+ to go, the cost of their own adult party tickets. That's why I said (in my first post on this thread):

If you're interested in the party for yourselves (you and your husband), then go for it. But if you're considering it as something special for your child, I think he's too young to understand or appreciate the difference.

Not saying don't go. Just saying if the only reason for going is to impress a 2 year old, go to Osborne lights instead. It's more impressive, and only costs for the regular admission to the park.

David

 

[dqpowell]

Also, I try to avoid absolute statements. What your children noticed or did not is not a reflection on other kids.

It's an indication, or 'evidence' if you will. It can be accepted or dismissed by the OP. I'm not one of these people that thinks toddlers shouldn't be brought to Disney World. I've done it myself. But I am realistic about what they got out of it and what they didn't.

Instead of thinking of my advice as a ding against MVMCP, think of it as an enthusiastic endorsement of the Osborne Lights instead.

David

 

[mickeysgirl17]

To me, its worth it at least once. The parade is fantastic. The snowfall on Mainstreet is nice and the show in tomorrowland is worth a look.

 

[BW0922]

Thanks for all the advice. I think we may skip it and wait a few more years. Great idea to check out the osbourne lights instead. He is asleep by 730 so good pouint about bedtime.

 

[GoHerd1028]

Thanks for all the advice. I think we may skip it and wait a few more years. Great idea to check out the osbourne lights instead. He is asleep by 730 so good pouint about bedtime.

Is there a charge for Osborne Lights or is that part of the regular admission for HS?

 

[dqpowell]

Is there a charge for Osborne Lights or is that part of the regular admission for HS?

Nope, no extra charge. Stick around for a little while... they run the music with synchronized light show once every 20 or 30 minutes, IIRC. They sell hot chocolate and there is fake snow falling. Even when the musical presentation isn't going on, the lights are all lit and it's just beautiful. It's so out of the ordinary and immersive that it will definitely make a big impression on most toddlers.

David

 

[dqpowell]

Sorry if it seems like I'm stating the obvious... but go at night. I remember overhearing a woman complaining to somebody at Biergarten when we were there in 2007 that she wasn't impressed by the Osborne lights, because they "made a mess of the Streets of America and you can't even see them during the day -- you have to go at night."

Uh, yeah -- that's the point!

Anytime after sunset is fine, so you should be able to get your toddler there before bedtime.

David

 

[RMulieri]

It is worth seeing once..But imho your trip won't be terrible without it.Unless you know your child will be able to stay up that late and not be fussy or cranky, I would wait

 

[goodfaerie]

I don't know about a two year old. I don't think a kiddo that young will care either way. We took my mom and had the best time! I would say it was definitely worth it for us! This year we're doing the Halloween party, and I'm hoping it's even half as good!

Have a wonderful trip--and congratulations!