MVMCP - worth it?

[ShannonMB]

I agree with those who said to at least give it a try. We went a couple years ago and enjoyed it, but it definitely is a once-every-few-years-or-so thing. That said, we are going to MNSSHP this year for the first time. I have to say I'm *very* excited to see the headless horseman ride by in the parade!!

To us, the big holiday parties are Disney Bucket List items and we love crossing them off the list one by one!

 

[disneyerin]

I would definitely do it. Make reservations around 5pm for dinner (we always have it at LTT) and then enjoy the party! We always see the parade in Frontierland and have never waited more than 30 min.

The crowds are totally unpredictable. We went during the last week of the parties this past Decemberso we thought the crowds would be crazy. But there were large areas throughout the MK, at random times during the party, that literally emptied out for a while. We were shocked by the low crowds!

This was taken at 10pm during MVMCP

 

[puffkin]

I am still debating going. We haven't gone since 2004 when the parties were much less crowded and had a lot more perks. I think the price is outrageous. Even back then, I wouldn't have found it worth it if we couldn't stay for the second parade. If you are doing the first parade, it is virtually pointless to go IMHO.

We LOVE MNSSHP still and have gone to that several times over the last few years. I feel that there is so much "free" holiday stuff at WDW that MVMCP is a very expensive extra. We may go this year only because my youngest is still free, but I probably won't decide until we get there.

 

[vleeth]

Those of you that had to wait hours for a parade spot, found it overcrowded or had to wait for rides....what night was your party & which week?

I hear that makes a big difference.

 

[JennyDrake]

I agree that everyone should go at least once. With that said, I have been to 4 MVMCPs since 2004. One was PACKED (early December) and miserably crowded. One had almost no crowds and the other two were so-so.
You CANNOT go there expecting low crowds and no lines. The time I went that was so horrible I waited 45 min in Tomorrowland just for a beverage. Main Street was all but impassable it was so crowded.
In 2010 Cosmic Rays was so crowded there was NO seating to be had. Main Street was again packed, but ride waits were 20-30 min.
I now aim for every 2-3 years. The hot cocoa is straight out of "just add hot water" mix and to me is NOTHING special at all and the cookies are pre-made, boxed variety. Not bad, but not "Boardwalk quality." For what Disney (now) charges for this event and for what perks they have taken away, I had hoped for better quality in what remained.....

 

[Dizduke]

Thought the party last year (2013) was worth it in some aspects and not in others. We had no issue with the parade, just parked it 45 min prior in frontier land, got some popcorn, and enjoyed. The parade was tons of fun and for having never experienced it prior, I thought it was fantastic. The wait times for rides were not too long, but being used to no waits with the fastpass+ system during the week, it kinda made it feel less special waiting 15-20min. The hot cocoa and cookies were horrible IMO. The cookies were cold and hard, and the cocoa tasted like some watered down swiss miss. Thought Disney could have done a little better in this department since Sleep Hollow has awesome chocolate chip cookies, it can be done. Watched Holiday wishes, but it was PACKED. Was a little ticked at the disrespect people show during these sorts of things (parades/fireworks).

 

[ppony]

Worth is subjective of course. But a quick answer to me is if it's sold out, NO, it's not worth it. Too crowded and not magical to us. If it's not sold out, most likely yes. When you don't have wall to wall, sardine packed crowds, it's quite magical. I won't buy tickets more than a day in advance to minimize my risk of a sold out party again.

 

[tinkerbella16]

Went for the first time last year and it was the highlight of our trip! We did the first party on Nov 8th. It was SO worth it! So much fun and the parade and fireworks were amazing!

 

[NileNellie]

Definitely not worth it in my opinion. It was crowded and the free treats were seriously underwhelming. I'd save your money.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

We have been twice - the first time it was an early November trip. The party was jammed and it was really hard to enjoy ourselves. Heck, it took more than 15 minutes just to get cookies/hot cocoa. Add the fact that we were not yet in the Christmas spirit (almost 2 months before Christmas), and it was a waste.

About 5 years later we went to WDW the first week in December and decided to give MVMCP another try. It was awesome. We went on a Tuesday, I think, and it was not crowded at all. We were able to experience everything that the party had to offer. The down side - the party doesn't offer nearly as much as it used to.

I agree with those who suggest trying it at least once, but I would try for a mid-week party to help with crowds.

 

[Mjmdiva]

Could anyone tell me what rides are typically open for the party? TIA