MVMCP, worth the extra expense?

[MomofCKJ]

Those that have done the party, is it really worth the extra cost? It was pulling teeth to finally get my DH to give me the green light on this trip, he is not a fan of the Mouse. After the thousands we are spending to then spend even more to go to this, well let's just say its not flying with him to pay extra to go in a park that we have already paid for a 7 day Park Hopper for. I know it is a different parade than we would see by day or on a regular evening but aside from that what really makes it special? I've read about hot cocoa, snow on Main Street? Those that have gone can you tell me about it and would you go again?

Thanks!

Allyson

 

[isyne4u]

:yes: I will and am going again!! I went the last 2 years and am going again this year!!

The snow on mainstreet to me is magical. Not so much when you are racing to get through the crowds, but when you are taking your time and enjoying the view!!

Go and have fun!!

tara

 

[Peace Mickey Lovers]

I have gone to it 3 times, the first with just me and my husband, we had so mUch fun, we saw every attraction at least once and most of the time without any wait. We saw the Christmas parade and it just puts you right into the mood for CHristmas, the fireworks are beautiful, and there are so many other shows to see. The hot chocolate is great too. The last two times was with my DD they were able to stay up and see the parade, the earlier one but then fell asleep. We decided to hold off doing it again until the girls are older. My recomendation is if you are going just the two of you it is a nice experience, if you have young children I would wait till they are older. Have fun!

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

We went in 2001 and loved it so much. I just loved the feeling of being on Mainstreet USA with the Christmas music playing and the snow falling. It was so beautiful!

The crowds do seem to gather on Mainstreet, but once you get into the rest of the park it is easy to get around.

We loved the shows and my DD got to be chip the tea cup at the Belle's enchanted Christmas show.

We plan to go back this year in December and just do the MVMCP before our cruise.

Have fun!

 

[civileng68]

I think it is worth the expense and is fun.

However, I just think you need to have your expectations set appropriately.

While ride times will be less than on an average day, there will be wait times, and at times over 20 minutes.

However, the atmosphere, park music (which is ALL turned to Christmas music), the falling "snow" (which is not real ice) on Main St, the decorations on Main St., the lighting, and the fireworks show are all amazing!

The Parade is good as well.

It's worth it, as it is something you dont do everyday.

 

[scraphappy92]

It depends on the kids ages. We just went this past December and the kids were 5, 8 and 10. They all loved it. My parents also went along and loved it. The older kids loved being able to ride all the popular rides without standing in line. I think at one point they got on and right back on Splash Mountain 3 times in a row. For my younger son it was all about the magic...parade, character meetings, special shows, hot chocolate and cookies, fireworks, snow on Main Street. THough he did enjoy riding the Barnstormer 4 times in a row without getting off! And twice on the Buzz Ride! I would definitely do it again!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I've don this 6 Decembers in a row, and I absolutely would do it again !
It is truly extra magickal !

 

[Del]

I loved the snow, the magical feeling of Christmas, the parade and the cookies and hot chocolate. My kids were 8 and 5. As much as I liked it, I wouldn't rush back right away...it is a cost.

Del

 

[civileng68]

That reminds me, the hot chocolate was VERY good, but the cookies just didn't do it for me. Ours were dry (all over the park).

Also, a tip is to avoid weekend MVMCP's.

 

[build2code]

We might plan a trip for the week after thanksgiven (nov 25 to dec 2). How is the weather for this time of year in WDW. What should I pack? Thanks

 

[Madi100]

We went last year with our two girls. I LOVE Christmas. We did see one show - that's it. Otherwise, my girls just wanted to ride the rides. We watched the parade and we saw the fireworks. I was amazed at how busy it was. There were TONS of people. I didn't like that. I was expecting less. But, the show that we did was nice. The fireworks were AWESOME. The parade was neat too. With that said, DH doesn't want to do it again. I do. I want to do it without the kids. So, I think we will. I'm sure I won't enjoy the parade as much, because I really loved how they interacted with my daughters. The line for the hot chocolate was really long at the beginning of the night, too.

 

[Mom to 2]

For us it wasn't worth it. We went Dec. 9th,2004 (thurs) and it was packed. The shows were ok, parade was nothing special, kinda gets you in the mood for Christmas though, but we are ride people, and the wait times were so long. The snow falling is no big deal, we hate snow, we live in WI!! During the second parade we were able to ride Splash and Big Thunder without having to get off so that was good. It started to really thin out after the second parade. All in all though for us it wasn't worth the extra bucks.

Lory

 

[beattyfamily]

We LOVE it and it's so worth it to us. The atmosphere of MK at night with the snow, decorations, music and then the parade, special fireworks, and special Christmas shows are worth the price of admission.

We don't really go out of our way for the hot choc or cookies but we always get our free souvenir photo taken.

It's worth it to us.

 

[LUVMICKEY]

We have been twice and are going again this year. This year will be the first time DH and I are going to the party by ourselves. We love the parade and the fireworks and the shows. Not to mention how special the snow is on Main St. When we go in December our whole focus is on all the special events that are going on for Christmas so we don't miss any of them. My DH is a big ride person too but, usually when we go to the Christmas party he dosen't ride the rides because we are trying to do as much as we can of the stuff that's just for the party. He rides the rides during the day. I would not miss the party. Go and enjoy.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

We did the Sunday night party and the only place it ever felt crowded was on Mainstreet?

Our DD was 3 and half at the time and she loved it! She even stayed up till Midnight! I could not believe it!

I remember wheeling her down Mainstreet at Midnight with the snow falling and taping her saying.."GOOD BYE DISNEY WORLD"! She was so very tired and crashed out on the bus back to the CBR..That was the last night of our trip and it was so memorable...

I can't wait to take her again this year at 8 years old!! It will be a whole new experience since she is older...

Have fun!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I guess I am going against the flow here, but I didn't care too much for MVMCP. I guess if you never been, then definitely go, but I am in no hurry to return to another party. I guess I felt the party wasn't too much different than a normal park day. I saw the shows and drank the hot chocolate and ate a cookie, but I guess it wasn't that exciting to me. Maybe also I went in late November/early December and wasn't in a Christmas mood yet? And most of ToonTown was so dead it was sad. Also I love the characters, and I didn't see a single new one (for me) at MVMCP, unless you count Santa! I went to two parties last year, and that was plenty!

I guess I am also very bias towards MNSSHP, which I absolutely LOVE. I think MNSSHP just does a whole better job with atmosphere, with trick or treating and everyone wearing costumes, you know it's not a normal day at Magic Kingdom!

MCVMCP certainly has it's strong points too, and I am glad I went last year, but I have no plans to return.

 

[sarahsmom73]

In a word... ABSOLUTELY!!!! It is so magical!!!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Thanks for all the opinions people, I appreciate it!

While it sounds fun I think we are going to pass. I just saw the prices and it will be in the ballpark of $220 for our family of 5. That is just too much imo for a few hours. Our kids will be 9, 7 and 4 and really are not late night kids. I know they would not make it to midnight nor would I want to feel the wrath of that the next day.

So thanks but I guess we'll visit other parks the nights that the party is happening at MK during our stay!

Allyson

 

[byoung]

Yes it's worth it. Going again this year.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi!

I did read your post that you think you'll pass but wanted to say that I loved MVMCP and thought it was worth the cost. I think I have a different philosophy than many though, I figure if I'm spending thousands on a vacation another couple of hundred isn't gonna break me and I'm going to get as much as I can out of that vacation. If you go back, it may not be at Christmas time so it could be an opportunity that won't come around again for a long time, if ever? In all our trips to WDW I've only been at Christmas once. My DS was 3 1/2 at the time, not a kid used to being up late either but the excitement of the party kept him going awhile. I have a cute picture of DH, DS and I on main street in the falling "snow", a sweet teen girl passing by offered to take it for us.

Christmas is my favorite holiday so I'm biased that way, I liked MVMCP more than MNSSHP but I'd do either again in a heartbeat. If you change your mind, do try a weeknight party though so perhaps not as crowded. If the money really bothers you though, perhaps you'd want to skip it. Can't really enjoy yourself if you're resenting the cost you know?

Here's another thought, leave DH back at the hotel! My DH doesn't mind so much if I do something, even if he doesn't feel like it.

Have fun on your trip!