Premium viewing vs a 2nd party

[mummabear]

If you were looking to be able to see as much of a party (either MVMCP or MNSSHP), so ignoring rides and focusing your time on party specific stuff would you optimise your money/time by adding on the premium viewing packages (like Villians souriere) or buy tickets to a 2nd party?
I want the chance to see Fireworks/parade without a huge investment in time, and see loads of characters.
We will have 2 adults plus 2 child (& a baby).

 

[eyehartdisney]

If you want to see loads of characters and see the parades and such, I would recommend doing the least busy party, but either way, to get a good viewing, you're going to invest time to hold a spot, or money for a premium party. The only time I ever did 'all' the party stuff, is when it rained and the stage party and fireworks were canceled.

 

[purple figment]

If you were looking to be able to see as much of a party (either MVMCP or MNSSHP), so ignoring rides and focusing your time on party specific stuff would you optimise your money/time by adding on the premium viewing packages (like Villians souriere) or buy tickets to a 2nd party?
I want the chance to see Fireworks/parade without a huge investment in time, and see loads of characters.
We will have 2 adults plus 2 child (& a baby).

That's difficult to say because at the Villains Soiree you only see Villains. We saw the Queen of Hearts, Hook, Maleficent, Evil Queen, Dr Facilier, Cruella, Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters so for any other characters you'll still have to spend time in lines.

If you do the first soiree it also reduces the time you'll have for other party activities. If you attend the second soiree you can maximize party time, but it starts very late.

On the other hand, with the Soiree, you'll spend minimal time waiting for the parade and HalloWishes fireworks. The viewing area, especially for the parade, is excellent. Some felt the viewing area for the fireworks was too close to the castle, but we liked it and there was plenty of room to sit down.

Going to 2 parties you could focus on the parade and fireworks at one and meeting characters at the other, although there won't be many villains available because they were exclusive to the soiree last year. You can fit the Castle show, dance parties and trick or treating in between.

As far as choosing between a second party or the soiree that's difficult. If meeting villains is very important, the soiree will be the better choice. Tickets to 2 parties will be expensive, although less than the soiree. You'll spend more time waiting for the parade and fireworks and there will be fewer villains to meet, but overall you'll have more time to fit everything in. I think one party and the 11:45 soiree is ideal, but with little kids and a baby that would probably be tough.

MVMCP did not have an added premium event, just the Halloween parties.

 

[mummabear]

That's difficult to say because at the Villains Soiree you only see Villains. We saw the Queen of Hearts, Hook, Maleficent, Evil Queen, Dr Facilier, Cruella, Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters so for any other characters you'll still have to spend time in lines.

If you do the first soiree it also reduces the time you'll have for other party activities. If you attend the second soiree you can maximize party time, but with 2 kids and a baby an event that starts at 11:45 PM might be difficult.

On the other hand, with the Soiree, you'll spend minimal time waiting for the parade and HalloWishes fireworks. The viewing area, especially for the parade, is excellent. Some felt the viewing area for the fireworks was too close to the castle, but we liked it and there was plenty of room to sit down.

Going to 2 parties you could focus on the parade and fireworks at one and meeting characters at the other, although there won't be many villains available because they were exclusive to the soiree last year. You can fit the Castle show, dance parties and trick or treating in between.

As far as choosing between a second party or the soiree that's difficult. I think it depends on which is more important to you - meeting lots of villains and having a good spot for the parade and fireworks viewing without having a long wait, but it will be expensive. Tickets to 2 parties will be expensive, although less that the soiree, but you'll spend more time waiting for the parade and fireworks and there will be fewer villains to meet.

MVMCP did not have an added premium event, just the Halloween parties.

This leans me towards the soiree. I am dying to meet Dr Facilier.
Doing the 2nd one won't be a problem, midnight there is still only 6pm our time and it will be on our first day so they wont have adjusted any.
How long did you spend at the soiree?
What time does the party finish?

 

[purple figment]

This leans me towards the soiree. I am dying to meet Dr Facilier.
Doing the 2nd one won't be a problem, midnight there is still only 6pm our time and it will be on our first day so they wont have adjusted any.
How long did you spend at the soiree?
What time does the party finish?

The soiree lasted about an hour from the time we sat down at our table to the time it ended. We left the castle around 12:45. We were among the last to leave so Main Street was deserted as we walked to the entrance. The music continued to play and the lights remained on so very festive, but peaceful.

I had forgotten, but one of my family members said Jafar was also in the dining room briefly at the start of the soiree.