PS for MVMCP

[Cailin'sMom]

Hi all you DISNEY Experts...I need your help.

IYHO, would you do priority seating in the park for MVMCP or would you eat at a resort and then plan to arrive at say 5:00.

We will be doing MK that day (we have UPH) and will be leaving in mid to early afternoon to ensure that DD 2.5 gets a much needed afternoon nap before the festivities.

I just wanted to hear from people who have done it both ways. We don't want to miss any of the fun, but the sit down restaurants are somewhat limited in MK.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[HollyJoy]

I voted for eating in MK! That's what we're doing. We won't, however, be in MK during the day.. we're planning on hitting Animal Kingdom that day, then heading over to MK for dinner to RELAX before MVMCP! I think since you'll be back in the hotel for a midday rest, you'd be better off getting back to the park for a dinner!

 

[mikesluss]

Wellll just my opinion but maybe with a small one the break midday you might feel less rushed if you eat at the resorts also you can use the mickey's getting a nap in before the party trick to get yours to nap also hope it helps we've done both ways and it might be easier to do the resort

 

[zurgswife]

Not sure our plans during the day ..but we have dinner ressies at LTT for 5:40 on Dec 9th ...can't wait...

 

[Cailin'sMom]

bump

 

[bjakmom]

Having read many posts and recommendations, we're going to try doing it both ways (going to MVMCP twice). Our first night will be check-in day, so we will not be in a park that day - going to MK at 4 and have PS at LTT at 5:45 so we can exit as the party begins.

Since you will be in MK that day, I would recommend that you make the most of your afternoon break and either eat a late/large lunch or grab an early dinner at your resort, then head in like you said at about 5. That's what we'll do on our 2nd MVMCP - we'll be at AK that day, have an early lunch, go back to BWV for a nap and one of us will probably run down for take in from ESPN so our little guy can continue to rest. Then after eating in the room, we'll head back to MK at 4 or 5.

I think we're all really going to need that afternoon down time if we hope to keep the kids up and moving until the 2nd parade !!

 

[Eeyore2003]

I think it depends upon how long you want to stay for MVMCP. Sounds like your kids are little. Last year it was recommended that we eat in the park to be there when the party started. We ate at the Plaza Resturant and it worked out good because they started doing pictures in Tomorrowland early. But we found out that at the end, you could just walk in and get your picture taken, all rides were walk-ons, it was really nice. So this year, I think we will eat at a MK resort and plan on staying late.

If you don't want to eat at the park, I agree with bjakmom, an early dinner at the resort and arrive at the park around 5. Then you can stop for a snack at the bakery during the party. The free cookies are "OK" but not the greatest and this year I'm going to get a yummy cookie from the bakery with the free hot chocolate. If you're going to leave before the end, I'd at least try to get there around 5 to get your picture done first thing before the lines get too long.

 

[Cailin'sMom]

Thanks. I think that we will probably eat at the resort.

Hopefully, my DD will take a good nap that afternoon. She typically goes to bed by 8:30 or 9 (which will be 9:30 or 10 at Disney). So hopefully with a good nap she will be energized for the party. We definitely plan to be there by 5 so that we can get our picture early. Then we will play it by ear as to how long we can stay with DD. She will be 2 1/2 at the time, and I realize that a lot can change in 6 months so we will just have to see.

We plan on trying to do CRT for breakfast that morning and then doing Fantasyland. But don't want to overdue it so that she can enjoy the party that night.

 

[onecoolmama]

I am getting reservations for the latest lunch at the CP and then gong to the party from there. But I am defiantely NOT going to the parks before that. Kids can chill untill the lunch begins.

 

[disney4us2002]

Well, it looks like you already decided but I still voted for inside the park. If your child isn't afraid of characters, I'd get a PS for Crystal Palace with Pooh & Friends around 5:15 which should put you back in the park just before the party begins. I think that would be a great mood setter (if unafraid otherwise, no chance).

 

[HappyGramma]

We will be doing MVMCP 12/7 and have PS's for LTT at 5. We will not be at MK during the day, plan on some down time at the resort and maybe a bit of a nap in the afternoon. That way hopefully we won't peter out too early that night. First time for MVMCP and want to enjoy the whole thing.

 

[princesscrazydaughte]

We did it both ways in Dec. 2003. The first MVMCP we had a priority seating at Crystal Palace. The other night we just winged it and ate some quick food inside the park. Our kids were 1 1/2 and 3 and also needed naps. The best hours for getting on the rides and for looking around are between 6:30 and 7:30. So if you do a PS do it early. All that said, I don't think that I would do a sit down PS again. It was too rushed to get the kids down for a late nap (so they could stay up late) and then get over for an early PS. The way we did it the second night was much better and the kids had more time earlier at the character meet and greets. I would get your DD down for a nap and when she wakes up head to the park and grab something there that is more informal. Having said that, your DD might really enjoy the characters dressed for Christmas at LTT.

Whatever you choose will work out great. Good luck and have a great time. We loved both parties. The second night we made it until close and the kids fell asleep in the stroller heading for the gate. We all had an absolute blast!!!

Also, don't worry about doing the parks in the morning. We went all morning and then into the early afternoon and headed back for a good hard nap. then they were ready to go again and again. CRT was the absolute highlight of our 8 day stay for our DD3 so whatever you do, don't cancel that!!!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Last December we ate at Kona Cafe before going to MVCMP. It was my first time going and I had missed the deadline for LTT. We had a PS for 5:30 and were done by about 6:45. The restaurant wasn't crowded and we never felt rushed. After the meal we hopped onto the monorail and arrived at MK in no time at all. If you're going to eat at a resort, make sure it's one of the MK resorts... On one of the MVCMP nights, we noticed a huge crowd at AKL waiting for the MK bus. It looked like there were enough people to fill two buses.

 

[Cailin'sMom]

Also, don't worry about doing the parks in the morning. We went all morning and then into the early afternoon and headed back for a good hard nap. then they were ready to go again and again. CRT was the absolute highlight of our 8 day stay for our DD3 so whatever you do, don't cancel that!!!

princesscrazydaughte:

Thanks for this advice. I was worrying about doing the morning and the night. Thanks. You make me feel better. Family was saying that I should skip MK for morning in order to last for night. However, DD does not sleep past 7 at home, so we would be just right for morning touring. Also, I have found that if she gets a good afternoon nap...late, then she can last quite a while.

Even though I knew these things...it makes me feel better to hear it from someone who has done it and survived.

Also, I am wishing for much pixie dust so that my DD can have breakfast with Cinderella (her absolute favorite princess!!!)