Question about a day at the park!

[Ashley Simpson]

We are going on a Disney cruise in December. I wanted to stay that Friday and Saturday night we got back at a Disney resort and go to the Christmas party and do MK all day Saturday. We've never been to Disney (my husband has) so I'm all ready to go but the coat of the cruise then adding on park is alot. My question is would it be "worth " it to just stay onsite Friday night and do the Christmas party only? That still allows us to ride some rides and i get to say I've been! We plan to go do a week at Disney in 2017 but thats so far away! My girls will be 2/4 and my husband says it will be a nightmare taking them that young

 

[Canuck16]

We have never been to one of the party's but I think you may still need a park ticket to attend the MVMCP.

 

[pooch]

No, you only need a party ticket

 

[MischaOz]

For what it's worth, we took our daughter to a Christmas party last year when she was 2yrs 8mos and we had a BLAST! But you need to be prepared to not cover too much ground... We didn't get there until almost 7 because she napped late that day. We went on the carousel and small world, watched the parade and fireworks, then went on Dumbo, Barnstormer and met Minnie. I think we left around 10:30. Depending on what time you're arriving, etc, you may cover more ground by going to MK during the day. A lot will depend on your kids' nap schedule though b

 

[Ashley Simpson]

We were trying to only buy the party tickets and that gets us in at 4. I figured that would give us time to relax and nap then go but I'm just worried it will bd too much in a few hours. I know best thing is just wait until we can go for a week but I really want to go!!

 

[MischaOz]

I think you can definitely have a fun time as long as you go in with realistic expectations and know that you won't get to see every attraction in the park. Another thing to think about is whether you want to view the parade and/or fireworks. Since those are major draws for most people at the party, if you skip them you can get a TON of rides done with little to no wait. With kids your age I would suggest maybe doing the parade but not fireworks. That parade is hands down the best parade I have ever seen in my life. I really really loved it, and DD loved it too! The fireworks are really awesome too, but at 2 and 4 your kids may not be crazy about fireworks, and if you avoid the hub at that time you'll be away from the crowds and able to get a lot more rides in. I'd recommend sticking around Fantasyland with your kids' ages. That would probably be the lowest wait time you'll find for PP and 7DMT (if that's a priority for you) and the other rides will be walk on or very little wait during the fireworks.

 

[Farps]

If you really want to go, then go. You will have a blast!!! The only warning that I have is that after going to MK for just one night it might make 2017 seem even farther away. Have a fantastic trip

 

[biondagirl]

It's always worth it. Trying to convince my husband to go for one night, too. We were there in August but it's never enough.

 

[RabFlmom]

Definitely get the party ticket and go in at 4! Get some rides in before the party begins. Watch the lighting of the castle show and do all the Christmas Party shows etc. Even if the kids fall asleep before the fireworks show, be sure to stay for them. They are fantastic at Christmas!

 

[PanamaMike]

Not a Christmas party night, but when my friend and I visited two years ago, we arrived at our hotel around 5:30 pm after a two day drive. I figured he'd want to get checked in, have some dinner and probably relax by the pool and be well rested for the next day.

He had never been to WDW before and when I mentioned that the MK was open until 11 that night and we could get in 5 hours of park time he was all for it and we had a great time, so I'd say it's very worth it.

Won't comment on the kids part. I think just about anything with a 2 and 4 year old would be a nightmare.

 

[cruisingmom1977]

We took our kids ages 4 and 2 (at the time) to the Halloween Party last Sept. They LOVED it. My son (2) fell asleep for part of it but there were no lines. We walked onto Peter Pan, pooh, Haunted Mansion, Buzz, pirates, splash and BTMRR. We also did a ton of trick or treating. We saw the fireworks and the late parade. We were tired after but did more during the party (and didn't arrive until 7 because my husband was at ESPN watching the Giants game) than we were able to do during any other day. We skipped the character meets because they take up valuable ride time (and you will meet TONS of characters on your cruise) I would say if you can only swing one, you will get more "bang for your buck" during the party (especially if the kiddos get in a good nap earlier)

 

[CaryHaven]

We are going on a Disney cruise in December. I wanted to stay that Friday and Saturday night we got back at a Disney resort and go to the Christmas party and do MK all day Saturday. We've never been to Disney (my husband has) so I'm all ready to go but the coat of the cruise then adding on park is alot. My question is would it be "worth " it to just stay onsite Friday night and do the Christmas party only? That still allows us to ride some rides and i get to say I've been! We plan to go do a week at Disney in 2017 but thats so far away! My girls will be 2/4 and my husband says it will be a nightmare taking them that young

I would personally try my hardest to do the party and an extra day at Magic Kingdom. Although the party is awesome, I feel like your first experience should be a full day. I feel like it might be too much to take in in a half day. Although I wouldn't worry about the ages of the kids. Those are fantastic ages to take to a party or a regular day. They're gonna love it no matter what you decide.