Question about MVMCP agenda/strategy?

[jenniferma]

Hi-- I just was wondering if anyone out there had any specific advice about what to do first/last what to skip/not to miss at the Very Merry Christmas Party? We are going there with two little ones 1 and 3. We have PS for 4:30 at LTT... I am one of those people who likes to have a plan before I go-- any advice out there? THANKS! Jennifer

 

[Lives4Disney]

I'm curious, too!! The only dinner reservation I could get is for LTT at 8pm. I think we may miss the first parade due to this and possibly Wishes. ??? Should I keep this ps?

I wish they would let us know the schedule so we could make some plans and be prepared!!

Any info appreciated!!

 

[Tink]

I try to do all of the special shows that they have. Our two DD's are 2 & 5. When we were there a few years ago there was a Belle christmas story and a Mickey show.

Then of course there is the Christmas parade that is cute.

I can't wait until we leave!

 

[erinz]

Hi, first of all, you are in for a WONDERFUL time!

I guess my tip would be where to see the parade. I don't know if they have changed the parade route this year, but last year, it started right next to Splash Mountain. We have been to MVMCP in 1999 and 2003, and both times you could walk right over to the parade area (next to Splash Mountain) and get a place right up front 15 min. before the parade. It was great!

The second thing we did that was great may not be workable for you with such young ones. But at midnight, when the park started closing down, crowds were making their way out of the park. We (DD and DH) went to......I think it was the Carnation ice cream place....but I can't remember, and got ice cream. We wandered back to the castle area where they were just starting a wonderful Christmas show with the Disney Characters. Yes, I thought it was strange that it started at midnight, but oh well. So we stayed and watched the show and ate ice cream. When the show was over, we turned around and main street was almost empty. So we slowly walked back to the entrance. It was so peaceful and beautiful! Definitely a highlight!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I would not spend time at a sit down dinner during the party. If you can't get ressies for early, before the party starts, I would either eat before arriving for the party or eat a quick counter serve meal when you are hungry.

Happy planning!

T&B

 

[goofy4tink]

I totally agree with not having a sit-down meal during the party. If you can't get a PS before 6:15, then go without!!! Grab something to eat before you hit the party or do counter dining!!!

As far as what not to miss....the parade. With little ones the first parade will most likely work best. We also really enjoyed Mickey's Night before Christmas show in Tomorrowland. It's really cute. Be sure to catch the fireworks. There is so much to see and do, that you won't be able to do it all, especially with youngsters this age. Get there early, grab a schedule and plan. Plan on staying as long as you possibley can. Then, sleep in the next morning. Have a wonderful time.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks for the replies! I changed my ps to Tony's town Square at 4:50 instead of LTT at 8. That seems to work out better as we won't be missing any of the party!

Is Wishes a different show for the MVMCP? We have seen the regular show quite a few times and would like to know if we should watch it during the party or use the time to get some fast rides in?

 

[OLT2004]

The Wishes Show is a Special Holiday Edition!!

 

[TigerLaw]

here are some tips from another thread I was in on:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=671756

I would strongly recommend checking out the trip reports from last year over on the wdwig.com site, as the show times USUALLY remain the same. This year, I 'm trying something new and going to do rides at a tues. night party and then shows and stuff on a thurs. night party. I think it would be difficult to see ALL of the shows, parade and fireworks and still get a lot of rides in, so you have to decide what's important to you and then have a great time! (for a 1 and 3 yr old, assuming they can stay up for the party, I would focus on the shows and characters anyway.)

 

[AimeeM]

If you sit on Main Street for the Parade, it snows!! It starts to snow right at 7 and its gorgeous. But we made the mistake of just getting out of dinner at almost 7. Yes, we did get to walk down main street in the snow, but it was packed and we got stuck behind mobs of people just getting there. What we did for the Halloween party, and will do again in just about 12 days ( WOOHOOO)for the Christmas party is head back to where they 'hold' you in TOmorrowland. It really wasnt that crowded at 6 when we got there. They had a dj set up ( for halloween) and hula hoops and things for the kids to do. We got our pictures early ( TRY TO DO THIS!!) as we never got them for our first christmas party because the lines were too long. We waited less that 5 minutes at Halloween. I think the tomorrowland rides might be open. If you do this, you will miss the snow on Main Street at 7, but you will also miss the people coming in and the people who were already in line for the first parade at 8:30. IF you kids can stay up, try and see the 2nd parade. But at ages 1 & 3, they may not make it. Catch the snow on Main Street during the parade. Dont waste time seeing the Country Bears as they show the christmas show there at the parks all day every day. Try and find the characters.. they will be wearing scarfs and mittens. Cinderella has her coach set up behind the castle too. DOnt forget to get your cookies and hot chocolate. It was cold at our first MVMCP so we took advantage of the hot chocolate ( which was HOT so be careful!)

We are still debating whether or not to try 2 partys this year. If the Friday after Thanksgiving is unbearable, we may hit the first one on SUnday night as well as the one on Tuesday. We want to try and get as much in as possible at the party. There is so much to do and see, that you really waste alot of time waiting around for the parades and fireworks!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Since I haven't been to the Christmas party I can't help with that, but we were at the Halloween party and can base a couple things on that.

Head to the holding area after dinner. Then you'll be avoiding the crowds--you'll already be a few steps ahead by having an early dinner.

For 1 and 3yo have your own stroller. They'll likely be asleep when you're leaving the park and it will make it easier when standing for the bus, going on the monorail, etc. Make sure they have a good nap that afternoon.

Go on any rides early that they would want to go on and watch any shows they would enjoy. Then, with any luck, they'll go to sleep and the adults can pretend they are at the party without children. Well, you can't leave them and go on rides , but you can watch a show, have a snack, etc.

Have fun!

T&B