Question about MVMCP

[kelscross]

Thanks you guys for reassuring me that we made a great choice for the change from Poly to GF. At first I was a little disappointed that we weren't going to the Poly again, but then I thought we'd want something more christmasy rather than tropical.

So...my other question is about the MVMCP. We bought the tickets and have them on hold at "Will Call" at the park. I was talking to a lady today about the MVMCP and they went last year and she said she didn't think it was worth the money. Everything was pretty much the same as during the day (parade the same, etc.) the snow they are talking about were just a few flakes (I'm picturing a winter wonderland here) and it was too, too crowded. I thought the reason they were closing the park early to the MVMCP ticket holders would cut down on the crowd a bit.

So...is it really worth it? Am I expecting too much?

This is the first time we've been over the holidays and my husband's first time to WDW EVER. He has been so reluctant in the past to go and I don't want him to think this has just been a big waste of money.

Thanks again!

 

[Tink]

I think its nice. There is something extra magical about MK at night. The rides are the same, but they have special shows and they are really nice. The rides are the rides, but the parade is great, the snacks, the picture of the family, the snow. When we went there was a lot of "snow".

We are going this year and it will be our family's third time.

 

[zurgswife]

I went 2 years ago and really enjoyed it...don't remember the snow...but I had fun doing everything else...the coco, pictures, parades, fireworks...it was all magical....can't wait until Dec 9th when I get to do it again and with my kids this time....

 

[Doug7856]

As I recall from our past visits to MVMCP, the snow is only on Main Street during certain periods. If it is raining, then there is no snow. Having said that, MVMCP was always been very magical for us (even during the pouring down rain!). From the special lighting on Cinderella's castle to the Christmas inspired fireworks to the Christmas parade to the music in the air, MVMCP is just a special evening with a few extra touches. If you are hard pressed for the money, then I may skip it, but for us MVMCP and the CP at Epcot make a visit to WDW at Christmas time extra special!

 

[danny1649]

7th and 9th this year so I say it is well worth the bucks.We have been each year since 1992 and have made it part of our Christmas tradition.The special fireworks and shows and the great holiday spirit you feel at party is what makes it special.If the main you are going is do the attractions no it's not worth the money you can do them during the day.You get a free family photo and MVMCP button which is also nice.They do have snow on Main Street and sometimes you feel like it is snowing pretty hard.Some things just lift you up and make you feel great no matter if you spent $500.00 or a dime,MVMCP is one of those things ,for us anyway.

 

[DebbieB]

MVMCP is always a highlight of our December trip. We go on Sunday or Tuesday and it's never been real crowded. Head to the back of the park first, there are no lines back there early. See the second parade, the first is more crowded.

 

[kda]

I couldn't imagine it was worth the extra money, either, and then we went. It was very special. We really liked it, and it put us in the holiday spirit. Fridays are supposed to be the busiest, so try for another night, if at all possible. We went on a Tuesday and it wasn't packed, but the crowd definitely thinned out after the fireworks. The second parade is less crowded. Some of the shows (and the Christmas parade) aren't available until closer to Christmas, so this is the only opportunity to see them. There was definitely snow on Main Street. It was light, but we didn't have any trouble seeing it.

So, this year we're going in December! And we'll certainly do MVMCP and wear something a little more festive this time.

Despite all that I've said, if you feel that it's stretching your budget too much, you'll still get to experience lots and lots of Disney's holiday magic without attending MVMCP.

 

[me4disney]

Are the Christmas shows only during the party or can you see them during the day? Thanks.

 

[capthooksmom]

If I may ask a question in relation to this... this is our first trip to WDW for Christmas and were planning to arrive on Friday, Dec. 10 and go the MVMCP. I called today to see if they had a room on Thurs. the 9th because we thought Friday might be more crowded. For those of you who have been before, do you think I should I go ahead and change our arrival date to Thurs and go to MVMCP then instead of FRiday?

Thanks!

 

[Doug7856]

Originally posted by capthooksmom
If I may ask a question in relation to this... this is our first trip to WDW for Christmas and were planning to arrive on Friday, Dec. 10 and go the MVMCP. I called today to see if they had a room on Thurs. the 9th because we thought Friday might be more crowded. For those of you who have been before, do you think I should I go ahead and change our arrival date to Thurs and go to MVMCP then instead of FRiday?

Thanks!

Yes, I would go on Thursday instead of Friday. The weekends tend to be significantly more crowded.

 

[Lucky4me]

We were not too smart about the first time we went and did not enjoy it either.

First of all, we were at MK all day from Early entry up to the party time. It was also the day after we arrived at 1am. We were exhausted. it was a Friday night and jam packed. Rides we had walked oin earlier in the day had 40 minute waits. We couldn't get anywhere close to the shows. We were so tired and cranky.
At the time we thought it wasn't worth the money, a total waste, etc. but looking back, I see it was our mistakes, not theirs.

This year we're arriving at noon after only a two and a half hour direct flight. Checking in and heading right to the MK by 4pm. It's a Thursday night. It will be well worth the money and I can't wait!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I recieved my tickets yesterday for MVMCP Dec 16th....

I had 8 tickets to buy and they are worth it. Missed last year, so we are really looking forward to this year....

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by kelscross
...(snip)...... I was talking to a lady today about the MVMCP and they went last year and she said she didn't think it was worth the money. Everything was pretty much the same as during the day (parade the same, etc.) .....(snip).....

The parade is NOT the same. During the day, you will see the Share A Dream Come True (snowglobe) parade. At MVMCP, you get to see the CHRISTMAS PARADE!

After the last MVMCP event, the Christmas Parade replaces the afternoon parade during the day. Unless you will be going to the MK after December 18 this year, you will not be able to see the Christmas parade any other way than going to MVMCP.

This is also true of some (maybe all) of the special Christmas shows.

I think MVMCP is worth it - we've gone every year since 1998. JMHO. YMMV.

 

[capthooksmom]

Originally posted by Doug7856
Yes, I would go on Thursday instead of Friday. The weekends tend to be significantly more crowded.

Thanks! I'm going to go call right now.

OH, one more question if I might ask. We usually don't plan anything on the day we check in, but plan to check in around 11:00 Thursday, get lunch and head over to MVMCP around 4:00 (or as soon as we can). We have another full day planned at MK. Does you see any problems with this plan?

 

[capthooksmom]

Originally posted by kelscross
I was talking to a lady today about the MVMCP and they went last year and she said she didn't think it was worth the money.

Thanks again!

I've heard some of the same things, but I've heard way more people say it was worth every penny. This is also our first time to go at Christmas and I do not plan to miss MVMCP. I think everyone's experiences depend on what we're expecting out of it. I don't expect to ride lots of rides or see every show. I will go with the expectation of getting to do some of those things, and anything over that will be a bonus.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by capthooksmom
Thanks! I'm going to go call right now.

OH, one more question if I might ask. We usually don't plan anything on the day we check in, but plan to check in around 11:00 Thursday, get lunch and head over to MVMCP around 4:00 (or as soon as we can). We have another full day planned at MK. Does you see any problems with this plan?

Not at all. In fact, I think your plan is a good one. If you will be spending another day at the MK, during MVMCP you can concentrate on the special shows, parade & entertainment that is not available during regular hours (instead of worrying about getting on all the rides). That's what I like to do!

Best wishes -

 

[chyam]

I have gone to MVMCP's since the first one........It is truely one of my Christmas traditions and I would really be sad if I had to miss one. Yes the weekends are much busier so if at all possible try and go on Thursday. The locals too enjoy the party and since most work they head to the park on Fri. or Sat. night. The MK is very magical at night. We always make PS for a character dinner before heading in for the party, the past few years it has been 1900 Park Fare, since I really enjoy seeing the GF's decorations. Also that way we are pretty full and have little reason to waste time during the party to eat other than the cocoa and cookies. Be fore warned though that some days in Dec. can get downright cold just be prepared for all sorts of weather...........There have been a few that I thought the snow could be real!