Question for any input about MVMCP and more

[scdisneyguy]

Hi I am new to the board, and we are going on a trip from Nov 26-Dec 4th and I have a few questions for anyone willing to answer. This is the first trip for us ever this late in the year, what decorations(other than at the parks like different resors etc) are worth taking time to see....When does the park hours and schedules come out for that time of year is it 3 months prior or more than that(my girlfriend is a planning freak) MVMCP when you can purchase tickets and from what I have read the park is open to ticket holders around 4 or so, is it well worth it, should we go more than once, any tips or hints? Does wishes and spectro still take place during the MVMCP time of year? My girlfriend is wigging out trying to plan and get ready for what park what day, dining reservations(180 day window is steadlily approaching) and she doesn't know what days will have wishes, spectro, fantansmic etc... anyone that has been this time of year any insight is greatly appreciated, also any insight on when the park hours and events will be available would be lovely as well......Also I am planning on popping the question on this trip so any ideas for that would help as well......Sorry if I posted in the wrong thread

 

[Skylarr29]

Welcome to the DIS Ok well the parkhours should come out about 6 months ahead of time to crrespond with the 180 day windows for ADR's. MVMCP is alot of fun. Me and my boyfriend have been once. The best part is the Christmas parade because it only runs at the party until you get later to Christmas. Some things I would suggest doing is the Candlelight Processional at Epcot with the diiner package. Seeing the Osbourne Lights at MGM Studios, and also seeing Illuminations because they change it for the Holidays. You could also reserve a boat for Illuminations if you wanted and pop the question then Spectro does not run during MVMCP but it will probably run at least some of the nights you are there. WHen the sched comes out it will list the times and dates for parades and fireworks although they are subject to change so you have to keep an eye for that. Wishes does run during MVMCP and it has a special ending with 360 degree fireworks!! It is beautiful. In the Grand Floridian resort there is a giant lifesize gingerbread house and at the beach club there is a carrousel made of gingerbread. Most all of the deluxe hotels are decorated beautifully so it might be a good idea to plan some meals at the resorts and then you can enjoy the decorations. You can also take a sleigh ride at the Wilderness lodge which is lots of fun. What hotel will you be staying at?? If you have more questions just ask away. You can also use the search function to search for specific topics like "MVMCP" etc. and see lots of threads on the topic!!!

 

[poohmomof3]

How exciting!! I'm an obsessive WDW planner too, so I can relate

We've beed to WDW twice the first week of December. It is beautiful and low crowds. Both times we attended MVMCP. The first time we stayed on-site, had an early Chef Mickey's Character dinner and rode the monorail to visit The Grand Floridian (must see that time of year), before we went to MVMCP. That was the best plan and so much fun! Everything went like clockwork. We arrived at MVMCP before opening and got in before the crowds.

The second time we stayed off site and just attended MVMCP that day. Not a good idea. We had to drive to the Transportation & Ticket center to park and enter with swarms of people (it takes much longer this way). Nothing seemed as magical, it just seemed croweded because we didn't get a head start like those staying onsite I think.

The Osborne Lights at MGM are must see at MGM also. I'm not sure when the schedules come out. I've heard Victoria & Alberts at The Grand Floridian will help you plan a special proposal during your dinner. It is rated as the most romantic place in WDW (you can even see the MK fireworks if you book your dinner at the right time). Have fun planning!!!!

 

[scdisneyguy]

I was wondering about that...so you say it is better to be at the park the day of the MVMCP already than to just show up around 4?? I was wondering if we should park hop elsewhere that day or just do no park and go to the MVMCP that evening? Thanks for the info so far...Every little bit of info helps

 

[all4disneyworld]

This is a great thread, I have alot of the same questions being an obsessive planner myself. And by the way congrats on your proposal!
We are traveling the first week in December and this is our first time traveling during the MVMCP. Does anyone know what the crowds are like during this week for the party or how many tickets they sell per night?

 

[scdisneyguy]

Hey all4 where will you be staying that week? We are staying at the Beach Club Villas (first time there as well) can't wait....Last year we went for 9 days at Wilderness Lodge in Sept this will be my 17th trip

 

[poohmomof3]

Actually, we did non-park things the day of MVMCP. Then we went to an early Character dinner at Chef Mickey's (in The Contemporary Resort, which is on the monorail). They close MK early and then re-open it for MVMCP. I believe it is open until midnight.

Crowds were light the first year we went, but two years later it was busier. Not sure how many are allowed in now - hopefully someone will post who knows. The crowds in the parks during the week are low, we never waited more than 5 minutes for anything. The weather was usually in the upper 70's. Great for the parks, and we swam also.

 

[Shanan]

I went to WDW 12/2-12/10 this past year. I wanted to make sure I did the holiday events. I loved MVMCP. The day of the party I went shopping at Downtown Disney then back to the room for a nap. I made sure to see the shows since they have specials Christmas shows. One day when MK was getting busy and packed I rode the boat to Grand Floridian to check out the decorations. I also made a special trip to Beach/Yacht Club to see their decorations. I caught several Christmas story tellers at World Showcase. I just couldn't time it right to hit all of them. My favorite was the one at England. I would also recommend the Candlelight Processional. Although we had an absolute horrible narrator (Jaci Vasquez -sp??) I enjoyed the music and would do it again. Just never ever with her as the narrator.

My friend and I enjoyed Chef's de France for dinner. If you wanted to ask her to marry you. Why don't you choose a nice restaurant (Chef's, Le Cellier, etc). Buy a bride's mouse ears; put the ring box in the mouse ears; put in decorative sack; and give her the gift at the restaurant. Just a thought.

 

[Skylarr29]

This is a great thread, I have alot of the same questions being an obsessive planner myself. And by the way congrats on your proposal!
We are traveling the first week in December and this is our first time traveling during the MVMCP. Does anyone know what the crowds are like during this week for the party or how many tickets they sell per night?

If you can get the tickets for a week day it will be better than a friday night. The crowds are higher becasue people come for the weekend and the party.

 

[all4disneyworld]

Hey disneyguy!

We are traveling Dec. 2nd-8th and are staying at AllStar Movies. My dd's both 12 weren't ready to get away from being surrounded by the characters at fav. hotel. Wanted to try a mod. this time myself, maybe next time. Maybe we will see you there!!!

We would like to make it to MVMCP during the week as someone posted, good idea. Thank you all for such good info. Can't wait to start making our ADR's!!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

If you are in MK during the day and have tickets to MVMCP, you will have to line up and get a wristband, then they will send you to one part of the park (we were in Liberty Square) while they get the rest of the park ready for the party. Everyone without tickets gets sent out during the that time. If you are going to be in the park during the day, you might want to make dinner reservations during that time. We didn't, and so we weren't able to get into a restaurant and had to wait until MVMCP started before we could eat (missing valuable ride time!).

We were there on a weeknight (Tuesday) and it was not crowded - we were able to just walk on or have very short waits for most of the rides we wanted to do. The fireworks and parade were great. Some of our friends went on the weekend and hated it because it was so crowded, so try to go on a weeknight if you can.

Teresa

 

[princessarielle]

I'm taking my DH on a surprise 10th anniversary trip Dec. 4-8th to WDW. I've never been there that time of year. We usually go the first week in Jan. so we do get to see some of the decorations. I can't wait to do the MVMCP! There is a Yuletide tour that takes you around to see the decorations. Try this site from All ears -http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm#yul
This is a magical time of year to "pop" the question, you may want to call guest relations to see if they an help you. I've read some great stories on here about it. Some people have gotten engaged at CRT, luau, ... Also, you can try www.giftsofalifetime.com. They can help you plan also. If she has a favorite character or ride maybe try to incorporate it. With Disney, the possibilities are endless.

Good luck and maybe I'll see you there!


Lori

 

[Lady SnowElla]

I wanted to add my congratulations also. My girls & I attended our first MVMCP last year. It was wonderful although we attended the last one of the year so it was quite busy. We had been traveling that day so we did not go in till about 6 pm. Christmas Eve we ate at LTT which was wonderful food & the atmosphere was so beautiful for Christmas. One of our favorite things was the Candelight Processional on Christmas Day. The girls loved it because the narrator was John Stamos. We did the 6:30 pm & then went to Japan to eat. We stood up on the top of the steps at Japan to watch the Christmas Illuminations Display. We spent time visiting the beautifully decorated resorts & did a sleigh ride at the Wilderness Lodge. Two nights before Christmas we had the latest reservation that we could get for dinner in the Castle at MK. We asked for a table by the window to see the fireworks which was beautiful. My girls thought the event at the next table was the most spectacular. During the fireworks the waiter brought the couple dessert & when he raised the silver top of the tray there was a crystal slipper with the ring & the gentleman was on his knee with the fireworks. I made the girls refrain from cheering when she said yes. Although they do not have wine in the castle they had beautiful keepsake champagne glasses with sparkly something or other. The waiter told me later that there are special engagement packages available in the castle. A photographer actually appeared to take pictures of the happy event.

 

[missymagic]

I have been going within the two weeks of Dec for years it is my absolute favorite time to go. MVMCP I go every year and it is soooo much fun and just puts you into the magica of family and christmas.

Just a thought but when you are at MK for MVMCP maybe take your girlfriend over to the area of toontown/fantasyland they actually set the fireworks off in the back there to make them appear over the castle. Anyway their aren't very many people and it can make for a very romntic setting to propose. Maybe get someone to take you picture as if you want the firworks in the background and the castle (of course let the person in on what you are going to do) so when they start taking the picture you can step to your knee.

Another thought. During the MVMCP they usually have Cinderellas carriage around the back of the castle in front of the carousel what is more romantic than that. Have the ring with you and just wait till the moment is just there and ask at that perfect moment in time.

Good luck and have a magical trip

 

[beattyfamily]

Wishes does run during MVMCP and it has a special ending with 360 degree fireworks!! It is beautiful.

Actually, last year they introduced all new "HolidayWishes" which are NOTHING like regular Wishes. It was all Christmas music and festive fireworks. There is still a 360 degree ending though.

Hi I am new to the board, and we are going on a trip from Nov 26-Dec 4th and I have a few questions for anyone willing to answer. This is the first trip for us ever this late in the year, what decorations(other than at the parks like different resors etc) are worth taking time to see....When does the park hours and schedules come out for that time of year is it 3 months prior or more than that(my girlfriend is a planning freak) MVMCP when you can purchase tickets and from what I have read the park is open to ticket holders around 4 or so, is it well worth it, should we go more than once, any tips or hints? Does wishes and spectro still take place during the MVMCP time of year? My girlfriend is wigging out trying to plan and get ready for what park what day, dining reservations(180 day window is steadlily approaching) and she doesn't know what days will have wishes, spectro, fantansmic etc... anyone that has been this time of year any insight is greatly appreciated, also any insight on when the park hours and events will be available would be lovely as well......Also I am planning on popping the question on this trip so any ideas for that would help as well......Sorry if I posted in the wrong thread

Park hours should come out 6 months beforehand. They are shorter in December.

The MVMCP tickets should come out the end of April if they follow last year's schedule. YOu can buy them over the phone or online.

Yes, for the last few years they have 'unofficially' let party goers in at 4:00p with just their party ticket. At the gate, you will get a wristband for your party ticket. Then you can do whatever you want to till 6:00p. Then they will herd party goers to one Land while they clear out the rest of the park and get it ready. It runs till Midnight.

Spectro and Wishes do NOT run party nights. They will probably run Sat and Mon and maybe even Wed in December. At least they did last year.

Fantasmic will run every day probably around 7:00p.

Try to fit in the Candlelight Processional one night. It's very magical.

You could also take in the Osborne Lights AFTER Fantasmic. You can get them both done in one night.

Congrats on popping the question. Let us know if you have anymore questions!

 

[LisaMaz]

Welcome to the DIS Ok well the parkhours should come out about 6 months ahead of time to crrespond with the 180 day windows for ADR's.

I thought it is 90 days? Is it 180 now or just at certain places? Thanks. I need to start planning.

I also want to say Congrats. on the engagement. I always dreamed of being proposed to right in front of the castle during the fireworks. I love the boat idea. Another idea is to have dinner at Coral Reef in Epcot. I heard you can arrange a diver to hold up a sign popping the question for you. Good luck.