Settle the score--Christmas party or no?

[tjkraz]

Seems to be passion on both sides of this one. I am a bit puzzled by the reports of massive crowds. I was under the impression from many other accounts that the crowds, especially during the first week of December, were more than manageable--even after allowing for more density in population at the party.

Resort-wide crowds are not as large as many other times of the year, but you can experience very large crowds in the MK on MVMCP nights. We went on a Tuesday, and found it managable--but still more people in the park than on a typical afternoon that same time of year. On Friday and Saturday nights, the parties sell out and you will see quite large crowds.

You also need to account for the fact that the people are pretty much all trying to do the same things at MVMCP. Few pay $30+ per head to go on the rides. Everyone is flocking to get their family photos taken, get their "free" cookies and cocoa, see the 4-5 live stage shows / concerts, and to line Main Street for the parade.

FWIW, even though early-December is historically a slower time of year, I think that's changing. Our last three trips were in May (twice) and the second week of December. December had larger park crowds than either May trip. That may have been partially due to re-schedules from the hurricanes last Fall, but I also think more people are seeing the appeal of early-December trips, leading to larger total crowds than in many years past.

 

[sunnygirl]

I went to MVMCP last year with my sister. We went on a Thursday during the first week of Dec. It was pretty busy, but not unmanageable. And everyone was in a good mood for the party, it seemed. So many people wore special clothes, hats, or wore light-up things. We got to ride many rides with little or no wait in spite of the crowds, although the shows were pretty full and it was a chilly night. It just felt magical. It was worth it for us.

I would not, however, bring young children (I'm a mother of a 5 and 7 year-old) . They will most likely just get tired rather early in the evening, and of course you would not want to stay for the later parade or any late show with a five year old, for example. Then you feel like you can't enjoy it and it's not worth it. I would just spend a regular park day at the MK during the day when they can enjoy it.

 

[Stitch's mom]

we went last year on a Friday night and it was PACKED! We have MNVSHP before and it was not as crowded tho' it was a weeknight. I don't plan on doing the Christmas party again. If you do try it on a weeknight that may be the difference.

 

[keishashadow]

Resort-wide crowds are not as large as many other times of the year, but you can experience very large crowds in the MK on MVMCP nights. We went on a Tuesday, and found it managable--but still more people in the park than on a typical afternoon that same time of year. On Friday and Saturday nights, the parties sell out and you will see quite large crowds.

You also need to account for the fact that the people are pretty much all trying to do the same things at MVMCP. Few pay $30+ per head to go on the rides. Everyone is flocking to get their family photos taken, get their "free" cookies and cocoa, see the 4-5 live stage shows / concerts, and to line Main Street for the parade.

FWIW, even though early-December is historically a slower time of year, I think that's changing. Our last three trips were in May (twice) and the second week of December. December had larger park crowds than either May trip. That may have been partially due to re-schedules from the hurricanes last Fall, but I also think more people are seeing the appeal of early-December trips, leading to larger total crowds than in many years past.

We're part of the few that are paying the $30+ to basically just ride. We don't care much for parades or fireworks, although we'll welcome any/all Disney Xmas magic (except for snow) that might accidently rub off on us.

Since we've already "done" WDW this year, then purchased DVC spur of the moment, this bonus/Xmas/1st cruise trip is planned on a shoestring. We're digging out all the old PH's & MYW tix I've been hoarding. Generally, we don't spend 8 hours touring the MK-I'd like to think we'll come out ahead; both in price and experience. We look forward to trying to sample everything WDW offers at least once.

 

[soccer mom]

We enjoy the atmosphere including snow on main street, different parade, hot chocolate, goofy family portrait. Also, for us, when our kids were young we never stayed late (after dark) at MK, and since we always go during value season it tended to close pretty early (6:00-7:00 during last 10-15 years when attendance wasn't what it seems to be now.). Kids are teens and older now and we enjoy being there until midnight and have never had lines. Two years ago we were the only people on Splash Mountain during the second parade. It was kind of neat and we went around three times without getting out.

We wouldn't miss it!

 

[we3disneygo]

we had a chance in Dec. 2003 to go and decided to leave the park.....now i wish i had stayed.... so if your like me...... just go ahead and do it!!!!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I can let you know when we get back from our first party on December 8th!

 

[erinz]

This is a bit scary. We went two nights in Dec 2003 and the place was empty. 5 minutes before the parade started, we found a spot right in the front near Slash Mountain.

I remember that Fantasyland and Tomorrowland were crowded, but we spent most of our time in Adventureland and Frontierland so I bet that's why it seemed hardly crowded at all.

This year we will be going twice again (Dec 4th and 6th). I'm just going to expect it to be crowded and plan accordingly. I think the days of low crowds are just about over...

But I'll tell you, being at the MK at night with all the decorations, "snow", and the party atmosphere was the absolute highlight of our entire trip.

Good Luck deciding!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

I would rate it as "Nice, but not a must-do". To me it feels a little overpriced, but it is awfully neat to see snow on main street.

 

[cobbler]

There are special tshirts and things for the party??

Yes they sell exclusive merchandise that can only be bought at the Christmas party. They have pins too, a different one for each night.

You can't get them unless you are at the party because they only bring them out to sell during that time.

 

[glawgirl]

I would rate it as "Nice, but not a must-do". To me it feels a little overpriced, but it is awfully neat to see snow on main street.

WDW Poly Princess - that is a beautiful cat - oh my god - he or she is gorgeous!

 

[tinkermell]

I was wondering what the MK does after Dec 20 when MVMCP isn't happening anymore? Do they still do a special Christmas Parade? And does it still snow after the parade? I'm from California and have been to DL during Christmas many times and they do it for everybody who is in the park. No extra fee. We are going to be at WDW for the first time this Christmas, but can not make the party. We will be arriving on the 20th and I know we will be too tired that night. Anyways I'm still hoping to get a little bit of that magic snow and parades. Will we be dissapointed? Thanks!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I was very excited about going to MVMCP, but left un-impressed and thinking it wasn't worth the extra money...especially since there were 10 of us and it was almost $400 extra...I'm glad I went, because I always wanted to, but I don't think I'd do it again.

I think I may have built it up too much maybe, but I could not get over how crowded it was! I expected people of course, but you couldn't even walk down Main Street and the shops were mobbed! All the shows were standing room only and getting a seat for the parade wasn't happening unless you planned on staking out that seat more than an hour before it started.

The ride waits weren't that long for us, but we wanted to do the extra/different party night stuff. We didn't even get pictures because the lines were so long. Very disappointing.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Lisa, when did you go? Early in December or closer to Christmas?

We're going December 8 for the first time. I was also going to skip it, but got out-voted. I'm worried that it's going to be like what you described. Hopefully, it won't be that crowded early in the month.

 

[buzz2400]

where do they sell the pins and do they sell out fast.

 

[skiwee1]

This will be the first time we have done the MVMCP this trip. We can't wait. I don't care who said it wasn't worth it. It only matters if WE think it is worth it! Go and find out for yourself!

 

[PatriciaH]

I was wondering what the MK does after Dec 20 when MVMCP isn't happening anymore? Do they still do a special Christmas Parade? And does it still snow after the parade? I'm from California and have been to DL during Christmas many times and they do it for everybody who is in the park. No extra fee. We are going to be at WDW for the first time this Christmas, but can not make the party. We will be arriving on the 20th and I know we will be too tired that night. Anyways I'm still hoping to get a little bit of that magic snow and parades. Will we be dissapointed? Thanks!

Yes, the Christmas parade should be going on during the day nearer to Christmas. I think the snow will be too. It also snows at MGM/Osborne lights. For us MNSSHP is a must do. The parade and decorations are exclusive to that party. Not so for MVMCP.

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

It's a must see for us! We loved it!

 

[tinkermell]

Yes, the Christmas parade should be going on during the day nearer to Christmas. I think the snow will be too. It also snows at MGM/Osborne lights. For us MNSSHP is a must do. The parade and decorations are exclusive to that party. Not so for MVMCP.

Thanks, Glad we will still get some of that magic!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

I've been twice now. The first time was in '03, Dec 14 (a Sunday) I believe. It was terrific. We ate at LTT and walked out at 6:50 and had our photos done and headed to BTMRR. It was deserted there...almost thought it was closed!!! Rode 5 times and didn't get off once!!! The crowd was very manageble. Fast forward to '04, Tuesday party after Thanksgiving. Lots more people!!! The crowds were much bigger than the year before. We ate at LTT again but walked out only to find huge amounts of people walking around at 6:45!! A very different experience than the year before. We tried to focus more on the shows and do the things we wouldn't normally be able to do during regular park hours. The party last year seeemed to be missing something but I am hard pressed to put a finger on it.
I am going back again for the party on Dec 1. But, it will be a solo trip and I'll be looking forward to meeting up with different DISers. It will be more of an 'atmosphere' type thing this year.

It's funny, but Candlelight Processional is more of a must do for me.