Tickets for MVMCP vs. saving $350???

[aprilfoolwed]

We just set up a last minute trip for December. I really want to go to MVMCP - since we've never been to WDW at Christmas, and likely won't be there again for quite a long time.

My DH nearly spit out his drink when I told him tickets would be an additional $350. He does not want to go (his exact words were "Um, we HATE snow at home, and cookies and hot chocolate do not cost $350!").

However, he will go along with what I want, since this trip is a celebration for me finishing grad school.

Is MVMCP worth $350? Or is this just a big budget buster?

 

[IamGroot]

If it's a budget strain, I wouldn't recommend it. You will get so much Xmas awesomeness at the parks without the party, that it's not really worth it.

If money isn't an issue, it's certainly a fun experience.

 

[Sagginit]

for me it was not worth it. we went the week before thanksgiving last year, fairly early in the holiday season. it was packed at our party. we did only a few rides. the parade was a nightmare, it was crowded and we got stuck while walking in a random place. we could hardly hear the music and see as it was super crowded. the CM also had to keep yelling at people as we were in a walkway, it had to be kept open but told we could stand there once it started. well people kept coming in last minute trying to park it in our spot and we practically had to push them out of the way once it started. the fireworks and castle show were nice, but that was all we really enjoyed.

i am GF and could not have the coco, just some packaged cookies. i had to go buy water to go with it as they did not even have that available.

i loved the MNSSHP in part because we dressed up and saw characters. this party we did not get anywhere near the characters. i think i saw a lot of people trying to get xmas card photos so the characters were in high demand. i think being in the park one evening is enough.

we actually enjoyed other things more (osbourne family lights in HS, seeing the gingerbread house at grand floridian, overall decorations in all the places).

 

[aprilfoolwed]

These are really good, honest posts. Thank you.

I think I need to be rational about this. $350 can buy a lot of our meals there. Money isn't really an "issue" for something that is a don't-miss, but I really don't LOVE huge crowds, so perhaps skipping the party is better for us (and will make my husband happy).

And, we did opt to pay for pool heat at the house we are renting, so skipping it would give the kids more time to swim.

 

[letsgoreds]

I enjoy the party, but not a budget buster.

Some thoughts...at MVMCP they give away a special Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom party card, which was announced today as Elsa. Currently, people are pre-selling their party cards, at crazy prices on eBay. One pre-sold for $50 already. This could really help cut the prices. Usually they (special party cards) sell for $10-$20/each, but it is Elsa, $30-35/each wouldn't be crazy to expect : )

Not everyone has to go. Pick your favorite kid and go ; )

We have gone twice, and enjoy the party. If you can afford it, go, if you can't then don't. You will regret spending the money if you should have saved it.

 

[marthachick]

We have never been to MVMCP, BUT last year we went at Christmas for the first time. As a PP said, go to Osborne Family Lights, GF to see the gingerbread house and you probably won't feel that you've missed anything. I was like a kid at Osborne Family lights. Kept standing in the middle of the street just grinning with tears rolling down my face. Yep, I'm a sap. And be sure to get your pictures made with Goofy Santa!

ETA: If you go to Epcot, be sure you do the Candlelight Processional! Very moving. I had originally thoughT we would just skip it, but so glad we didn't!

 

[DiznyDi]

We've done both the MVMCP and MNSSHP and prefer the Halloween Party over the Christmas Party. I also do not think Hot chocolate and cookies are worth the price of the party. I have a problem with sugar and can't eat/drink either. They did offer apple slices as an alternative when we attended.

The party doesn't officially start until 7PM - which means you can be in the park until that time and see the cm's in their party attire. You will not see the parade with toy soldiers and of course the big man in the red suit. You also will not have the opportunity to purchase the special party merchandise. And as PP said to get the special Sorcerer's cards. If these things are important to you then by all means go and experience it for yourselves.

You could schedule alternatives: Osborne Lights, Candlelight Processional, Wishes Fireworks from one of the resorts, Illuminations. We like to take the monorail and visit all the MK resorts to see their decorations and listen to the entertainment. Don't miss Wilderness Lodge - just beautiful at Christmastime. Take the boat over from MK and sit in the immense lobby and immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur. You won't be sorry.

 

[Paradise18]

We went last year and I'm happy we did it. That said, I wouldn't do it again (but I would go the MNSSHP). We didn't get on many rides, the souvenir pins were sold out, we spent a long time in line to have our picture taken with the Seven Dwarves and it was really crowded. The parade was very nice though. Have a great trip.

 

[pigletto]

We have never been to MVMCP, BUT last year we went at Christmas for the first time. As a PP said, go to Osborne Family Lights, GF to see the gingerbread house and you probably won't feel that you've missed anything. I was like a kid at Osborne Family lights. Kept standing in the middle of the street just grinning with tears rolling down my face. Yep, I'm a sap. And be sure to get your pictures made with Goofy Santa!

ETA: If you go to Epcot, be sure you do the Candlelight Processional! Very moving. I had originally though we would just skip it, but so glad we didn't!

Hands down one of the best moments of any of our trips was standing with my kids watching the Osborne lights and listening to the music.
I did really enjoy the Christmas party but mostly the parade. I just don't know that I want to spend $300 to watch a parade this year. My kids aren't really into the characters anymore or the dance parties, so I don't think it's a good use of funds for us. But I know I would feel like I was missing out to skip it. My decision isn't made yet and we leave in 30 days.

 

[ldo]

I would spend the $ to go to dinner @ Epcot for a Candlelight Processional package. I also think Osborn Lights and Hot Choc at a stand in DHS, coupled with seeing some of the Christmas Traditions around the world at Epcot is very nice. If I did not already have tickets to WDW, say I was going to Univ for the trip, then I would consider the party, entering @ 4pm and use it as a MK day. If we have tickets, we never get the extra party tickets. We also really liked breakfast at GF, going early and taking photos by the big trees and looking at all the decorations.

 

[danygirl]

Candlelight procession was just a "massed choir" - groups who learned the show at home and came together that night. Extremely disappointing. Very amateur. Unless there is a celeb narrator you love I wouldn't waste my money on a dinner package for that - just walk in

Osborne Lights were amazing could do that every year

At mnsshp they do a special castle illumination show before the fireworks, and the fireworks were different than the regular ones. I assume there is something similar at the Christmas party. If that is your thing it might be worth it

 

[Laura Bell]

I totally agree with the previous poster. There are so many other things to do at Christmas that the party is not worth it. The only time we went, it rained something horrible. We had to leave it was so bad. On the way out we stopped at guest services and requested our $$ back--and we got it!!

My favorite thing (if I had to choose) is the Candlelight Processional. It is really beautiful and very moving. As the PP said, use the $$ for the CP Package. You won't regret it.

Laura

 

[aprilfoolwed]

Thanks all! We decided to not do the MVMCP or book a dinner package for CP this year. Took that money saved and added Memory Maker to our tickets instead! I think we can make some great memories without the extras.

Maybe someday, when the kids are grown, my husband and I can go to the CP by ourselves. I think I would enjoy it a lot.

 

[Iowajes]

Currently, people are pre-selling their party cards, at crazy prices on eBay.

Talk about counting your chickens before they hatch! What if some kid spills hot chocolate all over that card?


Personally, I have never been to MVMCP, but I have never read anything that made me think it was worth the extra ticket price. I'd much rather save the $350. Disney World is going to be exciting enough.

 

[auralia]

Perhaps you could take an evening to yourself and leave the kiddos with DH and enjoy the party alone. It is much easier to navigate as one. I did the one year (was my christmas present) and really enjoyed it.

 

[Pembo]

Hijack - DS and I are going to Universal in Dec. The Sunday we are there is a MVMCP. I am toying with the idea of going not for the party stuff per se but just to go to the MK, see the Castle all lit up, ride the rides, etc.

Would you do it?

 

[tzolkin]

Hijack - DS and I are going to Universal in Dec. The Sunday we are there is a MVMCP. I am toying with the idea of going not for the party stuff per se but just to go to the MK, see the Castle all lit up, ride the rides, etc. Would you do it?

We are going in a few weeks and just doing the party. We will visit my brother for thanksgiving and then spend the weekend at Disney.

In this instance it's worth the ticket price (less than a one day ticket) for 8 hours at MK and the holiday extras. We like to do experiences rather than "things" for gifts, so this will be my kids' big Christmas present.

During an actual Disney vacation we are always too cheap to spend money on party tickets when we could just go to another park for "free".

 

[pigletto]

Hijack - DS and I are going to Universal in Dec. The Sunday we are there is a MVMCP. I am toying with the idea of going not for the party stuff per se but just to go to the MK, see the Castle all lit up, ride the rides, etc.

Would you do it?

Yes in your case I would. You'd get a good amount of time in the parks, get to see the shows and parade and fireworks, and have somewhat reduced lines. Our party was not crowded at all last year, though I've heard that can vary wildly.
My big hesitation is I'd be paying for party tickets on top of the thousand I'm already shelling out for regular park tickets. That's when it starts to not make so much sense. But if it were my only night in the parks I'd do it for sure.

 

[wdwfan1]

What cards are given? We have gone to the party several times and never got a card. Do you mean the ticket itself?

Still trying to decide if we want to go again this year.

 

[W0229064]

I'm with you!! I've been going back and forth on this one!