Trying to maximize our time at mickeys merry Christmas party?

[Ouida]

So we brought tickets for a Tuesday Nov 11th party, hoping for low crowds. I've never did this before and could really use some help planning. The most important thing for me is to see the first parade on main street with the snow. In the best spot I can get. My youngest two will likely fall asleep by 10pm. I'm willing to camp out for a good spot. I'm use to Mardi Gras afterall. Now my husband and oldest will want to ride the rides. And not sit around so much. Also where should we eat dinner at? We have the liberty tree tavern booked for lunch, but wonder if we should do that for say a 6ish dinner, or stick with quick serve? Thanks in advance. Oh we have hopper tickets, so we plan to spend the day with a break back to room for showers and rest.

 

[Robo]

So we brought tickets for a Tuesday Nov 11th party, hoping for low crowds. I've never did this before and could really use some help planning. The most important thing for me is to see the first parade on main street with the snow. In the best spot I can get. My youngest two will likely fall asleep by 10pm. I'm willing to camp out for a good spot. I'm use to Mardi Gras afterall. Now my husband and oldest will want to ride the rides. And not sit around so much. Also where should we eat dinner at? We have the liberty tree tavern booked for lunch, but wonder if we should do that for say a 6ish dinner, or stick with quick serve? Thanks in advance. Oh we have hopper tickets, so we plan to spend the day with a break back to room for showers and rest.

I'd not eat dinner at any table service restaurant as it will (excuse then pun) "eat up" a ton of valuable "party time." (Even at 6PM.)

 

[cvjw]

Agree with Robo. I would not waste party time on a sit down restaurant. We learned the hard way that all the counter services at the MK will be super crowded before the party, so we now eat at our resort before leaving for the MK. Is there some reason you can't watch the second parade? It is always less crowded so you don't have to waste so much time staking out your spot for the parade.

 

[Ouida]

Agree with Robo. I would not waste party time on a sit down restaurant. We learned the hard way that all the counter services at the MK will be super crowded before the party, so we now eat at our resort before leaving for the MK. Is there some reason you can't watch the second parade? It is always less crowded so you don't have to waste so much time staking out your spot for the parade.

Yep kids will fall asleep.

 

[Ouida]

Agree with Robo. I would not waste party time on a sit down restaurant. We learned the hard way that all the counter services at the MK will be super crowded before the party, so we now eat at our resort before leaving for the MK. Is there some reason you can't watch the second parade? It is always less crowded so you don't have to waste so much time staking out your spot for the parade.

That's a good tip for sure. So don't count on counter service. Any other suggestions? Like setup here at this time, or this isn't worth the time, type of stuff. Two other things I was hoping for was a family picture with santa and one with Scrooge. I only heard they are there, but is it worth trying for? Thanks

 

[Sandy959]

That's a good tip for sure. So don't count on counter service. Any other suggestions? Like setup here at this time, or this isn't worth the time, type of stuff. Two other things I was hoping for was a family picture with santa and one with Scrooge. I only heard they are there, but is it worth trying for? Thanks

I would suggest scoping out a spot on Main Street at least 1.5 hours prior to the start of the parade, if not earlier. Another note about QS, some are not open during the party, or are only passing out hot chocolate and cookies. This makes the ones that are open even more crowded.

 

[mom2rtk]

I would suggest scoping out a spot on Main Street at least 1.5 hours prior to the start of the parade, if not earlier. Another note about QS, some are not open during the party, or are only passing out hot chocolate and cookies. This makes the ones that are open even more crowded.

Plus the QS places that are open aren't open until midnight. Make sure you eat early. Once you get back to the resort and find those places closed as well, it will be a long night. I *might* know this from personal experience.

 

[Ouida]

I would suggest scoping out a spot on Main Street at least 1.5 hours prior to the start of the parade, if not earlier. Another note about QS, some are not open during the party, or are only passing out hot chocolate and cookies. This makes the ones that are open even more crowded.

An hour and half or more, wow, it really is like mardi gras. I wish the kids would make it to the later show, but I know they wont. Does it get crazy, like people pushing? I planned to use the two strollers to help hold our spot, so hubby can take the kids on rides. Will that work? Again thanks. It's so helpful to have an idea of what to expect.

 

[Sandy959]

An hour and half or more, wow, it really is like mardi gras. I wish the kids would make it to the later show, but I know they wont. Does it get crazy, like people pushing? I planned to use the two strollers to help hold our spot, so hubby can take the kids on rides. Will that work? Again thanks. It's so helpful to have an idea of what to expect.

You see all sorts of things being used as place holders for people, so yes, strollers work! It does get crowded but not necessarily crazy. Closer to the start of the parade people may try to come up at the last minute and crowd in. i don't think it's any crazier than any other Disney parade.

 

[chiburple]

That's a good tip for sure. So don't count on counter service. Any other suggestions? Like setup here at this time, or this isn't worth the time, type of stuff. Two other things I was hoping for was a family picture with santa and one with Scrooge. I only heard they are there, but is it worth trying for? Thanks

Plus the QS places that are open aren't open until midnight. Make sure you eat early. Once you get back to the resort and find those places closed as well, it will be a long night. I *might* know this from personal experience.

Oh dear, we were planning to grab some hot dogs at Casey's Corner around 7. Is there a better place to go or a better time? How long do you think the wait will be for a few hot dogs?

 

[Ouida]

Oh dear, we were planning to grab some hot dogs at Casey's Corner around 7. Is there a better place to go or a better time? How long do you think the wait will be for a few hot dogs?

Yep, I'm glad I posted about this. As something like this could ruin the evening. I don't know about you, but my family is staving come 7pm, and by 8pm would be crying. I wish someone would post how they managed their night too. That would be very helpful. They did this for the Halloween party, and it got a lot of views. We have never gone so all these little tips help us understand what to expect.

 

[LuvMyEAR]

Hi there! First of all, are you absolutely certain you want to do an MK park day on top of the party? I know people do it, but it has always seemed over the top to me. And I am totally obsessed with MK! If that is to be your plan, though, I would say you have picked the best spot for your main meal of the day. What about scheduling it a bit a bit later, though, maybe 4-30 or 5 ish? This could let you relax and eat during that transition hour where the day guests are starting to migrate out and party guests are flooding in. My daughter and I did this for the first time last year, at Columbia House, and not even because we planned it... but we found we actually want to escape the throng of guests making their way <ahem> reluctantly toward the exits.

Our normal strategy, since our first multigenerational MVMCP (ages 3 -89!) has been to enjoy a late breakfast and alternate activity in the morning, followed by a good 2 hours of down time. Not necessarily a nap, but books, movies, video games, poolside loungers, whatever appeals. Then a hearty sit down meal. We even cooked a "Christmas dinner" in a vacation home one year. We are at the gates for 4 pm, and from then on, we just take breaks for food when the mood strikes. We love the party specialties, and Sleepy Hollow waffles are a great "dinner" -pumpkin spice ones, if I am lucky. No need to be hungry, despite the food selection being smaller.

The long and short of it is that We try to get in good servings of fruit, veggies, and protein earlier on a party day, then snack as the mood strikes throughout the evening. It has worked well for us.

Very excited this year, as we are fulfilling a fantasy- MNSSHP on Halloween AND just changed our return flight so we can attend the first MVMCP of the season!!!!

 

[Ouida]

Hi there! First of all, are you absolutely certain you want to do an MK park day on top of the party? I know people do it, but it has always seemed over the top to me. And I am totally obsessed with MK! If that is to be your plan, though, I would say you have picked the best spot for your main meal of the day. What about scheduling it a bit a bit later, though, maybe 4-30 or 5 ish? This could let you relax and eat during that transition hour where the day guests are starting to migrate out and party guests are flooding in. My daughter and I did this for the first time last year, at Columbia House, and not even because we planned it... but we found we actually want to escape the throng of guests making their way <ahem> reluctantly toward the exits.

Our normal strategy, since our first multigenerational MVMCP (ages 3 -89!) has been to enjoy a late breakfast and alternate activity in the morning, followed by a good 2 hours of down time. Not necessarily a nap, but books, movies, video games, poolside loungers, whatever appeals. Then a hearty sit down meal. We even cooked a "Christmas dinner" in a vacation home one year. We are at the gates for 4 pm, and from then on, we just take breaks for food when the mood strikes. We love the party specialties, and Sleepy Hollow waffles are a great "dinner" -pumpkin spice ones, if I am lucky. No need to be hungry, despite the food selection being smaller.

The long and short of it is that We try to get in good servings of fruit, veggies, and protein earlier on a party day, then snack as the mood strikes throughout the evening. It has worked well for us.

Very excited this year, as we are fulfilling a fantasy- MNSSHP on Halloween AND just changed our return flight so we can attend the first MVMCP of the season!!!!

No, I'm not totally sure how we should do the day. I think others in my party will want to go and go. I do like the idea of a 4ish sit down for dinner. So would you not do any parks in the morning? I don't see my 8 and 6 year old up past 10pm no matter what's going on, but my 13 year old will want to stay to the end, as will her father. And all 3 will be anxious to be somewhere and do something. Lol

What do you mean alternate activity? What keeps them from saying we are at disney, I want to go on rides. Hubby is likely to echo that one first.

Yep everyone seems on agreement when it comes to eatting.
Don't try to sit down to eat once the party starts.

That's so awesome for you. The halloween party looks just as fun. Lots of candy too. Enjoy, and thank you for all the wonderful info.

 

[Disnsyncey]

If you wanted to to MK that day too, I would RD (and possibly go go go) and then grab a Casey's for lunch at their opening (or something you like) and then go home for a nap/pool time, and then come back for a EARLY dinner....as you do know your kids, I wouldn't want to be having them wait for a parade when the things you want to do in the party are pictures with characters (wouldn't you want to be in them or have that experience?) if there is any time for an EXTRA long nap, a 4pm LTT, then you can hit up the priorities and then get the late parade and then jet?

 

[LuvMyEAR]

Completely understand wanting to be all Disney every waking hour! I was honestly the worst one for exactly that! But the parties are special evenings, and if you are not tying up significant time on character meet and greets ( which we pretty much avoid unless we can walk right up) you can ride the heck out of attractions that evening!

Alternate activities for us would be a dedicated souvenir search at Disney Springs, visit a resort or two, rent a boat or two, Disney mini golf, rent Surrey bikes, things like that. Sleeping in on that day is not a bad thing if you can sell it. If you do, you must tell me how! We always have a car and like to hit the Character Warehouse at a nearby outlet mall. There is a really good one and the deals can be incredible.

We have been lucky enough to get to WDW with our DGSs every other year for some time now and our main problem is deciding what NOT to do with our non-park time. We have enjoyed everything to the point that all these suggestions have become favourites which of course make it to the list for the next trip. Can't think of a nicer problem, can you? But... we would need 3 weeks to include it all.

 

[Bsams1654]

So we brought tickets for a Tuesday Nov 11th party, hoping for low crowds. I've never did this before and could really use some help planning. The most important thing for me is to see the first parade on main street with the snow. In the best spot I can get. My youngest two will likely fall asleep by 10pm. I'm willing to camp out for a good spot. I'm use to Mardi Gras afterall. Now my husband and oldest will want to ride the rides. And not sit around so much. Also where should we eat dinner at? We have the liberty tree tavern booked for lunch, but wonder if we should do that for say a 6ish dinner, or stick with quick serve? Thanks in advance. Oh we have hopper tickets, so we plan to spend the day with a break back to room for showers and rest.

I just want to point out Nov 11 is a Saturday. A Tuesday November party would be the 14th. Just want to make sure you have the right date for your tickets!

 

[Ouida]

I just want to point out Nov 11 is a Saturday. A Tuesday November party would be the 14th. Just want to make sure you have the right date for your tickets!

Oh we arrive on the 11th, party is the 14th, a tuesday. I'm truly losing it. Thanks.

 

[Ouida]

If you wanted to to MK that day too, I would RD (and possibly go go go) and then grab a Casey's for lunch at their opening (or something you like) and then go home for a nap/pool time, and then come back for a EARLY dinner....as you do know your kids, I wouldn't want to be having them wait for a parade when the things you want to do in the party are pictures with characters (wouldn't you want to be in them or have that experience?) if there is any time for an EXTRA long nap, a 4pm LTT, then you can hit up the priorities and then get the late parade and then jet?

Everyone on here says to do the late parade. And for me, I'd love too, seems soooooooooo much easier. But I just don't think the little ones will make it. Now I will have the two strollers, and I can see ME catching the second parade with my kids asleep next to me, while hubby, grandma, and oldest ride everything they can. I don't really like most of the rides, I just want to see the decorations. I know, but it's true, that and not cooking, make it a magical time for me.

 

[Ouida]

Completely understand wanting to be all Disney every waking hour! I was honestly the worst one for exactly that! But the parties are special evenings, and if you are not tying up significant time on character meet and greets ( which we pretty much avoid unless we can walk right up) you can ride the heck out of attractions that evening!

Alternate activities for us would be a dedicated souvenir search at Disney Springs, visit a resort or two, rent a boat or two, Disney mini golf, rent Surrey bikes, things like that. Sleeping in on that day is not a bad thing if you can sell it. If you do, you must tell me how! We always have a car and like to hit the Character Warehouse at a nearby outlet mall. There is a really good one and the deals can be incredible.

We have been lucky enough to get to WDW with our DGSs every other year for some time now and our main problem is deciding what NOT to do with our non-park time. We have enjoyed everything to the point that all these suggestions have become favourites which of course make it to the list for the next trip. Can't think of a nicer problem, can you? But... we would need 3 weeks to include it all.

Yep, characters are not our thing either. I'd love a family picture with Santa and one with Scrooge. Only if the line is not long. I wonder if the gingerbread house will be on display (not sure what resort), or any other decorations we could go see, that may work.
So will we need fastpasses, during party hours? And again thanks.

 

[minniegirl19]

just something to monitor they moved the parade and fireworks later for the Halloween party. not sure if they will do the same for the Christmas party. they could keep it normal since it starts at 6 not 7 but thats something to be aware of for the little ones