Where to spend time/money for a super short trip?

[samara]

My spouse just got invited to speak at a conference in Orlando in early November, so we thought we would stay the weekend and do a very short Disney trip. The conference is at the Ritz Carleton and then we’ll switch to the Dolphin. I’m going to do Thursday on my own, and then the conference in only a half day on Friday so we’ll have the rest of Friday, Saturday and maybe some of Sunday. We definitely want to spend a lot of time at Epcot doing the F&W festival. Real question is, that Friday night is the first MVMCP. We have been once before and loved it, but I’m a little hesitant about attending the first one of the year. Has anyone been to both the first of the year and one at a different time and can share if it’s relatively the same, or were there a lot of kinks not yet worked out? Would love any other tips to make the most of our time! We haven’t been since 2022, so I know there are new rides, but we also know we won’t get to all of them .

 

[Mle8308]

It's a well established party, so I wouldn't be concerned about it being the first one in terms of things operating correctly. Disney has that party down. Biggest thing is it's usually over run by vloggers and bloggers, wanting to be the first to post about it and review new menu items. Can make for the parades/shows to be crowded, but they don't usually ride the attractions, so that is a bonus. Be prepared for some to be annoyingly filming in not so great places in terms of crowd flow. If you do decide to go, buy tickets as soon as they go on sale, the first party of the year usually sells out fast.

 

[auntlynne]

Maybe you’ll have a chance to ride TRON at the party without having to hope for a virtual queue spot. I can’t think of another new ride at MK. Sure, the log ride has been re-themed.

Blogs from recent years are positive on first night (unlike last year’s inaugural of Jollywood Nights). At least they made a course correction fairly quickly.

 

[Marthasor]

I attended the party on a first night a few years ago and I wouldn't do it again. It was incredibly crowded with bloggers and dreadfully hot. Perhaps consider going to MK during that day when the crowds are lower and then either park hopping or having dinner at a monorail resort and watching the party fireworks from there.