Which option for a first timer?

[CynBeth]

I would skip HS and do Epcot instead. The storytellers and CP are not to be missed.

 

[mshanson3121]

I would skip HS and do Epcot instead. The storytellers and CP are not to be missed.]

My MIL does not like Epcot for whatever reason. I do know the kids will prefer HS.

 

[GPC0321]

Just did a quick Christmastime trip with my 73 and 75 year old parents. It wasn't their first time, but it was all of our first time there for Christmastime.

We did MVMCP on the evening of our arrival to WDW (we'd spent the night in the MCO Hyatt and hopped on the first Magical Express the following morning). We'd already been to Epcot, explored the resort, and then headed MVMCP. It was chock full of Christmastime wonderment, and my mother was like a kid in a candy shop, but the festive events were crowded and required staking a spot and waiting if you wanted ideal views. My dad gave up before Holiday Wishes and went back to the resort. Mom and I stuck it out and left around 11pm after the fireworks and a quick stop to meet Mickey.

Honestly, I think you'd get more bang for your buck with a full day at MK. You can still see the castle lighting, the tree and decorations. I think the trolley show is Christmasy that time of year, and there is always "Jingle" Cruise too. Plus, if you're doing Hollywood Studios, you can stick around for Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam, which was honestly one of our favorite things from our trip. My folks loved it!

To sum up...I'd say full MK day over MVMCP. I love early mornings at MK though. And there just seems to always be something going on there throughout the day. On our random "Let's go to MK" mid-morning day, we got last minute fastpasses to three favorite rides one right after the other, saw that Move It Shake It Dance Party parade thing, then saw the regular castle show (Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire), and got PhotoPass pics done in front of the castle and the Christmas tree. All in just a couple of hours. We would have stayed longer and meandered around, but it was hot and Mom and I wanted to hit the pool before heading to Epcot for dinner and Candlelight Processional. But our favorite Magic Kingdom times are always the ones where we're just wandering and taking in everything as it comes.

Sorry for the ramble. The trip is still fresh and I'm having fun remembering it!

 

[disneylover102]

From what I've heard, the parties there aren't so crowded. You could probably do more by spending the full day at HS and leaving in time for the party. Arrive at park opening at HS, do TSM first and get FP+ for RnRC, TOT, and Star Tours. Try to get FP+ as early in the day as possible (but not too early, or you'll skip the short lines!) for a chance of later FP+. Star Tours will have pretty short lines for the first few hours so if you want to repeat it that's a good option for the late morning. RnRC and TOT can get really long lines so if you want to repeat those, do those after TSM. RnRC does have a single rider line. When we went, we tried the single rider line and it wasn't all that fast but it worked fine. (We only did it once because that specific day, standby was 40-50 in the middle of the day which we preferred but from what I can tell on the app standby is usually longer) We don't really watch the shows, but those shouldn't have too long of lines. If you care about meet and greets (which we don't) you might want to consider FP+ for those or do them early. Toy Story Land should also be open by next Christmas so you might also want FP+ for those rides or do them early.

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I love MVMCP but if I had to pick between a MK day or the party I'd go with the MK full day.

I'd also do the MK day on a non party day so you will have a longer day there. It will be more crowded but if you start at rope drop you should be able to get a lot done.

I find the ride lines shorter at MVMCP but we spend so much time trying to catch the parades & fireworks & a few of the characters that we really end up riding very few things that night.

We see & do lots more on a MK day than we do at the party.