Who's skipping MVMCP and why?

[cjb71870]

Have been twice. With my husband,we are regulars, and we took my parents. It is busy, the parade you can see most of it at regular times. But, they do make it snow and stuff. I'm glad I went. It was fun.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Wow I hope we don't regret going to the party.I just hope it is not too crowded. We're going on a Thursday.

 

[AdventurerKat]

I was planning on doing this party but I am not sure about justifying the cost of it. My son and I have seasonal APs and can come and go from the parks as we like. With the MNSSHP, the kids get to dress up and trick or treat, so that's an added bonus to that party and worth the extra $$ to me. But for this one, I am not sure it really has a draw for me. I haven't completely decided no yet, but while I was leaning towards doing it before, I just haven't seen anything about it that makes me feel like its a must do for me so I will probably pass.

 

[Leota]

We are doing it this year because of the Grandchildren. We did it back in 1995 when it really was a small, intimate party. Wonderful! Not to be missed!
When I did it again in 2001, I was shocked at how crowded it had become!

The things that make it special are the abundance of Characters, The Christmas Parade, The Party atmosphere, The Shows & the Fireworks. It really does feel extra Festive to be there during the Party. It's not so much about the extra Park time, but the whole Celebratory Holiday Feeling. It has a certain Magic to me that I enjoy, even if it has become a much more popular & crowded event. I wish they would limit the tickets the way they used to, but even so, I still enjoy it.

 

[beattyfamily]

We will be ther during several nights of the xmas party and I am really struggling with why someone on an extended wdw vacation would pay an extra $40 per person just to be in the MK on nights of these parties. If money is no object or if it is a short vacation and the ticket is in lieu of a day on the hoppers, then I guess it makes sense. But when you are there 10 days (like us) and will have more than enough MK time during your stay why would anyone pay the $160 for this?? From what I can tell, other than addtional time in a crowded MK to ride attractions, it is a special parade (like all the other parades aren't enough) special fireworks (which we'll be seing from the CG one of the nights) and cookies and hot chocolate. Please help me understand why.

I've been 3 times; 2000, 2001 and 2003 (skipped it last year to do MNSSHP). And even though it seems to get more crowded each year and reports last year were less then perfect (no button anymore, more crowded) we loved it so much in the past, we're doing it again this year.

We love it for the festive atmosphere more then anything (the decorations and music at night are so beautiful, the snow on Main Street, the characters dressed in holiday attire, the Christmas parade and the new special Holidaywishes fireworks). We love the special Xmas shows.

We love our free souvenir photo too.

I don't bother with the hot choc or cookies unless we're cold while waiting for the parade.

I think they should cut back on the number of tickets sold but that won't stop me from going. I didn't find it too bad but we'll see this year!

If you go in the beginning of December, it's the only way to see the parade, fireworks, and special shows and I LOVE them all! We go for the festive atmosphere more then anything else.

 

[WendyMichaelJohn]

I've been 3 times; 2000, 2001 and 2003 (skipped it last year to do MNSSHP). And even though it seems to get more crowded each year and reports last year were less then perfect (no button anymore, more crowded) we loved it so much in the past, we're doing it again this year.

We love it for the festive atmosphere more then anything (the decorations and music at night are so beautiful, the snow on Main Street, the characters dressed in holiday attire, the Christmas parade and the new special Holidaywishes fireworks). We love the special Xmas shows.

We love our free souvenir photo too.

I don't bother with the hot choc or cookies unless we're cold while waiting for the parade.

I think they should cut back on the number of tickets sold but that won't stop me from going. I didn't find it too bad but we'll see this year!

If you go in the beginning of December, it's the only way to see the parade, fireworks, and special shows and I LOVE them all! We go for the festive atmosphere more then anything else.

Well, if you've got $200 extra to spare, feel free to pick up our tickets.

Shel

 

[goofy4tink]

My dd and I did MVMCP in 2003 and had a wonderful time. But, when we went last year, my dh came with us. We found that it was really crowded..much more so than the previous year and just didn't have the same feel. I am going to WDW by myself this year and have my ticket for the party on Dec 1. But, if my dd and dh were traveling with me, I don't think we would do the party as a family. Too much money, and too many people now.
It's not that I begrudge people's going but Disney has seemed to offer many more passes than in previous years. I realize it's a business and they are supposed to turn a profit hence the additional tickets for sale, but it does take away from the fun when you are shoved and pushed trying to get around. It is festive and gets me feeling holidayish, but like I said...if we were all in WDW we wouldn't buy tickets to MVMCP again. Too much money for too much aggrevation.

 

[Poohs Pal]

I'm not really skipping the party just waiting to buy tickets. Usually I pre purchase tickets and the night I choose is cold or I'm just tired. This year we are waiting to see if we feel like the party and if it's warm we will purchase if tickets are available. We will have about 6 evenings to choose from. I don't really go for the rides. I enjoy the parade,the show's and the fireworks. If I don't get to go this year I'll survive. We will have some 1st timers with us and we will let them decide. Susan

 

[threeboysmom]

We have decided to skip it again this year. I just can't justify the extra cost for our family of 5 just for a parade and a different version of Wishes. The whole holiday atmosphere is free at the MK if you go on a night when there isn't a MVMCP scheduled - the characters are dressed in holiday costumes, the decorations are there, the lights, etc. So you don't get your hot chocolate and snow..... I can get that at home

 

[Lives4Disney]

We are going again this year, but I was hesitant because we went last year for the first time and it was SO CROWDED. Disappointingly crowded.

Because we are doing the same kind of Thanksgiving trip again this year, and I knew more of what to expect as far as the timing of the shows and dinner planning, etc and I subscribed to TGM just for some hints on the party this year, I figured we will give it one more go.

It is costing almost $200 for our tickets and I am not exactly looking forward to it like I was last year. Due to our schedule we can only make the first party and I think it is just extra crowded because of the leftover Thanksgiving crowds.

If I could go to a party on a Tues or Thurs. the beginning or middle of Dec., I would be happier as I don't think those are as crowded. Not sure which party you were planning on attending. The limit on the ticket sales seems to be nonexistant. I know they say some parties do sell out, but I would hate to be at one of those.

Good luck with your decision & happy trip planning!

Lives4Disney

 

[NancyIL]

I went to MVMCP in 2001, 2002, and 2003. In 2004 I went to the Halloween party, so when I was at WDW for 3 days in December, decided to skip the Christmas party. I was at WDW last month and didn't go to the Halloween party, so am seriously thinking of going to the Dec. 1st Christmas party with others attending MouseFest.

 

[DisneyKidds]

It's so interesting to read the change in the MVMCP party advice!

When I was planning our December 2004 trip and reading these boards, most every post I read said it was a MUST do, you HAVE to go to MVMCP, it's so great, not to be missed, ect, ect....opinions have totally changed this year though, with many people saying it's just too crowded and not worth the extra $$$. I wonder if the "trend" will be felt by Disney and if they will make any party adjustments or go back to really limiting the tickets.

Me thinks it is because you are reading a "why we aren't going" thread. What other comments do you think you'd see here?

All the reasons people are not going are good, although it does seem a few people might have some misunderstandings as well.

We'll be going this year....we are just debating between one or two nights. We've done two nights most years but are leaning toward one this year, primarily because we are trying to be more budget conscious. But go we will.

Please help me understand why.

Sure, let me elaborate. It is primarily for those things which we would not be able to see without going to the party.

First among those things is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade. During the weeks that the party is going on you can ONLY see it during the party. After the last party date it becomes a daily event, but we aren't going in late December. I just can't see being at WDW during the festive Holiday season and passing up on this great parade. Yes, there is a ton of other Holiday stuff going on around the World, but we want all that AND the Christmas Parade!!!

Second among those things is the general atmosphere of the party. The snow on main street, the Holiday music playing, Holiday lights projected on the castle, the festive nature of the well behaved crowd, meeting happy people while we sip our cocoa and eat our cookies. It's like a MasterCard commercial. Cost of MVMCP tickets: $120 MVMCP Holiday Atmosphere: Priceless.

Third among those things is the special MVMCP version of Wishes. Sure, the MVMCP version of the fireworks might not be as good as it was three or four years ago, but it still is different and special. The special surround shells that go off around the perimerter of the park are great. Yeah, you can see the fireworks from poutside the park, but the effect just isn't the same.

Fourth among those things is the extra time you can get on rides with very short lines. This isn't a primary reason for going, but it is a nice benefit.

The Holiday shows are great, but you can see most of those during the day.

All in all we consider the party a must do event. Yes, it is an extra cost, but we feel it is a good value for the money. Given that you can generally enter the MK as early as 4:00 with a MVMCP ticket (even though official party time isn't until 7:00) you really can do and see an awful lot, and a lot of things you would simply not see otherwise. We've never found the crowds to be a problem, and we've gone twice a year for the last four years. Sure, Main St. is crowded, but it's not 'SpectroMagic on a Saturday Night, Get a Spot an Hour and a Half Before the Parade' crowded. The crowd congregates on Main St. and at many of the Christmas shows, but beyond that it isn't crowded at all.

Different strokes for different folks, I always say. Lots of people have lots of good reasons why the party might not be right for their family, but we'll be there.

 

[huskies90]

We love it for the festive atmosphere more then anything (the decorations and music at night are so beautiful, the snow on Main Street, the characters dressed in holiday attire, the Christmas parade and the new special Holidaywishes fireworks). We love the special Xmas shows.

The thing is, there is SOOOOO much festive atmosphere all over wdw at xmas. I think eveyone who goes during this time of year will get their share of festive atmosphere (dare I say, too much??) I have heard reports of decorations already up on November 1st!!

I think they should cut back on the number of tickets sold but that won't stop me from going. I didn't find it too bad but we'll see this year!

Now this makes sense to me. If they really limited the number of tix then value wise this would be worth it.

Don't get me wrong, if $$ was not an isse or if the price was nominal or free I would do it in a second. I also understand that "$$ is not an issue" does not mean people doing it are filthy rich. It may just mean that they want their vacation to be as perfect as possible and just want the most magic they can get and that is totally cool with me. Unfortunately, I am a self proclaimed miser and always weigh financial value. And as much as I would love to do the party, I can't justify the value.

But really I hope everyone that goes has a great time. Really!!

 

[WaltD4Me]

Me thinks it is because you are reading a "why we aren't going" thread. What other comments do you think you'd see here?

Ummm, yea, I understood the title of the thread, but I've read lots of MVMCP threads lately and they do not have nearly the same glowing reviews and MUST do comments that MVMCP threads used to.

I apologize that I did not clarify that I wasn't referring specifically to this thread.

 

[beattyfamily]

The thing is, there is SOOOOO much festive atmosphere all over wdw at xmas. I think eveyone who goes during this time of year will get their share of festive atmosphere (dare I say, too much??) I have heard reports of decorations already up on November 1st!!

Yes, but there is just something about Magic Kingdom, at night, with the lights on, the music going, the snow going, Christmas carolers strolling around, the special shows, and people dressed festive and in the festive mood. It's not exactly the same as being at the parks during the day, especially at MK. That is what I mean. Not to mention the Christmas parade and the brand new Holidaywishes going on this year.

I never said there isn't festive stuff going on throughtout WDW and people can certainly get there fill. Obviously, I LOVE MVMCP and I was trying to explain why, that's all. I think some who've never been and can't justify the cost should try it once, IMHO, to see what I mean. It's hard to put it into words; it's quite magical, especially if MK is your favorite park.

 

[WendyMichaelJohn]

Thanks everyone, I think I've gotten enough answers to my question to make an informed decision. I'm sure the party is great, but probably not great enough to break the bank or to have to be overly disciplined with money the rest of the week just for that one night.

I'm sure the party is fabulous, but I would never want anyone who COULDN'T go to feel that their trip won't be as Christmassy-Magical as someone else's. Now that I know that the characters are dressed in Holiday garb at other times during non-party evenings, I'm pretty much set on not going. Since we're staying in a villa, we'll fill our mugs with our own hot chocolate and go to town.

Don't want this to turn into an ugly debate between those who can't afford it and those who think they should find a way. (I really didn't need to hear any positive MVMCP posts because I've heard more than I can count, which is why I asked for the thoughts of those who are NOT going, not those who are MVMCP cheerleaders. Like I said to the pp, if you can spare $200, then buy all means, I'd be happy to give it a try.

Shel

 

[beattyfamily]

Thanks everyone, I think I've gotten enough answers to my question to make an informed decision. I'm sure the party is great, but probably not great enough to break the bank or to have to be overly disciplined with money the rest of the week just for that one night.

I'm sure the party is fabulous, but I would never want anyone who COULDN'T go to feel that their trip won't be as Christmassy-Magical as someone else's. Now that I know that the characters are dressed in Holiday garb at other times during non-party evenings, I'm pretty much set on not going. Since we're staying in a villa, we'll fill our mugs with our own hot chocolate and go to town.

Don't want this to turn into an ugly debate between those who can't afford it and those who think they should find a way. (I really didn't need to hear any positive MVMCP posts because I've heard more than I can count, which is why I asked for the thoughts of those who are NOT going, not those who are MVMCP cheerleaders. Like I said to the pp, if you can spare $200, then buy all means, I'd be happy to give it a try.

Shel

Well, I replied to huskies90's question Please help me understand why and I have every right to. I didn't reply to you since you didn't want to hear from 'MVMCP cheerleaders'.

I don't see any 'ugly debate' anywhere. Unfortunately, you can't always control what people post in your thread. It's the nature of the Internet.

 

[LovnMickey]

So if they sell 20,000 tickets and the night is sold out. What would the rating be on the crowd blog for that night as far as wait times? Our trip is showing to be 6's and 7's for our stay so I was wondering how that would compare to the MVMCP nights.

Thanks!

 

[huskies90]

Well, I replied to huskies90's question Please help me understand why and I have every right to. I didn't reply to you since you didn't want to hear from 'MVMCP cheerleaders'.

I don't see any 'ugly debate' anywhere. Unfortunately, you can't always control what people post in your thread. It's the nature of the Internet.

I agree - No ugly debate here at all. I value and appreciate your opinion. That is what message boards are for. I also don't think it's about being able to "afford it." I am pretty sure that everyone who can afford a WDW vacation can afford this party if they want. With a gazillion things to spend $$ on at wdw it is impossible to do it all. The question is why spend it here over something else. It is a personal decision. That is all.

I have never been and you are probably right, I should try it once. I would love to go. But with so many other things I would rather do with my $$, I just can't justify the cost.

I hope everyone who goes has an awesome time. I am sure you will!!

 

[Lucky4me]

So if they sell 20,000 tickets and the night is sold out. What would the rating be on the crowd blog for that night as far as wait times? Our trip is showing to be 6's and 7's for our stay so I was wondering how that would compare to the MVMCP nights.

Thanks!

Last year (first Tuesday of Dec.) as DH was leaving around 9pm, people were still buying tickets and heading in. And it was one of those grab a spot an hour and a half before the parade, elbow to elbow on main st. kind of nights. Insanely crowded. There was not a spot to be found from the castle all the way to the train station to view Wishes at 9:30. If the park limit is 50,000 I'd have to say that night there was less than that, but a heck of a lot more than twenty thousand.

I remember at 8pm dd getting in line for Astro orbitor. She came down over an hour later. Now that is crowded.
I would say it would have been rated a 7 or 8 in crowd levels.