worth the $ for special dec events?

[PrincessTigerLily]

Hello Everyone

We will be embarking on our next Disney adventure to the world in December, and I was wondering for those of you who have done them, are the special extra ticket events worthwhile? Is it worth paying for MVMCP when you will have park tickets? Is it worth getting the package for Candlelight Processional? Will a five y/o and 1 1/2 y/o be able to sit through Candlelight, or will they bore easily?

Thank you so much for all your great advice!!!

 

[TAKitty]

I thought the package for the Candlelight Processional was worth it! We saw a huge line of people wanting to get in after they let the package people in. The Processional seems to have a lot of change (music, talking, people entering) so your children may like it. I enjoyed MVMCP, but I was able to do and see all that I wanted to without going to the party. It was a nice but expensive experience. For young children it is a toss up. The small children around us loved it. The park was empty but so was the other days we went.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

I'm familiar with MVMCP, and we plan on doing that when we are there in December... but what is the Candlelight Processional? ~Ev

 

[tink2020]

The youngest in our party was 13, so I can't comment on the kids sitting through events..... but everything we paid for was WELL worth it. The atmosphere at MVMCP cannot be beat, and we were there on a Friday when everyone swore it would be so packed that we would be miserable. It was our favorite night, and not crowded at all compared to what we were told! Candlelight Processional, if others think that kids enjoy it alright, is absolutely beautiful and we also found the dining package well worth the money!

 

[tink2020]

I'm familiar with MVMCP, and we plan on doing that when we are there in December... but what is the Candlelight Processional? ~Ev

Here is the info from Deb's AllEars site:

http://allearsnet.com/tp/h_cpfaq.htm

And this site has some pictures as well as info on the dining packages of the past:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/candlelight_processional.htm

That's much better than me trying to explain it! Hope it helps you!

 

[PrincessTigerLily]

Thanks so much for all your great info!

 

[puddleduck]

We did MVMCP on the last night they held it (which was supposed to be one of the busiest nights) and we found it to be well worth the money. If you do the MVMCP, make sure you get there before the 7:00 starting time. We were in the park at 6:00 and there was no wait at all for any ride. We rode Goofy's Barnstormer 4 times in a row w/out getting off and could have gone on for longer. We rode teacups 3 times w/out getting off. the longest part of waiting for splash mountain and astro orbiter were just running through the queses and getting to the actual ride, there was maybe 2-5 minutes between getting in the line and getting on the ride. At the judges tent in toontown, there were 3 people ahead of us to get pictures w/ Daisy, Minnie and Mickey in their Christmas finery. We had a ball and found it to be a perfect way for our 3 boys to many of their favorite rides over and over again.

 

[Drince88]

If you like parades, and are going before the big Christmas crowds, the Christmas Party is the only way to see the Christmas parade. I was really blown away with all of the music units in this particular parade.

Additionally, the fireworks during the parade include shells fired from 360 degrees around the park. It really is great. I believe there's also special storytelling or such that the little ones might enjoy. If you DO go, make sure they get good naps in!

 

[CarolA]

My thought on the MVMCP is that it's a don't miss, BUT I don't do it for rides. THey do great shows, parades and special fireworks and I make an effort to see all of that.

I also love CP and the last few years it's getting VERY hard to get in without doing the package. Plan on well over an hour wait without the package.

 

[ECurto]

Hello Everyone

We will be embarking on our next Disney adventure to the world in December, and I was wondering for those of you who have done them, are the special extra ticket events worthwhile? Is it worth paying for MVMCP when you will have park tickets? Is it worth getting the package for Candlelight Processional? Will a five y/o and 1 1/2 y/o be able to sit through Candlelight, or will they bore easily?

Thank you so much for all your great advice!!!

You can do the CP at Epcot for free. Or if you can’t get into the free seats, you can just sit on the grass neat the theater. No need to pay unless you want to guarantee a seat. As for MVMCP, I have to say the first year (2004) we did it I LOVED IT. But then I went to the Halloween Party (2005). And I have to say that blew the Christmas party out of the water (2 months after the Halloween Party in 2005). It really ruined it. I couldn’t believe how much they put into the Halloween Party, and how little they did for the Christmas Party. Since Christmas decor is up anyway there’s nothing really special at MVMCP other then the snow, and cookies and milk, and a different parade and fireworks. As apposed to Halloween, when nothing in the park is Halloween-ie, and then BOOM its like full blown Halloween fest. So I think maybe its worth it to experience once, but not necessary. If you go in October, you NEED to go to the Halloween Party. ITS SO WORTH IT!

 

[ccw]

I took my youngest son to Disney one December on a last minute trip so we did not have tickets for anything...he also requested that we not make ADRs but just (for once!) have a somewhat spontaneous three days. At EPCOT, we sat in the Japanese garden area eating our dinner from the counter service restaurant there while listening to some of the music from the CP...it was wonderful. Bought the CD (from the previous year) and have enjoyed listening to it every Christmas season. No way would I try to sit thru the whole performance with two little ones, much less pay the money for a nice sit down dinner with babies in tow. Just my two cents worth.

 

[eyoreaud]

If you like parades, and are going before the big Christmas crowds, the Christmas Party is the only way to see the Christmas parade. I was really blown away with all of the music units in this particular parade.

Additionally, the fireworks during the parade include shells fired from 360 degrees around the park. It really is great. I believe there's also special storytelling or such that the little ones might enjoy. If you DO go, make sure they get good naps in!

The Story of Christmas is a must see for young children (and adults too). You also get free family photos taken. Last year we arrived at MK at 4:30pm got our wristbands and did a lot of the rides before MVMCP started. .