For those who have done it, did you really enjoy it? We are on a budget and also not sure how long our toddler would be able to stay up. A few other questions: how do they remove everyone else from the park? Are the fireworks at midnight then? Are the rides open? Thanks for your help in making my decision!
Is Mickeys Christmas party worth the cost?
- Thread starter Dakota731
- Start date
sharonabe
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 22, 2009
Fireworks are usually at 10 pm and the rides are open. As to how they will remove everyone else, all party guests will have a wristband. Anyone without a wristband will be graciously escorted to the exit after 7 pm. They are trying something new this year with a 6 pm closing of the park to daytime guests. No one really knows how or what they are planning to do with that gap hour.
Is it worth it? Personally, if you don't think your toddler will make until midnight or won't sleep in a stroller and then still sleep later, I would wait. It is an expensive ticket, and not taking advantage of ALL the hours makes the cost per hour even higher. There are some exclusive meet and greets, it snows on Main St., and the parade and fireworks are Christmas themed.
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2014
"Worth it" is a tough question when it comes to the parties, especially with a toddler. That answer is just so different for everyone. For us, it is 'worth it' but we adjust our expectations accordingly with the kiddos. We know we might not make it until midnight, so we're happy to just do what we can do.
We enjoy the parties for 1) the theming/vibe/something different, 2) the parade, 3) the fireworks, 4) short waits/walk on for most rides. We don't mess with the special charachters. The cookies/treats at MVMCP are sort of duds for us, unlike MNSSHP where we do make a point to do the trick or treating.
The parties can feel 'packed' at times, but in different ways than a normal MK day. The hub/parade route can feel very, very crowded, but ride wait times are usually very short to walk ons most of the night. Crowds feel 'lumpy' to me, especially at MVMCP. There is a cap on tickets but I'm not sure what that # is.
With some exceptions they are actually very good at clearing the park. Early on in the parties there will be "walls" of CMs at various places all over the park - you're not getting through without a wristband. The new 6PM close for MVMCP this year is seemingly an attempt to better control park clearing as well. Proper park clearing has been the subject of some debate around here the last few years.
Overall for us it's a FUN event and a great way to get in the holiday spirit while experiencing the MK in a different/unique way.
Just one family's perspective!
We enjoy the parties for 1) the theming/vibe/something different, 2) the parade, 3) the fireworks, 4) short waits/walk on for most rides. We don't mess with the special charachters. The cookies/treats at MVMCP are sort of duds for us, unlike MNSSHP where we do make a point to do the trick or treating.
The parties can feel 'packed' at times, but in different ways than a normal MK day. The hub/parade route can feel very, very crowded, but ride wait times are usually very short to walk ons most of the night. Crowds feel 'lumpy' to me, especially at MVMCP. There is a cap on tickets but I'm not sure what that # is.
With some exceptions they are actually very good at clearing the park. Early on in the parties there will be "walls" of CMs at various places all over the park - you're not getting through without a wristband. The new 6PM close for MVMCP this year is seemingly an attempt to better control park clearing as well. Proper park clearing has been the subject of some debate around here the last few years.
Overall for us it's a FUN event and a great way to get in the holiday spirit while experiencing the MK in a different/unique way.
Just one family's perspective!
pumpkinhead10a
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2013
For me no..over priced and over sold ...way to crowded! Take the money and do something special for yourselves and it will cost you half the $...enjoy your trip...
Our trips to Orlando are usually short four night/three day trips where we are only doing one Disney park (usually the Magic Kingdom). For us if parties at the MK are going on during our trip the decision becomes do we buy one day tickets to the MK or do we buy party tickets that are less expensive and use that as our MK fix.
Even though more expensive because I am up early, I really prefer to go to the MK for the day. I found early morning less crowded than any time during the party for riding attractions. DS 21 agrees with this and prefers an MK day too after having done the party once. He also likes more hours in the MK. It's a two edged sword because when parties are going on the least crowded days are when people have to get out of the park early because of the party. And the more crowded regular days are when there are no parties, as people prefer a longer day at the MK and fireworks. // To me it's like Disney is double dipping and making all my choices a little less attractive. // My choice would be party day regular MK because of the lower crowds until party people arrive. I've had my fill by then, have been able to do a lot with low crowds, and I really would have no problem whatsoever about never seeing another MK evening parade or fireworks show. DS prefers the non party MK day because he wants more hours and evening fireworks, and I go with his preference.
When with extended family though who wanted to do something different and save money, we go with what the gang wants to do which is typically the party instead of an MK day. Here we just relax - sleep in, play tennis at our resort, then go for a swim and have lunch -- then go to the party and stay till closing. The party seems to be most popular with my relatives who are into the character meet and greets as parties have characters that you don't typically see. My immediate family isn't that gaga about characters, another reason that a regular day at the MK is the best fit for us.
My personal thoughts are that the parties are too crowded and not worth it -- exception being if you are super excited about the characters and want to get your photo and do meet and greets with ones you don't typically see at the parks. For a family who is big into the characters it could be worthwhile.
Even though more expensive because I am up early, I really prefer to go to the MK for the day. I found early morning less crowded than any time during the party for riding attractions. DS 21 agrees with this and prefers an MK day too after having done the party once. He also likes more hours in the MK. It's a two edged sword because when parties are going on the least crowded days are when people have to get out of the park early because of the party. And the more crowded regular days are when there are no parties, as people prefer a longer day at the MK and fireworks. // To me it's like Disney is double dipping and making all my choices a little less attractive. // My choice would be party day regular MK because of the lower crowds until party people arrive. I've had my fill by then, have been able to do a lot with low crowds, and I really would have no problem whatsoever about never seeing another MK evening parade or fireworks show. DS prefers the non party MK day because he wants more hours and evening fireworks, and I go with his preference.
When with extended family though who wanted to do something different and save money, we go with what the gang wants to do which is typically the party instead of an MK day. Here we just relax - sleep in, play tennis at our resort, then go for a swim and have lunch -- then go to the party and stay till closing. The party seems to be most popular with my relatives who are into the character meet and greets as parties have characters that you don't typically see. My immediate family isn't that gaga about characters, another reason that a regular day at the MK is the best fit for us.
My personal thoughts are that the parties are too crowded and not worth it -- exception being if you are super excited about the characters and want to get your photo and do meet and greets with ones you don't typically see at the parks. For a family who is big into the characters it could be worthwhile.
MDIME
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2015
I love the party and definitely think it is "worth it"... for me. @pumpkinhead10a finds it overpriced, neither of us are wrong. I wouldn't go if I had a toddler.
Nancyg56
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2005
Worth it? I thnk that depends on what you are lookign for in regards to your entire trip experience, as well as the Party.
We like the Parties, but we do not attend every visit. They are expensive, so before committing to the ticket, I woudl suggest you look at the length of your stay and the parks you want to visit during the trip. WIth a little one there is a lot to do and experience, so would you be leaving out things you pay for with your regular ticket package to work a party into the schedule? Would you do anything differently at the party than you would in a normal MK day?
I can honestly say I would not go with a toddler, at least not to the Christmas Party. I think it would be an added expense and one that might add stress in terms of managing to keep a little one engaged late enough to justify the cost of tickets for the family. I would concentrate on the holiday activities throughout the parks and resorts.
We like the Parties, but we do not attend every visit. They are expensive, so before committing to the ticket, I woudl suggest you look at the length of your stay and the parks you want to visit during the trip. WIth a little one there is a lot to do and experience, so would you be leaving out things you pay for with your regular ticket package to work a party into the schedule? Would you do anything differently at the party than you would in a normal MK day?
I can honestly say I would not go with a toddler, at least not to the Christmas Party. I think it would be an added expense and one that might add stress in terms of managing to keep a little one engaged late enough to justify the cost of tickets for the family. I would concentrate on the holiday activities throughout the parks and resorts.
melanielll
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2016
We have been doing it for around 15 years. Not every year - more like every other. I would say that it is no longer worth the price. When we started going, it was fun and the crowds were a relief from what a day in the park was like. Now they sell so many tickets that the value is completely gone. We are not doing it again.
Here are a few examples: last year the wait to see the Seven Dwarves was over 2 hours which is a hefty portion of the amount of hours that you paid for , people were camping out for the parade for hours before it began which means that you either waste the time that you paid for sitting on a curb or stand in the back, the lines for rides were completely unacceptable for a paid event, the cookies were bordering on gross, and the castmembers were largely surly.
These days we are not on a budget when we go, but won't be doing it again. I think that for a family on a budget it is an almost disastrous way to spend limited funds. And I say this as someone who went to the parks on budgets for many years.
I would suggest the Rudolph stuff over at at Seaworld if you want to do something extra Christmassy while on the trip. If not, just save the money and really fun up your Christmas at home.
Here are a few examples: last year the wait to see the Seven Dwarves was over 2 hours which is a hefty portion of the amount of hours that you paid for , people were camping out for the parade for hours before it began which means that you either waste the time that you paid for sitting on a curb or stand in the back, the lines for rides were completely unacceptable for a paid event, the cookies were bordering on gross, and the castmembers were largely surly.
These days we are not on a budget when we go, but won't be doing it again. I think that for a family on a budget it is an almost disastrous way to spend limited funds. And I say this as someone who went to the parks on budgets for many years.
I would suggest the Rudolph stuff over at at Seaworld if you want to do something extra Christmassy while on the trip. If not, just save the money and really fun up your Christmas at home.
With a toddler at least for my own kids.....no. My husband and I went a few years ago just us and we really enjoyed it. We also went in the beginning of the month and I loved the fireworks and the parade and the snow on main street.....but to take my 2 year old who will be 3 by that time not worth it for me.
Tattylou
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2014
We went to MVMCCP for the 1st time in Dec. We generally go to WDW in the spring and so my philosophy was if we were going in Dec to holiday decor then I was going to be at that party.
My kids were 6 and 8, so not toddlers by any stretch. We had a great time and would totally do it again. The fireworks were amazing and then snowing on Main St after literally brought a tear to my eyes bc it was so beautiful to be there (but I'm the kind of Disney fan who tears up when I see the castle after a long hiatus). We left after the fireworks so we didn't stay til midnight. We got on a lot of rides with super short waits though and my kids loved going to all the snack stations for the different cookies. I didn't think it was overly crowded. We were there the 1st weekend in Dec.
They definitely have a system of moving nonparty guests out. I was impressed how it happened so easily, but honestly we were in full party mode so I wasn't paying much attention to the specifics of how it happened.
I'd do it again and I'd recommend it for most ppl, but the toddler part would be a hesitation for me. My kids probably couldn't have stay past 8pm as toddlers. You know your child though.
My kids were 6 and 8, so not toddlers by any stretch. We had a great time and would totally do it again. The fireworks were amazing and then snowing on Main St after literally brought a tear to my eyes bc it was so beautiful to be there (but I'm the kind of Disney fan who tears up when I see the castle after a long hiatus). We left after the fireworks so we didn't stay til midnight. We got on a lot of rides with super short waits though and my kids loved going to all the snack stations for the different cookies. I didn't think it was overly crowded. We were there the 1st weekend in Dec.
They definitely have a system of moving nonparty guests out. I was impressed how it happened so easily, but honestly we were in full party mode so I wasn't paying much attention to the specifics of how it happened.
I'd do it again and I'd recommend it for most ppl, but the toddler part would be a hesitation for me. My kids probably couldn't have stay past 8pm as toddlers. You know your child though.
Mickey's Best Girl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2008
It's worth it for us but we are a mom/adult daughter combo. We love the Christmas party so much we usually go twice per trip if we can. But I don't know if I'd bother with a toddler in tow.
Most attractions are open, the fireworks are amazing and the parade.....
.
Most attractions are open, the fireworks are amazing and the parade.....
.
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2004
Worth it? No.
However, it's a fun experience to do at least once.
We use to go every year, but we are priced out now. The last few years we waited until closer to Christmas when the shows and parade are open to the general public. This will be our first year missing that too. We downgraded to AP with blackout dates.
However, it's a fun experience to do at least once.
We use to go every year, but we are priced out now. The last few years we waited until closer to Christmas when the shows and parade are open to the general public. This will be our first year missing that too. We downgraded to AP with blackout dates.
shh
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2013
I used to attend and recommend it as recently as 2 years ago, but at the much higher price now, I no longer do. Just feel it's way overpriced for what you get.
And no - if it rains, I believe you're likely out of luck - unless it's a really torrential rain that shuts most things down and you complain to guest services. (But someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)
And no - if it rains, I believe you're likely out of luck - unless it's a really torrential rain that shuts most things down and you complain to guest services. (But someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)
marcyleecorgan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2017
You said two words that make me lean towards, "There is no way you will get your money's worth..."
Simply because you are already TRYING to justify the cost, your brain is already in a different mindset.
Toddler and Budget.
Simply because you are already TRYING to justify the cost, your brain is already in a different mindset.
Toddler and Budget.
rubyslippers06
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2014
We skipped on our last trip with DS who was 5 going on 6 and not great at late nights. We are giving it a go this November he is almost 9. We did a party ticket and plan to take it easy at our resort during the day and then head over to the party.
Southerndisney
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2004
I have been to the party 4 times and it has rained for a couple of hours 3 of the 4 times. We go in mid December. We are all adults and we just press on. It could be tough with a toddler.
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2014
Technically yes. If it is a total and absolute wash out, parade cancelled, fireworks cancelled, just an all out mess of a night, then guest services has been known to offer tickets to another party or other types of making up for it. Obviously YMMV so don't expect anything if that happens, it's a bit of the risk you take with the parties.
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