Going to MVMCP for the first time!

[MistressGracey999]

Hi all! I know it's awhile off, but we are going to WDW in December this year (usually go in Feb) and are planning to get tix for the Very Merry Christmas Party. My guide book (usually so good for info) has exactly one paragraph about this event, and answers none of my questions. I thought I would have more luck here!

My questions are:

The event for '08 started at 7PM. So, assuming that the '09 will follow suit, does that mean we can't enter the MK until 7? Or, can we enter earlier and get a wristband?

Is the whole MK decorated for Christmas? Or just the castle?

Does FP operate during MVMCP?

The guidebook says "free cocoa and cookies"...Disney?? Free?? I'm all over that!! Are cast member strolling about passing out these goodies, or do you have to queue up somewhere?

Does anywhere in MK offer a special meal during the event?

In your opinion, what is Not-To-Be-Missed at MVMCP, and what is skipable of the special shows/parades?? We want to use some of the time when everyone else is doing Christmas things to jump on a couple of our favorite rides.

Also would love to hear any other tips you all may want to share about this event. Thanks in advance!! I'm already excited!

[Strmchsr]

Look here in Info Central for lots of information on MVMCP. No need to buy a guidebook when you can get it on Intercot for free!

To answer your questions...

You can get in at 4 with the MVMCP ticket, or, if you have your normal park ticket, you can be in all day.

All of MK is decorated, not just during MVMCP, but during the day, too.

I don't remember about FP. Never needed it.

The cocoa and cookies are at set stations, like the Tomorrowland Terrace.

No "special" meals during the event, but you can eat at the MK restaurants leading up to it.

Honestly the biggest "don't miss" things are the parade and the holiday Wishes. You'll have time for the rides, but, honestly, you can do the rides during the entire rest of your trip, so be sure to catch the shows and special stuff that can only be done during MVMCP. However, there is a late and early showing of the parade. Pick one to see and use the other time to hit those more popular rides.

Tickets for the event usually go on sale around the first of May. Watch the front page of Intercot for info on when it's released.

[kadesha]

You will not need FP's for MVMCP. The rides are pretty much deserted.


The cookies and cocoa are set up at certain places and you'll have to wait in line for them. I waited in line for over 30 minutes on November 20!

Be prepared for crowds, crowds, crowds and more crowds! The areas that have special events going on and mainstreet are terrible! We ended up giving up on the party events and riding rides the whole time. I have never dealt with such crowds before, not even in the summer.

[MistressGracey999]

Wow, thanks! And I agree, Intercot DOES rock!

[Gooftroop5]

we just went in the beginning of December 08. Didn't wait for more then one person ahead of us to get hot cocoa. It was cold that night it was in the upper 30s. We are from up north & even we were freezing. We got it at the crystal palace & tomorrowland terrace. Even had no problem getting sugar free hot cocoa & cookies for my dad.

The rides were practically empty (dd, dh & friend walked right onto space mountain) & it is a good time to go see tinker bell & the other fairies. My sil waited 15 minutes the absolute most to see them. (we missed them... a sore subject due to other people we were with. )

DD got to see Tinker bell fly. Stood right under the wire. The look on her face made the whole disaterous night worth while. (we had some other issues not related to the cold , disney or the MVMCP)

[DisneyPrincess21]

Hi all! I know it's awhile off, but we are going to WDW in December this year (usually go in Feb) and are planning to get tix for the Very Merry Christmas Party. My guide book (usually so good for info) has exactly one paragraph about this event, and answers none of my questions. I thought I would have more luck here!

My questions are:

The event for '08 started at 7PM. So, assuming that the '09 will follow suit, does that mean we can't enter the MK until 7? Or, can we enter earlier and get a wristband?

Is the whole MK decorated for Christmas? Or just the castle?

Does FP operate during MVMCP?

The guidebook says "free cocoa and cookies"...Disney?? Free?? I'm all over that!! Are cast member strolling about passing out these goodies, or do you have to queue up somewhere?

Does anywhere in MK offer a special meal during the event?

In your opinion, what is Not-To-Be-Missed at MVMCP, and what is skipable of the special shows/parades?? We want to use some of the time when everyone else is doing Christmas things to jump on a couple of our favorite rides.

Also would love to hear any other tips you all may want to share about this event. Thanks in advance!! I'm already excited!

It's not too early to plan or get excited because I am right there with you! I am planning my trip for 12/06-12/10. Can't WAIT!!!

To answer your questions,
You can get in at 4:00pm with only your MVMCP ticket.If you arrive before 7 you will have to get a wristband by 7pm. if you enter from 7pm on they will give you your wristband after you pass through the turnstile.
All of mk is decorated! It's wonderful!. My favorite is probably the mickey wreaths that are hanging on the lamp post. They are really cute.
You don't need fp because you don't have lines at almost all the rides. This past year I went to MVMCP and walked right on to pirates of the carribean, There was no line at all. And I walked right into Haunted Mansion, And Mickey's Philharmagic. It was great.
They do have cm walking around with the free cookies. I didn't see anyone walking around with the cocoa but they have places set up all around where you can get coca and cookies.
You don't want to miss the "once upon a christmastime parade" very cute. And you want to make sure to see "holiday wishes" It's my favorite of all the fireworks shows. They also have "snow" on main street which is fun considering your in Florida.
Bottom line you'll love everything! And if you like me who loves Disney and Christmas, What could be better than celebrating both at once?!

Hope you have a Magical time!

[MistressGracey999]

Wow, these posts have me even more pumped, if that's possible, LOL...thanks everyone for sharing your information! I'm especially psyched about this whole "walking onto the rides" deal and the parade and Wishes both sound wonderful!

I imagine the rides would still be pretty crowded from 4 til 7, we may make a dinner ressie for somewhere inside MK for that night. Believe it or not, we have never eaten at a table service inside MK. Any suggestions? You've all been so nice with your answers so far, I hate to keep asking stuff!

[jensantuit]

We will be going to the MVMCP for our first time also, we'll be there from December 6th to the 12th. We are very excited also and can't wait to go. I do have a suggestion about a table service, we have been to the Crystal Palace a couple of times and it has always been fun. Being a buffet it always has something for everyone and the characters are a bonus also. Have fun

[kadesha]

Crystal Palace is a great TS at MK! We'll be eating there for the 4th time in June. It's a must for us every trip!

[MistressGracey999]

Ok, that's two for CP! That sounds good to me. I have always wanted to try CP since I went to WDW when I was little. I asked my aunt what that place was, and she told me it was CP. I cried and begged to go in, LOL, because I thought it was an attraction inside. I shut up quickly when she told me it was a restaurant, but I always wanted to go back and try it.

Usually at MK we are too busy doing "everything" to worry about a sit-down meal. But after so many trips to the park, I think this time we will do CP, the Christmas stuff, and our must-do rides and just go at a slower pace.

Thanks all for the advice, and the wishes for a good trip. I will be there at the same time as some of you all, we arrive Dec. 6th, depart Dec. 11th. If ya'll are staying at POP, maybe I'll see ya there! I'll be the one by the pool with the nice drink from Petals!

Wishing you all a very magical trip as well!

Shellie

[Soul_Power]

Thanks for posting this - it answered a lot of questions that I had too!

I'll be there from December 4-10 and I cannot wait!

[jnfr2424]

I went to MVMCP in Nov '08 and even though it rained, it was the best thing ever to do! I got to visit Tinkerbell and co which was amazing! All the tips here are so right. My fave thing not to be missed is the Parties at designated locations. My family went to the one in Tomorrowland how much fun was it dancing the electric slide with Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter! Joining a conga line with Pluto as the leader. Great Memories! Have a great time!!!

[MistressGracey999]

The "parties" sound neat! Are they times and locations listed on the park map? Is there a special park map for MVMCP?

[DisneyPrincess21]

The "parties" sound neat! Are they times and locations listed on the park map? Is there a special park map for MVMCP?

Yes they have a special map and time list that you get at mk as soon as you walk into the park (right underneath the train station) It has the list for all the parade times and special shows they have going on. And they show you were the free cocoa and cookies spots are at. I am not sure if you know. But they offer special merchandise for the MVMCP that you can only buy at the party. They have pins, t-shirts, fleece's, sweatshirts, hats, And my personal favorite the fleece blanket. I have gotten one each year for the past 2 years. And I use it everyday. I love it!
So make sure you save up extra spending money for this night. Keep in mind the stuff is a little more expensive than you would normally spend because it is special party merchandise, but imo it is totally worth it. I can't wait. I am getting sooo excited about going!!

[MistressGracey999]

Thanks DisneyPrincess!

I did not know there was special merchandise available for this event! Now I can't wait to do some shopping while there! Could you give me a ballpark $ on the fleece blankets? That sounds like something I would love.

[DisneyPrincess21]

Thanks DisneyPrincess!

I did not know there was special merchandise available for this event! Now I can't wait to do some shopping while there! Could you give me a ballpark $ on the fleece blankets? That sounds like something I would love.

Sure! It's was $40 like I said some people might say it was "overpriced or not worth it" But I love mine. I bought one the past 2 years. The first one I got in 2007 was a dark green and they also had red but were sold out. And this past year it was cream colored. On this past years blanket it has Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse And Pluto dressed in winter/christmas outfits. And they are building snowmen in their likeness' And the castle is in the background with the "ice" lights all over it. And at the top it says "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Walt Disney World 2008" I love it. I use it everyday.
The stores start selling the special merchandise during the party after 7:00pm Be sure to get there early so they don't sell out of the color or item you want. I got mine at Emporium.
The stores call them "fleece" but I don't really consider it fleece. The lining on the other side is kinda like fleece. But the top of it is a nice cotton material. It's seems thin but keeps me warm.

[MistressGracey999]

Alot of people would probably say ALOT of the merchandise at WDW is overpriced or not worth it, but I LOVE everything I have ever bought there. It's nice to have a little daily reminder of your latest WDW trip, and to me, that's worth the $$. I have a tea kettle with Mickey printed all over it from DTD, and when I make tea or cocoa in the evening, it gives me a little smile to use it!

Thanks for the info; I appreciate it much! Otherwise, I may have blown through all my shopping money prior to MVMCP, and been upset with myself!

[DisneyPrincess21]

Alot of people would probably say ALOT of the merchandise at WDW is overpriced or not worth it, but I LOVE everything I have ever bought there. It's nice to have a little daily reminder of your latest WDW trip, and to me, that's worth the $$. I have a tea kettle with Mickey printed all over it from DTD, and when I make tea or cocoa in the evening, it gives me a little smile to use it!

Thanks for the info; I appreciate it much! Otherwise, I may have blown through all my shopping money prior to MVMCP, and been upset with myself!

I know how you feel using the Disney stuff daily. It always brings a smile to my face. I have Disney mugs that I use for hot cocoa or tea and it always makes me smile.

Here's a tip I use, I put aside money just for MVMCP merchandise and put it in a envelope by itself in my suitcase and I leave it there till MVMCP night. That way I am sure to have money left over. Cause if I put all the money in my wallet I would probably spend it on all the other Disney goodies.

[hlkeck]

Some of the normally open kiosks close early for this party. So, if you're like me, and have your heart set on getting a Dole Whip Float, get it before the party starts! We went to Tony's for dinner at 6 and I skipped dessert so that I could run over for a Float...alas...they were closed.

[MistressGracey999]

Some of the normally open kiosks close early for this party. So, if you're like me, and have your heart set on getting a Dole Whip Float, get it before the party starts! We went to Tony's for dinner at 6 and I skipped dessert so that I could run over for a Float...alas...they were closed.

Ohhhhhh, thanks for this! We'll make sure to get our Whips and Floats early on. Sorry you missed out on yours. That stinks.