[Cavey]

My family has tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on Sunday, December 5.

BUT my cousing who went to MVMCP in 2002 said the crowds and lines made it unenjoyable. She said that while the parks were nearly empty the rest of the week, at the MVMCP they only got on a couple of rides because of the lines.

I've heard that Disney reduced the numbers of tickets sold in 2003 and the lines were better. Is there anyone at there who attended last year who can tell me what to expect?

Thanks,
Jeffery

[CaraMia]

It has been 2 years since we went to MVMCP. We had gone several years in a row prior. We have gone when the park seemed to almost be full to capacity <very crowded>. The one thing we decided after the first time we went was that we do not really go that night for the rides. We go to enjoy the holiday atmosphere - the decorations, the carolers, christmas parade, etc. That isnt to say that we dont go on any rides. We just dont try to do as much in a short period of time. We try to just slow down. We found it makes a less stressful and more enjoyable time.

Hope you have a great time!

[MerlinMatt]

I'm stunned. I've never heard of long lines at MVMCP.

As far as I know, even when they first started it, they only sold about 50% capacity (I'm totally guessing at the actual percentage) of the park and that it wasn't uncommon to walk onto a number of rides with no wait at all.

I'd like to hear from others because we're going on the very last night of MVMCP this year (Dec 17). I'd like to have a better impression as to what I'm in for.

[CaraMia]

Just wanted to say that when we went and encountered the larger crowds at MVMCP - it was at least 5 years ago. I am sure things have improved since then. We just remember that fantasyland was wall-to-wall people, the lines were like 25 minutes long just for a picture, certain rides had long rides, etc. (I dont even think the Buzz Lightyear ride was there yet the year it was so crowded). We had a hard time finding a spot to watch the parades on Main Street as well.

[ilvminnie]

I haven't been to the Christmas one, but MNSSHP was great. We could get right on any ride we wanted. We're doing MVMCP on a Tuesday night. I intentionally did it during the week 'cause I figured weekends would be more crowded simply due to the "local" factor. And I also heard that they've cut down on the number of tickets available per night. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

[sandanv1]

Wow, this shocked me. I have been attending MVMCP for 8 years and I have never experienced crowds and lines as I do other times of the year. I suppose that certain rides do have longer lines, but compared to peak season they are nothing.

Also, we never try to jockey for a good viewing position on mainstreet for the parade or fireworks when we go to MK. It is too much of a hassle. But, at MVMCP we always get a great view and usually don't have to stake our claim hours before the parade.

I get lot of use from my passes and go many different times of the year. IMHO, MVMCP crowds are lighter then regular hours.

[GrumpyDad]

We went last year during the Thanksgiving Holiday and it was one of the highlights to our trip. We rode everything we wanted as much as we wanted, biggest wait was 1/2 max and that was in Fantasyland.

There were a lot of younger children that night so they were busy with the parades, the storytelling, and all the character interaction. About the only thing that had a long line were the free pictures and we just passed on those.

Don't forget to grab your free hot chocolate and cookies. Took a while to figure out where the stands were, but it fit into the whole feel of the night very nicely.

Enjoy,
-harry

[Huakai]

I went last year and remember a few of the lines being pretty long. The wait for HM was about 30 min which to me seems long since we usually go at off peak season and seldom wait more than 10-15 min for anything. I agree with CaraMia though, the atmosphere is mostly what we went for and taking your time and enjoying all the special things is well worth the effort. It is even more magical than usual!!

[kphil89]

Originally Posted by GrumpyDad

We went last year during the Thanksgiving Holiday and it was one of the highlights to our trip. We rode everything we wanted as much as we wanted, biggest wait was 1/2 max and that was in Fantasyland.

There were a lot of younger children that night so they were busy with the parades, the storytelling, and all the character interaction. About the only thing that had a long line were the free pictures and we just passed on those.

Don't forget to grab your free hot chocolate and cookies. Took a while to figure out where the stands were, but it fit into the whole feel of the night very nicely.

Enjoy,
-harry

Harry,

I will be in the world during the T-day holidays and would like to attend the Christmas party. Can you tell me if you pre-purchased your tixs or purchased them up when you arrived. I read somewhere that you can purchase tixs at the resort for the advanced price just like ordering online. Or maybe even at the gate the day before the party for the same advance price. I want to go but I am still unsure if I can stay the extra night. I'd much rather wait until I get there on 11/20 and pick up tixs for the first night. Hey does anyone know if they sell out the first night?

[GrumpyDad]

We ordered ahead of time for fear that they would be sold out.

Enjoy,
-harry

[jodilt]

I went last year in early Dec. and the crowds weren't bad at all. I don't remember waiting more than 15 minutes to ride anything.

[ilvminnie]

Especially during the parade!!! If I remember correctly for MNSSHP there were 2 parades (headless horseman & all!!!, really cool) & we could walk on anything we wanted during the first parade.

[Donald1010]

I have been once and the crowds were not bad, The ideal time to go to disney around christmas time is any time before the 22nd. We go every year to see how the decorate the park. The only time it was really bad was on the 23rd when they had the group N'syc singing one year it took us 10 mintues to get from tommorrowland to the gate. It was like being in a can of sardines. Have fun and enjoy yourself.

[KarenT]

We have gone to the Christmas party for the last 5 years. Never experinced any crowds. The longest line was to get our picture taken. We pretty much walked on every ride.