MVMCP Rant

[SuprDav]

We're booked for 12/16 thru 12/22. On 4 of our 6 nights that we'll be at WDW, MVMCP is taking place at MK. I have to say that one of our favorite things to do is to go to MK at night no matter what park we have visited during the day. The price of the MVMCP ranges between $58.95 & 67.95 depending on the night, so for a travel party of 4 there's no way that's happening. Don't tell me about the perks of this sham, there's no way four people can eat 235 dollars worth of cookies & hot chocolate and the shorter lines on attractions doesn't do the trick for me either. I just feel it's a bit of a rip off considering the money already spent on park (hopper) tickets. Now I'm considering a whole revamp of the trip with new dates or maybe just cancelling all together.

 

[durangojim]

We're booked for 12/16 thru 12/22. On 4 of our 6 nights that we'll be at WDW, MVMCP is taking place at MK. I have to say that one of our favorite things to do is to go to MK at night no matter what park we have visited during the day. The price of the MVMCP ranges between $58.95 & 67.95 depending on the night, so for a travel party of 4 there's no way that's happening. Don't tell me about the perks of this sham, there's no way four people can eat 235 dollars worth of cookies & hot chocolate and the shorter lines on attractions doesn't do the trick for me either. I just feel it's a bit of a rip off considering the money already spent on park (hopper) tickets. Now I'm considering a whole revamp of the trip with new dates or maybe just cancelling all together.

I understand your frustration, and agree with you quite a bit. At $30 a pop, it's not so bad, but not for over $50. I'd say make sure you have park hoppers and go visit other parks in the evening. At least at that time of year you'll still be able to go to MK while it's dark even if the party is happening that night.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I hear you. We're visiting during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and MK is closing early three of the six days of our stay. We did our best to work around it by planning to visit MK only on the three days it has "full" hours (or park-hopping to another park well before party time, so we don't have to feel demoralized when we're ushered out like so much vermin so that the party people can take over), but I know what you mean about feeling cheated out of the full value of your parkhopper tickets.

 

[Crush Dude!]

We're booked for 12/16 thru 12/22. On 4 of our 6 nights that we'll be at WDW, MVMCP is taking place at MK. I have to say that one of our favorite things to do is to go to MK at night no matter what park we have visited during the day. The price of the MVMCP ranges between $58.95 & 67.95 depending on the night, so for a travel party of 4 there's no way that's happening. Don't tell me about the perks of this sham, there's no way four people can eat 235 dollars worth of cookies & hot chocolate and the shorter lines on attractions doesn't do the trick for me either. I just feel it's a bit of a rip off considering the money already spent on park (hopper) tickets. Now I'm considering a whole revamp of the trip with new dates or maybe just cancelling all together.

History of MVMCO schedules would have shown you the many nights it plays as it gets closer to xmas!

Head for the other parks, spectacle of lights will be on at DHS and from what i have seen it gets better every year

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I hear ya. We've been to the Christmas party twice. It's nice but I don't see it being worth what they ask for it. If the special character meet offerings or shows are what you're after get ready to spend that crazy amount to stand in line.

I'd move the trip if I could....or plan to go somewhere else. The Disney cruises are awesome & have a lot to offer. With everything going on at Disneyland this year, California is becoming quite the place to be. :wave:

 

[SuprDav]

I know there's still options for plenty to do even with MK off limits on 4 of the 6 nights. It's just the place the we like to go at night, it feels more magical to me & my daughter. She'll be 17 on this trip so time is running out for visits with a "little girl". That more than anything has me leaning towards finding a different week to visit.

 

[murphysmom]

Yep, the Magic Kingdom is pretty much party central the month of December.

I know a lot of people are upset that the park closes to day guests unless you pay the extra $$$. I love nighttime at the parks too. However I remember when I first started going to WDW the only park open late at night was Epcot. Everyone went to Epcot to see the fireworks, no other park had them. So keeping the Magic Kingdom open late, and showing fireworks almost every night is a fairly recent (say sometime in the last 15 years) phenomena.

I guess I'm saying I'm just happy the Magic Kingdom is open later to begin with.

 

[xdan0920]

We're booked for 12/16 thru 12/22. On 4 of our 6 nights that we'll be at WDW, MVMCP is taking place at MK. I have to say that one of our favorite things to do is to go to MK at night no matter what park we have visited during the day. The price of the MVMCP ranges between $58.95 & 67.95 depending on the night, so for a travel party of 4 there's no way that's happening. Don't tell me about the perks of this sham, there's no way four people can eat 235 dollars worth of cookies & hot chocolate and the shorter lines on attractions doesn't do the trick for me either. I just feel it's a bit of a rip off considering the money already spent on park (hopper) tickets. Now I'm considering a whole revamp of the trip with new dates or maybe just cancelling all together.

Let me start by saying I have no problem with the idea of MVMCP. It USED to be a good value for your money, and was a really fun way to spend an evening. And if Disney is still selling them out, which is a mystery to me that anyone would pay those prices just to get free hot chocolate and cookies, I have no problem with them adding dates.

Now, the party has completely lost it's value to me. They let in way to many people, they don't have enough quality shows to offer, the lines to meet special characters are outrageous, and I'm sorry, but 10 ounces of Hot Chocolate is not worth $70 a head. I feel like an old man griping about how much better things used to be back in my day, but really, this party used to be better and cheaper. Amazing.

My advice would be to move your trip further up. The closer you get to X-mas, the more crowded the parks become anyway. Try and go a few days earlier if possible. And don't get talked into going to MVMCP, you will regret it.

 

[SuprDav]

Xdan...I'm with you all the way on your points. The only problem I have with rescheduling the trip is how well those dates fit for school being out for the kids & such. I guess it could end up being a blessing in disguise.

 

[xdan0920]

Xdan...I'm with you all the way on your points. The only problem I have with rescheduling the trip is how well those dates fit for school being out for the kids & such. I guess it could end up being a blessing in disguise.

Yeah, kids ruin everything. :ROFLOL:

Hopefully you can get it worked out, having your favorite night time spot off limits for more then 50% of your trip stinks. Especially since it will be extra crowded on those two night that there is no party. Good luck. :wave:

 

[cornandacobb]

I am taking my first December trip 12/8-12/16.
I do not plan on attending MVMCP. IK will, however, be hitting MK 2 days on my trip.
In your experiences are the DAYTIME crowds the day of MVMCP lighter or heavier than days without? And what time do they kick you out?

Thanks.

 

[xdan0920]

I am taking my first December trip 12/8-12/16.
I do not plan on attending MVMCP. IK will, however, be hitting MK 2 days on my trip.
In your experiences are the DAYTIME crowds the day of MVMCP lighter or heavier than days without? And what time do they kick you out?

Thanks.

In my completely un-researched anecdotal experience, the crowds during the days of the parties are lighter then the days that do not have the parties. Just one man's opinion though, do not treat it as bible.

They do not kick you out, but the people at the party get wristbands that allow them to get their "free" cookies and hot chocolate, meet the characters, ride attractions.

 

[draybook]

It USED to be a good value for your money, and was a really fun way to spend an evening.

Now, the party has completely lost it's value to me. They let in way to many people, they don't have enough quality shows to offer, the lines to meet special characters are outrageous, and I'm sorry, but 10 ounces of Hot Chocolate is not worth $70 a head. I feel like an old man griping about how much better things used to be back in my day, but really, this party used to be better and cheaper. Amazing.

TDO, are you reading this? This man is being QFT by me! The parties are NOT worth the prices. We've only done it once, and that was in early Dec of 09. The place was packed and the character lines were longer than they were during the day. We will NOT be doing another MVMCP.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

TDO, are you reading this? This man is being QFT by me! The parties are NOT worth the prices. We've only done it once, and that was in early Dec of 09. The place was packed and the character lines were longer than they were during the day. We will NOT be doing another MVMCP.

Yep. Amazes me people will spend that then stand in lines that were 45+ minutes long. :hammer:

 

[OswaldTheRabbit]

They do not kick you out, but the people at the party get wristbands that allow them to get their "free" cookies and hot chocolate, meet the characters, ride attractions.

I am curious that they do not have the non paying guest leave (although I have no clue how they would do that) but if you can stay for it why did I pay????? I didn't know you could watch the parade and show/fireworks. Ugh.... It isn't worth it for 2 rides and cocoa......

 

[bethymouse]

I think the whole "party" thing stinks!

I can not understand how people can pay for "special" meet n greets and wait in those lines and be so so crowded!:shrug:
I guess it's the atmosphere!
Maybe it's OK to pay the almost $70 pp for folks who are just visiting for the evening, and not staying on property. I just can't see adding an extra $230 to our budget for a parade, special fireworks/meet n greets, rides, and maybe candy/hot chocolate/cookies!:veryconfu
You shouldn't have to pay extra for the experience! You pay enough as it is!

 

[xdan0920]

I am curious that they do not have the non paying guest leave (although I have no clue how they would do that) but if you can stay for it why did I pay????? I didn't know you could watch the parade and show/fireworks. Ugh.... It isn't worth it for 2 rides and cocoa......

An interesting point for sure. With the reduction in special offerings at the Parties, the main selling point for a lot of people is the special fireworks/parade. If you are the type to just take in the atmosphere for a couple hours once the park "closes" to normal guests, you could see the parade and the fireworks and save yourself a ton of dough. I guess what you could do, is have dinner reservations at Tony's or Liberty Tree, or The Plaza for 6p or so, enjoy your meal, wander the shops, then park on MS for the Parade and fireworks. You won't get a hot chocolate, or get to meet Snow White, but really, is that worth $70???

 

[SuprDav]

I think I'm going to cancel on these dates & look for a better time for a visit. Hopefully I can come up with a better date crowdwise & maybe even get some free dining too. We'll make a positive out of this obstacle.