Hi all!

I am a newbie on the boards. I took my first trip to the world in March of 2007and had the best time. I can't believe I didn't sign up for the boards sooner as they helped me so much! My next trip is a 5 night land 3 night sea trip Dec 6-14 2008. This will be my first Holiday at the park and I have a few questions.

Question- I visited southern California’s Disneyland my whole life. The holiday parade was my favorite with the reindeers with their long tongues and seeing the trumpeters. Do they show this parade during the day as well or ONLY at MVMCP?

Also - If I book the California Grill during the "Holiday Wishes" fireworks will they bring that music into the restaurant?

I'm spending so much on the trip already that it’s hard to justify $49 more a person for the MVMCP especially when there are sooo many complaints about the crowds. I'm hoping I can at least see the fireworks with music at dinner one night.

Thanks all and I can't wait to become a regular to WDW and the boards!

At the beginning of the month (when you're going) they ONLY do the Christmas parade during the party. But it IS a very good parade, lots of musical units, etc.

I have been able to see party fireworks from the California Grill and believe that they did pipe in the music.

Someone else might be able to offer a differing opinion, but my wife and I attended MVMCP in 2006 during the week after Thanksgiving and the crowds were not bad at all. We were able to see all the shows, the parade, and fireworks and we even got in a few rides.
We are going back this year (Dec. 12- 19) and are planning on attending MVMCP again.

While they do pipe the fireworks music into the CG, it's really cool to go out on the balcony and experience it all in the open air. They have great speakers out there, too, and your waiter will be happy to arrange things to where you're between courses during the fireworks.

Enjoy!

Thanks all-

I think I will make reservations at the California Grill and watch from the balcony.

Dan- thanks for the tip about asking the waiter to arrange things so we can watch the fireworks between courses!

You are most welcome. It's a very special place to see the show. One fun thing to watch for is the really loud concussion fireworks that tend to set off many car alarms in the parking lot - totally cool!

Hi babekate,
We were there last Dec. 2-9, 2007, and we did the party for the first time one night. While it was festive and romantic, with the snow and all, personally, I wouldn't spend the money again. But we had no kids with us, so that may make a difference to you; plus, we're not into parades. The whole of WDW was so well decorated, that you get your money's worth of holiday spirit even without the party. Don't miss the (free with park admission!) Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and check out the gorgeous gingerbread displays at each of the Disney resorts (also free)! Then use Dan's suggestion to catch the special fireworks while having an amazing dinner at California Grill. Have a lovely trip. It's my favorite time of year to visit.

To all you sage and wizened Mouse wizards, I pose this question. We are going to WDW Nov. 9-14th. The day that the MK has the EMH is also a Merry Very Christmas Party day, so I assume that we're ushered out of the park that evening. Now, that being said, is paying the extra 50 bucks for the party worth it on a time/value standpoint? I know it extends our park hours until midnight, but we have a 6 year old and a Nana and Papa going, so I'm not sure the midnight part will be seen. I'm just wondering for those that have been, was it worth the extra 50 per person for that? Thanks in advance.

I'm just wondering for those that have been, was it worth the extra 50 per person for that? Thanks in advance.I merged your thread with another similar one. See above for responses.

You might also do a forum search, as this same question comes up every year around this time.