jgage
Registered: May 2006
Posts: 8
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Review Date: Mon November 16, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Managable crowd, festive happy CM's
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Cons:
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None
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We were at MVMCP on Friday the 13th and had a great time. I was however concerned about some earlier comments about the lack of control of non ticket holders. Well, Disney apparently has taken care of that. We were having a late dinner at Pecos Bills and at 7:00pm (offical close that night) cast members were going to each table and checking if people had their wrist bands. If they did not, they were politely asked to finish their dinner and leave the park. Cast members were stationed everywhere in the park checking for wrist bands and if you did not have one you were basically escorted out of Magic Kingdom. As for the party itself it was very festive. Pretty early in the year to get into the Christmas mood, but you could not help singing along with the songs and having a great time. You could basically walk into any ride the entire night and the shows and parade were wonderful. To be honest, you could almost sense the cast members collective sigh of relieve when the huge crowds left at 7:00pm and they could concentrate on making the party special for the rest of us. For those of you reporting to skip the party and go on another night for the same lights and music, I beg to differ. Yes, it is expansive but from experience, I can tell you it was well worth the 200 bucks for my family. We returned to Magic Kingdom the next night and it was 100% different. We got the same lights and music, but we also got the overcrowded, rude, pushy parents, screaming kids, wait in line for everything of a typical busy night at Magic Kingdom. My God, there was a 20 minute wait time for STITCH!! The 200 dollars was well worth the 5 hours of peaceful bliss enjoyed by myself and family.
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BethAnne1
Registered: June 2006
Location: Southaven, MS
Posts: 9
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Review Date: Wed November 4, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Short lines on rides, free yummies, and it'll put you in the holiday spirit whether you want to be or not!
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Cons:
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Inconsiderate people who put their kids on their shoulders during stage shows and parades so the rest of us can't see
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My mother and I have been to MVMCP twice (my husband went with us the most recent time). We had a great, though not perfect, time both times.
Let me start off by saying that I don't doubt for a second that some people sneak into the Party, but my experience has been that there are an incredible amount of Disney employees there, and they ALL check the wrist bands of every guest they pass. If they catch people without a wrist band after the Party starts, they kindly remove them from the park. Of course, they're not going to catch everyone. There's really no way to do that, so yea, there are going to be a few bad apples.
The first time we went (Dec. 06), the party was relatively uncrowded and we had great views of all of the shows (though we had to stand up during the Night Before Christmas show, but it wasn't the end of the world). We were able to ride Big Thunder Mountain in the dark 3 or 4 times in a row with NO WAITING!! It was great! No lines for anything!
The second time we went (Dec. 08), there were significantly more people there and quite a few highly inconsiderate meanies who put their kids on their shoulders blocking our view as well as the views of many others around us and causing us to miss most of the stage show that was in front of the castle.
Still, there were no lines for any of the rides. That alone makes it worth the price of the extra ticket, so even if you're not really big into the holiday thing, you are welcome to enjoy the rides and the good treats they give out. Most people are very absorbed with doing all of the holiday stuff and they pretty much ignore the rides.
With just a miniscule amount of planning, you can see all of the holiday shows and the parade and have plenty of time for rides (and possibly dinner at Cosmic Ray's), so don't sweat that part. You probably won't know the entertainment schedule until you get there, so arrive to the Party as soon as they'll let you in (I THINK they start letting party people in at least an hour before the party starts, but don't quote me on that), grab a map and entertainment schedule for the evening, and immediately set up a plan. All of the shows have at least 2 or 3 runs and the parade runs twice. Keep in mind that the first performances of each show/parade will be the busiest, thus being the hardest to get a good viewing spot.
The Party is very fun and highly festive, and the nice Disney folks are absolutely determined to put you into the holiday spirit whether you want to be or not! So enjoy everything that the Party has to offer, and don't let a few bad apples ruin your time.
And a final note: The cookies are addictive, the cocoa is excellent, the apple slices are fresh and sweet, and the cider is wonderful! You are allowed to go back as often as you like for the free yummies, so enjoy!!
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brant007
Registered: December 2008
Posts: 2
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Review Date: Wed September 30, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Parades and Snow
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Cons:
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Non Paying Guests
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Dec 08 was our second time going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The first time in 2006 was very magical with the grandchildren in tow. Last December's party was very upsetting because we saw large numbers of people who were not wearing paid ticket bracelets. There were so many people that we started looking for them. We mentioned it to one of the cast members and they said that bracelets are checked for the first hour after the party starts and then they stop. People that have been there before will stay for the last parade and then go shopping - where they don't check for bracelets. After they hang out for about 45 min to 1 hr they then head back into the park. Some of the big rides will check for bracelets but none of the shows do. The first year we went the crowds were very managable - last year the crowds were unbelievable. We couldn't even get across the viewing area in front of the castle to get over to see a show in Tomorrowland. I don't know if I'd ever buy a holiday special event ticket again if Disney just allows non-paying guests to stay.
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proksch
Registered: May 2008
Posts: 16
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Review Date: Tue September 22, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Shows, Fireworks
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Cons:
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expensive
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Went on Thursday 12/4/08 with my Mom. The crowds were manageable. We were able to catch Twas the Night Before Christmas, the parade, the fireworks, and even a quick dinner, a few rides, and some shopping. And of course the 'free' cookies.
We were at WDW for a small conference and the MVMCP tix were part of the package. We both had been to the MK several times previously and were interested to see what was different for the holidays. The fireworks were outstanding! The other holiday events were nice, but I don't know if I would spend the extra money for MVMCP if it had not been part of our package. I would think long and hard before spending an extra $250+ to take my family of 5. There are so many other wonderful holiday experiences at WDW that are included in the regular tickets. I watched the Disney holiday parade on TV on Christmas Day, and it was identical to the one at MVMCP. I don't think we saw anything all that special.
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arc10
Registered: January 2009
Posts: 3
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Review Date: Tue July 7, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Everything
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Cons:
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Nothing
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We absolutely love the Christmas party. We have come every year since 2005. I would not miss it for anything. I have never had any complaints any of the times we have come. It has NEVER been crowded when we have been there. We have always walked on all the rides with no wait, got a perfect spot for the parade, and have never dealt with any crowds before. With that being said, we have always come on a Thursday night. This year we will be coming on a Friday night so that may change but I guess we will see. I think it is well worth the money.
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beachgirl
Registered: May 2009
Posts: 7
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Review Date: Wed May 13, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Disney + Christmas=Magical
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Cons:
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Too much to see not enough time
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I was there 12/18/07 last. I previously attended the party early Decemb 1994 & 1997. I just got my ticket (Donald Duck) for 12/1/09. This time, I will be alone & plan to do it better than last time, 2007. I will make sure to have a EARLY meal say, 4pm so I can see the tree lighting, get some photos with characters (missed last time)& since I will be alone & willing to stand on line, make sure I get a photo with Snow White & Prince. I will also see both the Castle show & Night Before Christmas. I could never understand why people go there for the rides. This is a special chance to see holiday events. And of course the parade. I still have not put my 2007 photos in my scrapbook. If you go, try to get a photo in the sleigh by Ye Olde Christmas Shop in Frontierland. My niece & I got a beautiful photo with the sparkling castle lights behind us. This is also a great place to see the parade. Oh, do not view Wishes in Fantasyland, you will not hear the music. I plan to be right below Tinkerbell so I can catch some of her pixie dust -for good luck! If you attend, I will be there wearing my Mickey Santa hat with stripes. It says, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party & my T-shirt from 2007. If you say hi I will know you read this.
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ccallari
Registered: March 2009
Location: rochester ny
Posts: 6
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Review Date: Fri May 1, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? No
| Rating: 2
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Pros:
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all of the rides are open
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Cons:
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cost,crouds.
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My family went to MVMCP in November 08. What a disappointment. First this event is an extra cost! (the same as admission to the park) The park was jammed packed. When you enter for the party you get a wrist band, this allows you to get the free cookies and cocoa, and go on the rides. Disney says you need a wrist band to be in the park after it closes for the party. We saw a lot of people without wristbands enjoying everything we paid extra to enjoy! The cast members did not seem to be looking for the wristbands and just let people get cookies, and go on the rides with out asking to see that they paid to be in the park for the party! The shows are the same shows you can see during non party times. the parade is fun, but again nothing different from the regular Christmas parade.
My DW and I felt this event was very over priced for what you get. (this is extra magic hours with cookies, cocoa, and a parade) For over $200 for a Family of Four, you should hang your ears in shame, Mickey.
We Love Disney World. We have been over 10 times,
but this Event is off our list.
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pookerdoodle
Registered: December 2008
Posts: 2
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Review Date: Fri April 17, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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We attended this event on Dec. 14th, 2009. Our group consisted of 7 adults and 5 kids who were 6 and under. We had purchased our tickets before reading all of the comments posted on the event. After having read several negative comments about the event, I was a bit nervous about dragging my kids out so late to go.
I don't know if we lucked out, but we had a fantastic time. We have done Disney World several times, but this was our first party. As far as the crowds go, there were definitely people there, but by no means was it crowded in my eyes. We chose to attend the later parade & shows and rode all of the rides that we wanted to first. We started in Tomorrowland and then made our way through Fantasyland and then over to Frontier/Adventure. There were several cast members there that night checking for wristbands. We honestly walked onto every single ride that we wanted to. Sometimes twice. We also were able to see all of the special characters that we wanted to. Cinderella with her prince, Snow White with hers, Jasmine & Aladdin, Donald and Goofy in their winter clothes, as well as Genie & Abu. We stopped by one of the dance parties for a minute, but my kids were too shy to get in there. There was no line to get cookies & apples and we had the whole Liberty Tree Tavern to ourselves. I just remember everything being incredibly quiet. After riding Pirates, we made it back to the central hub for fireworks, we then watched the later Celebrate the Season show with really not that big a crowd while a couple people in our party staked out a spot on Main Street for the parade.
The kids loved to sit and watch the snow fall while they were waiting for the parade. We loved that the parade had so many characters that you don't get to see that often.
We chose not to see the "Twas the Night Before Christmas show" because it is in such a small arena and we did not want to fight the crowd.
Our whole group decided that it was a great experience and that we would do it again. Having said that, we weren't trying to everything. But isn't that what you always hear about Disney World? You can't see everything - pick your favorites and enjoy!
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lilymegs
Registered: December 2006
Posts: 7
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Review Date: Thu April 2, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Christmas
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Cons:
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Crowds
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After going to Disney during early December for several years, we finally bought tickets for December 2, 2008. Our family of 4 (two tween girls) had an awesome time. Most of the crowds were gathered on Main Street or by the Castle. One daughter & myself headed to Adventureland and it was practically empty of people over there. We got on Pirates of Caribbean without a line and met lots of characters just strolling along the street. Took lots of fun pictures and they even danced with us. My other daughter & husband headed to Tomorrowland - and they had the same experience - no line waiting for Space Mountain - in fact, they rode it about 6 times. The parade was fabulous and the fireworks - still the best I've ever seen. It was really cold the night we attended - about 32 degrees. The hot chocolate and cookies were a welcome treat. We're looking forward to attending again in 2009. I'd advise go as early in the year as you can - I understand that later the crowds get much worse.
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rosie21
Registered: November 2008
Posts: 5
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Review Date: Thu March 5, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Gets you in the holiday spirit
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Cons:
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Can not think of anything
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Mt family and I attended the MVCP the Friday night before Thanksgivng. It was the first night of our 10 day stay and I can say it was a great way to start. The decoration, special shows, and parade were well worth the wait. I have heard many complain about the crowds but they were not that bad. I would definately recommend this to anyone as a special way to mark the holiday season. P.S. the free snacks hit the spot!!
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billws1
Registered: July 2008
Location: Seattle, Washington
Posts: 15
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Review Date: Wed March 4, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Dance parties with characters, shows
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Cons:
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crowded
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I was really reluctant to buy tickets to this but we ended up having a great time. We tried to catch one of the first shows and was just about stampeded in Tomorrowland. At that point, I was thinking what a big mistake but instead we went and danced at Cosmic Ray's for awhile and had a fantastic time. Our kids loved the D.J. who was hosting the dance. Chip and Dale were there for some of the time dancing with everyone.
We got some great pictures with some characters you don't always see. The stepmother and stepsisters were in Frontierland dancing.
There was plenty of hot cocoa and cookies. We were even able to get apple slices. The parade was awesome and the fireworks were absolutely amazing. The pictures of the Castle were unbelievable. My favorite picture is our family in front of the Castle with all the Christmas lights on.
We happened to make it to one of the last shows and it was a great show. There were people standing in the aisles and a little crabby if you were saving a seat (I was but I also had two kids on my lap).
I would highly recommend doing this. It's a blast!
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ram
Registered: January 2009
Location: northeast PA
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Sat January 31, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? No
| Rating: 2
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Pros:
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Parade and fireworks
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Cons:
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Way to crowded to enjoy
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Went Tue Dec 2nd thinking it would not be crowded. Wrong! Found out from cast member and a guest that the party was not sold out so they released a load of discounted tickets. Also did not seem to enforce wristbands. There was actually grid lock in front of the castle to the point we could not move in any direction. Felt sorry for wheelchairs and small children. Very few cast members to control crowd. Long lines for hot chocolate. Tried to get to all the party events but simply could not move. It took over a half hour to get from in front of the castle to Tomorrowland. Save your money. Just about everything in the party, except hot cocoa, can be seen during regular hours.
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happygrumpy
Registered: January 2009
Location: Chesapeake
Posts: 24
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Review Date: Thu January 15, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Christmas Time at Disney
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Cons:
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If Christmas is a disease and Disney is the cure then bring it on!! We have done this 2 years in a row and will do it again in Dec 09.
The first year we hit all the rides and character photo's Year 2 we concentrated on the shows and some character photo's and the parade and fireworks.
Yes it's pricey and I could understand a family of 4 second guessing if they should. However, walking down Main Street I feel like I am walking down the mantle of someone's fireplace
and If you just stop in the middle of the bustle and take in the details it will transform you. That's why I go to the MVMCP. Just to get my "fix".
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fdmarks
Registered: January 2006
Posts: 23
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Review Date: Thu January 15, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Great value and fun time
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Cons:
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None
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Family attended the Dec 9th party. Was not as crowded as expected. The hot chocolate and cookies were great. Not much of a wait for the rides. The parade and shows were so festive and easily got us in the Christmas spirit. Did not have to camp out near the front of the castle to see the parade. We will definitely do this every year as a tradition since it was so much fun for the money spent. Only problem was that the monorail was a little crowded after the party ended.
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wonderfulshana
Registered: January 2009
Location: VA
Posts: 7
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Review Date: Tue January 13, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Parade and free snacks
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Cons:
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A little crowded
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My family and I have done this party two years in a row and really enjoyed it. My Mom loves the parade and this year we set up early to see the whole thing from the front row. It was a little crowded this year, but we went the Sunday after Thanksgiving and expected it so it didn't impede too much on our experience. It is definitely worth going at least once, I mean when else will Disney give you free cocoa and cookies?
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