Yet I never actually went to the thing. For me, the appeal was the overtime, the extra shift working the party where, unlike my normal shifts, I could eat "on stage" and know that I'd be treated extra well... since every other guest knew what a pain doing this job could be.
Easy money. Good times.
Of course, lots of people did go. Each cast member could bring his or her family or a guest, and demand for tickets among non-Disney employees grew immensely over the years. So much so that Disney figured that it could make a small fortune running a version of the party not for employees, but for paying guests.
And, thus, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party was born.
These days, Disney doesn't do the cast-only parties anymore. All spare late November and early December evenings are given over to MVMCP instead. So, after you guys voted MVMCP your favorite special event at Walt Disney World, I decided to book a flight to Orlando and, for the first time, go.
Perhaps one of you with better information than mine can tell me why Disney doesn't do this event in Anaheim. With the much larger local audience, I figure that Disney could clear a couple million a night doing this event at Disneyland. That's a better park for the holiday, anyway, with more extensive decorating plus holiday versions of It's a Small World and the Haunted Mansion. The Magic Kingdom doesn't even run the Christmas version of the Country Bear Jamboree anymore.
Still, the Magic Kingdom's holiday castle is hard to beat:
The MVMCP has changed over the years. The free photos with Santa cost money now, though Disney still offers free snacks. And that's where I headed first.
Cast members served up all the hot chocolate and sugar cookies (with sprinkles!) you care to eat at several locations around the Magic Kingdom. I chose the Diamond Horseshoe for my first snack, since it's got the best holiday decor, as well as a no-wait meet n' greet with Woody and Bullseye.
And here are said snacks:
"Wow, those cookies are huge!" my Mom exclaimed when she saw me upload this picture. "Actually, Mom," I said, "that ain't exactly a Venti hot chocolate." (I'm guessing six ounces. Maybe eight.)
For the most part, aside from the cookies and hot chocolate (apple slices and apple juice also are available for the lactose intolerant), it's pretty much a normal December night at the Magic Kingdom. I hit a few favorite rides, then grabbed a space in Liberty Square to watch "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade."
Mick and Min kick it off instead of wrap it up, since they're outranked by the special guest in this parade.
Roller stakes sub for ice stakes on the streets of Liberty Square.
By the way, don't overlook the performers as you wait to point out the next float to your kids. A) The kids can see the large float 10 feet from the faces without your help, thank you very much, and B) These guys are doing some neat stuff - skating, dancing, acrobatics.
Is Goofy really a genetic combination of a dog, Willy Wonka and Elton John? Hmmmm...
My favorite part of the holiday parade always has been the toy soldiers' band.
Though the reindeer run a close second.
And, finally, here comes that special guest, Santa.
The other highlight of the party is the special holiday version of the "Wishes" fireworks show. Here are a few of my shots:
And with that, I wrap up my trip to Orlando. Don't worry, TPI fans, I'll be back on the east coast soon enough. We've got some aggressive theme park touring planned for the new year.
And check back next week for another "Tuesday Park Visit" column from my Orlando trip. And later in the month, we'll keep the holiday spirit alive with our annual early sneak peek at the year's Tournament of Roses Parade floats, while they are still under construction.
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FWIW and FYI, the film in the tunnel runs on a 15-second loop. I know that now.
Just a few questions about your trip.
How were the crowd sizes?
Last year they were huge.
Longest wait?
December 07'-Test Track-Evening Extra Magic Hours-Single Rider Line-55 min!
Was Mr Yeti moving again?
Thanks again.
I'm so used to the Buzz guns on Anaheim now that I spent the first half of the ride cursing that I couldn't lift the darn things up.
As for waits, I saw 70 minutes posted @ Midway Mania @ 7 pm Monday. Ouch! Walked on to everything I went on during the trip, though. MVMCP was sold out.
Speaking of DAK, I saw a travel channel special about Christmas at WDW, and the redo of DAK's parade to a holiday theme looked pretty cool. I should have remembered to ask Robert to check it out when he was asking for suggestions a few days ago. Oh well, when you live your theme park life vicariously though others in the winter months like I do, something is always missed!
When we went in 2002 they had long red tongues flopping around which made them look both loveable and kinda dumb at the same time.( How do I upload a photo to prove this ? )
If the tongues have been cut out is it to make them appear more intelligent and streetwise ?
Also. It's a bad move to pack the Country Bears bags and send them off without having performed their show. It was always a favourite of ours seeing all the "gang" dressed in their Xmas outfits. Shame.
The cookies and hot cocoa they served up was ...... bland. You would figure that they would serve more than just Sugar Cookies. No Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookies to be found.
Was paying nearly 50 bucks worth the price? For someone who isn't a passholder and rarely goes there, yes its a bargain really. However since I am a passholder there, I think paying nearly 50 bucks wasn't worth it.
The fireworks are spectacular (and much better than the holiday show at DL) and the addition of the special castle lighting (and encorporating it into the show) was amazing.
The only thing we missed this year was Mickey's Night Before Christmas, as both shows we attempted to attend were full by the time we got there. If you haven't seen it, take some time out to try to get to it. I've seen it in the past, and it really is a charming show.
Lines were virtually non-existent for the rides my 5-year old nephew wanted to ride. In the future, I might not want to spin on the teacups that many times in a row!
Robert, I'll also say you missed out on a lot of fun at the employee party. I was hired in October and attended the last official party before they went to the ticket system they use now. My whole traditions class ended up there on the same night, ran into each other, and hijacked the Jungle Cruise together. It may not have been the "official" spiel, but it sure was funny!
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One day I will visit WDW during a holiday season, but for now, all I have are the pictures and commentary of others such as yourself.
Excellent stuff...and worth every penny we pay you!! ;)