SeventyOne
Platinum Member
Despite usually making MNSSHP every year, haven't been to MVMCP in at least 5 years--wasn't a fan the one time I went. But new g/f a Christmas fan, had to pay her back for braving HHN, so had a CM friend get tickets (still $75!) and went last night.
OK, I'm shook. I'm a Halloween partisan but this is the better party.
Cookies v. Candy: unlike past events, the cookies are pre-wrapped now. You can basically stow them like candy--I think we walked out with 20 pounds of cookie. And they're about as good as store-bought cookies get. I give the edge to MVMCP because the logistics are so much better. Rather than barrels, they use existing QSRs. At one point, Village Haus had a dozen CMs handing out cookies--lines were minimal. Much quicker, more pleasant experience. The pretzels at Tortuga Tavern were a nice change of pace as well.
Parade: hadn't seen the new units from Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph and Toy Story. All three are great. Nice long parade, too. In October, MNSSHP parade starting to feel stale, its inclusion of Vanelope illustrates how not to insert an IP. Advantage Christmas Party.
Stage Show: never got into the Hocus Pocus show, other than Oogie Boogie (who does the same song over the fireworks). May be cheesy, but holiday Castle show fun, better alternative.
Mini-Show: I love the Horseman, but over so quick. The set-up to Elsa's freezing of the Castle is ... not good (visit DHS after, you'll see why Michael Roddy should write every theme park show ever), but the effects at the end are stunning, ultimately a more satisfying experience.
Fireworks: OK, the one area Halloween wins hands down. Still a great show, but Hallowishes my favorite fireworks show all year.
Atmosphere: Again, edge to Christmas party. More decorations, more holiday music everywhere, snow on Main Street. Also, ironically, more adults dressed up for Christmas than for Halloween. Truly felt special, not like a normal evening in the park with candy lines.
All in all, I was impressed. With no FastPass, lines ranged from low to non-existent. (You could almost walk on to Peter Pan after 11 pm parade.) And they sell that Christmas mood well, closest thing I've found to bottled nostalgia happiness. It's not cheap--nothing is at Disney anymore--but if I was out-of-town, would happily trade a day here for this, still a nice splurge if you're local.
OK, I'm shook. I'm a Halloween partisan but this is the better party.
Cookies v. Candy: unlike past events, the cookies are pre-wrapped now. You can basically stow them like candy--I think we walked out with 20 pounds of cookie. And they're about as good as store-bought cookies get. I give the edge to MVMCP because the logistics are so much better. Rather than barrels, they use existing QSRs. At one point, Village Haus had a dozen CMs handing out cookies--lines were minimal. Much quicker, more pleasant experience. The pretzels at Tortuga Tavern were a nice change of pace as well.
Parade: hadn't seen the new units from Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph and Toy Story. All three are great. Nice long parade, too. In October, MNSSHP parade starting to feel stale, its inclusion of Vanelope illustrates how not to insert an IP. Advantage Christmas Party.
Stage Show: never got into the Hocus Pocus show, other than Oogie Boogie (who does the same song over the fireworks). May be cheesy, but holiday Castle show fun, better alternative.
Mini-Show: I love the Horseman, but over so quick. The set-up to Elsa's freezing of the Castle is ... not good (visit DHS after, you'll see why Michael Roddy should write every theme park show ever), but the effects at the end are stunning, ultimately a more satisfying experience.
Fireworks: OK, the one area Halloween wins hands down. Still a great show, but Hallowishes my favorite fireworks show all year.
Atmosphere: Again, edge to Christmas party. More decorations, more holiday music everywhere, snow on Main Street. Also, ironically, more adults dressed up for Christmas than for Halloween. Truly felt special, not like a normal evening in the park with candy lines.
All in all, I was impressed. With no FastPass, lines ranged from low to non-existent. (You could almost walk on to Peter Pan after 11 pm parade.) And they sell that Christmas mood well, closest thing I've found to bottled nostalgia happiness. It's not cheap--nothing is at Disney anymore--but if I was out-of-town, would happily trade a day here for this, still a nice splurge if you're local.