Walt Disney World Special Events, Park Time or Party Time?
Time is precious when you're on a Walt Disney World Vacation, and creating your touring strategy is an important part of making the most of it. How do special events that you want to attend factor into your schedule?
Last year when I took my family we didn't have a lot of park time, so we included our first visit to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party into our "park time". It turns out that this wasn't the best idea because we missed out on traditional everyday park activities we would have done (like the regular parade and some food kiosks that close during MNSSHP), and we missed some of the special party extras that were going on (trying to ride rides during the party means that you might not get to engage in the party activities).
On a normal park day, you expect to stand in queue lines for long periods of time and fight the crowds to get to your next destination. These factors are still in place when you attend a party, but on top of the regular attractions, Disney adds in some magical activities like trick-or-treating and goodie stations, special parades and fireworks, themed character meets and dance parties.
All of these activities deserve your attention just as much as the regular attractions. So we recommend that you not make them compete by making the party your only night at the Magic Kingdom. Instead, plan for a specific park day in addition to going to the special event party.
If you're headed to the Magic Kingdom during a special event, like Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, I highly recommend getting tickets to enjoy them. However, go for the party and take full advantage of all the little extras that Disney has brought to life for you. You paid for a special event and you should get the most out of it that you can!
Have you made the mistake of planning your only park time during a party? I'd love to hear how you strategize to get the most "fun" out of vacation with a limited time at Walt Disney World. Leave me a comment below with your special event touring tips!
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Laci wrote on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 15:13:
We have made 2 'big' mistakes during the MNSSHP.
1) visiting the BBB at the last appointment of the day 6:45. This cut into our party time - a lot. I would recommend making an appointment before 4:00pm.
2) eat at the Liberty Tree Tavern at 8:15. Oops! Missed the first parade, and they were really crowded, it took over an hour to eat, which also cut into a lot of the party time events.
These are my 2 never dos
Kristen K. wrote on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 18:47:
Laci - I actually just changed my LTT reservation to The Wave before the party instead. Sounds like that may have been a good call!
JoAnn C wrote on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 23:21:
I'll be attending MVMCP for the first time in November. I get in at 11:30am and will be attending the party that night. I know I will be visiting MK at least 3 times during my trip, so I plan on devoting the night to the party.
Laci wrote on Sat, 09/17/2011 - 00:24:
Kristen,
Well I'm glad my post helped you 'feel better' about your decision.
Have a wonderful time!!
Laci :)
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