Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party Trip

WDWChrissy · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 07:54 PM

Boo Hoo, I'm back. We had a lovely time as always. However, I have never been to WDW at this time of the year when it's been so crowded! The party was full to brimming. I waited in line for over a half hour to get my passholder pin and many of the rides had longer than expected lines. Getting to the hot cocoa and cookie stations was a joke. On the bright side the fireworks show, "Wishes", was great! The only bad thing was that Tinkerbell flew, instead of Rudolf. We stayed for the Parade and then headed out. I know it sounds like I'm whining, so I'll just say we had a very nice time. I think when you've been to this type of event enough you tend to compair it with previous times that you've been. So in my mind they should all live up to the first time, and often they don't.
I digress...
We stayed at the Gaylord Palms and had a chance to go see ICE!, it was great fun too. It's held in something they call the "Florida Fridge". It's a room where the temperature is kept at a constant 9 degrees. Oh my, is that ever cold! It was a nice reminder as to why I live in Florida. The even have special parkas for you to put on before going in to the display.
We spent this morning at Downtown Disney. Praying for a parking spot and fighting the crowds.
On the bright side, I got some really neat pins and enjoyed the time with my family. I got some great shots of the Parade, ICE! and other holiday stuff. I'll post what I can soon.
Just out of curiosity- Has anyone else that has been this holiday season experienced the crowds like myself?

__________________

Lanyards are hidden hidden. Turn them on in your options

On my way to see the mouse!
Chrissy

conntom · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 08:28 PM

I just got back from WDW I love it . I think MVMCP was fun
the firework were the best and the Parade was one of the
best to in all I had a great time.

Disneypro · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 11:10 PM

It was a madhouse last year as well but, i'm glad that you weathered the storm Chrissy.

You guys have me looking forward to tomorrow night!! I'm just hoping that being Sunday, it's not too packed. Whoo-Hoo!!!

WDWChrissy · #4 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 01:14 AM

Oh BTW... Alien Encounter was open during the party, as was Time Keeper.
Epcot lines were short. We got on Mission:Space in about a half hour. Saw the crane for Soarin'.

conntom · #5 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 04:51 PM

Alien Encounter was not open on the 9 that was the night
I was there but COP was and I love it. You must see all
the shows there great.

palosheights · #6 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 11:51 AM

wow, just watched last night the travel channel disney xmas special and they said to get cookies and hot chocolate that the line wasn't long at all and the crowds were quite manageable. they also did mention that the park closes at the end of the day for the 12 days of xmas and would reopen at 7pm till midnight and that you would need a special party ticket to get in for this. if this correct?

andy

WDWChrissy · #7 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 02:23 PM

The crowds vary during the run of the party. The night I went there were several school cheerleading groups and a couple conventions. As a generality Thursday and Sunday night parties have thinner crowds.
The ticket you purchase for the party entitles you to Park admission (from 7pm to midnight), hot cocoa and cookies, and a souvenier photo.
Most all of the rides are open and if the crowds aren't heavy the ride operators may even allow you to remain on the ride for another time around.
This year they opened a few restaurants, such as Cosmic Rays, for folks that need to eat. I don't remember them doing this in the past. It was very nice.
It'a very cool experience, there's even snow on Main Street!

Shadow Jedi Rhy · #8 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 03:46 PM

Yes Chrissy I hear you on the crowded thing, it's a nightmare to go out this time of year, especially to the malls.

DouglasE · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2004, 10:01 PM

Tell me more about Gaylord Palms. I've always been curious abou that place. Sounds incredible.

WDWChrissy · #10 (**permalink**) 01-20-2004, 12:35 AM

The Gaylord Palms is a beautiful resort! It's seperated into 3 sections, each representing different areas of Florida. There is the Everglades, complete with "swampland" and alligators, Key West, brightly colored and fun, and Emerald Bay, reminescent of the old forts and spanish influence. All areas conect to a central glass covered atrium.
There are three restaurants, Sunset Sams, a lively seafood joint, Villa De Flora, a great meditaranian buffet, and Old Hickory Steakhouse, an upscale steakhouse. For a quick bite ther is also a Planet Java and a Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream Parlor.
There a two great pools. The "Marine Pool" is for families and has drink and snack service. The "Pool Bar and Grill is a South Beach Style "adults only" pool.
There is a Canyon Ranch Spa on the premesis. They specialize in massages, facials, and lots of other neat stuff to make you feel good.
There is a huge conference center, making this a mostly business persons retreat.
It is a lovely Resort and very often they have Florida resident specials. They are right outside Disney World and have bus service, although we choose to drive. You can get to any parks parking area in less than 15 minutes.
It's the only non Disney resort I will stay at in Orlando.

MickeysGirl · #11 (**permalink**) 01-20-2004, 01:05 AM

WDW claimed record attendance over the Christmas holidays despite ongoing company conflicts and calls for boycotts.
The MVMCP pins were adorable this year! Thanks to WDWChrissy I have added several fantastic pins to my collection!

Disneyland1955 · #12 (**permalink**) 01-20-2004, 01:13 AM

Sounds like you had a good time Chrissy after braving those lines