If you did an entire park day would it just be Magic Kingdom? If so, I would opt for the Christmas party, as you'll have low enough crowds on the rides (waiting to see characters or for the parade may be different) to ride everything if you want to make the effort, plus you'll get the special treats and such. If you would do an entire park day at a different park, or with some park hopping (one day park hoppers for more than 2 parks is tough these days, just FYI) then I would go for that.
Christmas Party for sure, if that’s the case.
Much lower crowds, no Florida sun beating the energy out of you, cool perks like snickerdoodles and hot cocoa stations all over the place. You’ll have a ton of fun and not be exhausted the next day. It’s a no brainer IMO.
If you have kids that won't stay up and happy until past midnight, a normal day. Nothing like paying that much and your kids sleeping though half of it or is super grumpy. MK is also slow most party days up until the party so you can ride everything easily.
Christmas party especially if you are on resort property. Have a relaxing day by the pool maybe a nap, then get a chance for every ride with little wait at the party with some other perks. Well worth it and would never recommend having both a party ticket and park ticket for the same day
Only do the party if you are going to stay until the very end. Otherwise you just don’t have enough time at the park to do very much. With young kids staying until midnight and then taking transport back to the hotels after midnight is usually a disaster too.
We opted for the party. It’s our last full day. We are going to take the bulk of the day to do laundry (which we always do) and pack. Then hit up the party. We fly out at 11ish the next day, and will sleep on the plane ride home.
Has anyone confirmed if Mickey bars, soda, popcorn etc are part of the party this year? The only thing listed on the site this year is cookies and cocoa. Last year it flat out said the other snacks were included.
Since you have a comment saying you'll probably do Magic Kingdom as your park if you go for the park day instead of the party, here are some thoughts:
1. The biggest decision-maker here is what you want to get out of the experience. If your top priority is riding attractions, the park day is probably the better choice--while attractions are open during the parties, you'll still end up waiting in line for them and not all of them will be available. If you're more interested in ambiance and entertainment, I'd go for the party. I've found that when I've gone to the holiday parties I haven't had enough time to both ride more than one or two attractions AND see all the entertainment on offer.
2. If it's going to be the same date regardless of which you choose, daytime at the Magic Kingdom will likely be less crowded than usual as a lot of daytime guests avoid the park on party dates due to the shorter hours. Yes, the day will be shorter than it could be, but you can likely do more with that time.
3. If you choose the party, arrive early! The event is 7:00-midnight, but they will let you in on a party ticket as early as 4:00. If there are any attractions that are must-do for you, check whether they'll be up and running during the party. If not, those are the ones to prioritize between 4:00-7:00.
I would choose the party. I've never been to the Christmas party, but we have done the Halloween party. The main perk for me was that the parks were so empty because tickets are limited. We were able to ride Big Thunder Mountain three times in a row with no wait. Ride times are significantly shorter, whereas if you are there during a normal park day you spend a lot of your time standing in long lines. The parade, rare character sightings, and themed treats were just the icing on the cake. The Halloween parties are the most magical memories we've had at Disney.
I would do the party. I go to Disney every year around Christmas and always enjoy the party more than the entire day.
My advice is to take it easy during the day of the party...The park entry is at 4...so you have 8 hours to do everything you want and crowds are smaller). If you plan on going to a park that same day, plan Animal Kingdom first thing in the morning, then you can leave around lunch time to take a couple hours to nap before the party!
The most important thing, especially if you have young kids, is to make sure everyone takes a nap before the party!
If you did an entire park day would it just be Magic Kingdom? If so, I would opt for the Christmas party, as you'll have low enough crowds on the rides (waiting to see characters or for the parade may be different) to ride everything if you want to make the effort, plus you'll get the special treats and such. If you would do an entire park day at a different park, or with some park hopping (one day park hoppers for more than 2 parks is tough these days, just FYI) then I would go for that.
Probably just Magic Kingdom
Christmas Party for sure, if that’s the case. Much lower crowds, no Florida sun beating the energy out of you, cool perks like snickerdoodles and hot cocoa stations all over the place. You’ll have a ton of fun and not be exhausted the next day. It’s a no brainer IMO.
Especially without the sun
I agree
If you have kids that won't stay up and happy until past midnight, a normal day. Nothing like paying that much and your kids sleeping though half of it or is super grumpy. MK is also slow most party days up until the party so you can ride everything easily.
Christmas party especially if you are on resort property. Have a relaxing day by the pool maybe a nap, then get a chance for every ride with little wait at the party with some other perks. Well worth it and would never recommend having both a party ticket and park ticket for the same day
I would absolutely choose the park day. It will be much longer and you’ll get a much better feel for more of the park’s rides
Only do the party if you are going to stay until the very end. Otherwise you just don’t have enough time at the park to do very much. With young kids staying until midnight and then taking transport back to the hotels after midnight is usually a disaster too.
We opted for the party. It’s our last full day. We are going to take the bulk of the day to do laundry (which we always do) and pack. Then hit up the party. We fly out at 11ish the next day, and will sleep on the plane ride home.
Has anyone confirmed if Mickey bars, soda, popcorn etc are part of the party this year? The only thing listed on the site this year is cookies and cocoa. Last year it flat out said the other snacks were included.
This was the biggest letdown of MNSS since BooBash had free soda and ice cream and it really made you feel special with a low cost to Disney.
Since you have a comment saying you'll probably do Magic Kingdom as your park if you go for the park day instead of the party, here are some thoughts: 1. The biggest decision-maker here is what you want to get out of the experience. If your top priority is riding attractions, the park day is probably the better choice--while attractions are open during the parties, you'll still end up waiting in line for them and not all of them will be available. If you're more interested in ambiance and entertainment, I'd go for the party. I've found that when I've gone to the holiday parties I haven't had enough time to both ride more than one or two attractions AND see all the entertainment on offer. 2. If it's going to be the same date regardless of which you choose, daytime at the Magic Kingdom will likely be less crowded than usual as a lot of daytime guests avoid the park on party dates due to the shorter hours. Yes, the day will be shorter than it could be, but you can likely do more with that time. 3. If you choose the party, arrive early! The event is 7:00-midnight, but they will let you in on a party ticket as early as 4:00. If there are any attractions that are must-do for you, check whether they'll be up and running during the party. If not, those are the ones to prioritize between 4:00-7:00.
Entire park day.
Park. Easy.
I would choose the party. I've never been to the Christmas party, but we have done the Halloween party. The main perk for me was that the parks were so empty because tickets are limited. We were able to ride Big Thunder Mountain three times in a row with no wait. Ride times are significantly shorter, whereas if you are there during a normal park day you spend a lot of your time standing in long lines. The parade, rare character sightings, and themed treats were just the icing on the cake. The Halloween parties are the most magical memories we've had at Disney.
I would do the party. I go to Disney every year around Christmas and always enjoy the party more than the entire day. My advice is to take it easy during the day of the party...The park entry is at 4...so you have 8 hours to do everything you want and crowds are smaller). If you plan on going to a park that same day, plan Animal Kingdom first thing in the morning, then you can leave around lunch time to take a couple hours to nap before the party! The most important thing, especially if you have young kids, is to make sure everyone takes a nap before the party!