Here's my sold out 12/17
MVMCP experience. First of all, a disclaimer: It would have probably been better if my father hadn't attended. I tried and tried to explain to both of my parents what this was and why Dad might not want to go, but they didn't really listen, he insisted he wanted to go, and so I bought him a ticket. My father wants to walk a million miles an hour through a crowd, get to his "destination" and then be entertained right then. He doesn't stand around and wait very well, and doesn't understand why anyone would. I tried to explain that there was no rush and we needed to simply meander around enjoying the atmosphere, but he just didn't understand. He kept asking, "When does the party start?" and I had to keep saying, "This IS the party," which got a confused and slightly perturbed reaction. *sigh*
Anyway. Upon entering the MK, we made our way to the castle. We stopped at one point when Frozen Wish was starting and watched (good spot, a little distance away, but could make out the characters). The castle lighting was beautiful.
We then kept working our way closer to the castle. I mistakenly thought the first Most Merriest castle show was at 7pm instead of 7:40. We managed to get to the very front with no one between us and the castle. My mom was so excited (and this trip was for her 75th birthday, so this made me glad). When I checked the time and saw that we had over and hour wait before the show, my father looked dismayed, but Mom refused to give up her front row spot and carefully sat down on the ground like those around us (it was already really crowded). Dad begrudgingly did the same, LOL. (My 72 and 75 year old parents sitting on the pavement for an hour, bless their hearts).
We soon noticed a guy beside us who had taken various items (backpack, popcorn bucket, etc) and spread them all around on the ground, obviously trying to hold spaces for family. It was pretty annoying, especially since he almost put the backpack ON my father where he was sitting. A little while later, we noticed a young woman had joined us at the front. She had moved one of the items. The guy and a woman whom I assume was his wife came back and started telling the young woman that they had to have space for 10 people, and she needed to move. She stood her ground and would not leave and they kept getting more demanding. Then another guest (sounded like she was from Australia) swooped out of nowhere and told the young lady not to move, she had every right to be there. This woman turned to the couple who was trying to save the spot and said, "I've been watching this, and it's not right. You can't do this! No!" And she turned around and went back to her place.
Those people gathered up their various items and left. Ha!
We chatted with the young lady who had refused to give up her spot. She was very nice, and I'm glad she stuck up for herself.
Anyway, after the Most Merriest show (which was fabulous from front row!), we went to Frontierland and got front row for the parade. Tigger came over and kissed my hand! <3
After that, Dad was about done, so we got him back to Main Street (which was no easy task), told him how to catch the boat back to the GF, and after using the restroom (which was another wait), we staked out a spot right beside the garden viewing area for the dessert party and watched Holiday Wishes (wonderful).
Happily, we discovered it snows on Main Street after the fireworks, so we made our way down, enjoying the atmosphere, and did a little shopping. Before leaving (we were tired, it was our check-in day), we stopped by and met Mickey, which was fun.
So, not a terribly productive MVMCP, and I probably won't do it again, but we got to see the castle lighting, castle show, parade, and fireworks, and at least met Mickey. Glad we did it.