My family went to the third from last
MVMCP last year, and it sold out the day before the party. It was a bit crowded between 4pm when we could first enter the park and 7pm when those without party wristbands were kicked out. But after 7pm, even with a sold-out party, we had so much elbow room across the park, it's was rather amazing. Main Street and the area in front of the castle were relatively crowded with all of the activity, but not so much that we couldn't get a nice spot right on the parade route. This year, guests without a MVMCP pass are asked to leave starting at 6pm, so it should be even better.
I would like to go to the Christmas party but it's almost as much as paying for another day pass. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me their opinion as to which is a better option.
As far as cost goes, the MVMCP ticket is $109 on a peak night for access to the park from 4pm to midnight, or 8 hours at $13.63/hr. A single day ticket is $139 for a peak day, where a typical family might spend 12 hours (assuming they don't hit rope drop and stay right to midnight), or $11.58/hr. So you're paying a bit of an hourly premium with an MVMCP ticket to have access to the MK with greatly reduced crowds, next to no wait times for most rides, a variety of special shows, and free cookies. Of course, if you've bought a package of tickets for a week, and your average ticket price is $60/day, then the MVMCP ticket does look substantially more expensive in comparison.
So, is it worth it? Yes for my family, and no for others. But, we are definitely looking forward to returning this year for the Dec 21st party. And if you don't go to a MVMCP, and instead you spend a normal day at MK, you're still having a great day. So, there should be no stress/indecision about skipping the party.