Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the Perfect Way to Visit Magic Kingdom During the Holidays
There’s something undeniably special about Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World during the holiday season. Main Street, U.S.A. is adorned with festive wreaths and decor, Cinderella Castle glows with bright, white lights, and Mickey himself hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, an after hours ticketed event that’s, in our opinion, well worth the expense.
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party, guests are served holiday cookies and hot chocolate (and apple cider in some locations). They can watch special shows and an incredible parade – exclusively for party guests. There are rare characters, like Santa Goofy, Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, and several princesses with their princes. And, because party tickets are limited, there are shorter wait times for Magic Kingdom attractions.
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My family has been attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party since we moved to Central Florida in 2016, and it’s one of our favorite holiday traditions at Disney.
Read on for everything you need to know to have a jolly time at the 2024 event.
Things to know before you visit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
In 2024, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party runs from November 9 through December 20 on select nights at Magic Kingdom. Depending on when you go (the party happens on several weekdays and weekends throughout the holiday season) the price can be between $199 and $159 per adult and $189 and $149 per child. Because of the high demand for this event, you’ll want to purchase your tickets in advance online.
What’s included in your event ticket? Guests can experience everything from fake “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A. to holiday fireworks during the event, which runs from 7 p.m. to midnight. With your event ticket, you can also enter Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. on the day of the party.
If you’re an annual passholder or Disney Vacation Club member, you’ll be eligible for a $10 per ticket discount on select nights.
What is there to do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Special entertainment takes place throughout Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks is a special fireworks show with festive color projections on Cinderella castle and holiday music. During Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey, Minnie, Santa Claus, toy soldiers, and a whole lot of Disney character friends parade through the park.
And, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is a stage show full of holiday music, dancers, and characters all in front of Cinderella Castle.
2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Entertainment Schedule
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration 7:40 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:35 PM and 11:55 PM (Cinderella Castle Stage)
- Frozen Holiday Surprise: join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the snowgies at 8:15 PM as Cinderella Castle turns into a frozen wonderland.
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show 10:00 PM
There’s also Club Tinsel and the Disney Junior Jingle Jam, where kids (and parents) can dance the night away with holiday and Disney characters. Definitely check out the kid-friendly dance party inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.
You’ll see “snow” falling on Main Street, U.S.A., seasonal decor throughout the park, festive spots for family photos, and be able to pick up holiday cookies and hot cocoa at select locations throughout Magic Kingdom.
But one of the areas where Very Merry really shines is the rare character interactions — so keep an eye out for Mickey and friends dressed in their holiday best, Jack Skellington and Sally, and more.
There are lots of great photo opportunities as well. Each year Disney PhotoPass puts together some party-exclusive photos throughout the park. Whether you’re hoping to capture a perfect holiday greeting card photo or just want photogenic proof of your magical evening, take advantage of these special opportunities.
Which attractions are open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Because Very Merry tickets are sold in limited quantities, attraction wait times are much shorter during the after hours party. All of your beloved Magic Kingdom rides will be running during the party, from Haunted Mansion to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. TRON Lightcycle Run is also open, using a traditional standby queue!
Some attractions have fun holiday overlays as well. On Space Mountain Holiday Run, the ride is overtaken by a holiday musical soundtrack. Jungle Cruise also becomes Jingle Cruise — decorated with holiday surprises and packed full of holiday puns from those silly skippers.
The Tomorrowland Speedway is especially fun thanks to the dazzling light displays that seem to dance along to the futuristic Christmas music.
Important tip: although guests with a Christmas Party ticket can enter the park as early as 4:00 p.m. the special offerings do not start until 7:00 p.m. This includes the Christmas light displays at Tomorrowland Speedway coming on precisely at 7:00 p.m.
My family’s top tips for visiting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Prioritize Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. This parade is pure holiday fun, and nothing will get your family into the Christmas spirit like watching reindeer, Santa Claus, Mickey and Minnie and all of their friends move through the park on festive floats.
- Wear your holiday pajamas. Lots of families use Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as a chance to capture some sweet photos wearing matching Christmas jammies. Not only will everyone look cute and feel comfortable, but since the party runs late, it’s a win-win to have kids already dressed for bed.
- Make a game plan in advance. Each year, different aspects of the party interest my kids. Once, they were desperate to meet Jack and Sally, other years, they’ve been all about eating sweet snacks or trying to ride as many rides as possible. Every family has different things that get them in the holiday mood, so make a plan in advance and stick to what’s most important for you to experience.
- Take advantage of early park admission. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guests can enter Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. on the day of the party — three hours before the event begins. To get the most for your money, plan to arrive at 4 and enjoy pre-party Magic Kingdom first. (This is a great time to take photos with the holiday decor, try holiday treats that are not party exclusives, and eat an early dinner somewhere in the park.)
Most of all, be prepared for a very busy night. Magic Kingdom is the busiest park at Walt Disney World, and while Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party’s crowds are less than some of the park’s busiest days, it is still a highly attended event. Have a plan, and be flexible when things don’t go as planned, try to enjoy this special time of year and relax.
Featured image provided by Walt Disney World, Harrison Cooney, photographer
