*Updated for 2018; photos from 2015.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom will be taking place from November 8th through December 21nd on select nights. The party is a hard ticket event which means you have to purchase a separate ticket to attend; you do not need a general admission ticket.
We did enjoy the party that we attended last year, however, it started pouring before the fireworks. In addition, the outside character meet and greets were canceled and the second parade was also canceled. If it wasn’t raining, I do think that the party is worth the cost of admission. The earlier in the season you attend the party the less busy it should be. Also, Friday night parties tend to be busier than other nights. Below are some tips to get the most out of your party time.
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Tips for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- The official hours of the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are from 7:00pm to midnight, however Disney starts allowing guests to enter Magic Kingdom at 4:00pm with a party ticket. Look for the specially marked gates. Make sure to get your wristband and party map! One of the best times to attend the party is on your arrival day, so that you do not have to use a regular park ticket, but still get to start the magic.
- Use the time before the party starts to ride rides, eat dinner and even line up for some of the most popular characters: Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws. This way you do not waste your valuable party time.
- The second Once Upon A Christmastime Parade is less busy than the first, however we knew that our daughter was probably not going to last until the 11:00pm parade, so we found a spot 15 minutes before the 8:30pm parade started in the second row in Frontierland. It was not perfect, but my husband put my daughter up on his shoulders and she enjoyed waving to all the characters in the parade from her vantage point. If having a great spot to watch the parade is important to you secure your spot early.
- There are some characters that are only available for meet and greets during the party. In addition, there are some characters that will sport Christmas costumes for the party. Some rare characters making an appearance this year are Santa, Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Scrooge McDuck
- Enjoy complimentary seasonal beverages and cookies during the party. Be sure to look for large balloons that mark the treat locations.
Bonus: Be on the lookout for seasonal merchandise and seasonal snacks that will be sold during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
There are so many activities going on during the Christmas party including A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas! (dance party), Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration (stage show), A Frozen Holiday Wish (stage show), Club Tinsel (dance party) and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season (fireworks).
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[…] certain nights of the year, Magic Kingdom closes early for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which is a hard ticket event that costs extra. The party includes a special parade, […]