10 Reasons To Go To Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

What’s all this - Christmas in July? Have they taken leave of their senses?

Well no, not really. Yes, it’s time to talk about Christmas in the middle of summer, but there’s more to it than that. Much more.

The specific item in question is that Magic Kingdom signature evening event, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and here’s why:

1) Tickets have just gone on sale. 2) Last year, virtually every evening sold out in advance.

In truth, this has become one of the most popular additionally ticketed items in the whole Walt Disney World firmament, and the message needs to be flagged up immediately for anyone going in November or December - get your tickets now or risk disappointment!

What IS Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

OK, for those who are relatively new to Orlando’s festive events, here is the lowdown on Disney’s bonanza event, which this year runs on select evenings from November 9 to December 22.

Just to start with, the Magic Kingdom is extra special at this time of year, with a festive overlay that simply exudes the spirit of the season.

Then on top of the general day-to-day Yule vibe, Disney adds a whole evening of themed fun, extra live entertainment, fireworks and food. It starts at 7pm and continues until midnight, but ticket holders can gain access to the park from 4pm, which provides plenty of additional time to enjoy the park’s many attractions.

This seasonal tradition typically involves a cracking parade, a special firework show, a yuletide stage show in front of Cinderella Castle, lively dance parties and the bonus of free cookies and hot chocolate stations throughout the park.

And, when you consider November 9 is only 100 or so days away, it really is time to get a festive move on, whether it’s July or not!

Therefore, with no further ado, we present our Top 10 Reasons for getting YOUR tickets for this fab event.

10. The food

Disney’s chefs typically delve into their book of special recipes to produce an array of tempting new treats for the occasion. In 2022, they included a Holiday Dinner Dog at Casey’s Corner, the Once Upon a Christmas Tart at Sunshine Tree Terrace (a delicious chocolate and cranberry concoction) and the Christmas Wreath Doughnut from the Main Street Snack Cart.

9. Free keepsake

Christmas is all about gifts, right? so it makes sense the evening should start and end with a suitable keepsake. In the case of 2022, there were two – a lovely Christmas tree ornament on arrival, and a themed 50th anniversary commemorative print at the end of the evening.

8. Character meet-and-greets

These are always a big part of the Disney theme park experience, and that is notably the case for MVMCP. As well as Mickey and Minnie in seasonal costumes and full ensemble appearances by Winnie the Pooh and friends, you’ll find rare character opportunities such as Snow White and her Prince and Ariel and Prince Eric (both in Fantasyland), as well as Santa himself in Liberty Square and the hugely popular Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas near the Sleepy Hollow kiosk.

7. Holly Jolly Photos

In addition to all the regular Disney photo options during the day, these extras are a mixture of traditional Disney PhotoPass opportunities from the usual array of in-park photographers and new Step-In photo frames that provide further festive touches. All these can be captured on the excellent value Disney Memory Maker system.

6. Seasonal attractions

As well as all the park’s regular attractions being open (often with smaller queues than during the day), several rides have a special seasonal overlay or additions that provide a whole new reason to try them. Look for them on the Holiday-themed Jungle Cruise (renamed to the Jingle Cruise!), the lively Mad Tea Party, a specially-lit Tomorrowland Speedway, roller-coaster Space Mountain and the Christmas version of Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.

5. Festive Dance Parties

Among the live events are two specialities that are especially geared for children. Club Tinsel takes place in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland with its own dedicated DJ, while the Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam features Disney Junior characters in the Pete’s Silly Sideshow area of the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland.

4. Holiday Treats

This is one of the prime attractions and something we highly recommend - a series of five or six complimentary treat locations that are designed to put you in the perfect Yule mood. Each one features a complimentary cookie-and-beverage combo, with Snickerdoodle, Gingerbread and Chocolate Chip snacks paired variously with hot cocoa, eggnog or (non-alcoholic) apple cider. Oh, and it’s OK to visit all the stations more than once!

3. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

The Castle Forecourt Stage is the place to catch this fully-fledged theatrical production, a 20-minute musical extravaganza with Mickey, Minnie and friends that runs four times during each Party. The all-singing, all-dancing presentation also features a terrific cast of performers and is set to a series of well-known Christmas songs that delivers a suitable party-style celebration.

2. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show

When the clock hits 10pm, it’s time for another unique MVMCP highlight that lights up the sky over Cinderella Castle with a 12-minute pyrotechnic and projection display. It is yet another example of Disney’s mastery of fireworks and includes several eye-popping special effects (watch out for the smiley-face firework!).

1. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Every Disney day must feature a parade and this Christmas party offers a truly enchanting example of the company’s artistry. This one is a 15-minute cavalcade featuring characters old (Clarabelle Cow) and new (Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope) and takes place to a constant steady “snowfall” along Main Street and Town Square. It is an utterly magical finale (if you stay for the second parade at 11pm), and a grand reason to try Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

So, that’s the reason for highlighting Christmas in July - miss it at your peril!

For the full lowdown on party events and ticket details, be sure to visit DisneyWorld.com.

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