Complete guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2022

During the holidays, the biggest specially-ticketed event is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP), which takes place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom in November and December.

The party features exclusive holiday entertainment, snow falling on Main Street, complimentary treats, special character meet and greets, the chance to see Santa Claus, and so much more.

Let’s dive into the details…

Will Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party be back for 2022?

It’s important to begin answering this question by stating: Disney has not officially confirmed yet whether or not MVMCP is returning in 2022.

That said, we fully expect to see MVMCP back this year, especially since Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning in 2022.

We will update you and this guide as soon as we hear more concrete holiday details. Until then, keep reading to learn about past MVCMP events.

Disney Very Merriest After Hours replaced Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2021

In 2021, we didn’t see the full Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP). Instead, Disney Very Merriest After Hours replaced the party.

The After Hours event allowed guests to celebrate the holiday season at Magic Kingdom, but in a limited fashion compared to MVMCP.

Much like the other popular After Hours and Disney Villain After Hours events that have previously been held at Magic Kingdom, Very Merriest was a specially-ticketed event that had all the most popular attractions open.

In addition, event guests were able to watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, see Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, plus catch glimpses of characters, and more.

It seems more than likely that MVMCP will come back for 2022, but Disney has not announced anything concrete — yet. Stay tuned for more holiday details, which we hope Disney will reveal sooner rather than later.

What about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party?

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning in 2022.

The specially-ticketed event at Magic Kingdom will be held on 37 select nights beginning August all the way through the end of October.

What did Christmas 2020 looked like at Magic Kingdom?

Are you curious about what the holidays look liked in 2020?

MVMCP was suspended for the year (with the most recent party happening all the way back in 2019).

Very Merriest After Hours didn’t happen until 2021.

Due to the current climate in 2020 (you know, the panini), Disney tried its best to celebrate the holidays the safest way they knew how with themed-cavalcades and more.

The following was available during the daytime to all guests (no extra ticket needed to be purchased).

Dates

Magic Kingdom’s 2020 holiday offerings were available from November 6 through December 30. 

Holiday-themed cavalcades

Cavalcades are kind of like mini parades, and for Christmas, they got a festive glow-up that included some of the favorite floats found in the Mickey Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.

They included:

• Main Street Philharmonic: Toy Soldiers marched down the parade route with the Main Street Philharmonic as they played holiday music.
• Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade: Reindeer led the way as Santa Claus glided down the parade route in his sleigh.
• Mickey’s Holiday Cavalcade: Mickey and Minnie (and friends) greeted guests from their Christmas tree float.
• Goofy’s Scrumptious Cavalcade: Goofy and his friends cooked up holiday fun from festive floats.
• Holiday Trolley: The Dapper Dans in their holiday attire sang to guests as they rode the horse-drawn trolley up and down Main Street, U.S.A.

Santa Claus

Current social distancing guidelines at the time meant that guests weren’t able to get up close and personal with St. Nick, but he did get his own cavalcade! And while it wasn’t the same as meeting him, he still very much spread holiday cheer.

The Muppets

While not a full version of what we’ve seen in the past, the Muppets returned to Liberty Square to entertain guests and spread holiday fun. 

Cinderella Castle projections 

Sadly, in 2020, there weren’t any Dream Lights or the popular Frozen Holiday Wish (which is the little show performed before the castle lighting), but there were holiday-themed projections on the castle.

Similar to the projections used during the nighttime shows, guests saw Cinderella Castle transformed into seasonal favorite scenes.

Jingle Cruise

While it was never a party exclusive, the Jungle Cruise has been transformed into the Jingle Cruise for the holiday season in recent years. And, despite no official announcement from Disney, it was back again for 2020. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party information

While Disney has not confirmed whether or not MVMCP is returning in 2022, we hope it will.

And, no, we don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, but based on MNSSHP coming back this year, it seems more than likely so will MVMCP.

But, again, we don’t know for certain.

The following information is based on what we saw during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2019 (the last time it was held). MVMCP 2020 dates and prices were announced, but tickets were never sold due to the event being suspended as a result of the pandemic. The following is what we can most likely expect if MVMCP were to return in 2022.

Dates, cost, and times for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

This is a special event with its own ticket.

Here are the historical dates from 2020:

• November 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 29, 30
• December 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22

We will share MVMCP 2022 dates if or when they are announced.

How much do tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party cost?

Keep in mind that the following pricing is from 2020 and will most likely change (ahem, increase) in 2022 if the party is to return.

In 2020, ticket prices ranged from $105-$155 (plus tax) for adults and $100-$150 (plus tax) for children.

Remember, this is a special ticket and separate from your regular park ticket.

A good indicator for how popular Disney thinks a party might be is found in the price structure: more popular (and busier) parties have a higher price point, as you can see in the chart below.

MVMCP Date	Ticket Price – Ages 10 and Up (Excludes Tax)	Ticket Price – Ages 3-9 (Excludes Tax)
November 8, 2020	$119	$114
November 9, 2020	$105	$100
November 12, 2020	$110	$105
November 13, 2020	$110	$105
November 16, 2020	$105	$100
November 17, 2020	$110	$105
November 19, 2020	$105	$100
November 20, 2020	$115	$110
November 22, 2020	$129	$124
November 24, 2020	$129	$124
November 29, 2020	$125	$120
November 30, 2020	$125	$120
December 3, 2020	$119	$114
December 4, 2020	$129	$124
December 6, 2020	$119	$114
December 8, 2020	$119	$114
December 10, 2020	$125	$120
December 11, 2020	$125	$120
December 13, 2020	$125	$120
December 15, 2020	$125	$120
December 17, 2020	$139	$134
December 18, 2020	$149	$144
December 20, 2020	$149	$144
December 22, 2020	$155	$150

Are there discounts available?

Disney is known for offering advance ticket sale discounts, along with Annual Pass and DVC discounts. Stay tuned to see if those will be available in 2022.

Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club discounts

On select nights, guests that are Annual Passholders or DVC (Disney Vacation Club) owners are usually able to save a few dollars on their tickets.

Which is the best party to attend?

People often ask about the least crowded parties and which days they should attend.

Keep mind that special events are much more crowded compared to past years. With MVMCP being absent for the last couple years, there should be more pent-up demand.

Aside from the first couple parties of the year, November party dates are typically less busy than December dates, and Tuesdays are usually less crowded than parties offered on other days of the week.

When do Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets go on sale?

We aren’t sure yet when tickets for MVMCP 2022 will go on sale, especially since we don’t know if the party is returning.

But, we do know when tickets went on sale in the past:

Historical dates for MVMCP ticket sales

• 2019 – April 8, 2019
• 2020 – Party temporarily suspended (tickets never went on sale)
• 2021 – (Very Merriest) – August 20, 2021
• 2022 – Stay tuned!

Keep in mind that tickets are limited and may not be available for purchase on the day of the event (or earlier).

In 2022, onsite guests were able to snag MNSSHP tickets before everyone else. These ticket purchases also opened up at Midnight Eastern Standard Time for online purchases. The same could happen for MVMCP tickets.

Tickets should also available by calling 407-WDISNEY (beginning at 7 am on the day of purchase).

Be warned that technical glitches are common and things have been known to open up sooner and later than that. Last year, many people waited on hold for hours and hours and recently guests trying to snag a spot in the popular runDisney WDW Marathon had similar issues. 

We don’t say that to scare you, but to prepare you. 

Tickets are non-refundable, even if there’s bad weather.

For this reason, we used to advise people to wait to get their party tickets until they got to Disney World so they see how the weather was going to be.

However, many party dates sold out in the last couple of years, so now we suggest buying them ahead of time if you’re pretty certain you want to attend.

Party dates that have sold out

You can definitely plan on some of the parties selling out, so if you really want to go, we recommend purchasing your tickets early. 

In 2019 the dates that have sold out were:

• November 8, 2019 (sold out on Oct. 12)
• November 24, 2019 (sold out on Nov. 3)
• December 1, 2019 (sold out on Nov. 29)
• December 3, 2019 (sold out on Nov. 29)
• December 5, 2019 (sold out on Dec. 3)
• December 6, 2019 (sold out on Dec. 6)
• December 8, 2019 (sold out on Dec. 8)
• December 10, 2019 (sold out on Dec. 10)
• December 13, 2019 (sold out on Dec. 12)
• December 15, 2019 (sold out on Dec. 3)
• December 22, 2019 (sold out on Nov. 8)

In 2018 the dates that sold out were:

• November 8, 2018 (sold out on Nov. 8)
• November 9, 2018 (sold out on Nov. 9)
• November 25, 2018 (sold out on Nov. 24)
• December 16, 2018 (sold out on Dec. 9)
• December 21, 2018 (sold out on Dec. 19)

MVMCP Start Time

The party events begin at 7 p.m. and end at midnight.

People with event tickets can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. to enjoy the park in its “regular” state before the party officially kicks off at 7 p.m.

Do I need a Park Pass Reservation for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

No Park Pass Reservation is needed if you plan on only attending the party.

If, however, you plan to arrive to Magic Kingdom before 4 pm, you will need a regular theme park ticket and Park Pass reservation. 

Please read the following:

Important: Those with MVMCP tickets do not have to purchase additional day theme park tickets or make theme park reservations in order to enter Magic Kingdom on their designated party day. But, remember, you can only enter as early as 4 p.m. If you want to visit Magic Kingdom prior to that time, you must have valid theme park admission and park reservations.

Additionally, if you intend to go to a park other than Magic Kingdom before the party, you do not need a Park Hopper ticket if you plan to arrive at 4:00 pm or later.

MVMCP Map

Here’s the map for the 2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

Click to view the full-sized PDF.

If you visit Magic Kingdom after the final party

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime parade, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, The Edge Effect, The Reindeer Wranglers, and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks held during MVMCP are known to show daily after the last party of the year.

In 2020 the final party was on December 22, and everybody with regular theme park admission were able to enjoy the entertainment offerings (and the busy crowds) without a special ticket.

In addition, the attractions with special overlays (Tomorrowland Speedway, Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, and Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor) are also usually available.

DVC members enter as early as 2:00 (unconfirmed for 2022)

It’s unclear if this perk will be available for Disney Vacation Club members in 2022 if MVMCP returns.

DVC members and their guests can usually enter Magic Kingdom with just an MVMCP ticket starting at 2 p.m., which is 2 hours earlier than everybody else.

Simply present your valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card and your event ticket at the main entrance to take advantage of this benefit.

The benefit is valid for the Member and up to 7 guests with tickets to this event (a total of 8 people).

In addition, DVC members get a discount on select party nights.

Christmas Party Genie+ and Lightning Lane Selections

While this hasn’t been confirmed yet for 2022 (just like the return of MVMCP), we don’t expect Disney to use Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane (pay-to-ride) Selections to be an option once the party officially begins at 7 p.m. 

However, if it works like the old FastPass+ system, if you have a valid theme park ticket you should be able to get Genie+ and ILLs for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. if you plan to arrive in that timeframe.

What takes place during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Below are the entertainment offerings from the 2019 parties. No word if the party will continue in 2022; however, we are leaving the information below in hopes of the party returning for 2022.

Keep in mind that any showtimes mentioned are based on 2019 information.

Wristbands

Since the park is open only for party guests, those attending will need to get special wristbands.

Wristbands can be picked up at:

• the front of the park (as you enter)
• inside the Chamber of Commerce building on Main Street
• near Buzz Lightyear
• outside of Mickey’s Philharmagic
• Guest Relations window in Liberty Square
• near Tortuga Tavern

Here are the events that you can expect to take place during the party:

Castle Dream Lights and A Frozen Holiday Wish

Important: Dream Lights haven’t donned Cinderella Castle for the past several years. We aren’t sure if or when they will return. It seems likely Dream Lights could be resurrected after the 50th anniversary. Our guess is that the current 50th decor on the castle gets in the way of the Dream Lights. Plus, the pandemic also impacted the hanging of the Dream Lights in 2020.

Not only does the castle look different during the holidays, but there’s a little ceremony that precedes the lighting of the castle.

From early November to early January, Queen Elsa from Frozen appears twice each evening to get the Castle Dream Lights lit up for the night in a 7-minute show called “A Frozen Holiday Wish.”

You can expect this to take place at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m.

Disney often doesn’t communicate the details of this show clearly, perhaps because they want people to think this is only part of the Christmas party, but guests are allowed to stick around to watch the 6:15 p.m. showing of A Frozen Holiday Wish even though the park closes at 6 p.m. and the party doesn’t begin until 7 p.m.

Tip: The best place to watch the stage show is close to the stage.

If you want to view the whole castle better, it’s best to stand back a little bit further.

Show up about 30 minutes beforehand to make sure you get a good spot to watch.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

This magical parade takes place twice nightly at 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Marching toy soldiers, reindeer, gingerbread men, classic characters dressed in their holiday best, and Santa Claus himself appear in this super fun parade.

Parade tip: See the second showing of the parade for lighter crowds (plus you can spend time doing other things during the first parade).

Secure a spot on Main Street toward the front of the park.

Viewing from there provides the best ambiance: the brightly-lit castle as a backdrop, the storefronts decorated for the holidays, and snow falling overhead.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks (debuted in 2019)

This show was brand new for 2019 and usually occurs around 10 p.m.

This show features a combination of projections and fireworks. The best views are near Casey’s Corner to be able to see both the projections and fireworks.

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show

Shown nightly at 7:45 p.m., 8:35 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:45 p.m., and 11:35 p.m. on the stage between Space Mountain and The Carousel of Progress, this funny show lasts for about 20 minutes and includes Stitch, characters from Monsters, Inc., Buzz, and others.

In between showings of A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show, the Edge Effect a cappella group is known for singing holiday favorites in Tomorrowland (showtimes are typically 8:10 p.m., 9 p.m., 10:20 p.m., and 11:10 p.m.).

Character Dance Party at Club Tinsel

Throughout the evening, the Club Tinsel dance party continuously takes place at Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland.

For people who like characters, this is a fun way to interact with the polar bears and reindeer.

They won’t be signing autographs, but it’s a chance to enjoy them in a different way than you normally would.

Disney Junior Jingle Jam

This dance party in the Storybook Circus section features favorite characters and usually includes Vampirina, Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins, and Timon.

They won’t be able to sign autographs, but it’s an opportunity to have fun with them.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

Shown 4 times per night (expect times to be around 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and 11:55 p.m.), this fun stage show includes lots of classic Disney characters.

Like all stage shows, the best views are up close.

The Reindeer Wranglers

This fun and festive musical act usually performs at 7:15 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11:45 p.m.

Catch them when you’re in Frontierland.

Meet and greet opportunities with Disney characters

Throughout the entire party, there are opportunities to meet with lots of different characters.

Most (but not all) of the characters are unique. They are only available during the party, and oftentimes you’ll find that they are paired up in fun combinations (like the princesses with their princes) and/or they are in super cute holiday attire.

You probably won’t be able to meet all the characters in 1 evening, so you’ll definitely want to prioritize who you’ll meet by what is most important for you.

• ¹ in holiday attire
• ² available to meet outside of the party
• ³ exclusive characters, character combos, or character outfits that are very popular, plan to line up before the party or for shortest lines after the party starts, go during the fireworks and parades or in the final hour.
• ⁴ at a dance party (doesn’t sign autographs)

These are the characters that were available in 2019. Here’s hoping many of them return in 2022!

Adventureland

• Moana³ – at the Enchanted Tiki Room
• Captain Jack Sparrow² – at the stage outside of Pirates of the Caribbean (you can meet during the day)
• Aladdin with Abu¹ – at the Agrabah Bazaar, this pair swaps sets with Jasmine and Genie
• Jasmine with Genie¹ – at the Agrabah Bazaar, this pair swaps sets with Aladdin and Abu
• Peter Pan¹ – roaming throughout Adventureland

Fantasyland

• Donald & Scrooge McDuck¹ – inside Dumbo
• Daisy & Minnie¹ – inside Dumbo
• Vampirina, Doc Mcstuffins, & Fancy Nancy⁴ – Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam in Storybook Circus next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow
• Santa Goofy¹ – between Barnstormer and Dumbo
• Seven Dwarfs³ – Storybook Circus inside Pete’s Silly Side Show
• Belle – Fantasyland near Bonjour! Village Gifts (which is across from Gaston’s)
• Ariel and Prince Eric³ – across from the Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Cinderella and Prince Charming³ – inside Princess Fairytale Hall (meets with Elena of Avalor)
• Elena of Avalor² – inside Princess Fairytale Hall (meets with Cinderella and Prince Charming)
• Tiana and Naveen³ – inside Princess Fairytale Hall (Meets with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider)
• Rapunzel and Flynn Rider³ – inside Princess Fairytale Hall (meets with Tiana and Prince Naveen)
• Snow White and her prince³ – along the New Fantasyland wall near the Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms
• Aurora and Prince Phillip³ – along the New Fantasyland wall near the Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms
• Tigger and Friends¹ – near Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Liberty Square

• Mary Poppins & Bert³ – in the Gazebo behind Ye Olde Christmas Shop (no PhotoPass photographer here)

Main Street U.S.A. and Town Square

• Santa Claus³ – near City Hall. Doesn’t meet during the parades. Consider watching the parade from the front of Magic Kingdom and heading over to meet Santa right after.
• Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Sally¹ – inside Town Square Theater. People start lining up as early as 2:00. Jack and Sally start meeting at 4:30. Last hour of the party will usually give you the shortest waits.
• Mickey Mouse¹ – inside Town Square Theater

Tomorrowland

• Nick Wilde & Judy Hopps³ – near Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
• Reindeer and Polar Bears⁴ – inside Cosmic Ray’s

Frontierland

• Big Al, Liverlips, Shaker and Wendell (Country Bears)¹ – near Country Bear Jamboree

My Disney Experience

Nearly all the character locations will be available in the My Disney Experience app, and in general, Disney does a good job indicating the correct locations.

However, there are a few where the locations are a bit off. So if you go to where the app says and don’t find a character there, ask a nearby Cast Member for assistance.

Many Magic Kingdom attractions will be open

Not all of the rides and shows are normally open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but many will and with minimal wait times.

Please note that Genie+ and Individual Lighting Lane probably won’t be available during the party (and for most attractions, it’s not needed anyway).

Note: the Jingle Cruise is often popular during the party because it’s Christmas-themed, but it will be the same ride outside of the party. If there’s a long line, consider catching it on a regular Magic Kingdom day.

Here are the attractions that are normally available during party hours:

• Adventureland – Pirates of the Caribbean, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Swiss Family Treehouse, and Jingle Cruise
• Frontierland – Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree
• Liberty Square – The Haunted Mansion
• Fantasyland – Princess Fairytale Hall, Peter Pan’s Flight, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mickey’s Philharmagic, it’s a small world, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Barnstormer, Mad Tea Party, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Tomorrowland – Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Tomorrowland Speedway
• Main Street U.S.A – Characters at the Town Square Theater

Special Ride Experiences

In addition to generally shorter lines, a few of the attractions will have special experiences on select rides.

Here are the ones that are often available:

• Mad Tea Party – the attraction “becomes a wild and wacky Christmas party, as you spin your teacups to one of four new holiday combos of lights and music.”

• Tomorrowland Speedway – where “you’ll find yourself cruising a festive freeway filled with thousands of lights and stylized décor.”

• Space Mountain – be launched “on a trippy jaunt through the cosmos, filled with dazzling lighting and high-energy holiday tunes.”

• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – the monsters will be “putting some ‘Ha Ha Ha’ in their ‘Ho Ho Ho,’ with a new show for everyone visiting the Monster World during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.”

Photo opportunities

Like with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, you’ll find exclusive PhotoPass opportunities at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, too.

PhotoPass photographers will take special photos during the party, and when you see some of the pics afterward, you’ll find something magically inserted into the photo.

These are called Magic Shots.

Both Memory Maker One Day and regular Memory Maker include all of the photos and Magic Shots that are taken at the party.

These are usually your best bets for PhotoPass pics during the party:

• Take a pic in front of the park, right after entering the turnstiles
• Take a picture on Market Street (Main Street bypass)
• Pose in front of the Christmas tree at the front of the park
• Find a photographer on Main Street and tell them you’d like to do all of the Magic Shots. They’ll pose you in various ways to make sure you get several of the special options.
• Find the Tink lantern in Fantasyland. Head toward Enchanted Tales with Belle, but just before you get there, you should see the Tink lantern photo op on the left.
• Find other random photographers throughout the night as you come across them.

You may even get this video when you meet Santa.

And you can also find props (above) to pose with during the party.

Shopping for event merchandise

During the party, there’s usually exclusive merchandise available to purchase.

The following is what guests could buy during the 2019 party.

• Emporium (Main Street) – event t-shirts, pins, ornament, and MagicBand
• Big Top Souvenirs (Storybook Circus in Fantasyland) – event t-shirts, pins, ornament, and MagicBand

• Mickey’s Star Traders (Tomorrowland) – event t-shirts, logo pin, ornaments
• Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe (Liberty Square) – select merchandise and trading pins

• Frontier Trading Post (Frontierland) – trading pins

Food options

Restaurants

Though you should probably be careful about spending too much of your party time eating, some Quick Service and Table Service restaurants are available during the party.

Table Service restaurants available for 2019 included Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, The Plaza, and Crystal Palace.

In 2019, you could book these online via the MVMCP dining page.

Advanced Dining Reservations are recommend, but we don’t recommend you spend party time dining at one of these restaurants.

Special MVMCP holiday treats & snacks

Here is an example of the holiday treats and snacks that were offered in 2019.

Free party snacks

One of the best parts about the Christmas party is the included treats that you can pick up throughout the park.

Complimentary treats are available at these locations:

• Market Street (Main Street U.S.A. bypass) – Welcome holiday treat

Adventureland

• Jingle Cruise (Adventureland) – Ginger Molasses Cookie
• Tortuga Tavern (Adventureland) – Snowman Soft Pretzel & Fanta

Tomorrowland

• The Lunching Pad (Tomorrowland) – Ginger Molasses Cookie & Apple Cider
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Tomorrowland) – Peppermint Cookie & Hot Chocolate, and Apple Cider

Frontierland

• Golden Oak Outpost (Frontierland) – Snickerdoodle Cookie
• Miner’s Cove (Frontierland) – Peppermint Cookie

Liberty Square

• The Diamond Horsehoe (Liberty Square) – Chocolate Chip Cookie & Eggnog

Fantasyland

• Pinocchio Village Haus (Fantasyland) – Snickerdoodle Cookie & Fanta, and Hot Chocolate
• The Friar’s Nook (Fantasyland) – Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Storybook Snack Cart (Fantasyland) – Snowman Pretzel

Traveling with somebody with a food allergy?

Disney notes that “Alternative healthy and gluten-free options are available upon request,” and, of course, menu offerings are subject to change or availability.

Seasonal treats available for purchase

Specialty seasonal treats are available to purchase.

Some of these treats are available outside the party as well (we’ve noted those below):

• Main Street Bakery (Main Street) –  Olaf’s Frozen Hot Chocolate Cake (available all day), Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll (available all day)

Some dining locations remain open for the party:

• Main Street – Casey’s Corner, Main Street Bakery, Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, The Crystal Palace* (until 8 p.m.)
• Adventureland – Aloha Isle
• Frontierland – Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and Golden Oak Outpost (both until 8 p.m.)
• Liberty Square – Sleepy Hollow, Liberty Square Market (until 9 p.m.), Columbia Harbor House (until 8 p.m.)
• Fantasyland – Storybook Treats, Gaston’s Tavern (until 10 p.m.), Cinderella’s Royal Table* (until 10 p.m.), Be Our Guest* (until 10 pm)
• Tomorrowland – Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, The Lunching Pad

Special Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card

Note: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is no longer in operation.

A special Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card was available in 2019 to partygoers.

The card for 2019 was titled “Pluto’s Toppling Popcorn.” According to Imagineer Jonathan Ackley, “while gazing into his crystal ball, Merlin caught sight of the mischievous chipmunks Chip and Dale. The scampering scamps were playing a festive trick on the unwary Pluto the Pup. When he finished laughing at their Holiday Hijinks, Merlin decided to create a magical spell in their honor.”

This was available to pick up at the fire station on Main Street.

Tips and a sample MVMCP touring plan

These were our recommendations in the past, and we expect them to be similar in 2022.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to do everything, so you’ll have to prioritize what’s most important to you.

You’ll have 5 hours, so be sure to use your time wisely.

Things you should do:

• Watch the parade, but wait until the second one since it’s less busy and you can do other things during the first one.
• See the fireworks.
• Attend the shows – they are exclusive to this party and can’t be seen any other time of year.
• Meet characters that are important to you

Things you should not spend time doing:

• Eating – you can get treats at many locations, and there are some restaurants open, but don’t spend too much time on that. Be sure to eat before the events begin so you can spend your time doing other things.
• Doing things that are not exclusive to this party, which includes meeting some characters and riding rides. If you’re attending on a busy night, focus on the exclusive things as opposed to things you could ride during the day. If you’re attending on a less busy night, the short lines for rides are a lot of fun to take advantage of.

Here’s a sample touring plan for the party:

Before 6:00 pm

• Some of the most popular characters begin meeting before the official party start time:
  • Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Sally – you can line up as early as 2 pm, and the pair typically starts meeting guests at 4:30 pm. If your goal is to save party time, try to get in line as close to 2 as possible. If your goal is the shortest wait, get into line during the last hour of the evening when waits drop down to around 60 minutes.
  • Seven Dwarfs – lines typically start forming around 5:00, and they start meeting guests at 6:15
  • Moana – usually starts meeting at 5:45. Get in line around 5:00. Or wait until after fireworks when waits are much shorter.

6:00 – 7:00 pm

• Want to meet the princesses w/their princes? Get in line by 6:30.
• Watch A Frozen Holiday Wish at 6:15
• Pick up your Sorcerer of the Magic Kingdom card at the Fire Station on Main Street (you’ll need a wristband to pick one up)
• Some characters (like Winnie the Pooh and Friends) will start meeting around 6:30

Rest of the evening

• Frozen Holiday Wish at 8:15 p.m. (if you missed the earlier show)
• Go on some rides, pick up some complimentary treats, attend the dance party or watch The Edge Effect
• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration at 9:25 p.m.
• Fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Parade at 11 p.m.
• Rides, cookies, character dance party
• Character meets (popular characters often have shorter lines at the end of the night)

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dessert Party Options

Party within a party? Yep!

Disney gives you options to book even more things once you’re inside the Christmas party.

These options provide treats and viewing areas for nighttime entertainment.

The most recent MVMCP had a couple of special events that were available for an extra cost. We don’t have any word if they will return for 2022, but in case they do we are leaving these here for reference.

Fireworks Holiday Dessert Parties

These dessert parties provide a holiday-themed version of the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Parties.

There are 2 versions – 1 with viewing from Tomorrowland Terrace and 1 with viewing from the nearby garden area.

Both provide dining from Tomorrowland Terrace.

This is not something that we generally recommend because it takes so much time out of the party, and you should be able to find a spot to view the fireworks easily. Still, it might be a nice add-on for people looking to do something a little different during their trip.

Option 1: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing

Cost: $69/adult, $41/child age 3-9 (that is in addition to the price of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket)
Time: 8:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
How to book: Book online or by calling 407-939-3463

Option 2: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace

Cost: $84/adult, $50/child age 3-9 (that is in addition to the price of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket)
Time: 8:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
How to book: Book online or by calling 407-939-3463

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party

This fun come-and-go holiday experience debuted in 2018 and is returning in 2019.

This is an event that guests can pop in and out of as they wish.

Guests dine on sweet and savory treats, along with both unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (as well as a festive holiday atmosphere that runs until 12:30 a.m., which is after MVMCP has ended).

There’s a PhotoPass photographer at the party…

And, the best part is that included with the price to this “party within a party” is access to a special reserved area to watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.

Pic taken from reserved parade viewing area…

Cost: $99/person (that is in addition to the price of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket)
Time: 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
How to book: Book online or by calling 407-939-3463

Comparing dessert parties

Trying to decide which party to book?

We don’t think you need to do any, but we definitely think the Tony’s Town Square option offers the best bang for the buck.

With unlimited food and alcohol, along with prime viewing for the parade, it’s the best choice.

Click to view larger version of graphic.

Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party like Very Merriest?

Yes and no.

Very Merriest definitely found a lot of its inspiration from the Christmas party. However, they are 2 very different events.

After Hours events are typically centered on being able to ride lots of rides with little to no waits, while the draw for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is holiday-specific entertainment offerings (like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime parade, fireworks, and lots of character meet opportunities). 

So, although Very Merriest had some Christmas Party favorites like the parade and fireworks, the fact is that Very Merriest was a lot more like an After Hours event than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

If you’ve never attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and you’re wondering how they compare, check out the chart below:

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Very Merriest After Hours comparison

Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth it?

For about $100-plus, you get up to 8 hours in the park with an exclusive parade and fireworks, special character interactions, low wait times on rides, and complimentary treats.

We happen to love the Christmas party and do think it’s worth it for most people, although due to the late hours, we don’t suggest it for most families with young children who would struggle to stay up that late.

That said, the party is worth it for groups that can stay up late, especially if you consider that you can think of your party ticket as your park ticket for the day but with special entertainment and shorter waits for rides.

For instance, if you’ll be in Disney theme parks for 7 days, you could get 6 day park tickets and also purchase tickets to the party.

On the party day, you could use the first part of the day to rest or visit Disney Springs, and then go to Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. to use your party ticket.

It’s also worth it for people who will really enjoy party-exclusive offerings – exclusive characters, Christmas-themed fireworks, stage shows, and more.

Christmas parties are often crowded, you won’t be able to do everything (pick and choose what’s most important to you), and simply enjoy the party if you do decide to attend.

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This party is just 1 of many things happening at Disney World in November and December. For the full list of events, see our guide to Disney World during the holidays.