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…
What to expect in this guide
We first put this guide together years ago after struggling ourselves to find 1 resource that answered all of our questions about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP). Since then, we’ve attended multiple parties each year (including attending the first 2 parties of 2022) and have continued annually to update and add tips and info we think will be helpful.
(Plus, whenever we write additional resources about MVMCP that we think are worth checking out, we’ve included those links in the text below, too.)
If you’ve mastered the basics of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, we recommend you head over and check out our MVMCP Review and Strategy Guide. On that post, we have reviews of *everything* you can find at MVMCP, plus a sample touring plan that will help you maximize your party time.
Important note: The information below is from the 2022 Christmas Parties. We will update with the 2023 information as soon as we hear more (which will likely be sometime in the first half of 2023.)
Let’s get started…
What is Mickey‘s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a Christmas themed specially ticketed (costs extra) event that takes place in November and December at Magic Kingdom.
There’s a special parade, fireworks, characters, and even hot cocoa and cookies.
More on all of that below.
Yes, it is expensive, but we love it so much that we keep coming back year after year.
When is Mickey‘s Very Merry Christmas Party?
The Christmas season at Disney World is a bit shorter than the Halloween one, but you’ll still have lots of chances to check the party out.
2022 MVMCP Dates
Party dates for 2022 were:
- November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29
- December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22
Will more parties be added?
While it is not totally uncommon for Disney to add additional Halloween parties (although they didn’t in 2022) they don’t usually do the same for the Christmas parties, and we don’t expect any more parties to be added.
Which Christmas parties are the least crowded?
We love a good party, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say that there is a difference between a party that is sold out and one that isn’t.
Unfortunately, we can’t predict the future, but there are definitely some parties that will have a higher likelihood of selling out than others. Now, we don’t guarantee that these absolutely will sell out, and we also don’t guarantee that others won’t, but in general, these are the first ones that typically sell out first:
- The first (and sometimes the second) party of the year
- The parties closest to Thanksgiving
- The last (and sometimes the second to last) party of the year
- And finally, in general, weekend parties tend to be busier than weekday ones, so if you have a choice, go with a weekday.
How much do tickets to Mickey‘s Very Merry Christmas Party cost?
Ticket prices for MVMCP range from $149-$199 (plus tax) for adults and $139-$189 (plus tax) for children.
Remember, this is a special event with its own ticket.
And, if you’re wondering which parties Disney thinks will be more popular, the proof is in the price. The higher the price, the higher the chance it will be more popular, too.
| MVMCP Date | Ticket Price – Ages 10 and Up (Excludes Tax) | Ticket Price – Ages 3-9 (Excludes Tax) |
| Tuesday, November 8 | $159 | $149 |
| Thursday, November 10 | $149 | $139 |
| Friday, November 11 | $159 | $149 |
| Monday, November 14 | $149 | $139 |
| Tuesday, November 15 | $149 | $139 |
| Thursday, November 17 | $149 | $139 |
| Friday, November 18 | $159 | $149 |
| Sunday, November 20 | $179 | $169 |
| Tuesday, November 22 | $179 | $169 |
| Sunday, November 27 | $169 | $159 |
| Tuesday, November 29 | $169 | $159 |
| Thursday, December 1 | $169 | $159 |
| Friday, December 2 | $169 | $159 |
| Sunday, December 4 | $169 | $159 |
| Tuesday, December 6 | $169 | $159 |
| Thursday, December 8 | $169 | $159 |
| Friday, December 9 | $179 | $169 |
| Sunday, December 11 | $179 | $169 |
| Tuesday, December 13 | $179 | $169 |
| Thursday, December 15 | $179 | $169 |
| Friday, December 16 | $179 | $169 |
| Sunday, December 18 | $179 | $169 |
| Tuesday, December 20 | $199 | $189 |
| Thursday, December 22 | $199 | $189 |
Are there discounts available?
Disney used to offer advance ticket sale discounts, but those don’t appear to be a thing in 2022. Instead, the only way to save is with an Annual Pass or DVC Discount.
Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club discounts
On select nights, guests that are Annual Passholders or DVC (Disney Vacation Club) owners can save $10 dollars on their tickets.
When do Mickey‘s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets go on sale?
Tickets are on sale NOW for all guests.
Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 407-939-4240 (beginning at 7 am).
Tickets are limited and may not be available for purchase on the day of the event (or earlier).
In 2022, guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, including Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green, could begin purchasing tickets as early as June 30.
Guests not staying onsite could purchase tickets via the phone number and link above, beginning back on July 7.
Although ticket sales have already opened for 2022, keep the following in mind if you’re thinking of buying tickets for 2023:
Typically, what we expect is that tickets for onsite guests will open up at Midnight Eastern Standard Time for online purchases.
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.
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 – June 30 (onsite guests) & July 7 (everyone else)
All party dates that have sold out
You can definitely plan on some parties selling out, so if you really want to go, we recommend purchasing your tickets early.
As of November 19, the 2022 MVMCP is completely sold out.
- November 8 (sold out on Sept. 26)
- November 10 (sold out on Sept. 19)
- November 11 (sold out on Oct. 3)
- November 14 (sold out on Nov. 4)
- November 15 (sold out on Oct. 31)
- November 17 (sold out on Oct. 27)
- November 18 (sold out on Nov. 4)
- November 20 (sold out on Oct. 27)
- November 22 (sold out on Oct. 9)
- November 27 (sold out on Nov. 4)
- November 29 (sold out on Nov. 4)
- December 1 (sold out on Nov. 10)
- December 2 (sold out on Nov. 4)
- December 4 (sold out on Nov. 4)
- December 6 (sold out on Oct. 27)
- December 8 (sold out on Nov. 4)
- December 9 (sold out on Nov. 10)
- December 11 (sold out on Nov. 18)
- December 13 (sold out on Nov. 18)
- December 15 (sold out on Nov. 19)
- December 16 (sold out on October 28)
- December 18 (sold out on Oct. 20)
- December 20 (sold out on Nov. 4)
- December 22 (sold out on October 27)
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)
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 – using your party ticket to enter at 4 p.m.
If, however, you plan to arrive to Magic Kingdom before 4 p.m., you will need a regular theme park ticket and Park Pass reservation.
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 Start Time
The party events officially begin at 7 p.m. and end at midnight. There are a few character meet and greets that start a bit earlier, though.
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.
2023 MVMCP Map
We do not yet have a map for 2023, but here’s the map for the 2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Click to view the full-sized map.
VIDEO: How to do the Mickey‘s Very Merry Christmas Party
2023 Mickey‘s Very Merry Christmas Party Entertainment Schedule
We do not have times for 2023, but check back later in 2023 for that information. Below are the times from the 2022 parties.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration (Cinderella Castle Stage)
- 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:35 p.m., 11:55 p.m.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (starts in Frontierland and ends at the front of the park):
- 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks (over Cinderella Castle)
- 10:00 p.m.
A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas (Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland):
- 7:45 p.m., 8:35 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:45 p.m., 11:35 p.m.
The Edge Effect (Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland):
- 8:10 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:20 p.m., 11:10 p.m.
Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam (Storybook Circus)
- 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Club Tinsel (Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe)
- 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Can you see the Christmas parade and fireworks without going to a party?
Yes, you can – but only if you visit Magic Kingdom after the final party of the year.
In fact, after the last party you can typically see all of these events daily (without a party ticket):
- Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime parade
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
- A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas
- The Edge Effect
- The Reindeer Wranglers
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
In addition, the attractions with special overlays (Tomorrowland Speedway, Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, and Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor) are also usually available.
Christmas Party Genie+ and Lightning Lane Selections
Just like we saw with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, neither Genie+ nor Individual Lightning Lane (pay-to-ride) Selections are an option once the party officially begins at 7 p.m.
What takes place during Mickey‘s Very Merry Christmas Party
Now that we’ve got through all of that, let’s dive into the fun stuff!
Special 50th Anniversary Additions
There are a couple of fun extras happening in honor of the 50th Anniversary.
As part of the big 50th Anniversary celebration, guests will get 2 keepsakes:
- a commemorative print themed around the holidays at WDW – handed out on the way out of the park at the end of the party.
- an ornament – handed out as a welcome gift
Second, there will be 3 new interactive photo locations (much like what we saw at MNSSHP and at the Festival of the Arts) where you can “step right into a very merry scene that can double as your holiday card.”
Wristbands
Since the park is open only for party guests, those attending will need to get special wristbands.
Wristbands can be picked up at several locations:
- the front of the park (as you enter)
- inside the Chamber of Commerce building on Main Street
- near Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- outside of Mickey’s Philharmagic
- Guest Relations window in Liberty Square
- near Tortuga Tavern
Mickey‘s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Parade time: 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.
Did we mention that this parade also smells (in a good way)? It does! The floats are equipped with special devices that make them smell like all your favorite holiday scents.
We truly love this parade with all our hearts.
Parade tip: See the second showing of the parade for lighter crowds (plus you can spend time doing other things during the first parade).
Where is the best place to watch the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade?
Looking for the best spot to watch the 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. It is just perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.
Minnie‘s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
Showtime: 10:00 p.m.
What would a party be without fireworks?
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks features a combination of projections and fireworks.
These are a definite “must do” in our book!
Where is the best place to watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks?
Because of the use of projections, much like Disney Enchantment (the regular nighttime show), the best views will be close to the castle.
Closer to the castle will be better for projections, but it will greatly limit your view of the fireworks.
Conversely, further down Main Street will be good for fireworks, just know the further you go, the more difficult it is to see the projections.
A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show
Showtimes: 7:45 p.m., 8:35 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:45 p.m., and 11:35 p.m.
Shown 5 times nightly 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.
The Edge Effect
Showtimes: 8:10 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:20 p.m., and 11:10 p.m.
In between showings of A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show, the Edge Effect a cappella group sings holiday favorites in Tomorrowland (showtimes are 8:10 p.m., 9 p.m., 10:20 p.m., and 11:10 p.m.).
Character Dance Party at Club Tinsel
Dance party times: 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Throughout the evening, the Club Tinsel dance party continuously takes place at Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland.
For people who like pop tunes (both Christmas and non), this is a fun place to boogie down.
This is also a good spot to escape the rain since there is food, tables and chairs, and restrooms all under 1 roof.
Disney Junior Jingle Jam
Dance party times: 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
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
Showtimes: 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and 11:55 p.m.
Shown 4 times per night, this fun stage show includes lots of classic Disney characters and all your favorite Christmas hits.
Like all stage shows, the best views are up close.
The Reindeer Wranglers
Showtimes: 7:15 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11:40 p.m.
This fun and festive musical act usually performs several times per night in Frontierland.
Catch them when you’re in Frontierland.
Meet and greet opportunities with Disney characters
There are always chances to meet lots of characters during the party.
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)
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
Fantasyland
- Donald & Scrooge McDuck¹ – inside Dumbo
- Daisy & Minnie¹ – inside Dumbo
- Vampirina, Doc Mcstuffins, Fancy Nancy, & Timon⁴ – Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam in Storybook Circus next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow
- Santa Goofy¹ – between Barnstormer and Dumbo
- 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
- Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum¹ – near Cheshire Café
Liberty Square
- Santa Claus³ – in the Gazebo behind Ye Olde Christmas Shop. Doesn’t meet during the parades. Consider watching the parade from Liberty Square and heading over to meet Santa right after
Main Street U.S.A. and Town Square
- Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Sally¹ – inside Town Square Theater. People start lining up as early as 4:00. 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
- Reindeer and Polar Bears⁴ – inside Cosmic Ray’s
Frontierland
- Big Al, Liverlips, Shaker and Wendell (Country Bears)¹ – near Country Bear Jamboree
Characters not returning in 2022
Sadly, several fan favorites did not return for 2022. Those included:
- Seven Dwarfs
- Nick Wilde & Judy Hopps
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 are not available during the party (and for most attractions, it’s not needed anyway).
Here are the attractions that are available during party hours:
- Adventureland – Pirates of the Caribbean, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Swiss Family Treehouse, and Jingle Cruise
- Frontierland – Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain
- 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, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Main Street U.S.A – Characters at the Town Square Theater
Attractions with Christmas overlays
In addition to generally shorter lines, a few of the attractions will have special holiday-themed overlays.
Here’s what you will find:
- Jungle Cruise – for the holiday season, the Jungle Cruise transforms into the “Jingle Cruise”. It is often popular during the party because it’s Christmas-themed, but it will be the same ride outside the party. If there’s a long line, consider catching it on a regular Magic Kingdom day.
- 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 – Holiday Run!! launches you on an adventure through the cosmos, filled with interstellar lighting and high-energy holiday tunes.
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – is filling their laugh canisters with some holiday cheer at their “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Holiday Show” for everyone visiting the Monster World during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Magic Shots & Special 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.
Here are some PhotoPass pics that were found during the party in 2022:
Pixel Stick (near Storybook Circus entrance)
Chip ‘n’ Dale Ornament (in Cinderella Castle Hub area)
Mickey Mouse Sleigh (Main Street, Cinderella Castle Hub area)
Muppets Christmas Carol (Liberty Square near Sleepy Hollow and Hall of Presidents)
Gift Box (Town Square near Christmas Tree)
Mickey Mouse Lights (Town Square near Christmas Tree)
Tinker Bell Lantern (Cinderella Castle walls near Pinocchio Village Haus)
Zero (Haunted Mansion entrance)
At past parties, we’ve also seen the following Magic Shots. It never hurts to ask a PhotoPass photographer to add all of the Magic Shots, so you have them!
You may even get this video when you meet Santa.
And you can also sometimes find props (above) to pose with during the party.
Shopping for event merchandise
During the party, in addition to all the regular holiday merchandise, there’s usually exclusive merchandise available to purchase.
However, it appears that there is no special event merch for 2022. We will update this section if they release merchandise at a later date.
Dining and food options during the party
Feeling hungry? Here’s what you’ll typically be able to get at the party.
Free party snacks
One of the best parts about the Christmas party are the included treats that you can pick up throughout the park. Each stop will have either a snickerdoodle, gingerbread, or chocolate chip cookie and either hot cocoa, eggnog, or apple cider.
Here’s where you can find treats in 2022:
Adventureland
- Tortuga Tavern
Tomorrowland
- The Lunching Pad
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Liberty Square
- Columbia Harbour House
Fantasyland
- Pinocchio Village Haus
What if I have a food allergy?
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.
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
Table Service restaurants available for 2022 were Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Reservations for those with a party ticket will be available from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and can be booked online.
Think carefully before you book, though. The party is already expensive, so it isn’t a great idea to spend part of it eating a long meal.
Quick Service
In addition to the 2 Table Service restaurants, several Quick Service locations will be open, as well:
Main Street, U.S.A.
- Main Street Bakery
- Casey’s Corner
- Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Adventureland
- Sunshine Tree Terrace
Frontierland
- Golden Oak Outpost
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Tomorrowland
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
- Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
- Cool Ship
Liberty Square
- Sleepy Hollow
Fantasyland
- The Friar’s Nook
Special MVMCP holiday treats & snacks
Sure, the free snacks are great, but you can also purchase fun holiday selections throughout the park. The list of exclusive food items is usually pretty long, so we’ve put them in their own post to keep this guide from getting too long.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party
There are 2 styles of dessert parties that you can book during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. They both include guaranteed viewing for the Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, and the food and drinks are identical:
- Desserts: Holiday-themed desserts, cupcakes, seasonal fruits, cheeses, etc.
- Beverages: A variety of beverages, including signature lemonades, hot chocolate, coffee and tea—as well as a glass of sparkling wine or sparkling non-alcoholic cider
The difference between the 2 parties is the view you’ll have of the fireworks.
We have done the Christmas Dessert Party and while it was a lot of fun, it is kind of expensive and it took up a large chunk of our party time.
Christmas Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing
- Cost: $99/adult, $59/child age 3-9 (that is in addition to the price of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket)
- Time: Check-in 1.5 hours before fireworks begin
- How to book: Book online (beginning Tuesday, October 18) or by calling 407-939-3463
Christmas Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
- Cost: $114/adult, $69/child age 3-9 (that is in addition to the price of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket)
- Time: Check-in 1.5 hours before fireworks begin.
- How to book: Book online (beginning Tuesday, October 18) or by calling 407-939-3463
Is Mickey‘s Very Merry Christmas Party worth it?
For about $150-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 plan to be in the Disney World theme parks for 7 days, you could purchase 6-day park tickets (instead of 7-day tickets) and then purchase tickets to the party.
On the party day, you could skip going into a park that morning and use the first part of the day to rest or visit Disney Springs, and then use your party ticket to get into Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m.
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.
Tips and a sample MVMCP touring plan
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 of “official” party time, so be sure to use it 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 some 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.
We have an entire post on the best strategy for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, so make sure you check that out before you go for hour-by-hour recommendations.
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
| wdt_ID | How do they compare? | Disney Very Merriest After Hours | Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ticket Price | $169-$249 (plus tax) for everyone (adults & kids) | $149-$199 (plus tax) for adults and $139-$189 (plus tax) for children |
| 2 | Official event start & end times | 9:00 pm to 1:00 am | 7:00 pm to 12:00 am |
| 3 | What time can you enter the park? | 7:00 pm | 4:00 pm (DVC members could enter at 2 pm) |
| 4 | Total number of event hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
| 5 | Crowd levels? | Limited | Often very busy |
| 6 | Complimentary snacks? | Yes - bottled beverages, popcorn, & ice cream bars | Yes - unlimited cookies (different flavors) and beverages (like hot chocolate) |
| 7 | Seasonal decorations? | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Are costumes allowed? | No, but holiday attire welcomed | No, but holiday attire welcomed |
| 9 | Live entertainment? | Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey & Minnie's Very Merry Memories stage show, Reindeer Wranglers, 1 dance party | Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration stage show, Reindeer Wranglers, Dream Lights, A Frozen Holiday Wish, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show, 2 dance parties |
| 10 | Attraction enhancements? | Yes - Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (seasonal jokes & design), Jungle Cruise (Jingle Cruise theme; also available during daytime hours) | Yes - Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (seasonal jokes & design), Jungle Cruise (Jingle Cruise theme; also available during daytime hours), Mad Tea Party (spin to special lights & music), Space Mountain (lighting & holiday tunes), Tomorrolwand Speedway (decorat |
| 11 | Number of attractions open? | 24 | 26 |
| 12 | Character meet & greet opportunities? | 8 places where you can see characters, but no meet & greets | Yes - lots, including rare characters like Jack Skellington (as Sandy Claws) and Sally, and 7 Dwarfs |
| 13 | PhotoPass & Magic Shots? | Yes | Yes |
| How do they compare? | Disney Very Merriest After Hours | Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party |
Will the Castle Dream Lights and A Frozen Holiday Wish return in 2023?
Important: Dream Lights haven’t donned Cinderella Castle for the past several years and didn’t again in 2022. We aren’t sure if or when they will return in 2023. 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. We have our fingers crossed that they will be back in 2023 after the 50th is over.
Historical Information
Because we are nothing if not hopeful, we’re keeping the 2019 Dream Lights information below:
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.
Also did not return for 2022
In addition to A Frozen Holiday Wish and the Castle Dream Lights, these things also did not return for 2022:
- Tony’s Town Square Most Merriest Party
- Trolley
- Tree Lightning Ceremony
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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.
Mickey
Friday 5th of July 2019
Unless you have a ticket package (along with tickets to MVMCP), you cannot get Fastpass+. I'll only have the party ticket that night; no other park tickets. I'll spend that time, 4-7 pm, on the attractions that aren't open during the party, and save the rides for party time.
Rachael C
Friday 26th of October 2018
I MUST know more about this new Tony’s Most Merriest experience!!! You had me at “reserves parade seating”!!! I’m so curious to know if the reserved spots are along the Main Street right up front where the snow falls??? This could be worth the $99 for my family of 6! Hope they release that info!
Tea
Thursday 9th of August 2018
I noticed that December 12th is a non-party day and thats the day I want to visit. Can I still see the fireworks and the castle lit up?
lauren gentile
Monday 20th of August 2018
The Castle will be lit up, and there will be fireworks. They will not however, be the party exclusive fireworks. Although if you are there on a night when a party is taking place, you can easily see the fireworks from outside the park.
TJ
Wednesday 8th of August 2018
what is the process for booking FP+ from the 4-7 pm timeframe when only using a MVMCP ticket? Do I purchase before the 60 day mark and then link it to my account? Then I can book FP+ on that day and it won't take from my ticket package? ex: I have 4 day passes and a party ticket (only using party ticket on this day), but book at Disney resort for the week. I can book FP+ for 5 days (one day 4-7 at MK)?
Nicole
Wednesday 11th of July 2018
When making fast pass reservations between 4-7pm when you only have a party ticket, can it be done when making my other fast pass reservations at the 60 day mark? Can you use the app or does it have to be same day kiosk?