Why Should I go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Being in Walt Disney World during the holiday season is a beautiful time of year to enjoy the happiest place on earth. With the beautifully decorated resorts, enormous Christmas trees in each park and Christmas entertainment, you won’t run out of unique things to enjoy. An event that bring locals and guests from a far is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. This special ticketed event happens on select nights throughout the month of November and December. The cost of the ticket is above and beyond your ticket package you would have already purchased. Prices range from $84-104 per child and $89-109 per adult. There is a reduced rate for Annual Passholders and DVC Members. Now to compare a park admission for Magic Kingdom at this time of year ranges from $101-118 per child and $107-124 per adult. Park hours on a normal day are 9am to 9pm, the hours for the Christmas Party are 7pm-Midnight. Although you can gain entry to the Magic Kingdom at 4pm with your Christmas Party ticket. Giving you 8 hours at the Magic Kingdom in comparison to 12 hours. Now that you know a bit of a comparison on cost, here are some of the reasons to check out this special event.
Food.
There are special food offerings during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. While during the Halloween Party you get to participate in Trick or Treating, here you are served a variety of hot beverages and cookie combinations around the Magic Kingdom. Like hot chocolate and sugar cookies, egg nog and ginger molasses cookies, apple cider and snowman cookies, and of course snow cones. You can also enjoy snacks for purchase or use your dining plan snack credits. You’ll find peppermint ice cream, holiday cupcakes and likely a seasonal waffle sundae. Needless to say you’ll want to skip lunch to enjoy all that’s being offered during this party. These special treats are only offered once the party gets under way at 7pm.
Characters.
With any special offering, Walt Disney World Resort puts out special characters as a bonus for guests. It can be a major appeal for many Disney fans. The Seven Dwarfs, Jack Skellington as Sandy Claus, Scrooge McDuck and Santa Goofy are a few that you won’t see outside of this party. You may see them during a RunDisney race, although Jack Skellington typically sticks to the two seasonal parties. The most popular characters require you to wait in line for sometimes hours. We met Jack Skellington and Sally at the Halloween Party a few years ago and lined up as soon as we arrived to ensure we met them. With the dwarfs we waited until later on in the party, when the crows died down, and were able to meet them with minimal wait time.
Stage Show.
During the party you can enjoy a special Christmas stage show in front of the castle, filled with your favourite Christmas songs. The performance include projections on the castle and a variety of new and classic Disney characters. This stage show only happens during the party. Check out last year’s show, add it to your parade day line up as you head toward the holidays.
Parade.
The Christmas parade has got to be my favourite. I’ve always loved Babes in Toyland and when the soldiers march down main street I have a happy moment. The parade of course finishes with Santa Claus on a big red sleigh, behind dancing reindeer.
Cinderella’s Castle.
You can see Cinderella’s Castle lit for Christmas no matter what day you visit the Magic Kingdom during the Christmas season, what you’ll only see during the Christmas party is the lighting. Elsa comes out with Anna, Kristoff and Olaf and creates a little ice magic to make the castle look festive for the season. Later in the evening, watch a special firework display, with Holiday Wishes. Both of these things only take place during the Party.
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year at Walt Disney World. If you are vacationing during the first two weeks of November and the first couple weeks of December the amount of guests will be manageable and the party will be enjoyable. Otherwise you can expect crowds of families come to enjoy the Magic Kingdom during this special event. The dates for this years party are:
November 9th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 26th and 28th
December 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 21st and 22nd
In my personal opinion, going to this party is a must. Unless you plan on returning to Walt Disney World numerous times during this season in years to come, take the opportunity to enjoy this unique event. Instead of purchasing a 5 day park pass, purchase a 4 day park pass and a ticket to the Christmas Party. You may love it so much, you’ll be returning every year for this very reason. As mentioned above, we’ve been to the Halloween Party and had intensions of returning this year. We planned it as an extra day at the Magic Kingdom. Making the first visit less rushed and this one a bonus. You can ride your favourite ride one more time. Let’s just say, go to this event and you won’t regret it. Happy Planning Friends.