Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) kicks off on Friday November 8, the first of 23 party dates this year!!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a hard ticket event held in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Happening on select nights in November and December, Guests of all ages enjoy a Christmas extravaganza complete with snow on Main Street U.S.A., the nightly lighting of Cinderella Castle engulfed in icicles, all-you-can-eat cookies and hot chocolate, a special holiday parade and fireworks! Wait…did I say snow?! YES!!! There is actually SNOW on Main Street U.S.A. It is magical!! And possibly one of the only times you’ll experience snow in Florida!
Here’s I’ll share with you tips and information for attending the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Whether you are a seasoned veteran or it’s your first time attending, you will have all the information you need to have the most magical time! I’ve had the privilege of attending this party many times before so I have some firsthand experience of what works and what does not.
Before we jump in, just a note about the weather at this time of year. It is extremely unpredictable. I’ve attended MVMCP when it’s in this high 70’s and also in low 20’s (not kidding!) – it was brutally cold! Be prepared with options and/or layers so you are ready for whatever weather Florida decides to throw at you. It can change on a dime!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates & Ticket Prices
- November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
- December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $94 for children (ages 3-9) and $95 for adults (ages 10+). Prices do vary and increase depending on the date/time you choose to attend. The closer to Christmas, the more expensive the party is for both adults and children, with prices reaching as high as $134 for children (ages 3-9) and $139 for adults (ages 10+).
Now, it goes without saying that the party tickets are quite expensive, it’s essentially the price of a one-day park ticket! The price for the MVMCP tickets has jumped exponentially in the last couple of years. In my personal opinion, I do still think the party is worth it, especially for the ambiance and entertainment! I think everyone should attend at least once. And here’s a tip – if budget is preventing you from attending, perhaps schedule one less park day on your itinerary and instead attend the party! As a ticketed Guest, you will be able to enter the park on the day of your party at 4PM. This gives you 8 hours of park time – and with typically lesser crowds on many of the party dates – this also makes it worth it!
To purchase tickets, visit the Walt Disney World website (click here).
Best Days/Dates to Attend
If you are wondering, the best dates to attend the party is usually indicative of the pricing of the tickets for the party. Generally, the lower priced tickets are the lesser crowded dates and higher priced tickets indicate when crowds are generally heavier. The first few parties in November are sometimes more crowded as well, as Guests often plan end of October, beginning of November vacations in order to attend both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party AND Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Friday after Thanksgiving and any Friday in the month of December have a tendency to be very busy due to locals attending the party as well as vacationers.
Rain Or Shine!
Keep in mind that the party goes on rain or shine! The parades or fireworks may be canceled during the evening due to weather, but the party still happens. If you are leery of buying tickets ahead of time because of potential bad weather, you can purchase tickets on the night of the party.
Party Tips & Strategies
With party time starting at 7PM on select nights at the Magic Kingdom, there are 5 hours to meet rare characters, ride attractions, and see the exclusive fireworks and parade! There is no question, if you want to maximize your time and dollar at this event, you will need to devise a plan and determine your priorities! Just remember, even the best plans can’t often squeeze it all in. Do what is most important to you first!
Note: If you are lucky enough to attend the party on a night where there are lesser crowds, you should have no issue getting done all that you want to, even without an intense plan. There are certain meet-and-greets that will always draw long lines, so be prepared for that if you choose to stand in line and wait.
Starting at 4PM, if you already in Magic Kingdom and have tickets for that evening’s MVMCP, locate specific cast members scattered throughout the park to receive your event wristband.
If you are coming from another park or your hotel, you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4PM through a designated VIP entrance. Upon checking in for the party, you will receive your event wristband. Cast Members will direct Guests behind Main Street U.S.A. next to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Here is where the party will begin! This is usually where you’ll find your first treat station and several photo ops to start your evening!
If you enter the park at 4PM, know that the park is still open to the general public until 6PM, so the crowd levels may be high for a few hours. You will still be able to successfully ride at least 2, maybe 3, attractions before the actual party begins if you plan accordingly.
Beginning at 6PM, the Cast Members will begin to shuffle non-event guests out of the park. This is why it is essential that you obtain your event wristband. This indicates to Cast Members that you have a paid party ticket for that evening.
Note that FastPass+ reservations are not available during the party, nor from 4PM-7PM. Generally lines during the party are manageable depending on the popularity of the attraction. If you have a regular day park ticket, you can book FP+s up until 6PM at the Magic Kingdom.
TIP: Ride attractions during parade times, most guests are watching the parade so the lines tend to be shorter.
TIP: View the second parade of the evening, the first parade is usually the most popular and attracts the biggest crowd.
TIP: Depending on the date you attend, you may need to plan to claim your spot and wait for the parade up to 60-90 minutes. If you attend in early November or early December, your wait time may be less, more like 30-60 minutes.
TIP: The parade begins in Frontierland, however I am a firm believer that the best place to watch it is from Main Street U.S.A. There is nothing like the backdrop of Cinderella Castle (and snow!) in all of your photos, and experiencing the snow on Main Street U.S.A.!
TIP: Attractions tend to have the shortest lines of the evening just before midnight when the party ends. Save some of the most popular attractions such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (SDMT), Peter Pan or Space Mountain for the last 30 minutes of the evening. Dare I say, some may even be walk ons.
TIP: If your priority is to get photos with special, rare characters such as Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, plan to wait in very long lines. Generally lines start to form sometimes before the party even begins at 7PM. Wait times could be up to 2 hours, so plan accordingly if you intend to accomplish other things during the evening at the party. Families tend to start to leave around 11PM, chances are if you wait until late in the evening, your wait time may decrease significantly. Note that in some cases in past years, these rare characters have started to greet Guests as early as 5PM. In order to be in line, you must have a wristband for the party.
TIP: Holiday Wishes Fireworks Show is shown on party nights usually at 10PM, weather permitting. This firework show can be viewed from various locations around the park. Your best viewing location will always be somewhere in the hub or about 1/4 way down Main Street. There are projections on the Castle during the show, but the fireworks display does not rely on them to tell the story as they do in Happily Ever After. It is not necessary to be in full view of the Castle to enjoy the show!
TIP: With the hustle and bustle of the evening, it’s easy to forget about the adorable and yummy special event treats and merchandise to purchase! Be sure to check them out and pick some up.
Dessert Party’s
Holiday Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
Available select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2019, the Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace gives Guests to experience fantastic views of Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks bursting high above Cinderella Castle.
Before the fireworks, at a table decked with boughs of holly, discover a host of holiday-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared by our pastry chef, along with a bountiful buffet of sweet treats—like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. To drink, enjoy sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Christmas drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and then marvel as the sky above explodes with color, music and light!
Schedule and Pricing Details
This dessert experience is available on the following dates in 2019:
- November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
- December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22
Each premium package costs $84 (ages 10+) and $50 for children (ages 3-9). Tax not included. (Note these are 2018 prices; 2019 pricing has not yet been released)
For tickets, visit the Walt Disney World website.
Holiday Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing
Available select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2019, the Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing is a sweet feast for the senses! During this experience, you can enjoy delectable desserts followed by fantastic views of Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks bursting high above Cinderella Castle.
Before the fireworks, at a table decked with boughs of holly, discover a host of holiday-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared by our pastry chef, along with a bountiful buffet of sweet treats—like chocolate-dipped strawberries, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. To drink, enjoy sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Christmas drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea.
As show time nears, Cast Members will escort you to a prime location in the Plaza Garden—where you can enjoy priority views of the holiday fireworks spectacular.
Schedule and Pricing Details
This dessert experience is available on the following dates in 2018:
- November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
- December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22
Each package costs $69 (ages 10+) and $41 (ages 3-9). Tax not included. (Note these are 2018 prices; 2019 pricing has not yet been released)
For tickets, visit the Walt Disney World website.
Tony’s Merriest Town Square Party
This unique experience begins at 9:30PM and ends at 12:30 AM (after Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ends!) at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. The great (and different) part about this offering is you can pop in and out at your leisure; you are not confined to a certain area for any length of time. As you pop in and out, you can indulge in savory hors d’oeuvres including a selection of artisanal meats and cheeses as well as Tony’s famous meatballs, mini hand-tossed pizzas, boursin-stuffed artichoke and more (offerings from the 2018 menu). If you have a sweet tooth, you can snack on pumpkin tartlets, Yule Logs, cannoli, Christmas cookies, and red velvet cupcakes. The evening will also feature entertainment by the one and only Tony himself. And that’s not all! You’ll also receive VIP seating for the 11:00 PM viewing of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Like the other dessert party, this one cost an additional fee. Tickets cost $99 per person (plus tax).
I attended this dessert party last year. Click here for my review and thoughts on the experience.
Attractions Open During the Party
Main Street U.S.A
- Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Adventureland
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Jingle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
Frontierland
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party
- Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s SpaceRanger Spin
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrow Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor
Expected Show Times for Special Events
(2018 showtimes; 2019 showtimes have not yet been released)
- A Frozen Holiday Wish – 6:15PM, 8:15P
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration – 7:40PM, 9:25PM, 10:30PM, 11:55PM
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – 8:30PM, 11PM
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks – 10PM
- A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas – 7:45PM, 8:35PM, 9:25PM, 10:45PM, 11:35PM
- Club Tinsel – 7PM-12AM
- Snow on Main Street U.S.A. – Intermittent throughout the evening
What’s New This Year!
Minnie Mouse will host an all-NEW fireworks show which will debut during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starting November 8th! Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will celebrate the magic of Christmas with medleys of beloved holiday songs.
In addition to that, several attractions are receiving overlays to enjoy while at the Christmas Party. Race your way over to the Tomorrowland Speedway and find yourself cruising on the freeway filled with festive lights and holiday decor! Over at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, enjoy a brand new show. Wiz through space on Space Mountain filled with sparkling lights and holiday tunes! And lastly over in Fantasyland, take a spin on the Mad Tea Party (tea cups) to the tunes of Christmas music and dazzling lights!
Additional Information
It is worth noting, after December 22, the standard daytime parade in the Magic Kingdom becomes Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and the Holiday Wishes fireworks are shown nightly. This entertainment is generally the big draw for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you are looking to save money and don’t plan to attend the party, you can wait until after December 22 if you want to see the parade and fireworks. The trade-off is that after December 22, the crowds are intense in the Magic Kingdom. It may still be worth spending the money on the party just to have some breathing room!
Your Thoughts?
Will you be attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? What is your favorite part of the party? I’d love to hear your feedback, tips and comments. Comment below or send an email to info@mainstreettourist.com.
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