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Season's Greetings! Where to Find All of the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Characters

by Mommy Frog on November 8, 2023 Orlando

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Hoppy holidays! One of the best parts of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is meeting all of the special characters — including Santa Claus himself! This separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom Park is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. The exclusive entertainment and character greetings are some of our favorite reasons to attend the seasonal party — most characters are rarely seen or wearing their holiday best. Here's everything to expect for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party characters for 2023, including where to find them, what kind of line to expect and our top tips.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters — Minnie

Overview of Characters at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

There are more than 30 characters that meet throughout the park during the party. The official party map often provides a symbol indicating where there is a character meet-and-greet, but may not say which character you'll encounter there. The My Disney Experience app will show the characters under the map function, but the information is only available during a party. To help with planning ahead, we've separated the characters by land below.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Characters 2023

We've also compiled these very merry greetings into an infographic to take with you to the party for quick reference. Have fun jingling and mingling!

In general, when we refer to wait times — low means less than 30 minutes of waiting, medium means about 30 to 60 minutes and long means more than an hour. These are approximate and can vary for each party, but we wanted to give you an idea of which characters have more popular lines.

Characters on Main Street, U.S.A.

Characters at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Mickey in holiday outfit

Mickey Mouse

Starting off with the host of the party, Mickey Mouse is modeling his fancy holiday suit, which is exclusive to the event. He meets at his regular location at Town Square Theater. (During regular park hours, he greets guests in his magician's outfit). Once the party starts at 7 p.m., he then meets in his dapper green suit and red bowtie. Both the meet-and-greet and queue are entirely inside (making it a plus if you experience bad weather).

Mickey's wait is low to medium most of the night, often about 30 minutes. We recommend meeting him during the first parade or toward the end of the night for the shortest waits.

Jack Skellington and Sally

Also in Town Square Theater are some of the most popular characters at the party — Jack Skellington and Sally. This "Nightmare Before Christmas" duo is exclusive to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Jack is dressed as Sandy Claws for this party. Both the meet-and-greet and queue for Jack and Sally are entirely inside.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters - Jack Skellington and Sally

Their line can get very long with an average wait time of 90 minutes to two hours. They typically begin greeting around 4:30 p.m. and you can enter the line around 4 p.m. with a wristband. If meeting them is a priority, we recommend using the pre-party time to meet them so no actual party time is taken away — in fact, the earlier the better because the line builds quickly. Otherwise, the line will be a bit shorter in the second half of the party (try to go during the parade for less waiting). Note that they may cut the line off to new guests toward the end of the night, so try not to wait too long to hop over.

Mary Poppins

Newly returned to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is our favorite magical nanny — Mary Poppins! It's always a jolly holiday with Mary as she sports her lovely white and red dress and parasol. She meets at the side porch outside Town Square Theater (During regular hours, she can be seen in the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom or meeting at the UK pavilion at EPCOT).

Characters in Adventureland

Jasmine and Genie

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters — Genie and Jasmine

You've never had a friend like me with the delightful pair of Genie and Jasmine. While this duo also meets during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, this time around Genie sports a festive scarf for the occasion. They meet across from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Jasmine meets in the same location during the day with Aladdin, though meeting Genie is rare. (During normal park hours, Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie all make appearances in the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, as well.)

Jasmine and Genie alternate with Aladdin and Abu with one queue, so the characters will switch on and off.

Aladdin and Abu

Also in Adventureland is the fun duo of Aladdin and Abu! Abu is sporting a festive scarf while Aladdin is in his Prince Ali royal attire. They meet across from The Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride. Aladdin and Jasmine meet at this same location during regular hours, but Abu is quite rare (as is Aladdin's outfit) and is usually only seen at these parties. The line is partially covered and the meet-and-greet is an open-air covering.

They alternate with Jasmine and the Genie and there is one line for both pairs, so you'll want to time it with their set times. We recommend getting in line when the opposite pair is meeting so you have a better chance of them switching over.

Peter Pan

It's always an adventure with Peter Pan! After a few years, Peter Pan is back to appearing during Very Merry. He will randomly roam in Adventureland or even Fantasyland, so be sure to keep an eye out (though he will also appear in the parade).

Stitch

Stitch also returns to the party this year with a new location in Adventureland. He greats in the Enchanted Tiki Room, with offers a covered queue and indoor meet-and-greet location. He wears a Hawaiian shirt, unique to the party.

Jack Sparrow

Across from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, you'll find Jack Sparrow himself! He meets at this same location during regular park hours in the same outfit. We recommend meeting him during the day and saving party time for the exclusive characters.

Characters in Liberty Square

Santa Claus

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters — Santa Claus in Liberty Square

Look, it's Kris Kringle himself!

Lily was extra excited to chat with Santa Claus during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. He greets guests one-on-one at the gazebo in Liberty Square (just behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe). The queue is outside while the meet-and-greet is under the covered gazebo. There is a festive backdrop with presents under the tree!

While Santa meets during the majority of the party, he makes a special appearance in Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime parade, so he will not meet during that time.

Santa makes lots of magical appearances during the holidays — be sure to check out our guide to the holidays at Walt Disney World for all of the jolly details!

Tiana and Naveen

Tiana and Naveen have moved from Princess Fairytale Hall to Liberty Square this year. They greet guests at select times by the Liberty Square Riverboat. They will not greet during the parade.

Characters in Fantasyland

Snow White and Her Prince

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters — Snow White and Her Prince

Over by the castle wall near Pinocchio Village Haus, you'll find the original royal couple, Snow White and her prince. While you can meet Snow White throughout the day in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, her prince is very rare and typically only available at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. They are in the same line as Aurora and Prince Phillip.

Aurora and Prince Phillip

Characters at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Aurora and Prince Phillip

You can also meet Aurora and Prince Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty" by the castle wall. Aurora meets regularly at EPCOT, but Phillip rarely makes appearances. They share a queue with Snow White and Her Prince.

Rapunzel and Flynn Rider

"Tangled" is one of my favorite Disney movies so you bet I made sure to meet Rapunzel and Flynn together! This year, the princes join their princesses at the castle wall near Pinocchio's Village Haus. With the rarity of the princes, be sure to allow a lot of time to meet this adorable couple. Thankfully they are in the same line as Cinderella and Prince Charming, so you get four characters in one! The two couples switch off with Snow White, her Prince, Aurora and Prince Phillip. Wait times are often half an hour to an hour per set.

Cinderella and Prince Charming 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters - Cinderella and Prince Charming

Also at the castle wall, Cinderella meets with the rarely-seen Prince Charming (in the same line with Rapunzel and Flynn). This charmingly sweet couple is looking quite official with the prince's iconic white suit and Cinderella in her winter version of her blue dress. Waits may be a little shorter in the second half of the party.

Belle

Belle greets guests inside Maurice's Cottage. This year, she wears her rare Christmas maroon dress, so expect wait times to be closer to half hour to an hour. You can also meet Belle in her classic blue village dress at EPCOT or see her in her yellow gown at Enchanted Tales with Belle.

Ariel and Eric

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters — Eric and Ariel posing with guest

Prince Eric and Princess Ariel are greeting royal guests outside the Under the Sea~ Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction in Fantasyland. We rarely see Ariel in her teal dress and Eric is extremely rare (princes, in general, are very rare), so we love seeing these two together.

With the popularity and rarity of this couple, be sure to plan earlier in the night if a priority for your family. Their meet-and-greet and queue are entirely outside.

Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters — Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet

Our favorite One Hundred Acre Woods friends are looking absolutely precious in their holiday scarves. Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore greet guests next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction (you can meet Pooh and Tigger in that same location during regular park hours). The quartet is fairly exclusive and only can be seen together at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party, Very Merry or at The Crystal Palace character dining.

These characters are also very popular. Expect to wait close to an hour or more for this popular crew. They may start meeting a little before the party starts, usually around 6:30 p.m. (party guests typically may begin to line up prior to this time). Their queue is outside while the meet-and-greet is covered.

Alice and the White Rabbit

Alice and the White Rabbit join the Very Merry lineup and greet guests near the Mad Tea Party. The White Rabbit is an extremely rare character, so expect lines possibly close to half an hour to an hour for this duo.

Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum

The matching yellow-and-red duo from "Alice in Wonderland" greets guests in front of Mad Tea Party. They are very rare and exclusive to the Halloween and Christmas parties.

Mirabel

Encanto at Disney World — Mirabel meet-and-greet at Magic Kingdom

Mirabel from the popular "Encanto" film continues greeting guests during the party at her new themed location at Fairytale Garden. If a priority, we recommend meeting during regular hours to save on exclusive event offerings.

Characters in Storybook Circus

The Seven Dwarfs

Another returning character group is the Seven Dwarfs! Meeting at Pete's Silly Side Show, this popular group is extremely rare and can typically only be seen at the Halloween and Christmas parties. (Alternately, Grumpy and Dopey can be seen with Snow White and the Evil Queen at the Storybook Dining at Artist Point). During Very Merry, they wear matching green hats and red shoes.

Waittimes can often get up to 90 minutes to two hours, though it can drop down during the latter half of the party (especially during the fireworks and second parade). Guests may line up prior to the party starting, though they may not come out until close to 7 p.m.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters — Santa Goofy

Goofy

"Santa" Goofy meets outside in front of The Barnstormer. If there is inclement weather, Goofy may head inside near Pete's Silly Sideshow. Goofy is at most of the parks during regular park hours (in various outfits), though this outfit is exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Goofy's wait time is low to medium and especially drops off in the second half of the party.

Minnie Mouse

Only at Storybook Circus can you see Minnie Mouse in her fashionable festive outfit! She meets in the play area of the Dumbo queue — both the queue and meet-and-greet are entirely inside. You can meet Minnie in all four parks during regular park hours (in various outfits), though this outfit is exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

There is one queue for Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Scrooge so this line can be a medium wait, but you get to meet all four characters at once!

Daisy Duck

The fashionista diva herself, Daisy Duck, also meets in the Dumbo queue. The queue and meet-and-greet are entirely inside. You can see Daisy at most of the parks during regular park hours (in various outfits), though this outfit is exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Sometimes Minnie and Daisy meet together, making for an extra great interaction, while other times they meet individually. Either way, you'll only have to wait in one line for all four, which can make it worth the wait, especially for fans of the Fab Five.

Donald Duck

Characters at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Donald Duck and Scrooge McDuck

Our number one star Donald Duck  also meets in the Dumbo queue. You can see Donald at most of the parks during regular park hours (in various outfits), though this outfit is exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Depending on the character line-up at the time, Donald may meet together with Scrooge.

Scrooge McDuck

Donald's Uncle Scrooge McDuck is visiting for the holidays! He is typically in the same line in the Dumbo queue as Donald, Minnie and Daisy. Scrooge is fairly rare, usually only seen at special events or at Animal Kingdom. You'll find Storybook Circus with extremely low crowds in the second half of the night, so this can be a great time to meet Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Scrooge McDuck!

Other Character Experiences at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

You won't want to miss Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime parade! Witness dancing nutcrackers, gingerbread men, reindeer and the big man himself — Santa — as they join your favorite Disney characters for a gorgeous parade complete with scented floats.

Disney Junior Jingle Jam

Younger tadpoles will love the Disney Junior Jam, featuring some of Lily's Disney Channel faves, from 7 p.m. to midnight. You might see characters such as Vampirina, Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and even Timon (note that the characters will rotate in and out). Lily adores this dance party, and it's a perfect way to see her favorite characters in a low-key way. It also has low crowds most of the time so it's easy to get individual interactions.

Club Tinsel Dance Party 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Club Tinsel dance party

Dance the night away with a live DJ and holiday friends at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland intermittently from 7 p.m. to midnight. Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and Chip 'n' Dale groove in the crowd to fun musical hits.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters – Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration stage show

This holiday castle stage show features lots of fun characters! Mickey and Minnie are hosting a holiday party with festive songs. You'll see characters including Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Clarabelle Cow, Woody, Jessie and more! With multiple showtimes, you'll have plenty of chances to catch this fun and festive show.

Country Bears

In Frontierland, you'll find the Country Bears roaming in front of the Country Bear Jamboree at select times. Prepare your dance moves with Big Al, Liverlips, Shaker and Wendell. Due to their location, they will not be out close to or during the parade.

Tips for Meeting Characters at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

We have some additional tips for meeting characters at the party:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters - Family Meeting Jack Skellington and Sally

  • Check the My Disney Experience app for character set times. This will help you plan out when to arrive. We suggest arriving just prior to the character set time to maximize your time, as lines can get extra long once people spot the character. Note that some characters don't meet during the parades, like the "Aladdin" characters.
  • That said, some characters continue to greet guests during the parade, and that can be a great time to visit, especially Jack and Sally!
  • Have kiddos that are nervous to meet characters? Check out our guide to characters at Disney World for extra tips on interacting with characters (plus a list of all character locations during regular park hours).
  • Be sure to prioritize which characters you'll want to meet. There are only so many hours in the party and time will pass quickly, especially if you're also trying to see the trifecta of main entertainment — the parade, stage show and fireworks.
  • If a priority, we recommend using some of the pre-party time to meet regular characters that will not be at the party.

Which Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party characters are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: Our Guide to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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