Attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is one of our absolute favorite ways to celebrate and spread Christmas cheer. This classic holiday event at Magic Kingdom occurs on select nights from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22, 2023. Enjoy Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, fireworks, castle shows, special characters, food and drink and even snowfall on Main Street — plus a new castle show featuring your favorite "Frozen" characters. Tickets are now sold out for the 2023 events. For those attending the remaining dates, we have all the frogciting details. Let's hop in!
Overview of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2023
There's something about celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World that just feels extra magical. The resort maximizes this magical season by transforming the theme parks into their own unique winter wonderlands promptly after Halloween comes to a close. While visiting during this special time, we always have to attend our favorite event, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
This special event occurs after regular park hours and requires a separate party ticket to enjoy all its exclusive offerings. Running from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights, the party features rare characters, special entertainment, jolly-good treats and more! There is even "snowfall" on Main Street intermittently throughout the night. Tad and Lily especially lovvvveeee to stuff their bellies with the cookies and hot chocolate that are given out around the park for free.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Dates and Tickets
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held on select nights at Magic Kingdom from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22, 2023. The event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight and party guests can enter the park as early as 4 p.m. The park closes at 6 p.m. for daytime guests without an event ticket. You do not need a Disney Park Pass reservation if you're only attending the party (but if you have regular admission tickets and plan to arrive prior to 4 p.m., you would need a park reservation).
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event, which means you must purchase a party ticket to attend. Undercover Tourist offered discount tickets beginning July 6, 2023. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are now sold out for 2023.
Best Days to Attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Pricing is the strongest indicator of what Disney expects to be its busiest days. Higher prices mean higher demand, and higher demand means bigger anticipated crowds. Cheaper tickets generally mean fewer crowds. The last three parties of the year are typically the most expensive as they are the closest to Christmas. Surprisingly, the first two are typically not the cheapest as some families decide to go all out and time their vacations so that they can experience both the last Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. A few parties have already sold out, so we recommend purchasing tickets as soon as you know you want to attend. Disney does not publish attendance numbers, but these parties are always well-attended, so plan accordingly!
If you want to learn more about all of the festivities at Disney World going on during this time, check out our full guide to Disney World holiday events.
Before we get to the party itself, we have a weather warning! This time of year can be consistently inconsistent. Sometimes Florida can be true to the Christmas season with temperatures in the low 60s, but more often than not, highs are in the 80s. We find it can go from a hot, muggy day to a chilly night pretty quickly. So wear a flexible outfit with layers to accommodate whatever Florida throws your way. Hoppy news — there are usually a few super cute holiday-themed spirit jerseys available to purchase around property to keep you looking festive and feeling toasty warm! Less commonly, there can be a chance of rain. So it's always best to double-check the weather forecast before your trip!
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Entry Procedures
The party doesn't officially start until 7 p.m., but guests can get into the park starting at 4 p.m. with a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket. We highly recommend doing this, as this will give you more time to ride a few rides and have an early dinner before the party-exclusive activities begin. Of course, allot time for security and ticketing to be sure to arrive on time and enjoy the most of your evening. (Additionally, if you're driving, keep in mind the extra time to park and ride the monorail or the ferryboat — it can take about 30 minutes just to get to the entrance!)
Once you arrive at the entrance, cast members will direct you toward specific touchpoints for entry (often on the right-hand side, but be sure to double-check with signage or cast members). Wristbands are then given to party guests after going through the touchpoints, plus a complimentary ornament. Be sure to grab a party map, which unfolds to reveal a map and lots of event details! On opening night (a sold-out party), there were long lines at the entrance at 4 p.m., but it moved quickly — we were scanned in within 15 minutes!
Upon entering, beginning at 4 p.m., party guests have a VIP entrance through the backside of Main Street behind Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. There are also fun photo-ops to start off your visit.
Note: Magic Kingdom closes at 6 p.m. on party nights for regular daytime guests to allow for a smooth transition into party time.
If you are already enjoying a day at Magic Kingdom, you can stop by a wristband station to swipe your ticket and have a cast member apply your wristband. The locations are Tortuga Tavern, across from Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor and Mickey’s PhilharMagic. It’s important to snag these before the party starts — cast members will be on the lookout for wristbands as soon as 6 p.m. hits!
You can find cast members filtering guests out at major intersections throughout the park — primarily when you’re headed from Main Street, U.S.A. into the Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland entrances. Keep your wristbands on and visible, as cast members will be keeping an eye out for them throughout the night while you are waiting for the parade or shows to begin.
For those of you reading this who will not be attending the party and hoping to stick around past 6 p.m., we wouldn’t count on it. Cast members will not allow you on any rides or into certain areas without a wristband and will promptly lead you toward the park exit. If you have a late dining reservation, you may finish your meal and then a cast member will escort you to the exit.
Day guests and party guests can enjoy three photo opportunities throughout the park — near Tomorrowland Terrace, across from Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and across from Sunshine Tree Terrace.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Special Entertainment
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
By far, our favorite part of the night is Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime parade. We love it so much that we go to both showings! Dancing nutcrackers, gingerbread men, reindeer and the big man himself — Santa — join your favorite Disney characters for a gorgeous parade complete with scented floats (yes, you can smell Clarabelle Cow's cooking!).
The parade occurs twice and steps off in the Frontierland area, follows the waterway until it reaches Liberty Square, crosses the Liberty Square Bridge, circles Central Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle, heads down Main Street, U.S.A., circles Town Square in front of the Walt Disney World Railroad Station and ends next to Harmony Barbershop. Note: If watching from Town Square, the parade won't reach you until about 20 minutes after its scheduled start time.
If you want a prime parade spot along Main Street, U.S.A. or in front of the castle, we recommend snagging your seats at least an hour ahead of showtime, and up to two hours for front-row viewing at the base of the giant Christmas tree. If you don’t want to waste valuable party time waiting, try for a less popular spot in Frontierland or near the train station in Town Square. If you’re OK with the tadpoles staying up past their bedtime, the second showing is usually less crowded. For the shortest wait, try for the second parade in Frontierland for easy spots close to kickoff. Last year, we got second-row spots by the entrance to Liberty Square about 15 minutes before parade kick-off, and the parade got to us at about 8:40 p.m. We liked our section as it was right in front of Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe (I of course hopped in for some holiday shopping while we waited).
After the last Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of the year, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is typically shown to day guests at Magic Kingdom through Dec. 31.
Showtimes: 8:30 p.m., 11 p.m.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
The fireworks spectacular show returns after making its debut at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 2019. It's hosted by Minnie Mouse and features medleys of beloved holiday songs, including "Joy to the World" and "Deck the Halls." The fireworks only occur once, and there is no showing of Happily Ever After on party nights.
Guests can book a fireworks dessert party with holiday-themed treats, seasonal fruits, cheeses and special drinks. Enjoy your sweets and reserved seating at the Tomorrowland Terrace or a reserved standing view at the Plaza Garden. (Check out our overview of the regular Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties to know what to expect).
Once the party season is over, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks often run nightly until Dec. 29 to regular daytime guests. There will be no showing of regular fireworks on those nights.
Showtime: 10 p.m.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Mickey and Minnie host their very own holiday party and invite your favorite Disney pals to ring and sing in the holidays with classic carols and new favorites. It includes medleys of holiday tunes, both classic and contemporary, and features Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, who are celebrating just a few days before Christmas. Woody, Jessie, Peter Pan, Snow White, Alice and many more stop by! The highlight of this show for us is the iconic Clarabelle Cow belting out “All I Want for Christmas is You” in true Mariah Carey fashion while strutting her stuff in a silver sequin dress.
In case of inclement weather, the stage show may be delayed or modified.
Once the party season is over, Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration typically runs daily through Dec. 31 to regular daytime guests (showtimes vary).
Showtimes: 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:35 p.m., 11:55 p.m.
"Frozen Holiday Surprise" (New for 2023)
New this year, Magic Kingdom offers “Frozen Holiday Surprise,” a "Frozen”-inspired show that illuminates the castle in a whole new way. Guests can see Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle, all dressed in their rare holiday outfits. Available as of Nov. 7, this new offering runs nightly, both during regular park hours and during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Once the castle is magically transformed, the look remains projected throughout the evening for a perfect wintery backdrop.
We frogs really enjoyed this cool new entertainment and loved seeing Anna and Elsa in their festive outfits. We recommend arriving about 10-15 minutes ahead of time to claim a spot, though you can also arrive further down Main Street and still hear the show and see the castle illuminated.
Showtimes: 6:15 p.m. (regular park hours) and 8:15 p.m. (MVMCP)
Snowfall on Main Street
Snowfall in Florida is magical enough, but you can’t miss the beauty of snow fluttering down in Magic Kingdom. While the snowfall hoppens randomly throughout the night, you can typically find flurries down Main Street during both parades and all of Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration showings.
Disney Junior Jingle Jam
The Disney Junior Jingle Jam in Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe takes place throughout the entire party so little ones can move and groove with their faves including Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, Vampirina and Timon. We recommend hopping over here before you sit and wait for the parade to get any extra tadpole energy out prior to staying in one place for a while.
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.
The Collective 5ive
New for 2023, this "boy band" rocks the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland with holiday hits. You can find this singing group intermittently from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Reindeer Wranglers
Join the Reindeer Wranglers in Frontierland for their holiday hoedown and enjoy seasonal songs with a country twist.
Showtimes: 7:15 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 11:40 p.m.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Character Greetings and Rides
Special characters are one of the main draws of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Rare characters such as Jack Skellington (aka Sandy Claws) and the princes can be found, and “regular” characters are out in their holiday finest. This is such a fun, exciting part of the season and an excellent photo-op!
Visit our Very Merry character guide for all the details on the 2023 character line-up!
Rides
Because it is a separately ticketed event, one of the party perks is significantly fewer guests in the park. And with so many special experiences available, ride waits are typically much shorter. Holiday ride overlays are back this year! The fan-favorite Jingle Cruise returns, as well as special enhancements to Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain and Mad Tea Party.
New for 2023, TRON Lightcycle / Run is available during the party via a virtual queue. Guests with a party ticket may join the virtual queue at 6 p.m. through the My Disney Experience app. You do not need to be inside Magic Kingdom to join the virtual queue.
The Frog Family is usually too busy hoppin’ from character to character and enjoying the special shows to tackle too many coasters, but we do have a few tips. In our experience, the wait times get shorter and shorter as the night goes on. Aside from waiting until later in the night, the best time to hit popular rides is during parades and showtimes. If you’re waiting to attend the 11 p.m. parade, then use the first showing time to hop on high-demand rides such as Jingle Cruise, Seven Dwarfs and Peter Pan’s Flight. The wait times will be significantly shorter since so many people will be lined up on Main Street for the parade. Power through all night and wait times in the last hour are all typically down to just five minutes!
Disney Genie+ is not available during the party, though you should be able to purchase either Genie+ or an individual Lightning Lane, with just a party ticket, if interested in stacking rides from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also note that wait times between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. will not appear in the My Disney Experience app, but all attractions will remain open to party guests during that time. (The app sees the park as closing at 6 p.m. and then reopening at 7 p.m., but don't worry, the park is very much open during this time for you to enjoy before the real party begins at 7 p.m.).
Attractions Open During Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:
Adventureland
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Jingle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
- The Barnstormer
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- “it’s a small world”
- Mad Tea Party
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Tomorrowland
- TRON Lightcycle / Run (Virtual queue only)
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Space Mountain
- Astro Orbiter
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Mickey's PhilharMagic, Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, Tom Sawyer Island and the Enchanted Tiki Room are closed during the party.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Dining and Merchandise
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Dining
Dreaming of sugar plums? Well, we dream about the food at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! One of the perks of attending the party is the complimentary treat stations where you can pick up assorted pre-packaged cookies and a holiday beverage (think hot cocoa and eggnog!). But that's not all — specialty food and drink offerings are also available during the party.
Only select restaurants are usually open during party time throughout the park, so plan ahead. We recommend eating a full dinner during the pre-party time, and then snacking on the complimentary and specialty treats the rest of the night.
For full menus and foodie details, hop over to our foodie guide for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise
In 2023, there is party-exclusive merchandise available at The Emporium and Star Traders! There's also plenty of general Christmas merchandise throughout the resort. The Emporium at Magic Kingdom and World of Disney at Disney Springs have the most holiday offerings available. Check out our holiday wishlist for our favorite merchandise and shopping tips!
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Tips
Here are three major tips we adhere to when attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party this year!
1. Have a Plan
Planning is critical at these parties, as time is limited and experiences are endless. Because they get crowded and are packed with special activities, including meet-and-greets with rare characters — or your favorites in their fun holiday attire — you really need a plan. Start by identifying your family’s not-to-miss activities and then fill in the gaps when you get to the park with some unexpected surprises. There are more fun things to see and do than a typical family could probably accomplish in one night, so set your expectations in advance! Fresh out of the frogs' workshop, we've put together a hopful Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Park Plan to download and take with you.
2. Arrive Early for Entertainment
Make sure to allow for extra time to get in place for the shows and parades — Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks — as the hub around Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. get very crowded. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes early even for the second parade to have a shot at the front row of viewing. If a front-row view isn't a priority, you can come in after that and still find great spots.
3. Stay Until the End of the Party
There are heavier crowds at the beginning of the party, but as the night winds down (especially noticeable after the fireworks), the crowds lighten up. Crowd levels vary by party, but it's safe to say that you'll want to stay until the very end to maximize your time because there's soooo much to do. (Special fireworks, exclusive character meet-and-greets and free cookies, oh my!)
Because the party is a separately ticketed event, we hear that many other frog families often question, “Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth the extra price tag?” It really depends on what you want out of the experience and if you can budget the extra cost. Many families use party day to sleep in, explore Disney Springs or resort hop to see holiday decorations before heading into Magic Kingdom to get their jingle on, using the savings from what would have been regular park admission toward paying for their party tickets. Keep in mind that Magic Kingdom closes early on party days, so if you opt out of the party, your time will be best spent at a different park if you’re looking for a full park day.
If you’re only going for the shorter lines at rides, it’s probably not worth it. But if you love getting into the Christmas spirit and want to see all of the exclusive characters, shows and parades that the party has to offer, we think it’s toadally worth it. Come dressed for the occasion, and wear matching Christmas shirts ... or pajamas! Just be sure to plan ahead and maximize your time there by arriving early!
For us, we love all the holiday hoopla surrounding Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and savor our time (and the cocoa!) at this annual event. We'd love to hear your thoughts about the party, and especially for those of you who have never attended, we'd love to answer any questions!
Related: Complete Guide to Disney World Holiday Events
Hoppy holidays!
Comments