This week, the Magic Kingdom transforms from pumpkins to wreaths, and scarecrows to toy soldiers. Yes, the holiday season is arriving at Walt Disney World, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties are about to begin.
Here’s what you need to know about the parties.
The Details
From November 7th to December 21st, twenty-five nights of parties happen where our favorite Disney friends can be seen in their holiday outfits, celebrating the festive season. Tickets range from $169 to $229, with the most expensive nights occurring in late December. All November dates are already sold out, with only a handful of December dates remaining, and they will likely sell out soon. The parties begin at 7:00 p.m., but guests with party tickets can enter the park anytime after 4:00 p.m. on their designated party day.
The Parade
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is the highlight of the night. I LOVE seeing the Toy Soldiers marching up Main Street, dancing gingerbread cookies, characters waving, and of course, Santa in his sleigh.
The parade is scheduled to run twice each party night, giving guests a chance to see it earlier in the evening or late at night.
*In previous years, after the date of the last party ended and up to Christmas, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade has been added to the daily activities at Magic Kingdom. If WDW follows the same pattern as previous years, guests can view this parade during the day without having the added expense of a party ticket.
The Food
There are designated cookie spots throughout the park where guests can receive complimentary cookies and hot cocoa.
As well, there are specialty party food items (entrees, snacks, and drinks) that are available during the party. A list of options and cookie locations can be found in your party guide, which you can pick up after entering the park.
The Fireworks
If you love Christmas music and fireworks, then Minie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show is not to be missed. Classic carols are matched with a cascade of fireworks lighting up the night sky and can be seen throughout the park. My preferred location to watch them is in the hub in front of Cinderella Castle so that it feels like you’re in the middle of the magic.
Seeing Characters
There are multiple opportunities to see Disney characters.
You can watch them in the shows on the Castle stage, dance with them at the dance parties, or meet up with them and snap a photo or two.
My recommendation is to take some time and meet a few of them. It’s not every day you get to meet some of these characters, so it’s great to take this opportunity to say hello and maybe even tell Santa what you want for Christmas.
So, whether it’s the dancing gingerbread, fireworks paired perfectly with iconic carols, or seeing characters, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an event that combines the magic of Disney with the magic of the holidays. The first party will begin on November 7th, and when the snoap (soap-based foam that resembles snow) starts falling on Main Street we’ve officially arrived at the Most Magical Time of the Year to be at Disney.
Let it snoap, let it snoap, let is snoap!❄️
~Kelly