Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids, recently attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Here is her very merry tale.
Upon entering the park, the towering Christmas tree, a festive decorated Main Street U.S.A., and the windows of the Emporium shop set the tone for what to expect next. Everything is decorated to the max and there is Yuletide action everywhere. There is so much to see and do that a little planning might come in handy.
The Headliners
Catch Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, a stage show held at Cinderella’s castle. Showtimes are 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and 11:55 p.m.
Also at the castle, at 8:15 p.m., enjoy A Frozen Holiday Wish. Witness the icy powers of none other than Elsa, Queen of Arendelle, as she transforms Cinderella’s Castle into an ice palace aglow with more than 200,000 lights.
At 8:30 p.m. it is time for Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade. Claim a spot along the parade route and enjoy gingerbread men, prancing reindeer, toy soldiers, Disney characters in their holiday finest, and Santa himself making their way down Main Street U.S.A. The parade is repeated once more at 11 p.m.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks are an absolute must. The brand-new show takes place at 10 a.m.
Another highlight of the party is to meet some rarely seen characters such as Sandy Claws (aka Jack Skellington), Scrooge McDuck, Santa Goofy, the Seven Dwarfs, as well as beloved Disney characters dressed in their holiday best. Be warned: Meeting these characters comes with long lines and it will eat up a lot of your time.
Dance Parties and Concerts
Little tykes will enjoy Story Book Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam, which is held at Story Book Circus all night long. At the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas show, join Stitch, Mike Wazowski, Buzz Lightyear, and a group of dancers as they revel in popular Christmas tunes. The show is held at Rockettower Plaza Stage at 7:45 p.m., 8:35 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:45 p.m., and once more at 11:35 p.m.
Rockettower Plaza also sets the stage for The Edge Effect, four a cappella concerts held at 8:10 p.m., 9 p.m., 10:20 p.m., and 11:10 p.m.
A dance party dubbed Club Tinsel, is held all night long at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.
Wait, There’s More!
Several attractions come with a holiday twist. The Jingle Cruise is back with festive Christmas decor and Yuletide-themed jokes, and Space Mountain, the Mad Tea Party, Tomorrowland Speedway, and even Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor come with a holiday overlay.
A selection of free cookies and beverages is included in the price of your ticket. Peppermint and Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ginger Molasses Cookies, Snickderdoodle Cookies, and Snowman Pretzels are available at several locations throughout the park. As for drinks, try apple cider, eggnog, or the traditional hot cocoa. My favorite were the Snowman Pretzels and the hot cocoa.
Special event-only food and beverages are also for sale. I loved An Orange Bird Christmas, available at Sunshine Tree Terrace. Of course, there is also plenty of event merchandise, and fans of the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game should pick up their party-exclusive card at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A. This year’s spell card features Pluto.
Last, but certainly not least, Santa holds court in Candy Cane Garden, which is located between Town Hall and and The Chamber of Commerce in Town Square.
Turning Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Up a Notch
Three additional ticketed events are going on simultaneously on select nights during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Reserved viewing of the fireworks is available at Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace ($84 adults and $50 children ages 3 to 9, plus tax), or at Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing, ($69 ages 10 and up and $41 ages 3 to 9, plus tax). In addition to reserved fireworks viewing, guests can indulge in holiday-themed desserts, plus a selection of cheeses, fresh fruits, and specialty Christmas drinks.
Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party comes with reserved viewing of Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade on Main Street, U.S.A. ($99 for all guests, plus tax). At Tony’s enjoy a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, cheeses, fresh fruits, and mini desserts. Also included is a selection of beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages.
Note that a separate ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also required and is not included in the price of these parties.
Good To Know
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place 7 p.m. till midnight, after the park closes for daytime guests. While not officially advertised, ticket holders will be allowed to enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m., and I highly recommend you do take advantage of this. Enjoy some rides, meet a Princess, and eat dinner before the festivities begin. Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party start at $99 plus tax.
There is so much to see and do that it is difficult to experience all the party has to offer. Adding Minnie or Tony’s party is costly and will cut into your touring time. Even though it is a special event with limited ticket sales, don’t expect an empty park. Don’t try to see and do it all! Make a must-do list and stick to it. If you have time left, repeat a favorite attraction, or simply relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
I don’t recommend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for first-time visitors to the Magic Kingdom, but if you want to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World Christmas, complete with snow fall on Main Street U.S.A., go for it! I had a wonderful time and actually managed to experience most offerings, while keeping character meet-and-greets and candy stops to a minimum.
To plan your family’s trip to Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2020.
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