‘Tis the season to celebrate the holidays, and we don’t know about you, but we couldn’t be more excited. With seasonal festivities at all four parks, the resort hotels and Disney Springs, it’s easily our favorite time of the year to be at Walt Disney World.
It seems like everywhere you turn there’s something magical to experience, like the festive flurry of Christmas decorations that blankets the Central Florida resort from the beginning of November until shortly after New Year’s Day. However, while we love the unique spin that each park puts on the season, whether Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays or globally inspired decorations at Animal Kingdom, for us, it wouldn’t be Christmas at Disney World without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had to miss out on this pixie-dusted bit of yuletide cheer for the past two years. But, no more! Starting tonight, November 8, the holly jolly event is back, transforming the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland on select evenings through December 22, 2022.
Not sure if this seasonal soiree is worth the price of admission? Already nabbed your ticket? Read on for all the Santa-approved shenanigans you can get into during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2022. (Updated November 8, 2022)
2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Guide
So, what’s so special about this Disney Christmas party? It takes the holiday season and cranks the merriment meter to the max with special fireworks, a parade and stage show, Disney characters in their festive best, Christmas eats (bottomless cookies and hot cocoa, anyone?) and more. Even Santa Claus himself makes an appearance.
Best of all, because this event is limited on tickets, crowd levels tend to be rather low, giving you the opportunity to ride some of your favorite attractions with little to no wait time. So, let’s unwrap everything you can expect from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2022
This year, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2022. While the party officially runs from 7:00 PM to midnight, event ticket holders receive an extra special gift: Entry to Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM that day. (If you’re hoping to make the most of your experience and maximize the cost of your ticket, this is the way to do it.)
All set to celebrate the season at this Magic Kingdom Christmas party? Here are some things to keep in mind when planning out your visit.
Separate Admission Is Required
Unlike the International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot, since the event takes place after normal park hours, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special ticket separate from your typical park admission. Understandably, this is the biggest hurdle to get over for most people.
You may have already spent hundreds of dollars on theme park admission, so the last thing you want to do is spend more. Hopefully, this guide will help you decide whether the extra cost is worth it for you and your family.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets
As you can probably imagine, this festive experience has only gotten more expensive following its COVID closure. Depending on which party date you choose, tickets cost anywhere from $149 to $199 each for guests ages 10 and up, with prices increasing the closer you get to Christmas.
On the bright side, there are discounts available to DVC members and annual passholders that can bring it down by about $10 or so. Like your regular theme park admission, anyone ages 3 and up will also require an event ticket.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates
Parties like this are hot-ticket events. So, you’ll want to buy yours earlier, as nights can sell out. Currently, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates that are still available, as of November 8, 2022, include (prices are for guests ages 10 and up):
- November 29, 2022 – $169
- December 1, 2022 – $169
- December 4, 2022 – $169
- December 9, 2022 – $179
- December 11, 2022 – $179
- December 13, 2022 – $179
- December 15, 2022 – $179
- December 16, 2022 – $179
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates that have already sold out include:
- November 8, 2022
- November 10, 2022
- November 11, 2022
- November 14, 2022
- November 15, 2022
- November 17, 2022
- November 18, 2022
- November 20, 2022
- November 22, 2022
- November 27, 2022
- December 2, 2022
- December 6, 2022
- December 8, 2022
- December 18, 2022
- December 20, 2022
- December 22, 2022
Wristbands Are Required, Too
In classic Disney fashion, a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party attendee must check in and receive a wristband to participate in anything. Because there is some overlap between regular parkgoers and event guests, particularly between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, these wristbands help identify who can stay and who needs to go once the party kicks off for the night.
So, don’t be surprised if you are asked to flash your wristband as you explore the park or before you go on a ride or snag some cookies and cocoa. Although the process can seem tedious, it helps to make sure that the only people who get to enjoy the perks are the ones who paid for them.
To get your wristband if you’re already in Magic Kingdom, simply head to the park entrance or look for one of the wristband distribution areas near Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland, in Liberty Square or in front of Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland and scan your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket. Otherwise, if you’re just arriving to the park for the day, you’ll check in for the party and get your wristband near the main entrance.
Holiday Happenings at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
While the Magic Kingdom is undeniably magical during the day at Christmastime, thanks to uniquely themed decorations, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights are when the park truly comes alive with holiday spirit.
Snow – or snoap (snowp?), rather – flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. Jolly holiday music is piped in around the park. Disney characters take to the streets in their finest festive apparel. It’s enough to make the spirit of even the grinch-iest Grinch or scrooge-iest Scrooge as bright as Rudolph’s nose.
In addition to the overall yuletide vibes, partygoers can enjoy a sleighful of special activities, entertainment, character appearances, food and drink items, and more. Here’s everything you can look forward to:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Parade, Shows and Other Entertainment
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party isn’t the only thing that’s made a post-COVID return – fan favorites like parades and stage shows have, too. And you’ll find both of those things at this Disney Christmas party. In fact, if you did just these things during the party, your night would be pretty close to filled. We bounced around from one to the next and, before we knew it, we were watching the 10:00 PM fireworks show!
So, we suggest you do some serious planning before attending the event. Look at the Magic Kingdom showtimes for the day in the My Disney Experience app and check out all the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party shows that are scheduled.
This will help you figure out where you want to be and when. Just keep in mind that many of the shows (except the fireworks) usually have several times you can choose from. This gives you the flexibility to shift things around to best suit your party.
For example, families with kids might want to front-load their night with shows and the parade so they’re ready to go by the time the fireworks are done, while adults may prefer to stick it out until midnight. From our own personal experience, 50% or more of the event attendees tend to leave after the fireworks at 10:00 PM. For night owls, this is your time to shine, since the 11:00 PM parade is usually much less crowded than the 8:30 PM parade.
If you’re strategic with your timing and viewing strategy and post up somewhere in the Hub, you can even watch the parade, stage show and fireworks from the exact same spot. For example, opt for the 8:30 PM showing of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade followed by Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration at 9:25 PM. Then, finish out the night with Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 10:00 PM.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Are you the kind of person who turns your car radio to the 24/7 Christmas station the day after Halloween? Do you love spreading Christmas cheer by singing loudly for all to hear? Then Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is for you.
Located on the Cinderella Castle Stage, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is a joyful stage show featuring catchy Christmas tunes, your favorite Disney characters and even a shimmering snowfall. The show is offered four times each night at 7:40 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:35 PM and 11:55 PM.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Want to see all the characters looking spiffy in their holiday best without spending a ton of time waiting in line for a meet-and-greet? Be sure to check out Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
With yuletide trimmings in the background, a soundtrack of cheerful holiday music and a flurry of snowflakes (snoapflakes?) setting the scene, the Magic Kingdom Christmas parade is an absolute must. Get in the holiday spirit with appearances by frolicking gingerbread men, an army of toy soldiers, all sorts of Disney characters in their Christmas best and, of course, Santa Claus.
This festive procession steps off next to Splash Mountain in Frontierland and then winds its way through Liberty Square. From there, it prances around the Hub in front of Cinderella Castle before finally marching down Main Street, U.S.A. The parade is held twice each night at 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
Hoping to have a wonderful Christmastime? Then don’t miss Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show. There’s nothing more magical than a sprinkle of pixie dust (AKA pyrotechnics) at the end of your day, especially when those fireworks are hosted by Minnie Mouse and set to beloved Christmas carols like Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The Magic Kingdom Christmas fireworks are offered once each night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at 10:00 PM.
Holly Jolly Dance Parties
Not sure what to do in between all that entertainment? If you’re visiting with little ones, consider checking out one of the event’s dance parties. With fun, family-friendly music and appearances by Disney characters, these are great opportunities for kiddos to bust a move with some of their favorites.
- Club Tinsel in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café – Elves, reindeer and polar bears
- A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas on the Rockettower Plaza Stage – Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch
- Disney Junior Jingle Jam in Storybook Circus – Characters from Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and The Lion Guard
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Attractions
This is one of the big things Disney tries to highlight for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party events. Because the event is limited in tickets, there will typically be fewer people in the park than normal. For folks who are trying to capitalize on short wait times, this is huge.
However, for others (like us!), the attractions are secondary. After all, if you’re already spending the day in Magic Kingdom (or did on another day of your trip) or are returning to the park for the umpteenth time, you’re probably going to be more focused on things like the food, characters and entertainment.
We personally weren’t there for the attractions during the event, but that’s because we spent the day riding with our regular park admission. However, if you only enter the park at 4:00 PM or later, then you might want to take advantage.
Here are some of the attractions that remain open from 7:00 PM to midnight during the event (check the Walt Disney World app for the full list):
Frontierland
Fantasyland
Liberty Square
Tomorrowland
If you do choose to go on rides, remember that there is some overlap between parkgoers and partygoers. As a result, even at 7:00 PM when the event starts, there are going to be long lines. However, as regular park guests finish going on attractions and filter out of the park, things will start to slow down quite significantly. For the shortest lines, wait until 8:00-8:30 PM to start going on rides.
If you don’t check out any other attractions at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, at least make time for Jungle Cruise in Adventureland, Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland and Space Mountain, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Tomorrowland Speedway in Tomorrowland, which have each received merry makeovers.
- Jingle Cruise – A Disney classic gets a festive update complete with Christmas decorations and Santa-approved puns
- Tomorrowland Speedway Race Through the Holidays – A yuletide cruise past twinkling lights set to futuristic holiday tunes
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Holiday Show – Laugh-out-loud jokes with a jolly twist from some of Monstropolis’s brightest comedians
- Space Mountain – Dash through outer space to a high-energy holiday soundtrack
- Mad Tea Party – Have your own personal Christmas party (location: your teacup) with one of four festive music and lights combos
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Food
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a selection of cozy classics and Christmas goodies. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of seasonal dishes and drinks at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, including free snacks and sips.
All around the park you’ll see some large candy canes that are lit up, marking a food station for you to enjoy. Grab a guide map to see which station is serving what. Typically, these stations dish up different kinds of cookies, from snickerdoodle and sugar to peppermint and chocolate chip.
However, you might see something random like soft pretzels instead. Naturally, they also offer some sort of holiday beverage. Think hot cocoa, eggnog, apple cider or Orange Fanta (citrus fruits are considered a traditional winter food in many cultures).
Of course, you can go as many times as you want during the event. So, if there’s something you really like, then feel free to get seconds (or thirds or fourths or…). Alternatively, you can also mix it up with some of the special menu items at quick-service restaurants around the park.
Many of Magic Kingdom’s counter-service restaurants offer at least one exclusive menu item especially for the event. (See our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party foodie guide here.) Or if you’d rather slow things down a little (well, a lot), you can also opt for a table-service meal at either Be Our Guest Restaurant or Cinderella’s Royal Table or indulgent in a decadent buffet of holiday treats at Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party. However, when it comes to time, we wouldn’t recommend it.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Characters
Yes, you can meet some really cool Disney characters during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Yes, the Fab 5 are there in the Christmas best, but so are some other unique characters as well.
Our favorite is Jack Skellington dressed up as Sandy Claws! It’s one unique picture, and a character you rarely see at Walt Disney World. You’ll also be able to grab a photo with Scrooge McDuck during the season that he loves (hates?). He’s another very rare character to find at the parks, so you won’t want to miss him.
Lastly, the one and only Santa Claus is available for pictures as well (over by Guest Relations). This is a great time to snap a photo of your little ones with him as they really deck out the area with lights, trees, garlands and presents to make it look particularly magical.
Lines for all of these characters are pretty long at the beginning of the event. However, if you wait until the fireworks start or about 30 minutes after they end, you’ll find they have much shorter lines.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Discount Tickets
We get asked all the time about discounted tickets for these parties and the best advice we can offer is this:
If you’re a DVC member or annual passholder, then purchase your tickets using your membership. You’ll save about $10 extra on any given ticket, assuming it’s not sold out. Furthermore, any guest can receive a $10 discount when they purchase in advance online. Disney highlights this as they want to sell events out as quickly as possible. So, same-day costs versus advanced-purchase tickets are a $10 difference.
If anyone offers discounted tickets beyond this, it’s not going to be much. The easiest way to grab them is from Disney, where they will link automatically after purchase to your account. Discount Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are possible to get but don’t plan on huge savings. Of course, in terms of general admission, Park Savers offers regular theme park ticket discounts up to $80+ per person that you may want to check out.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tips & Tricks
There is a lot to do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and though it does cost extra to attend, the event is really fun. Plus, with some shows and parades you can only experience at the party, I think it’s worth attending at least once.
It “snows” on Main Street, U.S.A. The Magic Kingdom Christmas tree is all lit up. The characters look adorable in their festive finery. For a Christmas lover (or Disney fan, for that matter), this is the dream.
Here are some quick and easy tips to make your Disney Christmas party as merry as possible:
- Arrive at shows and parades at least 30 minutes early for the best views.
- Start going on rides around 8:00 PM as wait times will be shorter or 11:00 PM for the shortest lines of the night.
- Plan ahead so you can see all the shows and parades that you want to.
- Be strategic about your event viewing locations and showtimes.
- Show up at 4:00 PM to maximize ticket costs.
- Check the weather to see what the evening will be like so you can dress accordingly.
