The holidays at Walt Disney World is truly magical, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom is the ultimate celebration of the season. This separately ticketed event transforms the park into a winter wonderland filled with exclusive entertainment, festive treats, and unforgettable holiday cheer.
If you’re planning to attend this magical event, here’s everything you need to know, from party highlights to tips and tricks for making the most of your night!
What is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special after-hours event held on select nights from November through December at the Magic Kingdom. The party features festive parades, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, and holiday-themed entertainment, all with lower crowd levels than a typical day in the park.
When is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2024?
MVMCP takes place in November and December each year. Here are the 2024 party dates:
- November 8, 2024
- November 11, 2024
- November 12, 2024
- November 14, 2024
- November 15 2024
- November 17, 2024
- November 19, 2024
- November 21, 2024
- November 22, 2024
- November 24, 2024
- November 26, 2024
- November 27, 2024
- November 29, 2024
- December 1, 2024
- December 3, 2024
- December 5, 2024
- December 6, 2024
- December 8, 2024
- December 10, 2024
- December 12, 2024
- December 13, 2024
- December 15, 2024
- December 17, 2024
- December 19, 2024
- December 20, 2024
Tickets do sell out, so get yours as soon as possible. They usually go on sale in July or August each year.
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What rides are open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select attractions will be open. Here’s the list of rides that will be open during the event:
Adventureland
- Jingle Cruise – Jungle Cruise with a holiday twist!
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party – with a holiday twist!
- Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Storybook Circus
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – with a holiday twist!
- Space Mountain – with a holiday twist!
- Tomorrowland Speedway – with a holiday twist!
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- TRON Lightcycle Run
What Disney Characters will be doing meet and greets at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Here is a list of all the characters making appearances at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2024:
Main Street USA
- Mickey Mouse
- Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws
- Princess Elena
- Gingerbread Men (Market Street Bypass)
Adventureland
- Captain Jack Sparrow
- Moana
- Friends from “Aladdin”
- Jasmin & Genie
- Aladdin & Abu
Frontierland
- Country Bears (Roaming near Country Bear Jamboree)
Liberty Square
- Mary Poppins
- Princess Tiana & Naveen
Fantasyland
- Anna & Elsa
- Cinderella & Prince Charming
- Rapunzel & Flynn Ryder
- Aurora & Prince Phillip
- Snow White & Prince
- Belle
- Ariel & Prince Eric
- Winnie the Pooh & Friends
- Friends from “Alice in Wonderland”
- Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum
- Alice & White Rabbit
- Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum
- Mirabel & Bruno
Storybook Circus
- Santa
- Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, & Scrooge McDuck
- Coca-Cola Polar Bears
Tomorrowland
- Stitch
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Highlights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
This enchanting parade brings the holiday spirit to life with some of your favorite Disney characters. One of my personal highlights was seeing the marching toy soldiers, gingerbread men, and even Santa Claue! If you get a spot to watch from Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll experience pure Disney magic as it snows during the parade!
New for 2024! – Santa’s Christmas Carnival
Not only can you meet and one and only Santa Claus, but there are other fun activities too! You can write a letter to Santa and make some crafts. This is such a lovely area to take some down time and grab a snack.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
This fantastic fireworks display lights up the night sky, paired with holiday music and projections on the castle. It’s a can’t-miss highlight of the party. You can hear the music and see the fireworks from all over the park, but the best place to watch it from is in front of the castle and on Main Street, U.S.A.
Holiday-Themed Character Meet-and-Greets
You’ll be able to meet your favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best! You’ll get to see both rare and classic characters, but be ready because the waits to see them can get pretty long.
Seasonal Treats and Complimentary Snacks
Enjoy festive snacks like cookies, hot cocoa, and spiced cider. At one of the stops I got the most delicious eggnog! All these snacks are included with your party ticket. Sometimes the lines get long, so pack your patience and make sure to thank the Cast Members.
Specialty Food & Beverages
For so many partygoers, the specialty food is a highlight! My personal recommendations are the gingerbread milkshake, the chocolate eggnog tart, and the “Letter to Santa.
Exclusive Ride Overlays
Ther are a few rides that get a holiday makeover for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parry, and they are not to be missed! They are only like this during the party and can’t be experienced with a regular park ticket. I recommend prioritizing these rides!
They are:
- Jingle Cruise: A festive version of the Jungle Cruise filled with holiday jokes and decorations. If you love the Jungle Cruise don’t skip this!
- Space Mountain Holiday: A holiday remix with dazzling lights and seasonal rock music. As someone who loves Space Mountain this one was a must for me and I wish I had the time to do it more than once!
- Tomorrowland Speedway: Featuring holiday lights and decor along the track. This one is great for kids and families as the lights are beautiful.
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Holiday: If you enjoyed the holiday jokes on the Jingle Cruise this should be your next stop. Mike is ready for some seasonal laughs, and he wants you to be there too. The kids are sure to love this one.
- Mad Tea Party Holiday: With holiday lights and music, make sure you take this ride for a spin!
Holiday Dance Parties
Dance the night away with your favorite Disney characters with these fun parties for the whole family:
- Club Tinsel Dance Party: Featuring Santa Goofy, Max, Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and Chip ‘n’ Dale you’ll have blast in Tomorrowland with a bumping DJ.
- Disney Jr. Jungle Jam: Inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, join some of your favorite Disney Jr. friends like Timon, Vampirinia, Fancy Nancy, and Doc McStuffins and dance the night away.
Exclusive Merchandise
Commemorate your night with limited-edition Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise, including ornaments, apparel, and pins.
“Snow” on Main Street, U.S.A.
I know I mentioned this in the parade section, but I love it so much I’m mentioning it twice. As you stroll down Main Street, you’ll experience the magic of snowfall in Florida—a perfect holiday touch to end your evening.
Top Tips for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Arrive Early
While the party officially starts at 7:00 pm, guests with a party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 pm. Use those extra hours to enjoy attractions or take photos before the festivities begin. The character meet and greets don’t open until the party starts (but sometimes they open early).
Prioritize Must-Do Experiences
There’s so much to do during the party, and time flies! Decide ahead of time what’s most important to you and your family/friends. I like having everyone in my group pick 1 must do activity they need to do, and from there everything else is an extra surprise!
Catch the Second Parade
The first showing of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is usually busier as families with young children opt for that parade. The second parade will be held later and usually have lighter crowds and a better viewing experience, especially if you want a spot on Main Street, U.S.A. Which you 100% do, trust me on that one!
Secure a Spot for Fireworks Early
For the best view of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, find a spot on Main Street, U.S.A., or near Cinderella Castle at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
Take Advantage of Shorter Ride Wait Times
Many attractions have little to no wait during the party. While some parties have more people than others, it’s usually not too long of a wait. Save rides for later in the evening when crowds thin out, and focus on exclusive entertainment early on.
Dress to Impress
Get into the holiday spirit by wearing Christmas-themed attire, Disney holiday merch, or Disneybound as your favorite character in their holiday best. Don’t forget comfy shoes for walking!
Bring a Backpack
Make sure to pack your Disney bag with all the essentials. Think: a refillable water bottle, snacks, a portable charger, and space for any merchandise you pick up. For those that bring less into the park, a fanny pack will work great too.
Don’t Skip the Treat Stations
Complimentary holiday snacks like cookies and cocoa are scattered throughout the park. Check the event map for treat station locations and try them all!
Don’t Make Dining Reservations
Pre-party dining reservations will work out great, but don’t waste your limited time during the party on a meal. If you plan to enjoy a table-service meal, do it before the party. Book an early dining reservation outside the park (or inside if you have tickets for that day).
Plan for Weather
Florida weather can be unpredictable, no matter the time of year. Bring a light jacket or poncho, especially if temperatures drop in the evening. Plus the poncho will get great for keeping dry on TIana’s Bayou Advenutre!
Use the Event Map and Times Guide
Upon entering the party, grab the event-specific map and schedule to plan your evening. These will help you locate treat stations, character meet-and-greets, and showtimes.
Grab your ornament
When you arrive at the party, don’t forget to grab your ornament! It comes with the cost of entry, and they’re different every year. What better way to celebrate the holidays year after year?
Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?
Absolutely! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a truly magical experience for Disney fans of all ages. Will you be exhausted by the end of the night? Yes. But from exclusive entertainment to festive decor and shorter ride lines, it’s a unique way to celebrate the holidays. The party is especially worth it if you love holiday theming, character interactions, and nighttime entertainment.
Have you been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a holiday tradition like no other. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another dose of Disney holiday magic, this event is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
With these tips and highlights, you’ll be ready to make the most of your night at the party. So grab your holiday ears, sip on some cocoa, and let the magic of the season unfold at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!