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If you’re heading out to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP for short) there’s probably a few things that you love – Disney, Christmas, and food.
This event is one of a few holiday events going on at Walt Disney World, but is definitely one of its most popular. It’s newest hard-ticket offering, Jollywood Nights, happens over at Hollywood Studios, and then there’s EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays.
Tickets run from $169 to $219 per ticket, plus tax, although if you are an Annual Passholder or a Disney Vacation Club member there are savings of $10 per ticket. Any extra events, and dining reservations, will be in addition to these ticket prices, too.
Looking for discounted MVMCP tickets? Save up to $15 through Undercover Tourist
Tickets are now available for the 2024 season.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party happens at Magic Kingdom and is decked out as a Christmas wonderland with Cinderella’s Castle looking absolutely magical and Main Street lit up like a Hallmark TV show.
During the party there are opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters dressed up in their favorite Christmas garb, party-exclusive shows, fireworks, and events, and the opportunity to ride your favorite attractions (that come with holiday twists like festive interior lighting or holiday-themed puns) with less wait time.
And of course, party-exclusive food! All the food, because what’s a party without FOOD!
And speaking of, there are some cookies and festive beverages around the park that will be available throughout the park at no extra charge to party-goers. So, come prepared with an empty stomach to indulge.
When Does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Run in 2024?
The party runs from November 8 to December 20, 2024 in Magic Kingdom from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Cheapest Days to Attend the Party
There are various ticket prices for the party. They’re tiered in increments of $10 and have six different options, but I’ll talk about the cheapest days to attend the Christmas party.
At the $169 price point, in November those days are 11, 12, and 14.
At the $179 price point, in November those days are 17, 19, and 21.
And, last, but certainly not least, at the $199 price point, in November the days are 24, 26, 27, 29, and December 6, 8, 10, and 12.
You can save up to $15 on tickets through Undercover Tourist depending on the day you choose. I have used them in the past on numerous occasions and their return policy is one of the best on the market. If nothing else, their mascot is a frog (which is cute).
Recommended: A Complete List of Theme Park Christmas Events in the USA
Things to Do at MVMCP
There’s a great deal of things to do at this 5 hour party, probably a little bit too many things to do, but that’s good cause it means there’s plenty to do. Aside from the attractions and the food, here are the other party-exclusive things to do:
Character Greetings
All about the characters? Perfect, you’ll find plenty of characters to meet during the party as Disney characters are decked out in their holiday best.
Popular character appearances are Mickey Mouse, Jack Skellington and Sally, Stitch, and Santa Claus (I know, right!? I can’t believe he manages to make it out), among a lot of others. You can check the My Disney Experience app for set character times as it can help you plan out when to arrive (it’s best to arrive prior to their arrival as some of these lines can get up to 2 hours long).
Frozen Holiday Surprise
At 8:15 PM, in front of Cinderella Castle, catch Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the snowgies as it gets turned into what else but a frozen wonderland.
Club Tinsel Dance Party
Head over to the Rockettower Plaza Stage to a dance party at Club Tinsel with a live DJ. You may even see some Disney characters like Judy Hopps!
Disney Junior Jingle Jam
Over at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe your little ones can meet their favorite characters from Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and The Lion Guard in a dance party made just for them.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade
A popular event during the party, this parade gets crowded quickly.
Each party night Mickey and his friends greet everyone across the streets of Magic Kingdom with dancing gingerbread men, toy soldiers, and the big fella – Santa Claus. There are two parades: 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM.
American Sign Language interpretation will be available to those who need it on specific dates, as outlined below. However, if you need additional dates, they must be requested at least 2 weeks in advanced by email. Disney will verify if interpreters are available during the dates you request.
- Monday, December 11, 2024
- Thursday, December 5, 2024
- Tuesday, December 10, 2024, and
- Thursday, December 19, 2024
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
A yuletide stage show in front of Cinderella Castle, starring our leading man, Mickey Mouse and a slew of Disney characters and live performers, the show will have everything from music, laughs, and lots of fun. Showtimes are 7:40 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:35 PM, and 11:55 PM.
As above, American Sign Language interpretation will be available to those who need it on specific dates, as outlined below. However, if you need additional dates, they must be requested at least 2 weeks in advanced by email. Disney will verify if interpreters are available during the dates you request.
- Monday, December 11, 2024
- Thursday, December 5, 2024
- Tuesday, December 10, 2024, and
- Thursday, December 19, 2024
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
At 10:00 PM, you can watch this fireworks show either in front of the castle or in other prime locations if you’d rather not wrestle with the crowds – Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland – but you’ll see the castle lit up only on Main Street.
Throughout the show you’ll hear popular Christmas carols and watch a brilliant fireworks display show.
This show can be cancelled in case of inclement weather, so if you were to buy a dessert package you won’t be refunded just because the fireworks show didn’t happen as you were still able to participate in the desserts event.
Snacks & Treats You’ll See at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024
At the time of publication the 2024 menu is currently unavailable.
There are a lot of treats during the party. Last year saw basically an all-new menu and with it came fun and notable entries like the Reindeer Chow Sundae, Holiday Pot Roast Melt, Orange-Cranberry Pineapple Punch, Milk and Cookies for Santa, and the Italian Beef Tots.
Last year the quick-service locations available were:
- Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
- Casey’s Corner
- Cool Ship
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
- The Friar’s Nook
- Golden Oak Outpost
- Main Street Bakery
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
- Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
- Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
- Storybook Treats, and
- Sunshine Tree Terrace
The 2023 menu was full of a lot of sweet treats, and I mean, a lot. A nauseating amount actually. Out of the 28 items, only 5 of them were savory.
I’m hoping that there is a more even playing field this year when it comes to the menu in 2024. As much as the holidays are about candy canes, gum drops, and cookies, it’s not all that it’s about.
MVMCP Dining Reservations
Outside of quick-service dining, there are table service dining reservations that will be available this year. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Those restaurants are Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and The Plaza Restaurant. You can book these reservations in September when they come available.
Pro-tip: If you are an on-site guest at a Disney hotel you have a 60 day booking window compared to those who you are not, who are only given 30 days. Of course, your best bet is getting a hotel on Disney property if you haven’t done so (the earlier you book, the cheaper those nights will be, FYI).
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party
During the party, there are two dessert parties of the same variety happening in two separate locations: seated in the Tomorrowland Terrance or standing in the Plaza Garden. The actual party happens in Tomorrowland Terrace but the fireworks viewing is what you’re really paying for.
Dessert parties fill up quickly, especially during sold out party dates, so reserving a party during the party in advanced is highly recommended. There is no cancellation fee if you decide to cancel 24 hours ahead of the party, but if you do not you will be charged the full price of the party if you no-show.
Also, in the event of inclement weather (which is very common in Florida) the party will continue on despite there being fireworks or not.
Dessert Party – Tomorrowland Terrace Viewing
There has been limited information regarding confirmed treats, however, Candy Cane Tarts, a selection of cheeses, and an assortment of beer and wine will be available.
Price: Available in September
Dessert Party – Plaza Garden Viewing
Confirmed treats are the same between both dessert parties, the only difference is location. In this case, if you were to choose the Plaza Garden you will be standing outside in a prime location.
Price: Available in September
Recommended: A Foodie Guide to Jollywood Nights
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Planning and Tips
If you’re going to this party, there’s a lot you should know before you either decide to buy a ticket or go to the party if you haven’t either gone or gone in a while.
1 – Regardless of when you’re getting your tickets, the parks will be jam packed. This is the busiest time of the year for theme parks, especially Walt Disney World. The earlier you go, the less busy, but the closer to Christmas the more hectic the park becomes.
With that being said, this is a limited-capacity event so there won’t be nearly as many people in the park as there would be during regular business hours (but will still be packed), so that’s the advantage you have, but you only have 5 hours.
2 – Book your tickets as soon as you are financially able to do so. The party will sell out quickly. Dates to go first will typically be opening night November 8, the second opening night of the 15th, and potentially December 20 since it’s the closest to Christmas.
3 – Book your accommodations, too. Again, busiest time of the year, it also means the most expensive time of the year, everything is far more expensive than it would be in the off-season. Disney knows this; why do you think those tickets are so expensive? ?
4 – Since you’re already spending this much money, invest in the Memory Maker and take photos. There are a lot of opportunities around the party to memorialize your time and the extra special touches that Disney adds to pictures are a wonderful treat.
When it comes to planning your time inside of the party though, there’s a different way of doing things compared to another Disney party. This party is unlike other parties because of how popular it is, the season, and the frenzy around the popular characters that can be met inside.
Because of how expensive this party is, I do not recommend winging this – have some kind of plan in place, even if it’s loose.
1 – Party-goers are allowed into Magic Kingdom at 4:00 PM. If you’re planning on seeing characters, there are popular characters who get very long lines (some up to 2 hours long), and I know it can suck, but maybe step into those lines at 4 PM to meet them. Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws comes to mind.
2 – No matter where you’re coming from remember that Florida is gonna be hot. It can be jarring to see snow coming down on Main Street and it’s 80ºF/27ºC – I get it, but that’s not the worst of it. It can rain, so come prepared with ponchos just in case. Cause come rain or shine, the party is still going to happen.
3 – There are two parades, consider going to the second parade. The crowds tend to be less crowded therefore giving you a better viewing of the characters on the floats.
4 – I’m all about food, it’s literally in the name of our site! But … if you can get to the park early, try to eat your dinner early and eat the party-exclusive treats during the party (obviously). You don’t want to waste two hours in your party, but if you do this is an easier opportunity to get that harder to access Cinderella’s Royal Table dining reservation!
Merry Christmas!
This is a super popular party around an incredibly popular time of year (it is Christmas after all). Take your time, plan your trip as much as you can, and when you’re there: enjoy your time!
And if you haven’t as of yet, please follow us on our other social media channels (YouTube, Instagram & Tik Tok – @themeparkbites) to stay up to date on food reviews. Thank you for allowing us to be your tasty theme park companion!