Disney Very Merry Christmas Party Tips & Tricks

by Kayla Peloquin
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party #VeryMerry

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Disney Very Merry Christmas Party Tips & Tricks

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Most Magical Place on Earth. The Christmas Party at Disney World is a fun event the whole family will enjoy. We were invited to media night for the 2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and absolutely loved it. Here are a few tips and tricks to make the most of the Disney Very Merry Christmas Party.

Planning to spend the holidays at Disney World? Make your visit extra magical with these tips for visiting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Post sponsored by Walt Disney World. All opinions are my own. Post Originally Published November 13th, 2018. Updated for accuracy November 19th, 2019.

Buy Tickets in Advanced for Disney Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticketed event that happens at Magic Kingdom on select nights from 7pm-12am. This means that the park will close to regular guests at 6pm. In order to stay to enjoy the holiday festivities, you must purchase a ticket for the Disney Very Merry Christmas Party on one of the select party dates listed below. Here are the dates for 2019:

  • November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, and 24
  • December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 and 22.

The party is not held on Thanksgiving week and it ceases on December 22nd, three days before Christmas. Most dates are Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Prices vary based on event night. I highly recommend going on a Tuesday for the least crowded events!

$10 advance purchase discount available for all event dates except the dates closest to Christmas, when full day-of purchase price will apply. Be sure to purchase your tickets online. The Christmas Party at Disney World we attended was completely sold out! Be sure to buy your tickets in advanced (not only to save money) but to ensure you can attend.

Arrive Early to Christmas Party at Disney World

While the party doesn’t start until 7pm, you can enter the park as early as 4pm. I highly recommend arriving early. You can take lots of party photos upon arrival (see below for more), grab something to eat and maybe even experience a few attractions before the party officially starts. Definitely take advantage of this time so you can focus on party exclusives during party hours.

Christmas Party at Disney World
Tips for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party #VeryMerry

TIP: Pick up an event guide upon entrance! This guide will hold the key to all showtimes, character locations, treat spots and more happening at the Christmas Party at Disney World. The app doesn’t show special event info, so this guide is a must have. > (opens in a new tab)”>See the updated 2019 Park Guide here >>

Cookies and Treats at Disney Very Merry Christmas Party

What to Bring to Christmas Party at Disney World with Little Kids

There are a few things I highly recommend you bring to ensure your Disney Very Merry Christmas Party experience goes smoothly, especially with little kids.

  • A Stroller- If you have kids, you’ll definitely want to bring a stroller. Not only will this come in handy when your kiddos get tired (especially if you’re staying until midnight) but it will also hold all your yummy treats for later.
  • Glow in the Dark Stuff- The party takes place at night so glow in the dark necklaces are always a huge hit! Disney sells light up necklaces, but kids will be just as happy with a cheap Dollar Tree version and you can save the money for souvenirs or treats. Some families even wrap their stroller in battery operated lights which is lots of fun and helps you spot your stroller easily.
  • Water & Snacks- Admission includes party treats, but they’re mostly cookies and sweets! Bringing pretzels, Goldfish or fruit will help offset the cookies and you always need water to stay hydrated.
Photo Ops at Christmas Party at Disney World

Take LOTS of Photos

There are so many neat PhotoPass opportunities at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Here are the ones I recommend:

  • Photo in front of the park, immediately upon entering
  • Picture in front of the Christmas Tree looking down Main Street
  • Photos along the exclusive party walkway (to the right) LOTS of props!
  • Pictures on Main Street with Cinderella’s castle in the background
  • On the Hub Grass to the LEFT, grab a few photos right before sunset
  • Pose with the Tink lantern in Fantasyland. Not far from Enchanted Tales with Belle
  • Ask for MAGIC SHOTS, lots of fun ways to add a little magic to your picture

Grab Your Christmas Party at Disney World Treats

Look for the large candy cane towers which signify a treat station! Disney Very Merry Christmas Party treats are complimentary with admission. Here’s a list of the options:

  • Pinocchio Village Haus: Snickerdoodle Cookie, Hot Chocolate, and Fanta (Near Price Charming Regal Carrousel)
  • Storybook Snacks Cart: Snowman Pretzel (Near Disney Junior Jingle Jam)
  • Miner’s Cove: Peppermint Cookie
  • Friar’s Nook: Chocolate Chip Cookie (Near Princess Fairytale Hall)
  • Lunching Pad: Ginger Molasses Cookie and Apple Cider
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café: Peppermint Cookie, Hot Chocolate, and Apple Cider (Near Tomorrowland Speedway)
  • Jungle Cruise: Ginger Molasses Cookie
  • Tortuga Tavern: Snowman Pretzel and Fanta (near Pirates of the Caribbean)
  • Golden Oak Outpost: Snickerdoodle Cookie
  • Diamond Horseshoe: Chocolate Chip Cookie and Eggnog
  • Be sure to ask for allergy friendly options too!

Cookies are also individually packaged which means you can eat them on the go or save them to take home. Alternative healthy and gluten-free options are also available upon request. There are also additional treats available for purchase like the Christmas Cookie Milkshake or Christmas Cookie Sundae (Both Available Daily at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies). Read more about the treats in the 2019 Disney Parks Foodie Guide.

Image Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Meet Characters at Disney Very Merry Christmas Party

There are so many exclusive characters that meet only during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Moana (inside of the Enchanted Tiki Room), Seven Dwarves (at The Big Top near Dumbo) and Jack Skellington (where Tinkerbelle normally meets) are just a few elusive ones. New this year is Belle in her Christmas gown just outside of Gaston’s Tavern.

Be prepared to wait! Some of these characters draw heavy crowds. The Seven Dwarves had a 2.5 hour wait and Moana was easily an hour and a half. Jack Skelington was only 45 minutes later in the night (around 9:30pm). All characters aren’t advertised or guaranteed. Our favorite interaction was the princes who meet with their princesses. We had a zero minute wait time and walked right up to the front of the line in Fantasyland after fireworks.

Meet Jack the Pumpkin King - Christmas Party at Disney World

Here is a full list of the characters at Disney Very Merry Christmas Party and where to find them.

MAIN STREET CHARACTERS

  • Santa Claus -Main Street Courtyard near Guest Services
  • Mickey Mouse -Town Square Theater
  • Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Sally -Town Square Theater, where Tinkerbell normally meets

ADVENTURELAND CHARACTERS

  • Moana – in the Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Captain Jack Sparrow – at the stage outside of Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Aladdin with Abu – at the Agrabah Bazaar, this pair swaps sets with Jasmine and Genie
  • Jasmine with Genie – at the Agrabah Bazaar, this pair swaps sets with Aladdin and Abu
  • Peter Pan – roaming throughout Adventureland

LIBERTY SQUARE & FRONTIERLAND CHARACTERS

  • Mary Poppins and Bert – Behind the Christmas Shop in the Gazebo
  • The Country Bears – roaming

FANTASYLAND CHARACTERS

  • Donald & Scrooge McDuck – In Storybook Circus near the Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak area
  • Daisy & Minnie – Fantasyland Train Station in Storybook Circus
  • Vampirina, Doc McStuffins & Fancy Nancy – Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam in Storybook Circus next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow
  • Santa Goofy – between Barnstormer and Dumbo
  • Seven Dwarfs – Storybook Circus inside Pete’s Silly Side Show
  • Belle in her Christmas Gown – Fantasyland near Gaston’s Tavern
  • Ariel and Prince Eric – near Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Cinderella and Prince Charming – inside Princess Fairytale Hall (meets with Elena of Avalor)
  • Elena of Avalor – inside Princess Fairytale Hall (meets with Cinderella and Prince Charming)
  • Tiana and Naveen – inside Princess Fairytale Hall (Meets with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider)
  • Rapunzel and Flynn Rider – inside Princess Fairytale Hall (meets with Tiana and Prince Naveen)
  • Snow White and her prince – along Fantasyland wall near the Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms
  • Aurora and Prince Phillip – along Fantasyland wall near the Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms
  • Tigger and Friends – near Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

TOMORROWLAND CHARACTERS

  • Reindeer, Elves and Polar Bears – inside Cosmic Ray’s
  • Nick Wilde & Judy Hopps – near Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

Can’t Miss Entertainment Exclusive to Disney Christmas Party

If you’re attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, be sure to take note of the exclusive entertainment happening during the event.

  • A Frozen Holiday Wish – 6:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m.
  • Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration – 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11:55 p.m.
  • Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – 8:30 p.m., 11 p.m.
  • Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks – 10 p.m. (NEW for 2019)
  • A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas – 7:45 p.m., 8:35 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:45 p.m., 11:35 p.m.
  • Disney Junior Jingle Jam Dance Party – 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
  • Club Tinsel Dance Party – 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
  • Snowfall on Main Street – intermittently

A Frozen Holiday Wish

One of my daughter’s favorite parts of the Disney Very Merry Christmas Party was watching Elsa light up the castle. This happens twice each night, once right after the park closes at 6pm and again at 8:15pm once the party has officially started. I recommend seeing the first one to beat the crowds and jumpstart your fun.

A Frozen Holiday Wish Christmas Party at Disney World

See Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

This show is spectacular with all your favorite Disney characters singing and dancing along to classic Christmas carols. Shows happen at 7:40pm, 9:25pm., 10:30pm, 11:55pm. The closer you can get to the Castle stage the better you will have.

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

This parade is incredible and a MUST see. There are two showtimes, 8:30pm and then again at 11pm. The parade includes all of your favorite characters, Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses, Wreck it Ralph, Woody & Friends, Marching Toy Soldiers and more! My favorite viewing spot in ON Main Street. Not only will you have Cinderella’s Castle as a beautiful backdrop, but it SNOWS. It really makes the whole experience magical!

TIP: Find a good spot for fireworks at 10 p.m. and the Castle Stage Show at 10:30 p.m., and stick around in that same spot for the 11 p.m. parade! If you have a larger party, take turns using the restroom or running to a few nearby treat stations during the down time. We use this time to snack on some of the party treats too!

Don’t Miss Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks NEW FOR 2019

It’s not Disney without fireworks! The All New Firework Show for 2019 is Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 10 p.m. This projection and firework show set on Cinderella Castle takes you on a journey with Minnie Mouse while sharing beloved Christmas songs and fun castle projections. I recommend standing close to the castle for the best view. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the details of the show.

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

Hosted by Mike from Monsters Inc, Buzz Lightyear and Stitch dressed as Santa, this show is lots of fun. We enjoyed classic Christmas music with some of our favorite characters, plus they made it snow at the end and Santa soars through the sky. Shown nightly at 7:45pm, 8:35pm, 9:25pm, 10:45pm, 11:35pm on the stage between Space Mountain and the People Mover. In between showings, an a cappella group (The Edge Effect (formerly VoicePlay)) will sing holiday favorites at 8:10pm, 9pm, 10:20pm, and 11:10pm.

Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

Disney Junior Jingle Jam

Located in Storybook Circus (not far from where you can meet the Seven Dwarves) is the Disney Junior Jingle Jam. This high energy dance party features favorite Disney Junior characters such as Vampirina, Timon and Doc McStuffins. The characters don’t pose for photos, but you can snap a quick photo as they make their rounds dancing. This is a fun event for little ones and was hardly crowded when we stopped by.

Club Tinsel at Disney Very Merry Christmas Party

Another awesome dance party takes place inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. This party features dancing reindeer, polar bears and elves from the North Pole. My 3-yr-old loved dancing here!

Club Tinsel: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party #VeryMerry

Snowfall on Main Street

As a Floridian, we don’t see much snow. Disney brings a (warm) winter wonderland to Main Street with SNOAP fall intermittently throughout the night. While it’s really just small soap bubbles, it floats down from the sky just like real snow would. My kids always love playing in the snowfall and I love that we aren’t freezing while we do it.

Mainstreet Snow Christmas Party at Disney World

Attractions Open During Disney Very Merry Christmas Party

There are many attractions open during the Disney Very Merry Christmas Party. I don’t necessarily recommend wasting time on rides. There is SO much to do and these are all available to enjoy during a regular park day. We rode a few favorites and most wait times were fairly low.

I do highly recommend going on the Jingle Cruise (with special Christmas decor and overlay) and riding the Tomorrowland Speedway which is decorated with lots of Christmas lights. You should also see the new Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor show with special nods to the holidays. Finally, both Space Mountain and Mad Tea Party have special lighting and music to celebrate the Christmas season.

Here’s a full list of what is open:

  • Adventureland – Pirates of the Caribbean, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Swiss Family Treehouse, and Jungle Cruise (has a Christmas twist)
  • Frontierland – Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree
  • Liberty Square – The Haunted Mansion
  • Fantasyland – Princess Fairytale Hall, Peter Pan’s Flight, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mickey’s Philharmagic, It’s A Small World, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Barnstormer, Mad Tea Party, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Tomorrowland – Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Main Street U.S.A – Characters at the Town Square Theater

Don’t forget to also grab your party exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game card too! Only available for guests attending the Disney Very Merry Christmas Party.

Christmas Party at Disney World

What to Skip at the Christmas Party at Disney World

The Disney Very Merry Christmas Party is lots of fun but it’s really hard to do everything. The treat centers are delicious but you could waste all night getting treats. Stop by a few and skip the rest! Characters are fun to meet too, but waiting in line for two hours could prevent you from seeing the parade or fireworks which are both pretty spectacular. Lastly, the rides all have a 10-20 minute wait time, but they aren’t exclusive to the party. Skip the rides and concentrate on the party festivities instead.

Can You See Any of the Special Entertainment and Ride Overlays Outside of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

The Jingle Cruise is available throughout the holiday season during regular admission and party hours. A Frozen Holiday Wish happens at 6:15pm daily so guests visiting a normal park day can see that right after park close on their way out of the park. The show also happens on nights without a scheduled party. After the final Christmas Party, the parade is shown daily at Magic Kingdom until the end of December. Additionally, the new Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show is also expected to be available nightly at 10 p.m. from Dec. 23 through Dec. 29.

Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?

The answer to this totally depends on what your expectations are. The price is comparable to a normal park day admission. If your goal is to experience Magic Kingdom for a once in a lifetime trip, I would recommend purchasing tickets for a non party day at the park. If you love Christmas time and really want to experience all of the special holiday festivities, then yes it is 100% worth it! Wear cute matching Christmas sweaters or come in PJ’s for a night full of Disney Christmas magic.

Have you ever been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Tell me your favorite party about the Christmas Party at Disney World!

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