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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2023

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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back at Walt Disney World for 2023! It starts on November 9 and runs to December 22, 2023. Enjoy holiday fun with some of your favorite characters in the Magic Kingdom! 

There are holiday treats, festive entertainment, and more. See it snow on Main Street, USA, enjoy hot cocoa, and even seen Santa Claus. What says “tis the season” like a Christmas party in the most magical place on earth?

If you are visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays, be sure to check out 9 mistakes to avoid during the Christmas season!

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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates 2023

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on 24 days this year. 

    • November – 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30
    • December – 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 

Most guests would prefer to go to a party that is less crowded than others. Typically, November dates will be less crowded than the parties in December. Overall, like the Halloween party, Tuesdays tend to draw the least crowds as well and Fridays draw the most.

The party starts at 7pm and goes until midnight. Guests can enter as early as 4pm. You only need a ticket for the party to enter after 4pm. You do not need to buy a theme park ticket to Magic Kingdom that day unless you wish to enter before 4pm.

Guests looking to budget more often do a resort day or Disney Springs before the party so they do not have to purchase admission to the park.

 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets 2023

Tickets for MVMCP start at $159 and range to $199 on the last night for adults. Tickets for children ages 3-10 range from $149-$189. You can buy directly through Disney. There are discounts for annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. You can also buy them through third party sellers, such as Undercover Tourist and save up to $10 a ticket. 

Tickets can sell out, especially for the more popular nights closer to Christmas, so buying in advance is strongly recommended. It is important to note that even if there is bad weather, the party will go on. 

Credit/Image: Disney Parks Blog

Wristbands

Wristbands are how cast members determine who is there for the party. If you enter the park after 4pm you will receive one as you enter. If you are already in the park you can stop by a distribution center.  They start clearing out the park guests who are not staying for the party around 6pm. Cast members will begin asking guests to present wristbands so don’t try to sneak in or stay later if you don’t have a ticket. 

There will be large signs to point them out and you can ask a cast member for the nearest one. 

Wristband Distribution Centers (in past years)
  • Entrance of the park after you enter
  • Chamber of Commerce building on Main Street
  • Tortuga Tavern
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • In front of Mickey’s Philharmagic
  • Guest Relations window in Liberty Square

These locations can change occasionally, so be sure to ask a cast member if you cannot locate a wristband.

Credit/Image: Disney Parks Blog

Holiday Treat Locations

The Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2023 holiday treat locations haven’t been announced. However, here is the list of treat locations for 2022. There are also allergy-friendly and alternative healthy options available upon request. 

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
  • Lock, Shock, and Barrel Sundae: Festive vanilla cake, vanilla ice cream, strawberry topping, whipped cream, and Christmas sprinkles with a Lock, Shock, and Barrel chocolate piece (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
  • Sugar Plum Shake: Spiced sugar plum soft-serve topped with cherry syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Casey’s Corner
  • Holiday Dinner Dog: All-beef hot dog with cranberry mustard, savory stuffing funnel cake, and cheese curds (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
  • Christmas Tree Cake: Red velvet brownie cheesecake with eggnog buttercream and spiced caramel topped with mini sugar Christmas lights (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cool Ship
  • Polar Bear Claw: Chocolate hazelnut pastry with white and dark chocolate (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
The Friar’s Nook
  • Curry Brat Tots: Tots topped with chopped bratwurst, curry ketchup, and apple slaw (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Tinker Bell Cream Puff: Cream puff and compressed carrot cake topped with spiced cream cheese icing, spiced walnuts, and chocolate wings (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Golden Oak Outpost
  • Fried Pork Tamale served “Christmas Style” with red and green chile sauces and queso fresco (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
  • Chai Caramel Freeze: Salted caramel freeze with chai spiced whipped cream (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Main Street Bakery
  • Cinnamon Roll: Mickey Mouse-shaped cinnamon roll with white icing (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
  • Mickey Mousse Ornament Treat: Gingerbread mousse with crispy center and a spiced almond cake with brownie crumble (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
  • Texas-sized Sweet Potato Pie: Baked sweet potato pie with marshmallow meringue and candied pecans (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
  • Peppermint Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, and candy cane pieces served on a brownie (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Candy Cane Hot Cocoa: Hot chocolate with peppermint ice cream, whipped cream, and candy cane pieces (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
  • Funnel Cake Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, M&M’S chocolate candies, and hot fudge served on funnel cake (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Sandy Claws Peppermint Mousse Treat: White chocolate peppermint mousse with a chocolate fudge center, chocolate Santa hat, and Jack Skellington face (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Apple Cider Float: Apple cider topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with cinnamon (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Sunshine Tree Terrace
  • Once Upon a Christmastime Tart: Chocolate and cranberry tart with chocolate Mickey ears (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Various Carts on Main Street U.S.A.
  • Christmas Cookie Churro: Churro served with marshmallow cream, cookie crumbles, and Christmas sprinkles (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
  • Christmas Wreath Doughnut: Red velvet doughnut with green buttercream and Holiday sprinkle decorations (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) (Decorations will vary) 
Credit/Image: Disney Parks Blog

Entertainment

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

The Once Upon a Christmastime parade happens twice during the party. The parade starts at 8:30pm and again at 11:00pm. Typically, the second parade is easier to grab a spot without having to save one an hour in advance. I would consider this a do not miss attraction during the party. Nothing says holidays quite like dancing reindeer, gingerbread men, and of course, Santa himself. 

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks 

This fireworks extravaganza was added to the Christmas Party in 2019. The fireworks begin at 10pm. Enjoy the newest addition to the party! Hosted by Minnie Mouse, this show will feature medleys of beloved holiday songs, castle projections, and of course, fireworks.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration a holiday party is hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The show takes place four times in previous years at 7:40pm, 9:25pm, 10:35pm, and 11:55pm.

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show

In Tomorrowland on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, between Carousel of Progress and Space Mountain, you can find the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show. Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, and Mike Wazowski come together for a festive show. Musical numbers, jokes, and more, what else could you need? In previous years, the show takes place five times a night – at 7:45pm, 8:35pm, 9:25pm, 10:45pm, and 11:35pm. My Disney Experience app will be your friend in making sure you have the most up to date times! 

Club Tinsel

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is ready for a party! A live DJ, holiday friends, and Sonny Eclipse, everything you need for your kids to have a great dance party. The party goes on all night from 7:00pm-12:00am.

Disney Junior Jingle Jam

Disney’s Christmas Party isn’t exclusively for kids or adults, but there are some added entertainment activities that would appeal to families with small children. Much like the party at the Halloween Party,  this fun dance party takes place at Storybook Circus. Your kids will have a blast dancing with some of their favorite characters like Timon and Vampirina! The Jingle Jam takes place from 7:00pm-12:00am.

 

Attractions

You can enjoy some of your favorite rides in the Magic Kingdom, however, not all rides are open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Some of the rides are closed and used for character meet and greets. This year, Walt Disney World has added ride overlays to some of your favorite rides!

Space Mountain
  • Blast off into a holiday space zone with special lighting and “high-energy holiday tunes”
Jingle Cruise
  • It is important to note, that this is not specific to the party, but can be done on any park day during the holiday season. The jungle cruise gets turned into the jingle cruise with special decorations and a new script for the skippers! Definitely a must for Magic Kingdom during any holiday visit

These are not the only rides you can enjoy. Here is a list of rides that have been open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in previous years:

  • Main Street, U.S.A.
    • Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom
    • Town Square Theater
    Adventureland
    • Swiss Family Treehouse
    • Jingle Cruise
    • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
    • Pirates of the Caribbean 
    Frontierland
    • Country Bear Jamboree
    • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
    • Splash Mountain
    Liberty Square
    • Haunted Mansion
    Fantasyland
    • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
    • The Barnstormer
    • Mad Tea Party
    • “it’s a small world”
    • Peter Pan’s Flight
    • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
    • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
    • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
    • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
    • Princess Fairytale Hall 
    Tomorrowland
    • Astro Orbiter
    • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
    • Space Mountain
    • Tomorrowland Speedway
    • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Credit/Image: Disney Parks Blog

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dining Options

Not every dining location is open during the party since a few of them are used for other entertainment. If you are looking to get a quick bite, here is a list of the snack and quick service locations that were open during 2019. 

Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Main Street Bakery
  • Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
  • Casey’s Corner
Adventureland
  • Sunshine Tree Terrace
  • Tortuga Tavern
Frontierland
  • Golden Oak Outpost
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Liberty Square
  • Columbia Harbour House
  • Sleepy Hollow
Fantasyland
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Be Our Guest
  • The Friar’s Nook
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
Tomorrowland
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
  • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
  • The Lunching Pad
  • Cool Ship

Don’t forget to check My Disney Experience for mobile order availability! 

Table Service Options

If you are looking for a sit-down meal, you will want to make an advanced dining reservation.

 
Credit/Image: Disney Parks Blog

Characters at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Character meet and greets at Disney’s Christmas Party a major draw for a lot of party-goers. You can meet characters that you cannot meet any other time of the year! Even some of the characters you can meet daily will be there but dressed in their holiday finest. Unfortunately, this means some of the rarer characters have incredibly long lines.

This is the list of characters you could meet in 2019.

Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Mickey Mouse
  • Santa Claus
  • Jack Skellington, as Sandy Claws, and Sally
Adventureland
  • Aladdin and Abu
  • Jasmine and Genie
  • Peter Pan
  • Moana
  • Captain Jack Sparrow
Frontierland
  • Brer Fox and Rabbit
Liberty Square
  • The Country Bears
Fantasyland
  • Goofy as Santa
  • Mary Poppins and Bert
  • Pooh Bear and friends
  • Ariel and Prince Erica
  • Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
  • Aurora and Prince Phillip
  • Cinderella and Prince Charming
  • Tiana and Naveen
  • Princess Elena of Avalor
  • Seven Dwarfs
  • Minnie Mouse
  • Daisy Duck
  • Donald Duck
  • Scrooge McDuck
Tomorrowland
  • Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps

PhotoPass Pictures at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Disney loves PhotoPass pictures and so do we! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has unique photo opportunities offered throughout the party. Some of the picture opportunities 

Tip: When you get your photo taken, make sure you ask the cast member to take all of the special shots! There are areas you can pose with props, get a picture with Tinkerbell, or march with the toy soldiers. 

Merchandise at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

ShopDisney hasn’t listed any Holiday merchandise yet, but at the party last year there were various locations to get party gear. 

Main Street U.S.A.
  • Emporium
  • Curtain Call Collectibles
  • Box Office Gifts
Adventureland
  • Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
Liberty Square
  • Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
Fantasyland
  • Fantasy Faire
  • Hundred Acre Goods
  • Sir Mickey’s
Tomorrowland
  • Star Traders

Tips for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

    • IT SNOWS! While a lot of guests like to cut through the Emporium to avoid the crowds on Main Street USA and start shopping, but make sure you don’t miss the snow when doing so. Typically as part of the parades and toward the end of the night, you will see it snow on Main Street USA. 
    • To save money, buy tickets ahead of time from Undercover Tourist 
    • The parties closer to Christmas are more likely sell out so if you are positive on the day you want to go buy in advance
    • Tickets are non-refundable and the party will go on in bad weather, so some people prefer to wait until closer to the party to decide which date works best for them
    • You can enter Magic Kingdom at 4pm with a party ticket, so you can save money on a park ticket that day and spend time in Disney Springs or at a resort instead of purchasing an extra day
    • If you don’t care about getting a photo with a character most of them are outside so you can simply see them in passing
    • Decide before the party which characters you and your family must-see, that way there is no time wasted during the actual party
    • Pick up a park map and time guide when you enter the park. This will tell you where you can find characters, trick-or-treating stations, PhotoPass shots, and more!
    • Disney provides you with a treat bag when you enter so you don’t have to worry about packing one
    • The event goes until midnight so don’t plan an early morning the next day because you will want to stay until the very end since you paid for this party and don’t want to miss a thing
    • Come hungry for treats! Like the Halloween party you get treats. However, unlike the candy these are typically cookies or other items that can go stale quicker so you will want to eat them during the party or the day after
    • If there are characters you absolutely must-see, especially rare ones like Jack Skellington, head there first! They are occasionally out before the party starts at 7pm so head to their designated area first. You can ask a cast member where to line up too!
    • Some characters are together, so they can be more popular but you also get two characters for the wait time of one
    • A lot of families leave around 11pm after fireworks, but before the second parade, so this makes it a great time to try to get back in line for character meets

Other helpful Disney planning posts:

Are you ready to keep planning? Check out everything you need to know before you go when planning for Disney.

 

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