Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Review & Guide (2022)

    Welcome to our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guide! In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort.

    Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Overview

    As the seasons change, Main Street USA trades pumpkins for wreaths and a Boo to You Parade for one with snowfall. Villains are replaced by reindeer. Candy is swapped for hot cocoa. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Magic Kingdom is the best place to celebrate the season.

    Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an extra-charge event that takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom after the park closes to day guests. A separate ticket purchase is required for entry into Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and prices range from $149 to $199 per person. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party adds some holly and jolly to the world’s busiest theme park with specialty entertainment, attraction overlays, and more starting November 8, 2022.

    Ticket Prices and Dates

    Unlike Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which seems to be getting longer and longer each year, Disney is somewhat limited in the dates they can cover given the fact that the Very Merry party ends a week or so before Christmas to allow for the Christmas crowds access to Magic Kingdom for the most amount of hours possible.

    Here’s a look at the ticket prices and dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2022. An Annual Passholder discount is available on select dates and knocks $10 off the ticket price.

    To purchase tickets, visit the Disney World website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/purchase/

    Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party DatesAdult PriceAges 3-9Annual Pass
    Discounted Price
    November 8, 2022$159$149$149
    November 10, 2022$149$139$139
    November 11, 2022$159$149$149
    November 14, 2022$149$139$139
    November 15, 2022$149$139$139
    November 17, 2022$149$139$139
    November 18, 2022$159$149$149
    November 20, 2022$179$169
    November 22, 2022$179$169
    November 27, 2022$169$159$159
    November 29, 2022$169$159$159
    December 1, 2022$169$159$159
    December 2, 2022$169$159
    December 4, 2022$169$159
    December 6, 2022$169$159
    December 8, 2022$169$159
    December 9, 2022$179$169
    December 11, 2022$179$169
    December 13, 2022$179$169
    December 15, 2022$179$169
    December 16, 2022$179$169
    December 18, 2022$179$169
    December 20, 2022$199$189
    December 22, 2022$199$189

    One common question we’ve seen with regard to tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is: Do you need a park ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? You will need a ticket to the party, yes, but a regular day ticket for Magic Kingdom will not get you into the party – you specifically need a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket. You also don’t need to purchase a day ticket to Magic Kingdom on the day of your visit.

    Another common question we’ve seen around ticketing is: Do you need a park reservation for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? This one is easy – no, you do not need to make a Disney Park Pass reservation for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Keep reading about party hours for a more succinct answer about the Disney Park Pass system and early entry to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

    Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Hours & Early Entry

    Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has the same hours for every event – 7pm to midnight. That said, you can enter Magic Kingdom with a Very Merry ticket as early as 4pm at the main entrance. If you use the main entrance with your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket after 4pm, you do not need a Disney Park Pass reservation.

    If you’re already inside of Magic Kingdom with a separately purchased day ticket or Annual Pass, there are a few areas within the park where you can check in and receive your party wristband starting at 4pm as well. If you are using a day ticket or Annual Pass to enter Magic Kingdom, you will need to make a Disney Park Pass reservation.

    If you are a day guest and are not attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Magic Kingdom will close at 6pm and anyone without a wristband designating they’re attending the Christmas Party will be asked to leave.

    Arrival Experience

    Using the Magic Kingdom main entrance, guests will enter the park via the tappoints to the far right of the main entrance. Cast Members will be available to direct you to the correct spot and help with any ticketing issues you may have. Once inside Magic Kingdom, you will be given a wristband to designate that you are attending the party that night.

    Cast Members with signs inside of Magic Kingdom will funnel you to the Main Street USA bypass, which is where you’ll pick up a party guide map and complimentary ornament. Once you’re through the bypass, Magic Kingdom is your playground and you can either take advantage of the last two hours of park operations (4pm to 6pm), get in line for popular character meet and greets such as Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, grab some dinner, or really anything you’d like while keeping in mind that most party offerings don’t start until 7pm.

    Attraction List & Holiday Overlays

    Here’s a list of attractions available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:

    Adventureland

    • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
    • Jingle Cruise (Holiday Overlay)
    • Pirates of the Caribbean 
    • Swiss Family Treehouse

    Frontierland

    • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
    • Splash Mountain

    Liberty Square

    • Haunted Mansion

    Fantasyland

    • The Barnstormer
    • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
    • “it’s a small world”
    • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
    • Mad Tea Party with Holiday Theming (Holiday Overlay)
    • Peter Pan’s Flight
    • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
    • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
    • Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

    Tomorrowland

    • Astro Orbiter
    • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
    • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
    • Tomorrowland Speedway Race Through the Holidays (Holiday Overlay)
    • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Holiday Show (Holiday Overlay)
    • Space Mountain – Holiday Run (Holiday Overlay)

    Back in 2019, Disney introduced holiday overlays for select attractions. The overlays add some holiday touches to Magic Kingdom classics such as Space Mountain, the Tomorrowland Speedway, and more! With the exception of Jingle Cruise, the holiday overlays start at 7pm when the party kicks off. Here’s a rundown of the attraction overlays that will be available for guests attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

    Jingle Cruise

    We’ll actually start with the only holiday attraction overlay that isn’t exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – the Jingle Cruise. Guests visiting Magic Kingdom during the holiday season can experience the Jingle Cruise during the normal operating day with no requirement to purchase a special ticket.

    Join skippers on a festive tour of the jungle during this holiday overlay of the iconic Jungle Cruise attraction. For a detailed look at the Jingle Cruise this year, check out our earlier article covering its opening.

    Tomorrowland Speedway Race Through the Holidays

    In Tomorrowland, you can cruise a festive freeway filled with thousands of lights, stylized décor, and a fun, futuristic holiday soundtrack as you get behind the wheel on the “Tomorrowland Speedway Race Through the Holidays”!

    Space Mountain – Holiday Run!!

    Space Mountain – Holiday Run!! launches you on an adventure through the cosmos, filled with interstellar lighting and high-energy holiday tunes. From a green and red color scheme in the first launch tunnel to rock versions of holiday tunes blasting throughout the ride, Space Mountain – Holiday Run!! is one of the best overlays of the year at Magic Kingdom.

    Special lighting effects and music make this an overlay worth experiencing, and maybe even more than once! As you can see in the video below, the special lighting effects illuminate the interior of Space Mountain throughout your ride, giving you a truly special (and maybe frightening) look at the interior of the iconic attraction. New in 2022 is an exterior lighting package that creates a festive scene.

    A bonus tip is to ride the PeopleMover and get some wonderful views of the holiday lights and music. If you’re not able to ride Space Mountain for whatever reason, we still recommend you jump on the PeopleMover (if there isn’t too long of a line), and check out the overlay from there. Normally on the PeopleMover, it’s dark as you pass through Space Mountain, but with the light and special effects, there is plenty to see! The PeopleMover also provides a unique view of the Tomorrowland Speedway holiday overlay.

    An additional tip is to join the queue shortly after 6pm. After the last guests enter the queue, Cast Members will pre-load the queue for the holiday party as they prepare to switch over the attraction from normal daily ops to the holiday version.

    Check out our full video of the full ride on Space Mountain as well as a look at the overlay from the PeopleMover below.

    Mad Tea Party

    Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland becomes a wild and wacky Christmas party––where you can spin your teacup to one of four holiday combos of lights and music. Here’s a look back at our video from 2019!

    Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Holiday Show

    The crew at Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is filling their laugh canisters with some holiday cheer at their “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Holiday Show” for everyone visiting the Monster World during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

    Unlike at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, this is not a walk-through attraction, but rather a full show. While this works just fine during the day, your time at any special upcharge event is very limited and costly to waste. In this case, we thought that the overlay itself was fine and we enjoyed some new holiday backdrops and GCI (even if it looks like they dubbed new audio over existing character lip movements), but the time cost to experience the attraction was just too much for what it’s likely worth. Our total experience time was 40 minutes from the time we entered the queue to the time we left it, with only a 10-minute wait posted at the entrance. We even heard some guests next to us comment on how they waited less time for Space Mountain before they contemplated leaving the queue altogether.

    We’ve uploaded a full video of the show from 2019 to help you decide if it’s worth waiting in line.

    Fireworks & Entertainment

    During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, event attendees get to experience some special entertainment including a fireworks show, a parade, and multiple stage shows. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

    Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks

    When: 10pm

    Of course, in addition to the attraction overlays, guests will be able to enjoy a fireworks show called Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show, hosted by the one-and-only Minnie Mouse, celebrates the magic of Christmas with medleys of beloved holiday songs, from “Joy to the World” and “Deck the Halls” to “Up on the House Top” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” The holiday music aims to evoke heartfelt moments of home and family, as well as the festive fun of the season.

    The show contains projection-mapped scenes and decor on Cinderella Castle, timed nicely to the music and fireworks to create a classic new-age Magic Kingdom nighttime spectacular. The show contains melodies of beloved holiday songs that put you in the Christmas mood and combines them with a projection mapping and firework display.

    As far as logistics go, we think that you will have a good view of the projection mapping and fireworks as long as you stay anywhere along Main Street USA from the hub back towards The Emporium and the Main Street Bakery. The further you go back, the more difficult it becomes to see the projections on the castle, although there isn’t a strong need to see the projections to understand the storyline and enjoy the show.

    Dessert parties are also offered at Tomorrowland Terrace for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. For full details, check out our earlier article.

    Here’s our front-and-center view from 2019, followed by a view a little further back on Main Street USA from 2022.

    2019

    2022

    Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

    When: 7:40pm, 9:25pm, 10:30pm, and 11:55pm
    Where: Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

    Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show, which debuted in 2016, finds Mickey and his pals inviting some of their friends over for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun! With every ring of the doorbell, more special guests drop by to join the festivities, each bringing a song or two in their own unique style. Clarabelle Cow arrives in full diva fashion belting out a holiday pop favorite, and Woody and Jessie ride in for a ho-ho-hoedown with country Christmas tunes. Donald’s amigos, Jose and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” stop in to wish everyone Feliz Navidad, and a flurry of friends from Fantasyland – everyone from Snow White to Peter Pan and Wendy – fills the house for even more fun.

    Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is shown four times nightly (7:40pm, 9:25pm, 10:30pm, and 11:55pm). With entertainment increasingly being more popular for guests to prioritize, you might be best served by waiting for the 11:55pm showtime as the final thing you do during the party before leaving. If you want to have an entertainment-heavy evening, you could probably combine the 8:30pm parade, 9:25pm stage show, and 10pm fireworks and save the final 1.5 hours for rides and treats and that would work fine.

    Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

    When: 8:30pm, 11pm
    Where: Along the standard parade route, kicking off in Frontierland and ending on Main Street USA

    Delight in an entertaining display chock-full of good cheer on Main Street USA. The legendary street comes alive with yuletide spirit on select nights during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Snap memorable photos of dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers and beloved Disney Characters as they float by, waving hello. There’s even a special appearance by Santa Claus—riding in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The parade steps off in Frontierland, eventually making its way past Cinderella Castle and down Main Street USA under a blanket of snow.

    Again, wisdom tells us to wait for the 11pm showing and skip the 8:30pm showing. If you’re looking for the best possible view with the least amount of effort, it’s pretty easy to walk up and watch the parade with a minimal amount of waiting shortly before it kicks off at 11pm in Frontierland. That said, you’ll only experience “snoap” on Main Street USA. You might consider spending some of your time to grab a spot on Main Street USA just for the views and vibes.

    A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

    When: 7:45pm, 8:35pm, 9:25pm, 10:45pm, and 11:35pm
    Where: Tomorrowland, Rockettower Plaza Stage near Carousel of Progress

    This easily accessible stage show combines unique costumes with some better-than-expected entertainment as Tomorrowland friends (Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, and Mike Wazowski) host an out-of-this-world Christmas party. Because Tomorrowland is so attraction overlay heavy this year, we anticipate you’ll be in Tomorrowland a lot during the party. If you’re around, this show should be very easy to catch by simply walking up when it starts. We enjoyed the show for its unique costuming and ease of access.

    Club Tinsel and Disney Junior Jingle Jam Dance Parties

    In addition to the above entertainment that is on a schedule, there are two dance parties that take place in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Club Tinsel) and Storybook Circus (Disney Junior Jingle Jam). Characters that might come out to dance at the Disney Junior Jingle Jam include Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Fancy Nancy. The dance parties are open during the duration of the party and are easily accessible. A wonderful option for your little one to burn off some of the sugary treats.

    Character Meet & Greets

    In addition to entertainment and attraction overlays, some favorite Disney characters also have meet and greets during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Here’s a list of the location and the characters you can meet:

    Main Street USA

    • Town Square Theater – Mickey Mouse in Christmas costume
    • Town Square Theater – Jack Skellington & Sally

    Liberty Square

    • Enchanted Glade Gazebo – Santa Claus

    Adventureland

    • Agrabah – Aladdin/Abu/Jasmine/Genie
    • Enchanted Tiki Room – Moana
    • Near Pirates of the Caribbean – Jack Sparrow

    Frontierland

    • Country Bear Jamboree – Country Bears (roaming)

    Tomorrowland 

    • No meet & greets

    Fantasyland

    • Princess Fairytale Hall – Princesses with Princes
    • Fantasyland Castle Wall – Sleeping Beauty/Snow White & Prince
    • Maurice’s Cottage – Belle
    • Prince Eric’s Market – Ariel and Prince Eric
    • Dumbo the Flying Elephant Queue – Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Scrooge McDuck
    • Near Goofy’s Barnstormer – Santa Goofy
    • Near Mad Tea Party – Tweedles
    • The Thotful Spot – Winnie the Pooh and Friends

    Complimentary Snacks and Exclusive Food/Drink

    Complimentary Goodies

    Disney has cut back on the variety and number of locations that have complimentary treats and drinks this year. You can find Snickerdoodle, Gingerbread, or Chocolate Chip cookies along with Hot Cocoa, Eggnog, or Apple Cider at the following locations:

    • Columbia Harbor House: Chocolate Chip Cookies & Hot Cocoa
    • Pinocchio Village Haus: Gingerbread Cookies & Hot Cocoa
    • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe: Snickerdoodle & Hot Cocoa
    • The Lunching Pad: Sugar Cookies & Apple Cider
    • Tortuga Tavern: Sugar Cookies & Eggnog

    In addition to the complimentary offerings, there are Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party exclusive offerings as well as daily offerings that are available to guests visiting Magic Kingdom without a party ticket.

    Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Exclusive Food & Beverage

    Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

    • 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 

    • 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)

    Main Street Bakery

    • 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)

    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)

    Daily Holiday Season Food & Beverage

    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)

    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)

    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)

    Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café

    • 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)

    Various Carts Throughout 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) 

    New in 2022

    There are a few new things for the 2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but the event remains largely the same.

    Exclusive Commemorative Poster

    As you exit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you’ll receive the following piece of artwork that celebrates the party and Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

    Complimentary Ornament

    Guests will also receive the following complimentary ornament during check-in.

    Photo Ops

    There are three new photo ops for guests to enjoy during the party (and during non-party hours).

    New Parade Unit

    There was a small change to the parade, with a new Green Army Men vehicle added to the parade!

    Touring Strategy and Tips

    With an exhaustive overview of the party out of the way, we wanted to offer our touring strategy to help you form a plan of attack to make the most of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party evening.

    Arrive Early

    You can get into Magic Kingdom beginning at 4pm, and you have full access to the park. It’s worth noting that there are multiple spots within the park to pick up your party bracelet, you might find the shortest waits at the park entrance thanks to better staffing and tappoints. There are a few things that you can do between 4pm and the start of the party at 7pm. If you want to meet Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, the line opens at 4pm and the meet and greet typically starts around 4:30pm. You could also knock out Jingle Cruise before the party starts if you don’t mind riding during the daylight or dusk hours. Jingle Cruise is the same for day guests as it is for party attendees. Another thing we’d consider prioritizing before the party starts is jumping in the Space Mountain – Holiday Run!! queue just after 6pm.

    Some Characters Meet Early

    One of the more popular meet and greet opportunities is Jack Skellington and Sally. The line will build right at 4pm (if not a bit earlier), and they should start meeting around 4:30pm. It’s always good to get one or more character meet and greets out of the way early so you aren’t missing some of the specialty entertainment or attraction overlays during the event. 

    Ride the PeopleMover

    It’s odd for us to recommend riding an attraction that is fairly easily accessible during a normal visit to Magic Kingdom, but it offers some unique vantage points during the party this year. Make sure that you ride it after the party starts to get wonderful views of the Tomorrowland Speedway Christmas overlay and an extremely unique view of the Space Mountain Christmas overlay.

    Space Mountain is a Must-Do

    Of all the holiday overlays this year, the Space Mountain one will probably constantly pull the longest lines. Disney does have to close the attraction to “turn on” the overlay when the party starts, so a long line at 7pm is to be expected. If you can, we’d recommend saving it to the end of the party and betting on lower crowds. 

    How to Prioritize Your Evening

    This is where things can get a bit difficult. With so many attraction overlays and entertainment offerings, it’s tough to get the timing right on everything. Your ability to prioritize various parts of the party will likely play a big role in your enjoyment of the party and if you’ll walk away feeling like it was “worth it”. It’s likely not possible to do it all during one night, although we’d argue that you’ll probably get more done during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party than you would during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. That said, it’s important to go in with a gameplan. Here’s a few different ways you could prioritize your night:

    Entertainment-First Approach

    With an entertainment-first approach, you would prioritize entertainment over attractions and characters. With this approach, we’d recommend the following time chunks.

    • 4pm to 7:30pm – ride attractions, maybe one holiday overlay like Space Mountain – Holiday Run just before the party officially begins
    • 7:40pm to 9pm – find a good spot for the 8:30pm parade, preferably near Cinderella Castle
    • 9:15pm to 9:45pm – watch Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration in front of Cinderella Castle
    • 9:45pm to 10:30pm – watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks from your parade viewing spot in front of Cinderella Castle
    • 10:35pm to midnight – enjoy the party and lower lines for special holiday overlays. Maybe carve out some time for the late showing of A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas or head to one of the dance parties

    Attraction-First Approach

    With an attraction-first approach, we’re going to try and knock out as many of the holiday overlay attractions as possible, keeping in mind that we want to still see the fireworks show or parade if we’re lucky.

    • 4pm to 6pm – Start at Jingle Cruise and then make your way over to Space Mountain
    • 6pm to 7:30pm – Space Mountain – Holiday Run and PeopleMover
    • 7:30pm to 9:15pm – Tomorrowland Speedway holiday overlay and Mad Tea Party holiday version
    • 9:30pm to 10:30pm – watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks from anywhere along Main Street USA. Because this is a projection show, you’ll have a much better view the closer you get to Cinderella Castle. That said, by picking an attraction-first approach, you’ve deprioritized premium viewing spots
    • 10:30pm to 11:30pm – You can either choose to watch the parade from anywhere along the parade route, or head back into the park proper for more attractions during the last 1.5 hours of party time. 
    • 11:30pm to midnight – If you decided to watch the late parade, you’ll probably have about 30 minutes or so to ride an attraction or two. Alternatively, you can also just stick around for the 11:55pm Cinderella Castle stage show

    Character-First Approach

    All bets are off with character meet and greets at a party. It’s tough to build a framework for success here beyond show up early and get comfortable with waiting. Like we said above, some characters meet early, so make sure you’re in line for those characters first if they’re a priority. We’d still recommend trying to work an attraction overlay or two into your evening, putting Space Mountain ahead of the Tomorrowland Speedway in terms of what is a must-do. 

    It Will be Crowded

    There’s really no way around this. Will you have some wait time wins? Yes. Overall, it will be crowded though. Ever since Disney started marketing the Disney After Hours events as “low wait time” events, it seems like Disney has drifted away from promising low waits during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Main Street USA and the Cinderella Castle area will be especially busy.

    As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!

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