Thinking about visiting Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party? There are a few things to know before you go!
Even though I've been living in Florida for the past 20+ years and have visited Walt Disney World several times, I'd never been to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. Disney invited my family to attend this year's event and it was all that I hoped it would be. In fact, this was one of my favorite visits ever. I visited the park with my mom, my 5-year-old and 2-year-old and learned quite a few things that I thought I'd share to make your party even more magical.
What to Know Before You Go:
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
1.) Cinderella's Castle will be transformed into a frozen palace.
BEFORE
We were in for quite a spectacular surprise once the sun went down. There was a special appearance by Anna, Ela, Kristoff, and Olaf. Their show was so much fun and it ended with Queen Elsa giving Cinderella's Castle an incredible "icing." The results were truly magical!
AFTER
Skip the crowd in front of the castle that tends to linger for photos and the parades and head over the bridge that leads into Tomorrowland. You'll get an amazing view and a beautiful, non-crowded background for your own photos.
Not only is Cinderella's Castle transformed, the streets and attractions you know and love also get some holiday flair. The holiday decorations at the Magic Kingdom are really something to see.
2.) There are FREE cookies!
I'm usually pretty reserved when it comes to gobbling up sweet treats, but not while we're at special events. That's why my kids were SO excited when the friendly cast member who gave us our Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) wristbands before entering the Magic Kingdom told us to make sure we took a right upon entering the park to get our free cookies. Of course, we complied and each received yummy shortbread cookies with sprinkles that were shaped like Santa. Little did I know that this was just the beginning.
3.) There are even more specialty treats (including free selections)!
You'll find several tasty, complimentary seasonal beverages and snacks throughout the park at specified locations (all open until midnight). These include the snowman soft pretzels and Sno-Cones at Tortuga Tavern, Peppermint Crunch Cookies and Nestle Nesquik at Pete's Silly Slideshow, Snickerdoodle Cookies and Hot Chocolate at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (our favorite place for quick eats), and more!
4.) It SNOWS in Florida.
We were in for a delightful surprise when it started snowing on Main Street, USA before the nighttime parade. A special foam that resembled snow filled the air and brought every child to their feet. The kids even got to dance in the middle of Main Street while the snow fell before the parade.
After the night was over, I asked my 5-year-old what his favorite part of the evening was and he replied, "I don't even know. There were just too many fun things. But, dancing in the snow was really cool." For a boy who's never seen snow in real life, this was the highlight of his visit. Watching his pure joy was the highlight of mine.
5.) The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is one of the BEST.
Sure, Walt Disney World and Disneyland parades are awesome, but the "Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" really stands out. All of our favorite character, and I do mean ALL of them, floated by during this festive parade. To name just a few, we saw Woody, Jessie, Cinderella, Snow White and the seven dwarves, Rapunzel, Tiana, Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and so many more.
The cast members have SO much energy and they're so great with little ones, sending out lots of waves and smiles.
The best part? Even Santa makes an appearance! This parade happens twice a night (at 8:30 PM and 11 PM EST).
6.) In most cases, no Fast Past needed.
In case you didn't' know, your MVMCP ticket allows you to enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 PM EST, even though the official start time isn't until 7 PM EST. You'll get a wristband before you enter the park so the cast members know you're there to party. All other guests will have to exit the park at 6 PM EST. That means the park technically closes at 6 PM and you'll only be able to book Fast Passes from 4-6 PM EST. Fast Passes aren't available during the party but don't worry, you won't need them.
Dozens of Magic Kingdom favorites are open for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and I was surprised at how quickly we were able to enter each attraction. On a normal day at the park, we might encounter a 30-60+ minute wait for certain rides. Since there is a limit to how many guests can attend this evening event the lines are MUCH shorter. We walked right on for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Pirates of the Carribean, and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Head HERE to download the PDF Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party guidemap for 2017.
7.) There is exclusive #VeryMerry event merchandise for you to buy.
Don't forget to commemorate your visit to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party memory with a piece of official merchandise from shops across the park. I picked up a darling ornament to add to our tree. Some of this merchandise can ONLY be purchased during the party, so don't miss out if you've got your eye on something in particular.
Are you planning to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
This event ends on 12/22 so be sure to get your tickets quick!
Also, check out our other Walt Disney World posts to plan your trip!
5 tips to make your visit to Magic Kingdom even more magical
5 reasons you should visit Disney's Animal Kingdom
Amber Ludwig says
Omgosh what a fun time!! I love that they make it snow in FLORIDA!!! Too fun!! Probably something locals don't see very often either 😉
gloria patterson says
My niece has recently started talking about going to Disney for Christmas in 4 years. She thinks that would be a perfect time for zadaya to see it. Did not know about the special Christmas party sharing this with her.