How can Walt Disney World get better you ask? You can go to Walt Disney World at Christmas!
How can you improve on that? You can go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party!
With a separately ticketed event, the question is always, is it worth it? Yes! If you already have a multi-day ticket, maybe a little less worth it, but if you're going just for the party or replacing one of your park days with the party that's a solid Yes!
I wondered those same questions in making that decision. Looking back at the pictures from our experience there and the memories from it remind me of that. Now, Magic Kingdom is decked out for the holidays starting the next day after the Halloween parties end so you can see Main Street USA decorated during the day, but there's some extra magic during the party and here are the highlights:
Crowd Control
While the party will have many guests, you can regain that time in Disney when you can walk forward and not weave through people. Attractions have low wait times and many things are more accessible. While the party starts at 7pm, you can access Magic Kingdom as early as 4pm as a party guest and many Magic Kingdom guests will be leaving or have gone to a different park that day knowing the park would close early for the party.
Character Greetings
Characters will be decked out in their Christmas finery and you'll see characters out that normally aren't available such as all Seven Dwarfs. You may have to pick and chose for these because the lines are longer for some, but that's typically because the interaction time is greater when you get to the front of that line.
Christmas Spirit Disney Style
Everyone there is in the Christmas Spirit with themed shirts, lights, etc. If you love Christmas like me, you'll be right at home. Waiting in line is an experience to see all the creative ways people are celebrating Disney and Christmas.
Free Things
Now some would say this is relative since you pay for the ticket, but once you're in, cookie stations with varying seasonal beverages like hot cider and hot chocolate are available. There is some special Disney magic in these beverages as they somehow have them at that right temperature to drink as they are handed out. Are the cookies good? Well that's a little relative, but it's the experience that does it. My favorites were the specialty Christmas tree cookie at the party entrance and then the snickerdoodles at Cosmic Ray's.
Entertainment
Stage show- So the stage show last year was a little odd, with a song about cell phones, but Christmasy none the less. You can catch this multiple times a night so you can focus on some other areas of interest.
Parade
Yes, technically the parade is run daily at the Magic Kingdom closer to the last week before Christmas, but if you want to catch it any other time this is the time! For a truly magical experience try to get a spot nestled (that's a great Christmas word isn't it?) up under the Christmas tree in the entrance hub facing the castle. If we're there we'll see you there! This was a truly magical experience I won't soon forget and great for pictures too! Trust me, you will feel the Christmas and I won't spoil the surprise magic.
Dining
Select table service restaurants are open during the party hours, and select quick service restaurants as well. This is another opportunity to book popular restaurants like Be Our Guest, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Crystal Palace if they are high on your priority list and you haven't been able to book on a regular day. I recommend making reservations for the 4-7 hours if you are wanting table service so you don't miss too much of the actual party.
If you really want to do it right make a reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern (4-7) for a holiday feast fit for Christmas-spirited Disneygoers. (It also helps if you're going in early November to get you in the Christmas spirit even if some think it's out of season! It is a holiday meal every day of the year at Liberty Tree Tavern, which serves a family-style feast of turkey and dressing and all the fixins'.
Fireworks
There are speciality fireworks for the party as well. There's just something about Christmas music and themed fireworks that is a magical combination.
Holiday Overlay
And one more thing, did I mention Jingle Cruise! Yes, this is another thing available in the general Christmas season, but I can't recommend it enough. It will truly put you in the Christmas (and Disney) spirit, just don't accept Trader Sam's invite to head to dinner (you'll get that one when you ride the attraction).
Dates
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is happening on the following dates for 2018:
November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29 and 30
December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 21
Price
Ticket prices vary based on the day, and Annual Passholder and DVC discounts are available. Regular prices range from $89/adults, $84 kids 3-9, to $125/adults, $120/kids 3-9. Kids under three are free.
Tickets
Ready to purchase tickets? Contact me today to book your tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!
Final Thoughts
If I picked one thing to make sure I did I would chose the parade and I'm not a huge parade person, so that's saying something, but if you time it right you should be able to see all the entertainment, or, if it's your motive to ride an attraction with low wait times go for it.
So, to sum it up, YES! do the Christmas party if you can! It's always a Jolly Holiday with Mickey!
*All photos Copyright by Mackenzie Clark, Dreams Magic Adventure, The Click Chick Photography