Saturday, November 7, 2015

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

The holidays are billed as the "most wonderful time of the year" so of course you would expect Disney to step up to the challenge. One of the MANY holiday festivities at Walt Disney World is the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
- Special Thanks to Debbie Eaton for photos!



Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a celebration at the Magic Kingdom that requires a separate ticket. The party is officially from 7:00pm-12:30am (a little tip- they allow you to start entering the park at 4:00) You will be directed to a cast member for a wristband indicating you may stay for the party. At 7:00 announcements will ask park guests without a wristband to start heading for the exit.

Here are the details!

2015 Dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Nov.- 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
Dec.- 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
These events have a limited number of guests, and they do sell out. Buy tickets early!

Prices- ranging from $74-$82 adults
                                   $69-77 for children
                                    under 3 is free

Most attractions are open, some exceptions include The Disney railroad, Main Street Vehicles and Tom Sawyer Island. Yes, you read that right, no train!

What makes the party special?

1. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade! 
After December 18th the Christmas parade will be shown during regular park hours, but then the crowd levels are really high!

Princesses and friends!
Toy soldiers on parade!








Here comes Santa!!!


2.  Snow on Main Street!

Can you imagine anything more enchanting than snow falling while you are (comfortably) walking down Main Street USA? 



3. Holiday Fireworks and Wishes!
Just like the parade, after December 18th the fireworks, and Wishes will be holiday themed.



4. Dance Parties-
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe and the Diamond Horsehoe are transformed into nightclubs with DJ's and characters come out to dance the night away with you!


5. Complimentary hot chocolate (or apple juice) and cookies!
Snickerdoodles and Hot Chocolate!
Many of the restaurants are set up just to distribute the FREE drinks and cookies. We enjoyed these while sitting in the Tommorowland Terrace.


6. Special Christmas Shows!
There are 2 Christmas shows- Celebrate the Season (a Disney version of the Nutcracker at the castle) and A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas ( a show geared for kids with Buzz Lightyear, Snitch and other characters!)
A Frozen Holiday Wish is performed before 7:00- So everyone in the park can watch Elsa, Anna and Olaf transform Cinderella's Castle into a shimmering ice palace- that really is spectacular!!
We were never close enough for a pic of the show, but there it is from the train station! Note- when we were there in Nov. 2014 the tree wasn't up yet. This year it is already up, so the train station is not a great spot for viewing.



Frequently Asked Questions- 

  1. Is it worth it? Maybe! It is a wonderful party, a chance to experience the holiday shows without MAJOR crowds, and it's a lot of fun. However, it is a lot of money for a family. My suggestion is to use it as a day in the park, and spend the daytime hours enjoying the hotel, mini golfing, and napping, to ensure a great time, and work with your budget. So, if your family will be there for 5 days, get a 4 day pass and a party ticket for each of you.
  2. If we have a multi day pass do we need another ticket? Yes, this is a special event, the park closes at 7:00 for guests with regular passes. 
  3. If I'm staying at a resort hotel do I need an extra ticket? Yes, only guests with specific tickets for MVMCP on that date will be allowed to stay for the party.
  4. If we are at the MK that day, how do they know we don't have a ticket? They give all guests of the party a wristband after you arrive. Then they start checking for wristbands.
  5. Does the DAS (Disability Access Service) work?- No, the lines for the attractions are fairly short due to limited guests, and other activities. However the lines for characters can be quite long. 
  6. Are there gluten free cookies? YES, there are options for dietary needs at the free hot chocolate and cookie spots!
  7. Are there places to eat during the party? Sort of- for 2015 they will have 2 restaurants open for reservations (Cinderella's Royal Table, and Be Our Guest) but many of the restaurants are closed to distribute cookies. I suggest you make sure to get dinner before 7:00.
  8. Is Photo Pass at the party? Yes, and if you have memory maker, all of the photos will be included.
  9. If it rains will we get a refund? No, just like regular days, the party will be rain or shine. However, the weather could interrupt the shows (but winter in Orlando is typically dry)

If I can answer any questions, or you have comments please feel free to contact me!
amyschinner@gmail.com
@amy_schinner on Twitter
or comment here
Thanks!!