A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom 2024
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back in 2024 with the most adorable NEW way to meet Santa and the return of fan favorites like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. This year’s party is being hosted on 25 select nights through December 20, 2024, with many nights that are already sold out, so if you are thinking about going, book now.
Disney recently invited us to experience this year’s party, but this wasn’t our first experience. In fact, we’ve been attending this event for several years for work and play, so we’ve pretty much got this covered for you.
Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?
>>This Weekend’s Top Picks
>>Holiday Fun in Tampa Bay
>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of our favorite holiday events in Orlando, and it’s a great way to experience the Magic Kingdom if you’ve been wanting to go with the kids.
Why? You still get to experience all of the magic of the theme park’s offerings, but you get the added bonus of event-exclusive characters and entertainment, unique photo opportunities, and somewhat cooler temperatures (by Florida standards, of course).
Before we dive into our favorite things about this beloved event, let’s first go over the Need to Knows…
What’s NEW at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2024?
We’re starting with this since we loved it so much! The newest addition is Santa’s Christmas Carnival in Storybook Circus. It’s open from 7 p.m. to midnight, and this is where you’ll find Santa in the outdoor tent area and Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Scrooge McDuck inside. You might also spot some polar bear friends wandering near the entrance and elves on stilts for cute photo ops!
There is even a Florida “snowfall” here, adding to the holiday ambiance.
But the highlight of the event for us was the new Santa experience. There is a cute crafting area where kids can color paper ornaments to take home or add to Santa’s Christmas Tree while they wait for their turn to visit with Santa.
They can also fill out a Letter to Santa postcard and drop it off in the mailbox…just in case he needs a reminder of what’s on your holiday wish list!
When it’s your turn, you don’t feel rushed at all, and Santa is absolutely amazing with the kids. But this also means you might have to wait a bit, so be patient. There are children making forever memories ahead of you! The wait is worth it.
When is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is being hosted on 25 select nights from November 8 through December 20, 2024 from 7 pm to midnight. It is a special ticketed event, so you won’t be able to go to the park on a regular ticket during the day and expect to stay for the party. They will be checking at checkpoints throughout the park. Magic Kingdom closes early on event nights to make way for this most magical celebration ever.
Related: The BEST Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay
How much are tickets?
Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party vary in cost, depending on the day you go. Prices for adults ages 10 and older range from $179-$219 per ticket, plus tax. Tickets for kids ages 3-9 range from $169-$219 per ticket, plus tax.
Disney Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket. You can purchase your family’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets here.
What time does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party start?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party doesn’t officially start until 7 pm, BUT you can arrive as early as 4 pm, which we recommend so you can get the most out of your day at Magic Kingdom…especially if you don’t have an annual pass. However, don’t feel rushed to get there right at 4 pm.
We have found that there is often a pretty significant crowd waiting at check-in just before 4 pm on party nights, so we try to avoid arriving that early. But, this is also because we were annual pass holders for years and don’t feel pressured to do everything while we’re there.
When you arrive, there will be an area designated for Very Merry ticket holders. This is where you will scan in with your ticket and get a special wristband for the event. The wristband is how cast members can ensure regular-day guests exit the park before the party starts–you will notice checkpoints throughout Magic Kingdom. Cast members will be checking for the wristbands, so don’t try to sneak your way in.
As you make your way into the park, you are guided to an area to pick up your free Gingerbread ornament and even snap photos with the Gingerbread Men from the parade.
The party ends at midnight.
Can you day trip a visit to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party from Tampa Bay?
Absolutely! We’ve done it a few times and even did it this year since our kids had school the next day.
But we’ve stayed overnight, too, over the years. It really depends on whether you think you’ll have the energy to drive back home to Tampa Bay. There is less traffic on I-4 at night, but driving tired is never a good idea. We got home to South Tampa in 1 hour and 15 minutes this year with no issues at all.
Hotels at Disney
There are some amazing hotel options on the property. Some of our favorites include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Fort Wilderness, Disney’s Contemporary Inn, and the Swan and Dolphin Hotel. We’re sharing even more of our favorite hotels to stay near Disney World during the holidays here.
Another favorite resort near the theme parks is the Gaylord Palms, which has an amazing pool and the must-experience ICE! exhibit during the holidays.
Will toddlers enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
We first attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party when our oldest son was about 20 months old, so when people ask us whether toddlers will enjoy the event, we can say from personal experience of bringing two toddlers over the years, YES, they will!
Kids younger than three do not need a ticket, so that’s a big bonus.
While babies and toddlers may not be able to rally for the entire night, a reclining stroller will be a necessity to give them a place to snooze while the rest of the family continues to enjoy the party.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the Baby Care Center at Magic Kingdom–it’s a quieter spot to change diapers, buy any extra items you might need like diapers or snacks, heat bottles, access to high chairs for feeding, and there is even a nursing room. It’s right off Main Street to the left if you’re facing the Castle near Crystal Palace.
I love that we now have pictures of our boys, who are now 9 and 11, at the party over the years and even at the parks–it’s almost like a Dinsey growth chart!
What’s there to do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
There are SO MANY fun things to do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! That’s why you’re thinking about going OR bought your ticket already, right??
In addition to the event’s exclusive entertainment and characters, the characters are dressed in their holiday best for Insta-worthy photos with you, and there are also some complimentary sweet treats to indulge in. And let’s not forget about the beautiful ‘snowfall’ on Main Street!
Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth it?
It is an expensive ticket, but since we are such big fans of Christmas, we think it’s worth it to experience Magic Kingdom after hours during the Christmas Party at least once. While we were hosted this year, we have paid for our own tickets before and felt we did get the value out of it when you compare the cost of other event tickets this time of year.
Now that we’ve tackled some common questions we hear from friends and fellow parents, let’s dive into the good stuff…
Our 5 favorite things about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024:
ONE: The Complimentary Treats
I mention this first because our kids love the cookies and sweet treats. There are five Holiday Treat locations this year throughout the park, each offering something a little different.
We got the Sugar Cookies with Icing and Hot Chocolate at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland–where the Disney Junior dance party was going on as we walked in!
2024 Holiday Treat Locations :
- Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland
- Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square: Hot cocoa and cookies (the chocolate chip pretzel cookie is found here and it was yummy!)
- Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland: Hot cocoa and cookies
- The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland: Apple cider and cookies
There are also allergy-friendly and healthy substitutes available upon request, which we LOVE!
TWO: The Entertainment at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
There’s some pretty spectacular entertainment during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, like ‘Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration’ featuring all of your favorite Disney characters and princesses on the front stage of Cinderella’s Castle. There are plenty of chances to catch this show.
Showtimes are 7:40 pm, 9:25 pm, 10:35 pm, and 11:55 pm.
It was really sweet, and we watched a good portion of it as we waited in line for the Mickey Elf popcorn bucket.
Check out the full lineup of entertainment here.
Dance Party FUN!
Some of our favorite entertainment options include the dance parties to get the wiggle out! Over at Club Tinsel in Tomorrowland, the whole family can dance the night away with the characters of Zootopia, Goofy, Max, and even Chip ‘n’ Dale!
The little ones will LOVE the Disney Junior Jingle Jam inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe featuring your child’s favorite Disney Junior characters. The dance party will be from 7 pm-12 am. It’s a chance for them to boogie on the dance floor with characters like Timon, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, and more!
Other Entertainment at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024:
- Frozen Holiday Surprise at the Castle: 8:15 pm
There are a lot of special character appearances, too, so grab your event map and look for all of the Mickey icons for the hot spots!
The Parade is Magical: All about “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”
Magic Kingdom never disappoints when it comes to its parades and this one is no different. You’ll love the sights, sounds, and SMELLS of “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”!
Be sure to grab your spot early so you can get a front-row view because as parade time nears, it gets super crowded no matter where you find a spot! There are two opportunities to see the parade: 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm.
Your favorite Disney characters and princesses make appearances in this parade as well along with Santa, so get your camera ready for an up-close pic.
The Fireworks are Spectacular!
You’ll also want to secure a spot in front of Cinderella’s Castle for the awe-inspiring ‘Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show” which lights up the castle at 10 pm during a light projection and fireworks display that will knock your Christmas stockings off!
THREE: The Event-Exclusive Characters at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party…and Santa too!
YES, you can visit Santa at Magic Kingdom! You can find him this year at the NEW Santa’s Christmas Carnival in Storybook Circus from 7 pm-12:00 am.
We got in line at about 7:30 pm and waited for about 45 minutes. We love that they set up a crafting station for kids to color ornaments for Santa’s tree and even write a postcard to Santa, which they can drop off in the mailbox after their visit with him. You also get a full-sized mini M&M’s tube and candy cane as you exit.
The Santa’s Christmas Carnival area is beautifully decorated with lights, and there is even a Florida “snowfall” here!
Related: Our favorite spots to see Santa at Walt Disney World!
And we can’t forget the star of the night….Mickey Mouse! You’ll find him dressed in his holiday best at the Town Square Theater on Main Street USA. This is also where you’ll find Jack Skellington and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Both had a very short wait time of about 10 minutes when we got in line during the first parade.
We only snapped photos with Mickey this year and still had time to see most of the parade after our visit with Mickey!
There are about 40 or so characters to snap photos with at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, including Santa Claus! This does not include characters at the dance parties like the Disney Junior characters and the stars of Zootopia at Club Tinsel –both in Tomorrowland.
Here are some of the characters you might see at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Main Street USA:
- Mickey Mouse
- Jack Skellington and Sally
- Princess Elena of Avalor (outside of Town Square Theatre)
Fantasyland:
- Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum
- Alice and White Rabbit
- Winnie the Pooh. Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet
- Ariel and Prince Eric
- Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Cinderella and Prince Charming
- Snow White and Prince, Aurora and Prince Phillip
- Belle
- Merida
- Mirabel and Bruno in Fairytale Garden
- Anna and Elsa at Fairytale Hall
Storybook Circus:
- Santa
- Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Scrooge McDuck
- Polar Bears
- Elves on stilts
Adventureland:
- Aladdin, Abu, Jasmine, and Genie
- Captain Jack Sparrow
- Peter Pan
- Moana
Frontierland:
- Country Bears: Liverlips, Shaker, Wendell, and Big Al
- Tiana and Naveen
- Mary Poppins
Tomorrowland:
- Stitch
- Santa Goofy and the Zootopia pals along with Chip n Dale can be found at Club Tinsel
FOUR: The Magical Holiday Atmosphere at Magic Kingdom
You are greeted by the holiday magic as soon as you walk in. We also loved the snow flurries along Main Street! Disney didn’t miss a thing when decorating for the holidays, but one of our favorites was Cinderella’s Castle.
It is breathtaking…and we got some major holiday decor envy! Be sure to grab a family photo with one of the Photo Pass photographers with the castle in the background! They’ll add some extra magic to your photo too!
You’ll also notice that some of the rides get a holiday transformation like The Jingle Cruise’s holiday puns, Space Mountain, and the Mad Tea Party.
We got to see Space Mountain all lit up on the inside with holiday lights and music when we were on the People Mover which was really cool!
FIVE: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is not as crowded and so much cooler at night
You’ll still be joined by a crowd of other Very Merry partygoers, but it’s not as crowded as weekend daytime visits. Even though there are no Fast Passes (now called Lightning Lane and Genie +) during the Very Merry Party, lines moved along pretty quickly.
We didn’t see waits exceed 5-15 minutes on most rides; however, more popular rides like the “Seven Dwarfs Mine Train” and the new “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” did reach about 30 minutes at some points during the night as we checked the My Disney app.
We recommend going early at 4 pm so you can go on a few of the traditionally less crowded rides like ‘It’s a Small World’ and ‘Dumbo” and then save the time later for the entertainment and other rides like ‘Peter Pan’s Flight’ and ‘Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’!
Wait times for the more popular rides will be noticeably shorter when the party starts.
More common questions about attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party with kids:
Can you eat dinner at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Yes, in fact, you have several dinner options at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you decide to arrive early at 4 pm, you can use this time to sit down for a pre-party dinner. Honestly, this is probably a good use of your time since the ride wait times can still be on the high side since the normal day’s crowds are still there.
Plan ahead and book a dinner reservation at one of the table service restaurants of your choice through the My Disney Experience app. We’ve dined at Liberty Tree Tavern (all-you-can-eat family-style Thanksgiving-inspired dinner–best value in our opinion) and Tony’s Town Square Restaurant (Italian food) in the past. We liked that we were able to order a beer or glass of wine at dinner…don’t judge. This year, the kids opted for corn dogs at a quick service in Liberty Square at Sleepy Hollow.
There is also dinner service at Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table during the party, but you will need to book a reservation for this as they also book up pretty quickly.
Other upgraded dining options at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:
In addition to the table service experiences, you can also upgrade to the Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace.
The upgraded party ticket includes a wide array of desserts and drinks along with spooktacular views of the fireworks. Tickets with seating for the fireworks show (Tomorrowland Terrance) start at $111.73, including tax and gratuity for guests 10 and older and $70.42 for guests ages 3-9.
For the Plaza Garden Viewing, it’s $92.95 for guests 10 and older and $55.39 for ages 3-9. Check-in begins one hour before the fireworks start.
Event-exclusive food and treats are also available for purchase. We honestly didn’t try much this year since the kids were full from the Mickey ice-cream bars we buy every visit (it’s tradition), dinner, and complimentary treats. You can read the full food guide for the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party here, but here are a few of the NEW items exclusive to the event in 2024:
- Gingerbread Milk Shake: Vanilla ice cream, gingerbread syrup, and ginger snap crumbles topped with whipped cream and a chocolate piece (Available at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and The Plaza Restaurant) We tried this and my son LOVED it!
- Holiday Dinner Loaded French Fries: French fries with turkey and gravy, fried onions, and cranberry sauce (Available at Casey’s Corner)
- Fried Ice Cream Christmas Tree: Peppermint ice cream rolled in cereal topped with green cookie butter whipped cream and festive sprinkles (Available at Golden Oak Outpost)
- Orange Chicken Tenders: Fried chicken tenders with orange-soy glaze, glass noodles, green onions, and crispy garlic (Available at Sleepy Hollow)
What should I bring to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
- A full belly. Eat a healthy dinner before you go so you don’t overindulge on all the complimentary hot cocoa and cookies!
- Glow sticks and light-up toys. We stopped by our local craft store to pick up a lighted bracelet and glow toys for our kids to play with at the park–it also allows us to easily spot our kids in areas that aren’t as well lit. Disney also offers holiday-themed toys and gear at the theme park, which we have purchased in the past, but figured we’d save a bit here since our kids can be really hard on their toys.
- A rain poncho. It’s Florida. It rains sometimes. In fact, it has rained during previous visits over the years, but thankfully our kids LOVED it! Our puddle jumping then 4-year-old thought it was the best thing ever. The silver lining, folks. Ponchos are also much more courteous than umbrellas when you are in a crowded environment. Save the eyeballs.
- A fully charged camera. Whether you are using your cell phone or camera, make sure the batteries are fully charged because there are photo opps around every.single.corner.
- A backpack. This is a MUST if you don’t use a stroller to schlep your family’s stuff. It’s much easier to navigate the park when you’ve evenly divided the weight of your stuff across your shoulders.
What do I wear to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024?
While it’s fun to dress in festive Christmas sweaters, you might want to check the weather before you go. It can still be pretty warm and muggy at night here in Central Florida, even in November and December. The temperatures can be finicky, but it does tend to be much cooler than in the summertime or even during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Dress festive and maybe bring cute sweaters for photos–which we saw a lot of people do! Dressing in layers is key.
What attractions and rides are open at Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2024?
One of our other favorite things about the Very Merry Party is the rides–you don’t have to wait as long. Just like every other year we’ve attended, we didn’t wait longer than 15 minutes to get on a ride. We don’t usually ride Space Mountain or the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, so my guess is, those will have a higher wait time.
You can’t use Lightning Lane or Genie + during the party, so you’ll have to wait in line just like everyone else. Lines won’t be as long and it’s not as hot since it’s at night, so it’s more tolerable for all.
Adventureland
- Jingle Cruise – Holiday Twist
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Liberty Square
Fantasyland
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party- Holiday Twist
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Storybook Circus
Tomorrowland
- TRON-LightCycle- virtual queue access only
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor –Holiday Twist
- Space Mountain – Holiday Twist
- Tomorrowland Speedway _ Holiday Twist
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
Disclosure: Walt Disney World provided us with tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but our opinions are strictly our own.