Did you know there are less than three weeks to Christmas? Well, not Christmas Day, but to the start of the big Yuletide season at Walt Disney World, the one that marks the full intro to the festive season.
That’s right, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (or MVMCP as its fans know it) is very firmly on the horizon, and that effectively kick-starts ‘The Holidays’ as they call them in America. This is one of our absolute favourite times of the year, and there is simply no mistaking the seasonal vibe that infuses the Magic Kingdom, starting on November 9.
Just to start with, Disney’s flagship park gets an extensive Christmas overlay for this time of the year – right the way through to the end of December – and it takes on extra festive appeal with the separate-ticket MVMCP evening celebration that runs for 24 individual nights from 7pm-midnight on select nights (Nov 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30 and Dec 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 21 and 22 this year).
But here’s the inside track (and why we are flagging this up in October!) – this Yule party is THE most sought-after Disney ticket of the year. In 2022, virtually every night was a sell-out well in advance, and it is vital that you book early if this is top of your Christmas list. And, for the benefit of newcomers to the Orlando scene, here is the essential lowdown on what Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party actually is, and how to enjoy it.
In short, it is a genuine party-themed occasion that offers seasonal overlays on several rides and attractions; complimentary sweet treats and drinks in the form of cookies, hot cocoa, eggnog and (alcohol-free) apple cider; event-only themed entertainment; new PhotoPass opportunities; and additional character meet-and-greets.
The crowds also tend to be a touch lower than during the day, so it usually means you can ride some of the park’s 22 key attractions that are open for the Party with shorter waits. But in all honesty, MVMCP is all about its special live entertainment – punctuated by a superb fireworks show and festive parade – and the five Treat Stations, which you can visit as often as you like.
There is also a terrific range of speciality food and beverage on offer at many of the cafes and kiosks especially for the event, including a chocolate-and-cranberry Once Upon A Christmastime Tart at the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland, a Funnel Cake Sundae at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square and the fab-looking Mickey Mousse Holiday Treat from the Main Street Bakery, which are all new for 2023.
And then there are the rides with that extra seasonal appeal. Look out for:
The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland, which is renamed the ‘Jingle Cruise’ for the Holiday period, adding a wealth of delightfully homespun Christmas decorations to the boarding station and boats, as well as the ride itself.
Fantasyland’s Mad Tea Party, which gets a seasonal lighting package that adds a colourful boost to the usual whirling effect.
Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, which now goes completely seasonal with its lighting set-up.
And Tomorrowland Speedway, which adds even more lighting and decorations as guests are invited to “Race Through the Holidays.”
Then, when it comes to the dedicated MVMCP live entertainment, this is practically worth the entry price alone as it really one-ups the daytime versions and adds extra family-friendly style.
First, there is Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, an all-out festive stage show on the Castle Forecourt Stage three times each evening, featuring Mickey, Minnie and a host of their Disney Character friends in a 20-minute musical extravaganza full of classic songs and whimsy.
Over at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland you can catch A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas in the company of Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch, an 18-minute song-and-dance production that performs four times each evening. Look out also here for The Edge Effect, an a capella group who add their own seasonal sparkle to the occasion.
Then there are two child-friendly dance parties that run until midnight. Club Tinsel takes place in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland with its own dedicated DJ, while the Disney Junior Jingle Jam features Disney Junior characters in the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland.
The real headline events are reserved for the sky over Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A. however, a pair of Disney specialities that are not to be missed at any cost.
First, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show lights up the sky over the Castle with a superb pyrotechnic-and-projection display, providing yet another example of Disney’s mastery of fireworks and including several eye-popping special effects.
Then there is the twice-nightly Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, a character-filled 15-minute procession of dancers and floats that takes place to a constant steady “snowfall” along Main Street and around Town Square. If you have the stamina to stay for the second parade at 11pm, you will feel like Christmas has provided a true grand finale as the crowds really thin out by this stage.
Fans of all the characters will also want to seek out the extra meet-and-greets that can be found throughout the park, notably Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas and those wacky Country Bears, as well as Santa himself in the Liberty Square gazebo.
For those with the Disney PhotoPass add-on of Memory Maker (which is included with both the 7 and 14-Day Magic Tickets that are sold only in Ireland), there are a series of Very Merry Memories that add even more Holiday fun, both with Magic Shots and holiday props, plus Step-In Photo Frames that offer iconic Christmas settings.
And don’t forget the merch. Every year, Disney ups the ante with a catalogue of great souvenirs, collectables and gift items that are ideal for your Christmas shopping.
All in all, it adds up to a fabulous array of seasonal fun and excitement, and the only drawback is that there is a set attendance limit for each Party, hence they sell out in advance.
It also pays to know that, while the Party’s official hours are from 7pm, ticket-holders can gain entry to the park from 4pm, which means you can enjoy many of the usual rides and attractions for that three-hour period. Party-goers are given a special wristband on entry to show they can stay in the park after the official 6pm closing.
You can also check out our video of the special Christmas Parade from last year below:
Have you been to Mickey’s Christmas event in the past? Tell us about it on the friendly ATD forums, our Community Facebook page, on Twitter or Instagram.
