Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is a fun holiday celebration with extra experiences, but requires buying an additional ticket. Use our tested advice from routinely attending this seasonal event to decide if Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is worth it for your 2023 Disney World holiday vacation.
- What Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
- When Is MVMCP?
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Fireworks
- MVMCP Parade
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Character Meet and Greets
- What Attractions Are Available at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
- Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Itinerary
What Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom. Party tickets give guests exclusive access to Magic Kingdom from 7 pm until midnight.
Guests attending MVMCP should expect short attraction wait times, wonderful seasonal entertainment, and special holiday character meet and greets.
MVMCP officially begins at 7 pm on event nights, but guests with party tickets can enter Magic Kingdom starting at 4 pm. Very Merry Christmas Party guests don’t need Magic Kingdom park reservations for the event if arriving after 4 pm.
Guests who want to visit another park before the party, or enter Magic Kingdom before 4 pm, still need Disney World park reservations.
When Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on 25 nights throughout November and December 2023. Tickets went on sale to on-site guests June 29, 2023 while off-site guests could purchase event tickets starting July 6, 2023.
2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates:
- November: 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30
- December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22
How Much Is Mickey’s Very Merriest Christmas Party?
MVMCP party ticket prices vary by date with weekends and dates closest to Christmas being the most expensive. In 2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets range from $159 to $199 per person.
Those under three years old don’t need a ticket for MVMCP and discounts of $10 per ticket are available for DVC members and Annual Passholders on select nights.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Entertainment
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Admire classic Disney characters, princesses, and Pixar friends dressed in their finest holiday outfits on colorfully decorated floats during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
One of my favorite things about Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is that some floats, in addition to having adorable decorations and fun characters, smell like delicious treats.
Although the characters and floats are the main attraction in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the performers in between floats are incredible, too. Adorable toy soldiers clomping down the parade route are a crowd favorite and I look forward to seeing them every year.
Remember to cheer for Santa, if you want to be on the nice list, as he wishes everyone a Merry Christmas at the very end of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade occurs twice per night, 8:30 pm before fireworks and again at 11:00 pm after fireworks. Some Disney experts recommend attending the later parade for lower crowds, but this is outdated advice.
While attending the later parade used to be good advice, over the last few years I haven’t seen a huge difference in crowds between the two times.
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade Route
Grab a spot along the long, winding parade route which starts near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and ends near the Main Street flagpole and train station.
Choose a spot early on the parade route and have time to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Pirates of the Caribbean before the floats even roll down Main Street.
Another option is to ride Mad Tea Party or Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin before catching the parade at the end of the route. However, this plan is riskier since ride waits and load times are unpredictable.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
Cinderella Castle is covered in seasonal designs, including a cute ugly sweater pattern, during Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Perfectly timed Christmas music, castle projections, and extravagant fireworks make this new display a fun holiday experience.
This new Christmas firework show debuted in 2019 and uses improvements in technology for an incredible holiday display. I recommend watching Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks during MVMCP since this show, and the parade, are the best entertainment of the night.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks only occur once during the party, at 10 pm, so plan ahead to see this entertaining show.
Best Place To Watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
There’s no need to stake out a spot right in front of Cinderella Castle, the show is beautiful from almost anywhere on Main Street or in select spots in Liberty Square. Pick anywhere highlighted in red on the map above for good fireworks viewing, but closer to the hub will have the best views.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
This castle stage show features Mickey throwing a fabulous Christmas party for his friends. Expect a mix of Christmas songs and Disney characters in this cute show performed several times per night. Showtimes for 2023 MVMCP are 7:40 pm, 9:25 pm, 10:35 pm, and 11:55 pm.
Frozen Holiday Surprise
This castle show with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and the Snowgies takes place during regular hours at 6:15 pm and also during parties at 8:15 pm. Watch as Cinderella Castle is transformed into a gorgeous crystallized version each night.
Christmas Dance Parties
While we don’t suggest using precious event time on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dance parties, sometimes a quick stop between other activities is a fun break.
Club Tinsel
Catch a dance party with Disney characters featuring performances by The Collective 5ive on Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Club Tinsel occurs intermittently from 7 pm to 12 am.
Disney Junior Jingle Jam
Find Disney Junior friends in Cosmic Ray’s dancing the night away from 7 pm until 12 am. Guests with little ones should stop by and wave to some favorite friends in this rare chance to see Disney Junior characters in Magic Kingdom.
Expect characters from Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, and The Lion Guard to rotate through Disney Junior Jingle Jam.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Attractions
Most, but not all, Magic Kingdom attractions are open during the party. Expect popular rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train plus many others.
There are four attractions decked out for Christmas, three exclusive to the 2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and one available for day or party guests.
Jingle Cruise
Jungle Cruise gets a snazzy Christmas update transforming it into Jingle Cruise. Find incredible themed holiday decorations throughout the queue and ride during the day and at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Although the decor may be improved for the holidays, expect the same groan worthy Jungle Cruise jokes but with seasonal flair.
Space Mountain
This is the version of Space Mountain I never knew I needed. The track has several areas lit with red, green, or blue lights and a rock inspired Christmas soundtrack.
I like seeing some of the tracks and think the dim lights help me avoid being as jostled as normal. However, my daughter was shocked seeing how close the tracks are to each other in certain areas.
Tomorrowland Speedway
The entire track at Tomorrowland Speedway is adorned with Christmas lights and colorful displays. I normally skip this attraction, but really enjoy the Tomorrowland Speedway Holiday Twist.
Mad Tea Party
Festive lights and music make Mad Tea party a little extra special during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Attractions
Fantasyland
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party with MVMCP holiday twist
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Storybook Circus
- The Barnstormer
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Tomorrowland
- Tron Lightcycle/Run (must use 6 pm virtual queue distribution)
- Tomorrowland Speedway with MVMCP holiday twist
- Space Mountain with MVMCP holiday twist
- Astro Orbiter
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor
Adventureland
- Jingle Cruise with MVMCP holiday twist
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
2023 MVMCP Character Meet and Greet Locations
Find Disney characters dressed in festive attire ready to celebrate the season. We always love meeting Disney characters, but generally spend less time on characters at MVMCP than Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
So far this year MVMCP meet and greets have had shorter lines than we’d expect. For example, after fireworks I only waited 15 minutes for the Seven Dwarfs when we’ve routinely had waits of an hour in the past.
Here’s the complete list of characters for 2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties.
Fantasyland
- Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum
- Alice and The White Rabbit
- Ariel and Prince Eric
- Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Cinderella and Prince Charming
- Snow White and her Prince, Aurora and Prince Phillip
- Belle
- Mirabel
- Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet
Adventureland
- Aladdin, Abu, Jasmine, and Genie (usually 2 characters at a time)
- Captain Jack Sparrow
- Peter Pan
- Stitch
Main Street USA
- Mickey Mouse
- Jack Skellington and Sally
- Mary Poppins
Storybook Circus
- Minnie Mouse, Donald, and Daisy
- Scrooge McDuck
- Santa Goofy
- Seven Dwarfs
Liberty Square
- Santa
Frontierland
- Country Bears
- Tiana and Prince Naveen
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Photo Ops
Disney World vacation photos are some of my favorite trip souvenirs. Look for PhotoPass photographers throughout Magic Kingdom during the Christmas party.
Several PhotoPass photographers have special Magic Shots exclusive to the party and many of these options change from year to year. These fun photo ops are perfect for remembering this special night.
Christmas Treats
Select locations offer complimentary cookies and cocoa on party nights. While these make a nice snack during the night I wouldn’t recommend waiting in a long line for these free treats.
Where Should I Stay For Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Most Magic Kingdom resorts are a good option for MVMCP since these are either a short walk or a boat/monorail ride from the event.
My favorite resorts for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are either Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Both hotels are a short walk from Magic Kingdom perfect for getting back easily late at night.
While I generally love Disney’s Polynesian Resort, construction of the new DVC tower and long walk or need for transportation back moves it further down my ranking right now.
Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas, while beautiful, require a boat ride after MVMCP.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Transportation
Party transportation is included before, during, and after the event to make sure everyone gets back to their resort or parking lot safely. However, if you leave MVMCP outside of posted hours, or right at closing, you are often stuck waiting a long time for bus service back to your hotel.
Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a festive holiday event with an incredible parade, fireworks, low wait times, and fun characters which feels less crowded than a regular park day. If you have the budget I recommend buying a MVMCP party ticket.
However, if you’re concerned about budget I suggest skipping Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Disney Springs, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios all have fun Christmas experiences which are either free or included in your park day.
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