Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: The Basics
While most of us are still raiding our children’s Halloween candy stashes and preparing to defrost the Thanksgiving turkey, at the Walt Disney World Resort, it is already Christmas. Of all the celebrations taking place on property, the biggest is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at the Magic Kingdom.
MVMCP is a hard ticketed event and is set up much like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Those wishing to go to the party will need to buy a separate event ticket and can not get into the party using a regular park ticket or annual pass. When party goers enter the park they are given a wristband. Once the party begins, cast members begin checking for wristbands at attractions, entrances to lands, and even just while walking around. Anyone without one will be asked to leave and directed to the exit. The official party runs for 5 hours from 7pm-12midnight, however, you can usually get into the Magic Kingdom with your party ticket from 4pm.
During the event there are select attractions open, however, most people prefer to focus on the happenings exclusive to MVMCP. Also, no table service restaurants will be open since most people do not want to waste time eating at a sit-down place.
The entire park is in the Christmas spirit for the party. All around there are decorations, carols play in every land, Cinderella’s Castle is lit up with beautiful sparkling icicles, and on Main Street it even snows! Cast members are dressed up in red and green, special party merchandise is sold, guests wear Santa hats and reindeer antlers, and it really does begin to feel a lot like Christmas.
During the event free hot chocolate and sugar cookies (or apple slices) are offered. These are handed out at seven different stations located throughout the park, designated with a lit up sign. There are also two dance parties where all-ages can boogie with the characters. The dance parties are “Woody’s Hootin’ Holiday Open House” at The Diamond Horseshoe and “Cosmic Ray’s Jingle, Dance and Play” at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.
From 7pm-11:30pm, there are special character greets in select locations. These greets include all 7 Dwarfs, Pooh and friends, and many more all dressed up for the holidays. These lines can be some of the longest at the party, so plan accordingly.
There are also two holiday shows that take place. “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” is put on at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland at 7:45, 8:45, 9:55, 10:50, and 11:45. The show is a high energy Christmas bash with Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, and more. It includes upbeat carols, contemporary dancing, and some of Stitch’s usual antics. The “Celebrate the Season” show is performed on the Castle Forecourt Stage at 7:45, 10:05, and 11:20. It combines some favorite Disney characters with classic Christmas icons and songs. The stage comes alive with dancing horses, living toys, and so much more. It is not to be missed.
However, the main highlights of MVMCP are “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and the “Holiday Wishes” fireworks.
“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” runs twice each party night at 8:15 and 10:30 along the parade route from Frontierland to Main Street. The parade features many festive characters, including some rarely seen ones, delicious smells, enchanting music, and a sleigh-load of magic. Make sure to look out for the very special guest who closes out the parade!
The “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular occurs at 9:30pm. While the display can be seen from almost anywhere in the park, the best view is from Main Street in front of Cinderella’s Castle. The show is set to a soundtrack of Christmas favorites with some beautiful effects that cause the crowd to gasp in delight.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is definitely a fun experience for the whole family, and a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Have you been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Are you going this year? What did you like best about the event?
Dates for MVMCP in 2010:
November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30
December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19
Note: After December 19, some of the experiences from the party, like the parade and fireworks, will be offered nightly during regular park hours with no extra cost.
Pricing for the Party:
Advance Purchase Price: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+), $47.95 + tax (Ages 3-9)
Note: Advance purchase tickets must be bought prior to the day of the event. Also, Advanced purchase pricing is not valid on December 7, 10, 12, 17, or 19.
Day of Event Price: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+), $53.95 + tax (Ages 3-9)
Disney Vacation Club or Annual Passholder Price: $49.95 + tax (Ages 10+), $43.95 + tax (Ages 3-9)
Note: DVC and AP discounts are not valid December 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, or 19.
Attractions Open During the Event
Adventureland:
-Pirates of the Caribbean
-The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
-Swiss Family Treehouse
Frontierland:
-Splash Mountain
-Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
-Country Bear Jamboree
Liberty Square:
-The Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland:
-Peter Pan’s Flight
-Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
-Dumbo the Flying Elephant
-Mickey’s Philharmagic
-Snow White’s Scary Adventures
-“it’s a small world”
Tomorrowland:
-Astro Orbiter
-Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
-Space Mountain
-Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
-Stitch’s Great Escape!
-Tomorrowland Speedway
-Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (note: last showing is at 10pm)
Mickey’s Toontown Fair:
-The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm
Locations for Food Open at the Event
Main Street, USA:
-Casey’s Corner
-Main Street Sweets
Frontierland:
-Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (closes at 10pm)
-Westward Ho
-Turkey Leg Cart
-Frontierland Churros & Pretzels
Liberty Square:
-Sleepy Hollow
Fantasyland:
-Storybook Treats
Tomorrowland:
-Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
-The Launching Pad at Rockettower Plaza
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We will be at WDW from December 18th – 22nd. Would y’all recommend going to the Christmas party on the 18th, or saving our money, and visiting MK in the morning of the 18th, and again all day on the 22nd. Our biggest worry is that the fireworks and parades won’t be as cool on the 22nd as at the party.
Is the blog advice for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also applicable for December, 2011? We are planning our trip to Disney World to see the Christmas lights. Sounds like we will get kicked out of the Magic Kingdom if we don’t pay the extra fee for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and not get to see the Christmas lights.
Thanks.
Nice job Scarlett! A really great compilation of all the necessary info. My family and I will be going to MVMCP for the first time on Nov 28, so I’ve bookmarked this page for future reference. I’m also still toying with the idea of going solo again for Reunion night, but not sure if I’ll be burnt out by too much MVMCP 🙂
Great post Scarlett!! I am so sad that I will be missing MVMCP since it sounds like so much fun. At least I can pretend I was there after reading your post. Can’t wait to see you for other Christmas festivities in the parks!
This is really well written and a great description. I have never attended any special events and this really makes me want to go during the holidays. Thanks for the quality information.
Thanks Tim! I really think that you would LOVE MVMCP! With your love of Christmas you and your family would have a fabulous time! You should definitely come down for it sometime.
Disney’s customer service number told us that they are no longer letting you in the park at 4 as they had in past years. Do you know if they have changed their policy? Has anyone actually gotten in early this year?
I’ve been hearing that people are indeed getting in at 4 still. I didn’t get there until 7, for MVMCP, but during MNSSHP I did get in before 7. I’ve heard other people report getting in at 4 also.
We have been to WDW many times for Thanksgiving, but hv never done MVMCP….now I want to!! About to check into availability for 11/28!! Thanks!!
Awesome! So have you checked yet? Are you guys going?
Great post Scar. Can’t wait for our trip next month. Great info here. Can’t believe you do so much with the two little ones! But that’s what keeps you going!
Thanks Teri! It is definitely a challenge with two under two. Sometimes I just have to know that we may pay $50 for an event and immediately have to leave due to a meltdown. But, it usually works out well and we have a fantastic time.
Does anyone know a spot where the fireworks can be viewed without the loud noise? I really want to see them, but have a toddler who is scared to death of loud noises.
Thanks,Annette
Hmmm…I’m not too sure on this one, at least in the park. I’ve heard good things about watching from the beach at the Polynesian or at the Contemporary. As far as in the parks, have you considered ear plugs? Or maybe just find some place farther away from the castle, maybe closer to the train station?
Wow! What a great and informative blog, Scarlett!
Thanks Shane! Are you going to MVMCP this year?
Great post Scarlett, it felt like I was there with you. Oh wait…
Lol! Thank you for inviting me to go! It was awesome to share my first MVMCP with you and Marissa.
Thanks for the info–we leave in 5 hours and are attending the party Friday night–I am SOOOOO excited I can’t sleep (which explains my 5am post!!!)
Hmmm…looking at my clock I’m guessing you’re here now! Whoo-hoo! Have a magical vacation and enjoy all the festivities!
Great blog Scar! Sad we can’t go, wish they had something like it at Disneyland Paris!
I’m sorry you can’t come to Tracy! You and the girls would absolutely love it! You’ll have to plan a trip for next year.
Usually Liberty Tree and Cinderella Castle has had openings on party nights. We have 6:15 at Crystal Palace for the night we are attending since we wanted a character meal interaction. Even with quick service it is important to eat early on party nights. They do not stay open all night. Can’t wait to attend.
Thanks for the feedback! Trying to figure out the restaurant schedules now.
What a great article! So very descriptive and informative. Makes me wish I was going (and not just because it is sooner than my trip!). Great job, Scarlett! Please keep writing.
Thank you! I’m sorry you won’t get to the party…but there’s always next year!
Thanks for all the awesome info. Any ideas if there might be a post anywhere or something I can download that gives the line-up for the entertainment schedule (times and places) during the MVMCP? Would like to devise a plan of attack before we go so we don’t miss anything. We have tix for the 12/5 party. Thanks so much.
If you have a smartphone and use the Lines app, the times for MVMCP shows are on there. Have a fabulous time at the party!
We were able to eat at the Liberty Tree Tavern during the Christmas Party on November 11. Our ADR was for 7:35. Maybe this was only an option because of how early it was in the season?
Really? Thanks for the feedback! I have no idea why that was…I know it was closed the night I went. Maybe it was because of how early it was. Hmmm…
This is great! It told me everything I wanted to know, plus some things I hadn’t thought of. Thanks Scar. So, now I need a December trip, right?
You most definitely need a December trip!
Scarlett this is my favorite of all the stories written on this site. You are a very gifted writer,feels like im there. & I have to get some of those reindeer antlers & coco.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! The cocoa is delicious! I hope you get a chance to check out the party.
We are going in a few weeks. I can’t wait… Thanks for the post!
Awesome! I hope you have a fantastic time at the party.
Great information makes me want to pack up and go! One of the best blog entries ever!
Thank you very much Bob! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Very informative – thanks for listing what attractions will be open. Any tips on the best way to see as many characters as possible without waiting in long lines?
Towards the end of the party, the crowds begin to thin out. I think that would be an excellent time to go see characters.
Excellent posting Scarlett! Thanks for the listing of open attractions/restaurants too. See you real soon! 🙂
Thanks Steve!! Can’t wait to see you in December!