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What’s replacing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year?
On September 8, Disney made the inevitable announcement: just like with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party before it, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was cancelled for 2020.
Although there is no hard-ticketed event to replace it with this winter, there is a whole host of smaller elements that the company hopes will still seal the holiday deal (and still get guests out of their homes and into the parks). For Magic Kingdom specifically, these include:
- Christmas character cavalcades, with gingerbread men, elves, reindeer, and toy soldiers – who will join the Main Street Philharmonic – will be deployed throughout the park.
- Replacing Castle Dream Lights, various projection-mapping backgrounds will be displayed on Cinderella Castle to serve as backdrops for guests’ photos. (Our favorite so far is the Christmas sweater.)
- Santa Claus will occasionally pop up to wave and “exclaim holiday wishes to all.”
These offerings will be on hand from Friday, November 6 to Wednesday, December 30.
What is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – when it’s held – is a separately ticketed after-hours event at Magic Kingdom that celebrates the holiday season. The party includes shorter-than-usual attraction wait times and special character meet-and-greets, plus an event-exclusive parade, stage production, and fireworks show. Another fan-favorite feature is the unlimited supply of cookies, hot cocoa, and other treats that are available throughout the park.
Mickey’s Very Merry is family-friendly and a special, exciting way to celebrate Christmas at Magic Kingdom.
Where does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party take place?
Throughout the entirety of Magic Kingdom.
When is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party began in 1983 and has since become an extended seasonal celebration. Nowadays, it takes place approximately four times a week between the beginning of November through the first few weeks of December – when it is operational, that is.
How to buy tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Even though Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has been cancelled for 2020, we’re preserving the normal information on how to acquire tickets:
It is important to note that Mickey’s Very Merry is a separately ticketed event, so it is not included in your standard daytime admission or park hopper passes. Some nights sell out, so we definitely recommend purchasing in advance if you’re limited on date flexibility. Tickets can be secured online and day-of at Magic Kingdom – if they don’t sell out beforehand, that is.
Pricing fluctuates depending on demand – weekend nights are typically more expensive than weekdays, and “peak” days close to Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to cost more of a premium, as well. Ticket prices range between $84 and $149 for adults and from $80 and $144 for children.
How do the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party wristbands work?
Upon entering Magic Kingdom, you will scan your party ticket for verification (just as you would with normal daytime passes), and a cast member will provide you a wristband in exchange. (If you’re already in the park, there are also stations in Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Fantasyland where you can pick yours up.) While the theme park is being cleared out of daytime guests and transitioning into Christmas mode, cast members will be at all major breaking points in Magic Kingdom, checking wristbands and directing those without them out of the park.
Once you’ve received your wristband and have entered the proceedings, you will be directed towards Market Street, between Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and La Chapeau. This typically-hidden-away back street is where your night begins – there are photo-ops with props, merchandise carts, and, of course, your first cookie of the night.
Speaking of which…
Collecting cookies at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Treat-wise, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is best known for serving up a delicious variety of cookies. There are typically about six stations for grabbing sweets at your leisure, identified by giant inflatable “candy canes” to help you spot them from afar. The cookie types include:
- Sugar
- Snickerdoodle
- Ginger molasses
- Chocolate chip
- Peppermint
- Bonus: snowman soft pretzel for a salty switch!
You can wash down the plentiful cookies with hot chocolate, apple cider, egg nog, and Fanta, which are mixed-and-matched with the cookies for perfect pairings. In recent years, Disney has opted towards individually wrapped cookies, which is great for stowing away treats for later.
Limited by allergy? No sweat – simply request an allergen-friendly option from the employees.
What special entertainment does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offer?
Continuing in the spirit of documenting everything Christmas Party-related, we’re going to list the annual event’s usual roster of attractions despite its cancellation this year.
A Frozen Holiday Wish
The nightly transformation of Cinderella Castle into its famous, wintry state takes place during A Frozen Holiday Wish. Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff take stage for a short show demonstration that results in Elsa using her powers so the castle appears to be dripping in crystal ice (in reality, these are thousands and thousands of lights installed by cast members each year).
This show takes place twice nightly, but we recommend checking out its first showing for the full dramatic effect.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Mickey and Minnie are hosting a holiday party, and all of their friends are invited. More characters than we can count take stage, ranging from Clarabelle Cow belting out “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to a rendition of “Feliz Navidad” by the Three Caballeros. The jingles will be stuck in your head for the rest of the night, and no matter how cheesy the show may be, you can’t help but smile while watching.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration takes place on Cinderella Castle’s stage four times nightly.
Mickey’s Once upon a Christmastime Parade
All things Disney and Christmas have an undeniable cute factor, and Mickey’s Once upon a Christmastime Parade is holiday joy in its purest form. Keep a nose out for special scents coming from the floats – you might just smell a whiff of gingerbread or peppermint. Fun characters, extravagant floats, and special, seasonal performers bring this parade to life.
Mickey’s Once upon a Christmastime Parade marches down Main Street twice nightly during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
Even the fireworks display is exclusive for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Lights and projections dance against the castle as fireworks soar across the sky in sync with seasonal tunes. The impressive fireworks can be seen from anywhere in the park, but their interaction with the castle effects makes it extra cool – so we recommend snagging a spot in front of Cinderella Castle.
It’s important to note that this fantastic display only happens once nightly during the event.
A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas
Stitch is in his prime as he hosts a space-themed Christmas celebration. Buzz Lightyear reenacts his battle against Emperor Zurg in song form, and Mike Wazowski brings laughs with a goofy tune of his own – all while Stitch hilariously tries to get to the bottom of who, exactly, Santa is.
There are about five showings nightly, so it’s something you can easily catch in passing.
What attractions are open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
These are subject to change on a night-to-night basis (y’know, when the event is actually being held) but are typically consistent throughout the run of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. In the past, some attractions have even had special, seasonal overlays! Space Mountain’s red and green lights, plus electronic Christmas music, was our favorite last year. Jingle Cruise is also a worthwhile overlay but is available to daytime guests, as well.
Main Street, USA
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Tomorrowland
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
It’s a Small World
Peter Pan’s Flight
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mad Tea Party
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Storybook Circus
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
The Barnstormer
Adventureland
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Jingle Cruise
Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain
What characters can you meet during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Just as with the rides, these are also subject to change from night to night, but – once again – they usually are rather consistent throughout the season.
Main Street, USA
Mickey Mouse
Santa Claus
Jack Skellington (as Sandy Claws) and Sally
Liberty Square
Mary Poppins and Bert
Tomorrowland
Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps
Fantasyland
Ariel and Eric
Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
Elena of Avalor
Snow White and her Prince
Aurora and Prince Phillip
Belle
Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore
Storybook Circus
Minnie Mouse
Donald and Daisy Duck
Scrooge McDuck
Goofy
Seven Dwarfs
Adventureland
Moana
Captain Jack Sparrow
Peter Pan
Genie and Jasmine (alternating with Aladdin and Abu)
Frontierland
The Country Bears
What upgrades are available for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Once again, we’re preserving the info from past years for when Mickey’s Very Merry (hopefully) returns next year.
Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party
Celebrate the holiday season with unlimited hors d’oeuvres and desserts, plus a reserved viewing area for the parade. For $99 (plus tax) per person, you can jingle in and out of this bonus party throughout the night for sparkling sips and scrumptious bites. You’ll get special, reserved seating for the second parade showing of the night – plus, the party lasts until 12:30 am, 30 minutes after Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party closes out for its standard guests.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party
Fruit, cheese, cupcakes, ice cream, and other snacks are at your disposable thanks to a beautiful buffet at Tomorrowland Terrace. Fireworks viewing is available at the restaurant or in the Plaza Garden viewing area. Beer and wine are also available for participants that are aged 21 and up.
This upgrade costs $99 for adults (ages 10 and above) and $59 for children (ages three to nine).
Table-service dining
If you’re interested in more substantial food beyond the free cookies and quick-service options available for purchase, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Crystal Palace, and The Plaza Restaurant are all open for sit-down dining. However, we recommend feasting before the festivities to make the most of your party time (and save plenty of room for cookies).
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