An Unapologetic Fan’s View of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of those special ticketed events held at the Magic Kingdom each holiday season. As a fan of Disney and the Christmas season, this is a must-attend event for me. Allow me, if you will, to take you inside this party and a taste of the holiday season.

The party is held on select nights from 7 pm-midnight. We recently attended on a Friday night and were surprised at how uncrowded it was. We knew several of the parties were sold out but this one was not! Party guests can arrive as early as 4 pm but the festivities don’t kick off until later. You enter the party just to the left of Tony’s and there you will find several photo ops, merchandise and of course your first chance to partake of some free treats.

Treats? Yes, just like other ticketed events this one serves up its share of free treats (as well as specially priced refreshments). Each land has its own “Holiday Treat Locations” and it is here that you can get a snack and small drink. Part of the fun is visiting each land for one of these treats.

My favorite is in Fantasyland at Pinocchio’s Village Haus where I got a Snickerdoodle Cookie and a small Hot Chocolate. My wife’s favorite was not a “freebie” but she bought “An Orange Bird Christmas”. This is an orange-scented white chocolate mousse filled with orange curd on top of a citrus-almond cream. She claimed it was well worth the price.

The lands also have what is known as “Holiday Twists” for some of their attractions. Tomorrowland has a twist for The Speedway, Space Mountain, and Monster’s Inc. Adventureland has a twist on Jungle Jingle Cruise and Fantasyland has a twist on the Mad Tea Party. All rides are open but these five are holiday-themed. I do not want to spoil anything but if you love Space Mountain then a holiday version in space is for you. My favorite is always the Jingle Cruise. Decorated and themed out for the holiday it is so much fun (and laughter).

The party includes numerous special events through out the night. There is a great stage show in front of the castle hosted by Mickey Mouse. This runs four times during the party and is a great way to get you in the holiday spirit. Any visit to the Magic Kingdom is not complete without fireworks and this party is no exception. Hosted by Minnie Mouse it is a great show that includes amazing castle projections!

It goes without saying that the highlight of the party is “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” Shown twice nightly it is a must-see! All of your favorite characters are there in their holiday finest. Everyone waits for the appearance of the Tin Soldiers. Considering the costumes and the footwork the precision as they march is something to behold.

The parade concludes with not Mickey but of course Santa. Watching him wave and speak to the children is what makes this parade so special.

Finally, I offer these thoughts in closing. Living in Maryland the most magical wish I could have would be to leave Christmas Eve Candlelight Services to a slight dusting of snow or even waking up on Christmas morning to truly a “White Christmas”. Those rarely happened but when they did it was special. Here in Florida,  I find the magic each season as I walk down Main Street with Christmas music playing, holiday lights blinking and snow swirling. If that doesn’t bring warmth to your heart (and perhaps a tear to your eye) then I don’t know what to say. That is Christmas and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Chuck Guth

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