Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Guide (2024)
“We’re simply having a wonderful Christmastime!” I can’t help but smile as I reminisce about the many Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties I’ve attended. Those cherished memories include snow-like suds falling on Main Street, laughter among old friends, and meeting new friends while waiting in line to meet rare characters. Other than family, my nearest and dearest friends were all met, one way or another, through Disney.
Each year, when the Christmas party is announced, I begin to look forward to the holidays. Now that the 4th of July is out of the way and we’ve prepared for the Halloween festivities (that begin next month), it’s time to form a plan for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. As always, I’m not preparing this guide to sell you on attending the party. I believe that most of the extra events sell themselves. We love most of them. They have become traditions we cherish, like how you might put up your Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving or whenever you do it.
However, there is a caveat. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is expensive, and we cannot ignore that factor. This year’s prices range between $169.00 to $219.00 per person! If you’re a family of four, that’s a minimum of $676.00 plus tax. That’s a significant amount of money to spend for one evening. So, if you’re already feeling the pinch on your vacation budget, we would never recommend exceeding it to attend a special party or event. You can still have a wonderful holiday experience at Walt Disney World. Don’t let laboring over whether or not you should buy tickets become a negative factor in your planning process.
Now that we’ve addressed the expense, let’s discuss what you can expect from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2024. We’ll review dates and times, entertainment, character meet-and-greets, attractions, and dining. We’ll also discuss how to prioritize your interests to help maximize your time at the event. Like most special offerings, it’s important to know that you cannot expect to do everything available. So, it’s essential to select what’s most important to you and your party and then form a plan to tackle those items.
It’s also of utmost importance to consider how you’ll spend the day of the party. We do not recommend trying to do anything extra on a party day. If you were to tire early, you might not be 100% for the party, and that would be a shame.
This guide was last updated on August 3, 2024.
![Cinderella and Prince Charming in her coach at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-once-upon-christmastime-parade-prince-charming-1.jpg)
2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates and Times
Dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are as follows:
- November – 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29
- December – 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 20
Tickets are now available for all guests. Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can purchase discounted tickets for select dates. The discount is $10.00, and the discounted dates are:
- November – 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22
- December – 1, 3, and 5
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins at 7:00 p.m. and lasts until midnight. However, Disney allows ticketed party guests to enter the park at 4:00 p.m. Therefore, with the party admission, you can spend up to eight hours at Magic Kingdom.
As far as timing goes, you know yourself best. I have found that after many years of attending the Christmas Party, I do better when I arrive at approximately 6:00 p.m., with plans to stay until after the party. The last stage show is offered at the end of the evening. So, I like to linger around the park and leave afterward when it works out that way. With those thoughts in mind, I think it’s important to have all major dining (read: dinner) wrapped up by 6:30 p.m. at the latest. This will free your evening to focus on what’s important to you.
We used to spend the majority of our time riding attractions during the Christmas Party—so much so that we never focused on the unique offerings exclusive to party guests. As someone who’s lived both the life of a parent who took their child to Disney regularly and now a writer who documents what to expect, I realized the “parent” me missed out on a lot. The entertainment options at these events are top-notch. So, I wouldn’t count them out over a few rides you can do regularly. But if rides are a priority, that’s okay, too. Just know that as your children get older, you might want to incorporate other offerings into your plans. It’s a whole new world.
![the Haunted Mansion with red and green lights at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-guide.jpg)
Entertainment at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
When Disney announced the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2024, other than new merchandise and a few new food offerings, there weren’t any special announcements for new experiences or entertainment offerings. You may remember we saw a few “new things” announced for this year’s Halloween Party. They are listed in our 2024 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide.
Here is an overview of the entertainment offerings Disney has confirmed for this year’s party:
- Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
- Frozen Holiday Surprise (Special Showing)
- Club Tinsel
- Disney Junior Jingle Jam
- Snowfall On Main Street
- Character Meet-and-Greets
- Attractions
- Specialty Food and Drink + Dining
- Special Photo Opportunities
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is a classic and favorite entertainment offering. It is held twice nightly during the Christmas Party at 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Depending on the weather, we usually prefer to watch the first parade of the evening and see the second one (again) if our schedule allows. The first parade is almost always more crowded than the second. But if there’s a possibility of rain or inclement weather, we think it’s best to see the first parade, just in case something happens and you don’t make it to the second performance. We would not want to miss it!
The parade steps off in Frontierland next to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This is a good place if you would like to see the parade with the least effort possible. You won’t have to wait as long for the parade to reach your area. We recommend getting a spot at this location about an hour before the parade begins. You’ll want to be on the front row if possible, especially if you have younger children who want to see everything up close. (It’s worth the wait.)
For the most magical experience, you’ll need to secure a spot on Main Street, U.S.A., about an hour to an hour and a half before the parade. You’ll get stunning parade views with Cinderella Castle in the background. Snow will fall while you wait, and you’ll be treated to a pre-parade. The downside is that the parade takes about 20 minutes to reach this area after it steps off in Frontierland. However, the pre-parade and entertainment help keep the crowd in good spirits leading up to the first float.
Learn More>> Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
![Mickey and Minnie in the Christmas Party Parade at Magic Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-once-upon-christmastime-parade-nighttime-1.jpg)
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
This castle stage show is offered four times each night of the party. It’s exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and features many characters, popular Christmas tunes, and dazzling performers. This year’s stage show is scheduled at 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:35 p.m., and 11:55 p.m.
Each performance lasts approximately 20 minutes and features a variety of classic characters mixed with a few rare ones. The opening act includes Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck. Other performances include Clarabelle Cow, who rocks Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You better than anyone else except for Mariah Carey. That act is followed by a few Country music tunes featuring Woody and Jessie from Toy Story. Then, Panchito Pistoles and Jose Carioca spice things up with a few Latin-inspired tunes and dance numbers. By the finale, a number of characters have joined the stage in their holiday best.
![Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-guide-most-merriest.jpg)
American Sign Language Interpretations
Before we move on to the next entertainment offerings, I wanted to note that American Sign Language interpretations will be offered on the following dates for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration:
- Monday, November 11, 2024
- Thursday, December 5, 2024
- Tuesday, December 10, 2024
- Thursday, December 19, 2024
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show is my favorite entertainment offering of the evening. It is offered once per night at 10:00 p.m. Each performance includes the popular Christmas songs Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas and projections on Cinderella Castle. It’s a touching fireworks spectacular that most will consider sentimental. We wouldn’t miss it.
![the castle with Christmas projections](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-guide-minnies-fireworks.jpg)
Frozen Holiday Surprise (Special Showing)
A Frozen Holiday Surprise is a short castle projection show offered nightly at Magic Kingdom. This show debuted last year and is not exclusive to the Christmas Party. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf join the stage for this special performance each night around 6:15 p.m. However, on nights of the Christmas Party, the performance will be offered a second time at 8:15 p.m. This second showing should be relatively easy to see.
Planning the Major Events
We’ve now discussed all the major entertainment offerings (aside from character meets) at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Before we continue, I wanted to give you an idea of how to schedule these offerings for your evening. We’ve done this a few times and find it’s the most efficient way to see as much as possible. However, it will require staying in or around the same area during the core party hours.
- See Frozen Holiday Surprise at 8:15 p.m. (Stand Close to the Parade Path)
- Watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at 8:30 p.m. (Stay in the Same Place)
- See Mickey’s Merriest Celebration at 9:25 p.m. (We recommend standing as close to the castle as possible without being too close to enjoy the fireworks. You may not have an opportunity to move much before the fireworks.)
- Watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Again, this plan offers little room for movement. But if you stick to it, you’ll be able to plan the things that are important to your family before and after these items.
![Santa Clause at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-guide-parade-santa.jpg)
Club Tinsel
Club Tinsel is a DJ dance party that allows guests to dance the night away in front of the Rocketeer Plaza Stage. Last year, a couple of characters came out intermittently throughout the evening: Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps, Chip, and Dale.
This is where the former Totally Tomorrowland Christmas stage show was held. It did not return last year, which greatly disappointed fans.
![Club Tinsel Stage in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom Party](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-guide-club-tinsel.jpg)
Disney Junior Jingle Jam
Little ones can join in on the dance floor inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. The Disney Junior Jingle Jam allows guests to dance with their favorite Disney Junior characters. Typically, characters like Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Timon make appearances.
Snowfall On Main Street
Each evening, you can enjoy a snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., during the Christmas Party. Snoap (soap that looks like snow) is blown from the rooftops. It’s truly magical, even when it’s hotter than blue blazes.
![Mickey waves to guests as snow falls on Main Street](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-guide-snowfall.jpg)
Character Meet-and-Greets
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an excellent place to meet rare characters. While a formal lineup will likely not be announced until the first party, we can look to last year’s party to get an idea of who to expect. Typically, 15-18 character meet-and-greet locations are available during the party. Some of these locations allow guests to meet multiple characters simultaneously. Others rotate, which can be annoying if you want to meet a specific character.
- Mickey Mouse
- Jack Skellington (Sandy Claws) with Sally
- Mary Poppins
- Mirabel
- Alice and the White Rabbit
- Tweedles
- Winnie the Pooh and Friends
- Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
- Snow White and The Prince
- Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and Prince Philip
- Cinderella and Prince Charming
- Belle
- Ariel and Prince Eric
- Donald Duck and Scrooge
- Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck
- Santa Goofy
- Seven Dwarfs
- Tiana and Prince Naveen
- Country Bears
- Captain Jack Sparrow
- Peter Pan
- Stitch
- Aladdin and Abu
- Jasmine and Genie
- Santa Claus
With so many individual meet-and-greets, we have a separate guide that details character meet-and-greets at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It shares our experience meeting characters, including how long we waited. It is common for some rare characters to have lines exceeding an hour or more.
![The Seven Dwarfs are a rare character meet-and-greet at Mickey's Christmas Party](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-characters-seven-dwarfs-2024.jpg)
Attractions
The following attractions will have holiday overlays at this year’s party:
- Space Mountain (Holiday Tunes and Festive Interior Lighting)
- Tomorrowland Speedway (Lights, Holiday Decor, and Music)
- Mad Tea Party (Lights and Music)
- Jingle Cruise (Overall Holiday Theme and Jokes)
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (Seasonal Show)
Here are the attractions that will be available during the party:
Adventureland
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Swiss Family Treehouse
Frontierland
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party
Storybook Circus
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
Tomorrowland
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Astro Orbiter
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
![holiday overlay of Tomorrowland Speedway](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-guide-speedway-overlay.jpg)
Specialty Food and Drink + Dining
Per Disney, sweet treats and beverages will be available at designated locations around the park—at no additional charge. Usually, four to five locations throughout the park have cookies and hot chocolate. Each location typically has a unique cookie. We were impressed with some of the cookies we tried at last year’s party. They were a step above what’s usually available. (An allergy-friendly location is usually designed on the party map.)
The following quick-service restaurants will be open during the party:
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
- Casey’s Corner
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn Cafe
- The Friar’s Nook
- Sleepy Hollow
- Main Street Bakery
Reservations for the following table service restaurants are recommended:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- The Plaza Restaurant
*It’s important to note that these will be your only dining options during the party. Again, we highly recommend having a full meal by 6:30 p.m. or earlier. You can always pick up a snack or something at one of the quick service locations if needed.
Fireworks dessert parties will also be available for the party. They can be reserved up to 60 days in advance. Here are two options with links to more information on Disney’s site.
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
Photo Opportunities
Special photograph opportunities and magic shots will be available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Guests can purchase a one-day Memory Maker option to use at the party or purchase the Memory Maker for the entirety of their vacation. PhotoPass photographers will be available throughout the park and at many of the character meet-and-greets.
![projections at the Magic Kingdom Entrance during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-guide-photo-opps.jpg)
Final Thoughts
We hope you found this guide helpful in planning your time at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. We’ve been attending the party for well over ten years and thoroughly enjoy it. Our only complaint is the pricing. I usually attend two parties each year, one to cover the characters and the other for all the extras. We pay out-of-pocket to attend these events and share our experiences with our readers. With these prices, I doubt we’ll attend more than one event this year.
As someone who loves the party, I hate to end on that note. But with no new major offerings announced, it’s something you’ll want to consider. Those extra funds could be used for many other things, like a longer vacation or a starter fund to save toward your next vacation. Again, I’m not knocking on the party; it’s just the cost of it. If you’re curious about the real cost of a Disney vacation, check out our budgeting tools. We have a line item on our spreadsheets that includes the seasonal parties.
For more seasonal guides, you may also enjoy:
- Jollywood Nights Character Lineup for 2024
- 9 Things to Do at Disney World This Christmas Season
- Meeting Characters at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
In the Comments
Have you ever attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Let us know your thoughts, opinions, or anything you’re still considering below in the comments.