Disney: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Date: November, 2017

Place: Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

Admittedly, my Christmas tree has been put up since the beginning of November. Naturally, I visited the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party mid-November as well…but, at least I’ve waited until now, after Thanksgiving to talk about it? 😉

I’ve always thought and said that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party is the best of the two but this year’s party has me thinking differently. Although a little pricey (more than the Halloween party), Disney really stepped up this year to make it enjoyable. It could have been the fireworks that welcomed us the minute we walked in around 6:30pm, the endless amount of cookies, the sparkling apple cider, the pretzels(!), snow on Main Street…I loved it all.

Before I share the pictures, I have just a few tips for those of you wanting or already planning to attend the party:

Be sure to bring a ziplock bag for all those treats you’ll pick up. At one treat stop (indicated by giant candy canes) we were given 4 cookies each, at another a small handful of dove chocolates, and did I mention there are also pretzels?! If you find that you can’t eat all that while there (especially if travelling with little ones), a ziplock bag will come in handy to store the treats for later.
If you are using regular park tickets for your trip and want to save a little money and still attend the party, don’t count this day in your number of park days. Instead, plan on arriving promptly at 4pm, using just your party tickets to gain access to the Magic Kingdom. The party doesn’t start until 7pm but you can check in as early as 4pm without requiring additional park admittance. What to do before 4pm that day? Sleep in (the party goes until midnight), visit Disney Springs (don’t forget about the free Christmas Tree Trail!) &/or jump on the monorail and visit all the resorts along the monorail line (see how they’re all decorated for Christmas and be sure to visit the Gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian!)
Not one for parades or fireworks? Those are the best times to get on the rides. With that said though, the parades and fireworks are must do’s, at least once if you’ve never seen them before.
Most importantly – go on the Jingle Cruise ride. You won’t regret it. (note: the Jingle Cruise is active outside of the party but I still think it’s a must during the party).