Every holiday season, the Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  This special event is an additional purchase and worth every penny.  This year the dates are 11/30, 12/1, 12/4, 12/7, 12/8, 12/11, 12/14, and 12/15.  The party lasts from 8:00pm – 1:00am, but we have found that the gate usually opens around 7:30pm. The cost is $31.00 for adults and $21.00 for children 9 and under.  Because this is a limited admission event, the crowds are small compared to regular operating hours.

If you want to beat the lines entering the park, have dinner in one of the park restaurants.  The past few years, we’ve eaten had a 5:55pm seating (the Magic Kingdom closes at 6:00pm) in places like the Liberty Tree Tavern or Cinderella’s Royal Table.  You can enjoy a leisurely meal and wait in the restaurant until guests are allowed back into the park.  Instead of having to get your ticket exchanged for a wrist band at City Hall, you can get them in your restaurant.  You’ll save lots of hassle and waiting in lines.

Mickey and his friends create a magical evening for all, including shows, special parades, an enchanting  Christmas parade, fireworks, yummy treats, a family photo, and snow.  Yes, you read it correctly – it snows on Main Street USA.  A stage is set up in front of Cinderella Castle for holiday shows, which occur several times throughout the evening.  You’ll receive a brochure giving the time and place for the special events, as well as the locations for photos and treats.  In previous years, there have been two showings of the Main Street Electrical Parade and you can catch a double dose of fireworks.  We’ve even enjoyed Belle telling a special Christmas tale with lots of help (and participation) from her enthusiastic audience.

There are several spots where your family can pose for a commemorative photo.  You take a moment filling out an address form, have your pic snapped, then enjoy your evening.  A few weeks later the pic shows up in your mailbox.  It’s even got ‘Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party’ and the date at the bottom.  If you’re hungry for a snack, sample the treats provided in several places throughout the park.

The most popular attractions are open, and there is not usually a wait.  You’ll also see lots of your favorite characters.  We’ve seen Cinderella’s Coach on display near the castle, and been lucky enough to have a picture with Fairy Godmother in front of the coach.  Mickey, Minnie and their friends are in holiday wear and can be found easily for photos and autographs.

Hands down, our favorite is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade.  Mickey and Minnie lead the parade, which includes high school bands from around the country playing holiday favorites.  Your favorite characters, from Chip and Dale to the Seven Dwarfs, add lots of fun and laughter.  Do not, repeat, do not, miss the toy soldiers.  They’re incredible.  Not only do they play instruments, they move with the precision of a military drill team.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is certain to put even the biggest grinch in the holiday spirit.

Thanks BRYCE for writing this article for the site! And for the photos, too!