It's the spirit of the season. You can feel it in the air. From the dazzling lights along Main Street USA, to the seasonal cookies at Friar Nooks; Walt Disney World at Christmas just seems to be evermore magical, and one of those things you need to tick off your bucket list. Whether you are querying the additional cost to visit the infamous 'Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party', or have already booked and want some insider tips - keep reading because I have my top 10 tips on how you can beat the 'mousetrap' this holiday season!
So what is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP)? Well, in want of better words, it's a VIP, after hour's park experience, featuring a special fireworks show, exclusive character meet and greets, unique parades and limited dining and snack offers - plus unlimited hot chocolate and cookies. I was fortunate enough to attend in both 2015 and 2017.
This year's dates fall as follows:
November: 15, 16th, 25th, 27th, 29th and 30th
December: Practically every 2nd night from 2nd until the 21st
It's worth mentioning at this point however, from Dec 22nd, the standard daytime Festival of Fantasy 2pm parade becomes the same as MVMCP's one - so this is also something to bear in mind when booking a trip over the festive season. You will get to meet unique characters and some old skool ones, such as Duffy, Clarabelle the Cow and Max from Goofy Movie.
One thing you have to be mindful of, is the ticket price. This event is an addition, on top of your pre-paid tickets, and will cost you on average $100 per adult and is highly recommended you book in advance. I visited on both occasions in November and was extremely lucky to book from City Hall Guest Services on the day, but I wouldn't recommend you roll that way.
You get to access the park all day as normal and can start collecting your VIP wristbands from select locations throughout the park from approx. 4pm - the party starts from 6/7pm (and ends at midnight) which is when regular guests start leaving and they won't be able to access attractions and side shows, unless they have their MVMCP wristband. It is worth mentioning that from 4pm is when the My Disney Experience App typically starts changing to the evening entertainment offering, and the special character meet and greets will then become more apparent on the park map, along with where you can collect your free cookies and festive drinks from etc. If you don't have the app, you will also get a free party park guide when you collect your VIP wristbands - this is really useful, as it marks out the free treat pick-up locations, as well as the parade route and times, but doesn't showcase the character locations or timings. Guests, Passholders and Cast Members who have previously and frequently visited, will know where the special characters will be lurking; so you'll find there will already be queues before the meet and greet location is released on the app map. This is very much the case for meeting the Seven Dwarfs and Jack Skellington & Sally in their seasonal attire.
This year you can meet the limited edition characters in the following locations:
Seven Dwarves: Pete's Sideshow in Storybook Circus
Jack & Sally: Inside Town Square Theatre (where Tinkerbell usually is)
All Pooh Characters: The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh Ride
Santa Claus: Near City Hall
Nick & Judy from Zootropolis: Near Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
There are other characters such as the Country Bears, the Princesses with their Princes, Mary Poppins and Bert, Scrooge McDuck, Moana and Vampirina - these queues don't get as busy, and you can find their locations on the park map app.
So that seems to be the party in a nutshell. Keep on scrolling for some top insider party tips!
There's always enough food and seasonal drinks for everyone! One of the things I have noticed, is that fellow guests seem to ramsack the food locations for their unlimited hot chocolates and cookies. You are advised to arrive early on the special party park guides, but I guarantee there is always enough food for everyone. These locations appear to be especially busy just before parades, when people want snacks to munch on. I personally got all my snacks just before going home where I very kindly got given some churros and extras too. Don't waste your limited time queuing for food, when you can just get everything at the end of the event. My go-to place is Pinnochio’s Village Haus for the cookies, as they often give you 3-4 treats in one go! If you aren't sure where to collect your free snacks; refer to your park guide, or keep your eyes peeled for the giant, inflatable candy canes located around each of the kingdoms.
Understand that you sadly cannot meet each and every single character. Decide which ones are a rare find and accept you're going to have to queue for a while. If you are happy to wait before the party begins; I would recommend getting a space in line from approx. 4/5pm for the Seven Dwarfs - you'll be one of the first in line and can then enjoy the rest of your evening, knowing you started with an awesome meet and greet! When I visited last Christmas, the dwarfs already had a 45 minute wait by 5pm, so this is just something to bear in mind...
Make the most of the later shows. From my experience, I found that the later shows are typically quieter and have less children in large, bulky strollers. Luckily you get a couple opportunities to watch the parade and Mickey's show on the castle forecourt.
Personally, my favourite place to watch the fireworks is from the Main Plaza Hub - before it swings right to Tomorrowland - this is a great and quiet spot for the parade route, along with an awesome view of the panoramic fireworks. The show at MVMCP is ‘Holiday Wishes’. Unlike the usual park fireworks spectacular of ‘Happily Ever After’; it doesn’t feature much projection mapping, mainly just a colour changing castle. If you’re not too bothered about seeing the castle and want to avoid crowds; then you can get a phenomenal view at Storybook Circus, where the pyros are literally cascading over your head, and you’re getting a 360 degree view - just something to bear in mind if you’re also queuing for the Seven Dwarfs. Secondly, Disney also offer many Dessert Packages, where you are given a designated seating area and an all you can eat dessert buffet; however it does set you back an additional $50+ per person. I was lucky enough to get my dessert party package for free on my last visit; however be warned that there’s a lot of trees blocking your castle view from Tomorrowland Terrace.
Note: There is only ONE fireworks show: 'Holiday Wishes' starting at 10pm, so I would very much make this your top priority and plan your evening around this.
The best and (usually) quietest time to meet characters is just before/during the parade. If you are a super organised party-goer (and trust me, you need to study your park guide and create an itinerary for your night), you can skip the early parades and shows and use that time to meet characters. I recommend Nick and Judy or the Pooh Characters - their queues are fairly short anyways (approx. 30 mins) but during parade time you can usually walk right up. I was so lucky with Tigger and his friends - the characters are dressed in their festive scarves and are extremely interactive. You sometimes get characters who aren't advertised at all, and I’ve been lucky enough to meet the Fairy Godmother and the Ugly Sisters by the Carousel on my travels - it’s sometimes just down to your timing.
Unfortunately the characters do not sign for autographs during the parties. If you’re like me and collect character signatures; then this is rubbish news. Understandably you can see why; with some queues peaking at 2 hours - and with that, they only allow group shots, as appose to single shots with you separated from your party. So you can see that Disney are making an effort to churn through as many guests as quickly as possible. What you do get however is a laminate card, where the character has pre-signed, which you can stick in your book - this usually comes is a festive bauble shape.
There are special edition magic shots. If you have the memory maker and photo pass, then you’ll know too well about the awesome magic shots they do as a free little extra. During the parties; they have exclusive ones with dancing Tinkerbell in her Santa outfit, kissing under mistletoe and Christmas crackers/confetti. They are really lovely extras, but just make sure you ask when lining up to get your festive photo taken; otherwise the guys won’t do it. On this note, if you are into taking exclusive festive photos with your photo pass, then there are some must dos for your added experience and benefit: Whilst crowds wait for the fireworks to begin, head to the drinks stand on the left of the plaza before the Liberty Square Bridge - here you can get awesome castle shots, with no queue. The best part is, you don’t necessarily have to see Elsa turn on the castle lights for it to be twinkling all night - though I recommend giving that a watch, as it’s a really cute 10 minute feature show. Finally, the most beneficial thing you can do, is to get in line for a photo of the big Christmas tree at the top of Main Street about 15-30 minutes before the parade is due to start (depending how large the line is), not only will you get a creative photo pass shot; if you’ve timed it right, you’ll get held there during the parade and will have the most epic view, looking down the home straight of Main Street - plus it’s snowing, which makes it even more magical!
One of the best things about MVMCP is the ride queue times. As everyone is off enjoying themselves with free snacks and exclusive shows and entertainment; ride wait times are exceptionally short. This means you can probably get on typically busy rides such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan's Flight and Space Mountain really quickly, with most times being walk-on or up to 10 minutes. Plus riding the rides in the dark is always really cool!
Stay late. Most people typically leave after the 10pm fireworks show, making the last hour of the party (11pm-12am) a lot of quieter. This is the time when most people hit the shops, so do try and avoid them at this time. If you can stay up until 1/1:30pm, then this is the best time to get those quiet, festive Main Street photos. Even though the party finishes at midnight, you still have the last parade and open retail outlets at this time. The shops close and the Photo Pass staff pretty much finish when the last person leaves. If you are looking for exclusive Christmas merchandise however, I have always found the Emporium to have the best selection and be fairly quiet later into the night. The best part about staying late is you get to officially close the Christmas Magic Kingdom. You can say goodnight to Cinderella's Castle with no one else around and get the epic stranded Main Street photo shot too. Just make sure you check your transportation times and ensure you can get home safely. The Monorail and Ferry will still run until the last person leaves, and so do Disney Shuttle Buses if you are staying on property. I wasn't staying on property the last time I visited, so didn't make it back to my hotel room until 4am, after a VERY long walk - so be warned and do check!
New for 2018: You can head into Tony's Square Restaurant for snacks and treats from 9pm for their party!
Here you can savour on Tony's famous Bella Notte meatballs, mini pizzas, pumpkin tarts, yule logs and much more - as well as complimentary beer and wine. You will also benefit from priority viewing of the parade showing at 11pm. This party does set you back an additional $99 (on top of your MVMCP ticket) and already has had mixed reviews, so I suggest doing some extra research and really giving it some thought before you book...
What I did/Would Recommend
4pm: Get your wristband from this time. I find Friar Nooks/Storybook Treats an easy accessible/quiet place to collect your bands. Once you have your bands, I recommend wearing them straight away as staff will be on the lookout like hawks from 6pm to ensure guests are wearing these. If you haven't got a band, you're not getting to party!
4:30pm: Use this time to grab a bite to eat, as the rest of your night is going to be a hardcore route march! You can also stock up on snacks, so you have something to eat/do on the long wait of the character meet and greet. Waiting for characters isn't as bad as it seems; you usually end up chatting to fellow guests, making friends and once you have endured this long wait; the rest of the night is a treat!
5pm: Start queuing for your favourite character. You sadly can't meet them all, but for me it's a toss up between Jack Skellington and the Seven Dwarfs. I was lucky enough to Meet Moana and Jack in Paris, so personally, the Seven Dwarfs will always have my vote.
7pm: Head to the Cosmic Ray Cafe at Club Tinsel and get some photos/dance with the Reindeer.
7:45pm: Head to Tomorrowland Rocket Tower Plaza Stage to have a dance party with Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, The Incredibles and Mike Wazowski.
8:15pm: Find a spot in front of the castle for a Frozen Holiday Wish and see Elsa light up the castle. My favourite spot is right in front of the bin (looking right of the castle) closest to the popcorn stand (this is also a great spot for viewing Mickey's Castle Show) - the best part is, you can lean up against the bin and sit on the curb, and don't have to worry about people in front/behind you.
8:25pm: Watch The Edge Effect (formerly known as acapella/harmony group VoicePlay) and watch their festive show.
8:30-9:45pm: Make use of this time to meet exclusive characters whilst the first parade is on, and many guests are occupied with that. I find Talking Mickey in the Town Square Theatre, Mary Poppins outside the theatre, Nick & Judy by Buzz's ride, The Pooh Characters at Winnie's ride, Scrooge McDuck in Storybook Circus and Ariel at her grotto are typically nice and quiet. You can probably jump on a ride or two during this time also.
10pm: Go to the Storybook Circus or Main Street/Casey's Corner to watch Holiday Wishes Fireworks Spectacular.
11pm: Head to Main Street's Christmas Tree to watch Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade.
11:40: Sneak round to Friar Nooks and Pinnochio's Haus to stock up on your cookies and drinks.
11:55pm: Head to the Castle forecourt to watch the last Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration Show of the night.
12:30-close: Make the most of your retail experience and quiet Main Street Photo Pass opportunities - you can also use this time to scout around for any cookies and treats going spare.
If you are enjoying the festive season at Walt Disney World, then I would recommend checking out the following:
Hollywood Studios
Head to Sunset Boulevard from dusk to watch the finest, festive projection mapping on Tower of Terror. With Christmas tunes, colourful lights and falling snow; Sunset Boulevard is a fun place to embrace the season.
Watch the Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. This show replaces the Osbourne Lights and is fairly good, with projection mapping, live music and fireworks at the Great Hollywood Movie Ride.
Echo Lake is covered in extra large Christmas decorations, trees and ornaments - great for taking holiday photos.
Santa Claus will be around for meet and greets everyday, just tucked in between the Planet Hollywood Store and the Sunset Club Couture toilets. Queue lines average at 20-30 minutes, so he is much quieter here than in Magic Kingdom.
For an additional cost, enjoy dinner with Minnie and her friends at Hollywod and Vine.
Enjoy some extra festive touches in the new Toy Story Land. The Green Army Men are in seasonal camouflage and Woody & Buzz have a few extra surprises in store too!
Epcot World Showcase
Enjoy the Candlelight Procession at the American Theatre, featuring a celebrity narrator. This starts on Thanksgiving and runs each day until December 30th. The show runs twice a night for approx. 30 minutes and features a 50 piece orchestra and choir performing traditional songs, hymns and bible readings.
You can also taste the Holiday Kitchens at selected food units around the showcase pavilions. Sample traditional cheese and mulled wine in Germany and Caribbean delights in the Feast of Three Kings. There is so much food to sample and you can enjoy the delicious Snickerdoodle Cookies at the sweet chalets too!
Joyful, the Gospel Choir are back again at the Epcot Fountains when you first enter the park. Their music is delightfully catchy, and they will be performing every day, throughout the day.
Smaller adventurers can enjoy Chip & Dale's scavenger hunt, by finding ornaments to decorate their tree. This is really cute and keeps tots occupied whilst travelling around the park and waiting in line.
'Illuminations: Reflections on Earth' do an extra offering at the end of their fireworks show, which represents Christmas around the world. My top tip is to watch Illuminations from Morocco around the world showcase lagoon, as to embrace their religious traditions; the land is dark throughout the show and you get some awesome shots!
Animal Kingdom
Enjoy 'UP! A Great Bird Adventure' - to celebrate Diwali, there are special performances with Dug and his friends up until New Years Day.
Meet Minnie and Mickey in their Christmas jumpers at Explorer's Outpost.
Disney Springs
Enjoy the Christmas tree trail, as you try and work out who's tree is linked to which famous Disney character.
Soak up the spirit of the season by enjoying some retail therapy and munch on some seasonal snacks.
As usual, Disney Springs is never shy when it comes to night time entertainment and live music, and over the holidays; performers get a mistletoe makeover!
So that my fellow Mouseketeers is it! Hopefully you found this article useful for your trip, but if there is anything you think I've missed/have any burning questions; please do get in touch with me via the 'Contact Me Page'.
I hope you have the most wonderful time hanging with Mickey and his friends this Christmas and I wish you the happiest of holidays.
Enjoy the festive season and keep on discovering,
Danie
xxx
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