Mickey-shaped wreaths, miles of garland, nutcrackers, and too many lights to count. You know it’s the holiday season at Walt Disney World when these sights are around. The biggest event held during the holiday season is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) which takes place on select evenings at the Magic Kingdom in November and December. It features exclusive holiday entertainment, snow falling on Main St., and best of all – complimentary treats around the park! This year was extraordinary for me because I was able to bring along one of my greatest friends, Clarissa from ClarissaExplainsItAll.net and her daughter! Our daughters (both 7-years-old) have quickly become the best of friends, so it was so fun to have them come along. Best of all? It was their FIRST time at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! In this post, I’ll be going over the many MVMCP details along with tips to make your party experience over the top!
Disclosure: Disney granted me access into the park to provide media coverage. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this review. All opinions of this theme park and pictures are my own and may not be used with permission under any circumstances.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tips

We’ve been visiting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for 7 years straight. I’d say we’re pretty familiar with the ins and outs of what Mickey has to offer. I love when Disney changes things up, like this year, and throws a few special surprises in for everyone. Now if it’s your first time attending the party you may think it’s going to be like any other visit to the park but let’s go over a few things that can make your night even more magical.

When To Arrive

Ticket prices vary based on the date, whether you purchase in advance or on the day of, or are a child or adult. For 2017 the price range is $84 to $109. A MVMCP ticket grants you access to the park from 7 pm-midnight for all the spectacular holiday events that regular park guests do not have access to any given day. Here’s the secret, arrive at the front gates at 4 pm. Similar to the “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party“, your “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” ticket grants you park access earlier than when the party starts! This way, you will be able to have some daylight left for photos, meet characters, and even get some rides before the party-exclusive activities begin. Once the party starts you can focus on everything the party has to offer without missing out on your other Magic Kingdom favorites.

Break The Rules

A fun perk of these exclusive parties is the FREE (yes, Disney does “free”, my friends.) treats that you receive. Once the party starts, you’ll see big inflatable candy canes around the park. Seven (7) to be exact. When you spot a candy cane go inside to get your free treats. Unlike past years where it was hot cocoa and snickerdoodle cookies, Walt Disney World has mixed it up this year. At each location, you’ll find a variety of complimentary treats. I always appreciated the endless hot cocoa and cookies (the debate is still out if the cookies are good. I love them), but I enjoy the fact that there are a variety of goodies around the park.

List of Holiday Treat locations for 2017:

• Tortuga Tavern
• Liberty Square Ticket Office
• Pete’s Silly Sideshow
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• The Friar’s Nook
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• Autie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

I say “break the rules” because you have to remember, the party starts late and goes late into the night. Your kids are going to be exhausted. Let them have all the treats to keep them going. I’m going to get major mom points but I’m not even sure our kids ate “real” food during the party. It was pretzels, sno-cones, cookies, and more cookies. Live it up and they can have the healthy options tomorrow.

DO Have a Plan

Planning is critical at these parties as time is limited and experiences are endless. Starting at 6:15, Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into an icy centerpiece for the celebration and the fun doesn’t stop after that. If you arrived early, get your FastPass+ then because FP+ is not available during party hours. That will really help maximize your time and the events you can attend. Start by going through the map and identify your must-see activities and go from there. Do not plan your trip around the treat locations, but instead stop in when you’re passing them to your next destination. With “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Holiday Wishes almost back-to-back Main Street U.S.A. gets extrememly crowded. Have someone hold your spot at least 3-40 minutes in advance.

You will also find exclusive specialty food and merchandise during party hours. I did not have the chance to stop and grab one of these sweet treats like I had planned but they all sound delicious, especially the Eggnog Custard Dessert at Storybook Treats.

Recap of included events for 2017 Christmas Party:

• Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
• A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show
• VoicePlay
• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
• Character Dance Parties (located Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe)
• Holiday Wishes Fireworks
• Disney character Meet and Greets with characters dressed in their holiday attire
• Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
• Snow on Main Street

For 2017, the party will be held November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28 and December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 22.