23 Nov Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Overview 2022
It’s the most magical time of year at Walt Disney World Resort. Each year, the holiday season sweeps over property like a blizzard, covering the parks and resorts with lights, trees and dazzling decor. If you’re lucky, you can go to sleep when it’s decorated for Halloween and wake up when it’s Christmastime. With the holidays come additional seasonal offerings you can plan into your trip. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party fills Magic Kingdom with sparkling cheer select nights in November and December.
Disclosure: This writer received free tickets to attend this event.
What to Expect at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
In 2022, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back! After a hiatus, then a different Christmas event, Very Merry is happening again for the first time since 2019. The Christmas party at Magic Kingdom is a festive celebration that includes most of the park’s beloved attractions, special character meet and greets, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate and snow on Main Street. Big draws for many guests include the Christmas themed parade, fireworks and castle stage show. The park transforms as soon as the clock strikes 7:00 p.m. and jolly music and lighting take over the kingdom.
Many cast members wear special costumes for the party that have a cute Christmas tree print. In true Disney fashion there is always Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise to remember your night by. When you arrive or leave, sometimes there are commemorative items cast members are handing out. In 2022, a special, small poster of the castle with Mickey and Minnie is the free gift for each guest upon exiting.
Upon its return, the party feels mostly back to normal and like the full event. There was at least one special part missing from the parade. Typically, a highlight for many visitors is the live band of toy soldiers in the parade. Around 12 musicians would play with the parade music and it was really something to experience. As offerings have returned to Walt Disney World over the last few years, many details have been cut. Keep that in mind if there is something really important to you. You can always share feedback after your experience. When at its best, Disney listens to guests’ valuable thoughts.
2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates
You can pretty much always count on Walt Disney World starting the holiday season shortly after the first week in November. Decorations typically start to go up the first few days in November if not earlier. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts around November 7th to 10th depending on how the calendar falls. Resorts are usually decorated mid November and Epcot gets into the full swing of things after Thanksgiving. The 2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates are as follows:
November
8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29
December
1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22
Very Merry Ticket Prices 2022
In 2022, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets have gone up quite a bit. Prices range from $149 to $199 this year depending on the night. That’s a steep increase over the last time the event took place three years ago. A while back, Disney switched party tickets to dynamic pricing. This means you’ll pay more on what the company deems peak nights. Think the closer to Christmas, the higher the price.
Magic Kingdom Christmas Party Treats
Just like trick or treating at the Halloween parties, Christmas parties come with goodies to enjoy. The complimentary treats at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party have changed over the years. You might want to visit a few treat stations for different tastes. You never know exactly what you’ll get but some kind of cookie and hot cocoa combination is expected throughout the park. Apple cider is usually found, too. This year I came across prepackaged chocolate chip cookies at Columbia Harbour House and iced gingerbread cookies served the same way at Pinocchio Village Haus. The individual plastic wrapper on each cookie is a nice touch because you don’t have to eat it the moment you get it. It also feels more sanitary. If you’re a long time Christmas partier, you might remember the delicious snickerdoodles being handed out with a napkin.
You can find each treat stop in your party guide and by looking for the tall, inflatable peppermint sticks around the park. Disney is great about accommodating those with allergies or special dietary preferences. Ask for the allergy friendly option at each treat location. Nutritional information is listed on the packaging.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tips for 2022
Christmas parties are a short five hours compared to a full day at Disney Parks. The event goes by really fast. Here are some Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tips to help you get the most out of your night. For starters, buy tickets as soon as they go on sale. Years ago, it was not common for tickets to sell out all party nights. You could easily walk up and buy tickets most of the time. Since special events weren’t offered for a few years, they are very popular now that they’re back. Both the Halloween and Christmas party at Magic Kingdom completely sold out, and pretty early, in 2022.
What to Wear to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This is your chance to put on your jolly best. Some folks like to wear matching Christmas pajamas to Very Merry so you may see that around the park. Christmas light necklaces are also popular. Magic Kingdom usually has cast members selling those and other light up goodies on carts when you walk in. Disney sells a few new pairs of holiday ears each year. You can pick these up around the parks or Disney Springs any time during the season, not just at the party. If you want to shop for cute Disney, Christmas outfits before the party on your trip, World of Disney at Disney Springs usually has a decent selection in the room that is updated each season.
When to arrive for Mickey’s Christmas Party
Though parties technically go from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., guests with Very Merry tickets can enter as early as 4:00 p.m. You don’t need a park pass reservation to enter the park early or to enter the party. If you are in the park already for the full day, you’ll need to find a check in point to scan your ticket and get your wrist band for the party.
Dining at Very Merry
There are plenty of treats around but it can be harder to find options for a meal. If possible, eat dinner before you come or at the park before the party starts. Casey’s Corner is an easy place to grab something quick during the party shortly after you enter the park. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Frontierland and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland are usually open during the parties for dinner. Table service dining is available at Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. but you’ll need a reservation in advance. These aren’t meals you want to rush through and you’ll miss quite a bit of the party if you enjoy them so that’s something to consider.
Christmas Parade Viewing Tips
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade brings Christmas cheer through the park each party at 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The parade route starts in Frontierland and makes its way to Main Street, U.S.A. The second parade is always quieter and easier to get a spot for, as many guests usually leave after the fireworks at 10:00 p.m. Watching Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade on or around Main Street is extra special because of the snow. Lots of people like to watch from this location because of that, the castle and the ambiance of this area of the park. If you prefer a little more elbow room or would just like to walk up and have a front row spot, watching the second parade from Frontierland is your best bet. For the best viewing, photos and video, consider where the lights are shining when you pick your spot. Spotlights shine to brighten the nighttime parade route. You’ll want to make sure there isn’t a set shining directly in your view.
Watching Christmas Fireworks From Outside the Park
If you’re taking a trip during the holiday season but aren’t able to get tickets, consider the following. A dinner at one of the surrounding resorts or a firework cruise to watch the Very Merry fireworks make for a really nice night. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show happens at 10:00 p.m. during the event. Special event fireworks tend to look even better from nearby venues like Top of the World Lounge and California Grill. You can get excellent views of the fireworks, and usually hear the music too, at the Grand Floridian marina or Polynesian Resort beach.
Christmas Parade and Fireworks at Magic Kingdom During Christmas Week
This is also important to note. December 22nd is the last Christmas party of the year. Starting December 23rd, guests can see Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 8:15 p.m. as part of a regular day at Magic Kingdom. Guests can also see Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade starting December 23rd through the 31st at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Note this is instead of Festival of Fantasy. Both the parade and fireworks replace the regular version you would usually see.
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