Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Review
A Magical Christmas at Magic Kingdom
I’ve always loved Christmas—it’s my favorite holiday! My first experience at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was six years ago when I took my youngest daughter for her golden birthday (6 on the 6th). It was pure holiday magic filled with rides, hot chocolate, and memories we’ll never forget.
When I returned last year with my whole family, the experience was totally different—because my girls only care about rides, not parades or fireworks! If rides are your top priority, these Disney parties are an amazing way to enjoy low wait times and shorter lines for the most popular attractions.
It was about 45 degrees out. It was 80 degrees 2 days later. Be prepared for all weather!
Focusing on Holiday Magic (Not Just Rides)
This year, I went back with friends, and our focus was everything my kids usually skip—shows, parades, and fireworks! We only rode a few attractions:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (walked right on!)
Jingle Cruise (about a 20-minute wait)
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (also about 20 minutes)
We even joined the virtual queue for TRON, but missed our boarding group while watching the parade—no regrets! We’d already ridden it earlier this year during the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.
We did not do any character meets because the wait times were fairly long, but we did stop for a couple of non-character pictures.
(The shadows on our pants are so funny in this pic.)
It was way too cold to wear these shirts we planned, but we braved the cold for a castle picture.
Entering the Party Early
If you don’t have a daytime park ticket, you can enter Magic Kingdom at 4 PM for the party. Lines move quickly, and you’ll receive your event wristband at check-in. Walking through the special party entrance on Main Street, U.S.A., we were greeted by twinkling lights, festive photo spots, and “snoap” (Disney’s magical soap snow!).
Bonus: Party guests also receive a special Christmas ornament as a keepsake.
Dinner Before the Party
In past years, food options were limited to cookies and cocoa once the party started. This year, Disney added savory offerings like holiday sandwiches and snacks, which was such a welcome improvement!
Still, I made early dinner reservations at Liberty Tree Tavern for 4:30 PM—it’s one of my favorites. If you prefer something heartier before all the sweets, a pre-party meal is still a great idea.
Don’t Miss the Frozen Castle Lighting
We made our way to the castle for the Frozen Holiday Surprise, where Elsa “lights” Cinderella Castle with icy magic. It’s absolutely adorable and a must-see for Frozen fans.
The official party begins at 7 PM, and as soon as it did, we started our cookie crawl—each stop offering different treats and beverages like hot chocolate, cider, and eggnog.
Parade and Fireworks Tips
We watched the 8:30 PM Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade from Frontierland, but next time, I’ll choose a different spot—bright spotlights made it hard to see. For the best view, watch from Main Street, U.S.A. with the castle backdrop and falling snoap—it’s the most magical setting!
Pro Tip: While cookies and drinks are included, don’t skip the exclusive party desserts for purchase. We tried three and loved them all (especially when shared!).
Santa’s Belt Buckle from Sunshine Tree Terrace
Peppermint Snowman from The Friar's Nook
The Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show at 10 PM was spectacular—festive music, castle projections, and fireworks shaped like Minnie Mouse! It’s now my second-favorite nighttime show at Walt Disney World, right behind Happily Ever After.
End the Night with Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
After the fireworks, we split up—my friend Katie saved our parade spot on Main Street while Mattie and I enjoyed one more ride on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Watching the final parade with the snoap falling and castle lights twinkling was the perfect holiday ending.
Before leaving, we caught the last Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle show at 11:55 PM. Even though the party officially ends at midnight, they don’t rush you out, so take your time soaking up the magic!
Final Thoughts: Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?
Absolutely.
Whether you love rides, shows, parades, or simply sipping hot cocoa under the falling snoap, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party delivers pure holiday joy.
To make the most of it, decide ahead of time what’s most important to your group—rides, photos, or entertainment—and plan around that. Staying until the very end made this year’s visit my favorite Disney party ever.
Plan Your Own Magical Holiday Trip
Thinking about visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays? I’d love to help you plan your magical vacation and make sure you experience the best of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
