Even in Orlando, guests and residents alike can dream of a white Christmas. But the closest we may come to that impossible feat in the Sunshine State is at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World, where it “snows” on Main Street, U.S.A., and guests enjoy hot cocoa on select dates in November and December. My family and I have attended the party for more than a decade, witnessing the changes through the years. Here, I offer our best tips for making the most of your party night.
First, know that your party ticket allows you to enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m., even though most party activities do not start until 7 p.m. Early admission used to be a non-publicized perk and a tool to disburse the arriving crowds. Now, however, Walt Disney World touts the entrance time. You could, of course, use the extra time to experience attractions, but I think that three-hour window is best used to prepare for the party so you don’t waste precious party time.
Our strategy for this time is similar to what we do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Upon entering the Magic Kingdom, we take a family picture at the photo spot in Town Square. (As I mentioned in my blog post about what is new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for 2015, many annual passholders now receive free digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos, so put that benefit to good use!)
Next, we pop into the adjacent Fire House to collect our “Olaf’s Snowgies” cards for the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game. They are complimentary and only given to party guests, although they can be used in the interactive card game at any time going forward. Then, we go next door to the Emporium if anyone in our family is planning to spend their money on exclusive party merchandise, such as pins, MagicBands and T-shirts. Both the collectible game card and the party merchandise are available to party guests who have their wristbands beginning at 4 p.m.
After those ‘tasks” have been accomplished, we either choose to have a quick-service dinner or to get in line for some of the popular characters, many of whom are only seen at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
** For the second year, guests can meet Jack Skellington dressed as Sandy Claws in Storybook Circus. Because of long lines, Sandy Claws’ sets are beginning before the party officially starts. Only guests with party wristbands will be allowed in the queue. Also in Storybook Circus are Scrooge McDuck, Santa Goofy, and Daisy Duck, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse in their holiday finest.
** Cinderella with Prince Charming and Rapunzel with Flynn Rider greet guests during the party at Princess Fairytale Hall. Prince Philip joins Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and Snow White and her prince in the castle courtyard. These are rare appearances by the princes.
** All Seven Dwarfs pose for photos by the other nearby Fantasyland gate.
** Santa Claus hears children’s wishes in the garden adjacent to City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A.
** Talking Mickey Mouse is dressed in his Christmas clothes in his usual spot inside Town Square Theater.
** Aladdin and Abu alternate with Jasmine and Genie at the set across from the Magic Carpet ride.
For characters with long lines, it makes sense to do your waiting before the Christmas party starts so you’ll have more time to enjoy the entertainment that only takes place after 7 p.m.
If you haven’t been able to secure a reservation for dinner at the oh-so-popular Be Our Guest restaurant, you might have a shot during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. A fellow blogger told me that the cast members will take a limited number of walk-up reservations, usually beginning between 6 and 6:30 p.m. If you are able to get on the list, understand that this likely means sacrificing a couple of hours of party time. You have to decide if that trade-off is worth it to your party.
Remember: the party only lasts for five hours — from 7 p.m. to midnight — so you’ll need a strategy in order to do most everything that’s important to your group. It’s unlikely that one family can do everything during that time. Our family focuses on the entertainment that is unique to the party because we can choose to experience other things at Magic Kingdom another day.
At both the Halloween and Christmas parties at the Magic Kingdom, the Wishes fireworks show and the holiday parade are always on our “must-do” list. No matter how many times we’ve seen Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, they still amaze us! It’s not the Christmas season until we’ve seen the toy soldiers march in precision formations down Main Street, U.S.A.
Because of crowds at the first parade, we usually try to wait to view the parade until the second presentation. We typically arrive on Main Street about 9:10 for the beginning of Celebrate the Magic at 9:15 and the fireworks at 9:30. When they end 20 minutes later, we grab a spot on the curb for the second parade. You’ll notice that is “snows” on Main Street during each parade. It also “snows” at the end of the evening, so if you stay until the last half hour of the party, you can step right into the “snow” and take some fun photos.
And what goes great with “snow” and wintry fun? Hot cocoa and cookies, of course! Even better, they are included in the price of your party ticket. Check the map for eight serving locations that are marked with one of these lighted candy canes. For those who prefer less sugar, apple juice and apple slices also are offered. Guests may have any combination of the four items, and there is no limit to the number of times you can go through each, or any, line.
Low on our list of party activities are the two stage shows — A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Celebrate the Season — that are presented multiple times throughout the night and the dance party, Club Tinsel, at Cosmic Ray’s. All are well-done, but we just can’t make it to everything!
If you arrive early for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you may also want to spend that time at two holiday-themed attractions, but know that they are available to non-party guests, too, so you may want to save them for other days at the Magic Kingdom if you are returning to the theme park on another day.
** A Frozen Holiday Wish,” which debuted last year, is the short stage show in front of Cinderella Castle during which the folks from Arendelle light up the 200,000 “icicles” adorning the castle. It takes place at 6:15 and 8 p.m. daily, which means day guests can see the first show. In our experience at the 2014 and 2015 parties, both shows are super crowded in the hub because that’s where you need to be if you want to see the “Frozen” characters on stage. However, you can see the castle being lit up from anywhere on Main Street. Next time I view this show, I think I would prefer a little more breathing room.
** The Jungle Cruise has been transformed into the Jingle Cruise for the third year. This “world-famous” holiday overlay can be experienced during regular park hours, too, but if you have some time to kill, it’s a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit before the party.
DISCLAIMER: I was a guest of Walt Disney World at a media preview of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This did not affect my story, and my opinions are my own.
Do you know if the Sleigh Ride thru the Wilderness Campgrounds is still offered? If so, any reviews on it?
KRISTIN: Yes, it is. I mention some details in my most recent blog post, and you can find more info here:
http://allears.net/btp/carriage.htm