My Review of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, 2024

For many, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the iconic way to get into the holiday spirit. There are decorations, rare characters, a fun parade, dazzling fireworks, and so much more! There’s even “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A.! On November 11, I was hosted by Disney, thanks to a friend.

It was a warm and muggy night, so if you plan to go, check the forecast before you decide what to wear. I saw several people who obviously regretted the matching Christmas sweaters or flannel pajamas.

If you’re driving, I want to warn you about the Transportation & Ticket Center. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guests were asked to ride the ferry instead of the monorail. This caused a bit of a delay, so give yourself extra time. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts at 7:00, but your ticket will allow you in the Magic Kingdom at 4:00. It ends at midnight.

When you arrive, follow the signs that say “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party This Way”. You can then pick up your complimentary ornament, and there are some photo ops. Market Street is open only until 8:00, so if you want the ornament, don’t wait.

The event was sold out, and it felt it. The Magic Kingdom was crowded! That said, the Wait Times for the rides were mostly low. The longest that I noticed was 40 minutes for Space Mountain, and that was when the party first started.

Character lines were long. If rare characters and characters in their holiday best are what’s important to you, I’d advise that you pick which ones you want to see and get in line early. A Cast Member told us that the wait for the classic characters in Pete’s Silly Sideshow was 90 minutes, and that was before the party officially started. There are other photo opportunities throughout the Magic Kingdom, and these had shorter lines.

If you’re hungry, just look for a giant peppermint stick. Cookies and beverages such as eggnog or hot cocoa are included with your admittance. There are also special foods for sale. Some, but not all, dining locations are open if you want a full meal.

Looking for Santa? He’s in the back of the Magic Kingdom this year. Santa’s Christmas Carnival is located in Storybook Circus. Kids can meet Santa, and also send him a letter. I guess that’s so he won’t forget their wishes.

My friend and I focused primarily on the entertainment. Mickey’s Most Magical Celebration plays on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle four times each evening, weather permitting. The final show is at 11:55, which could be a great way to end your party.

Frozen Holiday Surprise officially takes place once during the party, at 8:15. This is also in front of Cinderella Castle. It also runs at 6:15, before Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts. If you’re a day guest you can stay for the show and then exit the Magic Kingdom.

We watched Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade twice. The first time we watched on Main Street, U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle as a backdrop. This area was packed, many grabbed a spot early in the evening and stayed through the fireworks. The second parade we watched in Frontierland, which was much less crowded. If you know this parade well I have to warn you; they changed some of the music. I’m honestly not a fan of the changes.

The highlight of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for me was Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show. I enjoy this show because it isn’t overly flashy. Sure, there are projections on Cinderella Castle, but the fireworks are great on their own. There are no movie tie-ins. It’s just fireworks, projections, music, and some narration by Minnie. It works.

There is a lot that we missed at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. We didn’t check out the dance parties, and we didn’t ride any of the “holiday twist” attractions. But that’s the thing about any special ticketed event. Chances are that you won’t be able to do it all. Do what’s important to you, and you’ll have a great time!