By Pink Diva
While there is no “right” or “wrong” way to experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP). However you choose to celebrate the evening will be right for your family. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your experience.
Do: Get there as early as possible. Event ticket holders are allowed in the park at 4:00pm, even though the party does not start until 7:00pm. I suggest getting in rides and attractions during this pre-party time. The special event things are not going on yet, so it is a good way to get in those rides without taking time away from the party.
Don’t: Expect to get tickets the day of the event. There usually are tickets available for the earlier dates, but that is never guaranteed. The closer to Christmas the more the event is sold out. Many guests plan their vacations to attend MVMCP and buy tickets months in advance.
Some days it’s cool enough to wear Mickey and Minnie sweaters.
Do: Dress in fun holiday-themed clothing. You still need to keep with Disney’s costume and attire rules, but feel free to bring your Santa hat and Christmas light necklaces. Check the weather before you go. It may be cool enough in the evening to wear your favorite Christmas sweater! You can even order matching family shirts like Pixie Dusted Diva’s family is wearing below, Pixie Hollow Diva also has an Etsy shop that makes custom shirts.
Pixie Dusted Diva at MVMCP
Don’t: Assume it will be hot or cold. You never know what the weather will be like in November and December. Some days it can be in the high 70’s. Other days the high will only hit the low 70’s. Once the sun sets it does get cooler-if not cold. You don’t want to be wearing a sweater meant for snowy weather when it’s almost 80 degrees. You also don’t want to be wearing shorts and a t-shirt if it’s in the 50’s.
Toy soldier band.
Do: Plan ahead. There are so many exciting things going on during MVMCP. There are rare characters you may want to see. There is the dance party in Tomorrowland. The Jungle Cruise is changed into the Jingle Cruise. Plus, the stage show and parade.
Don’t: Expect to do everything. There is so much going on during the Christmas party. Plan ahead and figure out your top things you want to see or do.
Do: Sample the special holiday treats. The treats vary by location all over the Magic Kingdom. The lines are usually long for the first 30 minutes or so because people line up before 7, but after that there usually is minimal waits for treats. The snowman pretzels had the longest line last year, but were worth the wait.
The very delicious snowman pretzel.
Don’t: Try to eat all the snacks. Okay, maybe do this, but eat something with substance as well. We did this last year and our stomachs hurt at the end. Each treat station gives a good-sized treat. We ended up taking a bunch of cookies home since we were too full to eat them. (Bring a ziptop bag to put them in to save for later!)
Do: See the Christmas Parade. It is a magical parade that will get you into the holiday spirit. The toy soldier band is my favorite part of the parade. Watching all the kids see Santa and the end of the parade is so much fun. The parade runs the same parade route as the afternoon parade. Pick a spot a little early so you get a good view.
Don’t: Miss Elsa icing the castle. Even if you are not into Frozen or can’t hear Let it go one more time, this is one time you will want to see it. The entire Cinderella Castle is lit up in Christmas lights. Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf do a roughly 15 minute stage show before Elsa lights the castle. Snow starts to fall as Elsa “freezes” the castle. Check the time guide as this usually happens twice a night.
The castle after Elsa ice’s it.
Above all, enjoy your experience. Make memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the ones you are with in the most magical place on Earth. And grab a Santa cookie; they are delicious!
The large Santa cookie
