This year I was lucky enough to cross off one more item on my Disney bucket list – I went to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  I love Christmas time and of course, I love Disney, so combining them was something I have long dreamt about.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate hard ticketed event meaning that even though it takes place at the Magic Kingdom, your Magic Kingdom admission alone does not gain you entrance into the party.  The party lasts from 7pm to midnight and admission tickets can be purchased for about $54-$68 depending on dates attended and the age of the guests.   Check out http://www.travelwiththemagic.com/2012-mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party.html for more party information.

During the party you will experience many exclusive experiences including Character greetings not available during normal park hours, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complementary  hot cocoa and cookies, Cinderella’s castle like you’ve never seen it before and a fireworks show that will stay with you long into the new year.

The party is scheduled to begin at 7 pm when the Magic Kingdom closes to non-ticket holding guests, but on most nights guests with party tickets can start entering the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm.  If you were at another park that day, or not visiting a park at all, you simply present your Christmas Party ticket to enter the park.  Once inside the turnstiles, Cast Members will present you with a special wristband to confirm that you have used your Christmas Party ticket for admission to be in the park past closing.

If you have been in the Magic Kingdom that day, you will need to proceed to one of the wristband stations (one at the main entrance or one in Adventureland) around 4 pm or so to receive your wristband.  Early in the evening we were stopped multiple times by Cast Members asking to see our Christmas Party wristband to verify our admission.

Some of the Christmas Party events actually start before 7 pm (probably to entice those who haven’t purchased the party tickets to think about purchasing them next time!) including Cinderella arriving on the castle stage with her Fairy Godmother to “wish” her castle transformed and then right before your eyes, the castle is covered in icicles.

The holiday themed light show on the Castle is amazing.  Make sure you get a spot near the castle so you can see all the amazing details in the show that happens on the castle.

And what would a party at the Magic Kingdom be without fireworks?  The “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks are everything you expect from Disney and more!  Seeing them over Cinderella’s dream light covered castle brought tears to my eyes.  Holiday Wishes is a fantastic fireworks show.

The Once Upon a Christmastime parade is not to be missed!   But don’t worry, it runs twice during your party.  Prepare for Disney to exhilarate all of your senses – especially sight, hearing and SMELL.  I won’t say more because I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but keep your nose open!  We met characters and rode attractions during the first parade hoping that the crowd would thin out for the second parade, which it did somewhat, but was more crowded than I expected.  I would definitely recommend getting to your viewing area ahead of time if you want a good seat with a good view!

During the Christmas party, all park aspects reflect a special Christmas cheer.  There are character greetings that can only be seen during special events including Cinderella, Prince Charming, her Stepmother and Stepsisters all greeting guests as a group.  The Princesses, in special holiday attire, are never far from their Princes and you can even find characters like Uncle Scrooge during the party.

The shops will be open during the party and some of the stores carry special Christmas Party merchandise that is ONLY available during parties, so if you see something you like, make sure you buy it.

There are even character dance parties!  Club Tinsel (inside Cosmic Ray’s) is one of the spots where you can find some of your favorite Disney characters cutting a rug!  We danced with festively dressed Chip and Dale and Goofy dressed in his finest Santa suit.

A lot of guests use the parties as a way to ride their favorite attractions with VERY minimal wait times.  Even on a sold out night we were able to walk on to Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.  Not all attractions operate during the party, but we had a blast riding the ones that were open!

Don’t forget to eat!  Even though the park is open until midnight, some of the dining locations close earlier).  I would recommend eating at a quick service location to maximize your time in the park during this event.  We ate at Pinnochio’s Village Haus and I was pleasantly surprised by their new menu items.  I had a caprese flatbread pizza and tomato basil soup.  The quality was definitely similar to a sit down restaurant back home (rather than a fast food type meal).   Complementary hot cocoa and cookie stations are set up throughout the park and are identified on the map and on an inflatable signpost outside of the location.  Unless you’re exceptionally cold or hungry, don’t rush to get in line for these free goodies – they will be there all night!

One of my favorite memories of the night was walking down Main Street with SNOW falling!  It was such an amazing night and an experience I cannot wait to share with my family.  The Magic Kingdom during this time of year is beautiful (day or night)!

If you would like to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (or want more information about any of the other special events that happen throughout the year at Disney World), contact me today!  I cannot wait to help you plan your MAGICAL vacation!  Contact me at amy@travelwiththemagic.com, 1-800-670-4312, x129 or on facebook (www.facebook.com/TravelwiththeMagicAmy).