Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas 2023 Transforms Magic Kingdom
It’s the most wonderful time of the year - Disney’s flagship Christmas event is returning to the Magic Kingdom!
Join Mickey and Minnie Mouse for a harmonious celebration throughout the park – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an annual holiday festival kicking off on November 9 and occurring on 25 select nights through December 22.
Capturing that Christmas feeling in 80-degree weather will be no problem with a little Disney magic. Guests will find themselves transported to a winter wonderland as they walk through Main Street U.S.A., greeted with visuals of captivating yuletide decorations and a mesmerizing Cinderella’s Castle lighting up the sky in the background.
The party, starting at 7 p.m. and roaring on until 12 a.m., is a separately ticketed affair. Prices range from $150 to $199 per person. Considering all there is to do, the cost is surely worth it.
Character Meet & Greets
To kick off the event, guests can enter the park as early as 4 p.m. and start meeting popular Disney characters as they come out.
Fan favorites including Olaf, Goofy, and the highly sought-after Jack Skellington dressed as Sandy Claws will all be in attendance. These lines can tend to get long, so we highly recommend getting to the park as early as you can and prioritizing your time wisely.
You may not get to meet every Disney character in the park, so going in with a mental list of the non-negotiables is helpful.
Live Entertainment
The fun doesn’t stop at character meets, though. A jolly jubilee is happening throughout Magic Kingdom, complete with live performances, a Very Merry Christmas parade, and spectacular fireworks to wrap everything up.
The Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade runs through Mainstreet U.S.A., Frontierland, and Liberty Square nightly at both 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Watch festive floats donned with decorations of baubles and tinsel pass by, accompanied by an array of familiar faces from well-known Disney movies.
After the parade is done, head on over to Club Tinsel in Tomorrowland for an all-night dance party or hang out with Disney Junior Characters at the Disney Junior Jingle Jam, a kid-friendly alternative. There are options for everyone, with enough activities to fill up your itinerary for the entire night.
Holiday Overlays for Popular Rides
One of our favorite things about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is the extraordinary value. The purchase of a ticket allows unrestricted exploration of Magic Kingdom, akin to a regular park day visit. This means that attendees not only enjoy access to most of the park's attractions, but also get to revel in the delight of special holiday overlays on select rides, on top of everything else that the party offers.
Traditionally, exclusive seasonal attractions have been a hallmark of the Christmas party, providing attendees with distinct experiences.
This year, the much-anticipated return of the "Jingle Cruise" takes center stage, offering a festive twist on the renowned Jungle Cruise ride.
In addition to Space Mountain receiving a merry makeover with its red and green overlay, certain rides will continue normal operations throughout the party, ensuring a comprehensive range of options for guests.
Christmas Fireworks
Towards the end of the party, you can catch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks display happening right above Cinderella’s Castle. Options for the best viewing spot vary depending on preference.
If you don’t care about crowds, the obvious spot would be in front of the castle near the Walt Disney and Mickey statue. However, many people have found the back of Mainstreet U.S.A. to be the best spot, since the view is just as good, and you have the privilege of exiting the park swiftly after the fireworks are over.
No matter where you choose to be for the fireworks show, it’s suggested that you grab your spot ahead of time, as standing areas can sometimes fill up even an hour before the show begins.
Festive Food Options
A night spent at Magic Kingdom is simply not complete without a festive treat. Between desserts for your sweet tooth and something to satiate that savory craving, there is an abundance of options to choose from.
Though the food for this year’s event has yet to be announced, we assume it won’t be too far off from the extensive menu they’ve offered in years passed.
Undoubtedly making their return this year are things like the Christmas edition popcorn buckets and the quintessential hot chocolate to warm your spirit.
End your Enchanting Escapade at Rosen Lake Buena Vista
After spending your evening at Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Party, wind down at Rosen Lake Buena Vista, just minutes from Magic Kingdom. Give yourself and your family the gift of comfortable accommodations, affordable rates, and amenities suitable for everyone this holiday season.