We attended the first night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of 2023 party This separate ticketed event, held on November 9th, was a truly magical experience. Last year, with the approaching Tropical Storm Nicole, the festivities went on and added an unexpected touch of excitement. You can read about that one here.
As we made our way through the main gate, the streets were adorned with enchanting Christmas decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that instantly put us in the holiday spirit. There s something truly magical about seeing the Christmas decor up in the Magic Kingdom. The glow of colorful lights and the sound of cheerful music filled the air, transporting us to a winter wonderland straight out of a fairytale. All this one week removed from the frightfully decor of Halloween!
Protip: Remember that purchasing a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) grants you early access to the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm, and you will enjoy the park with significantly fewer crowds. Also, please keep in mind that tickets are selling fast, so if you’re considering attending, it’s best to secure your tickets here before they are sold out.
Throughout the evening, we had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of exclusive entertainment offerings and experiences. From heartwarming stage shows featuring beloved Disney characters to dazzling Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade showcasing stunning floats, and of course the toy soldiers!
Come along with us as we try out some food, attractions, and take in the holiday atmosphere! Be on the lookout on our YouTube channel for the accompanying VLOG for our experience during the first night. You can also check out our quick reel of the night on our IG here!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Entertainment
One of the highlights of the evening was the breathtaking Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show. Against the backdrop of Cinderella Castle, the sky exploded with bursts of color, accompanied by a narration from Minnie Mouse herself whimsical soundtrack that perfectly captured the magic of the season.
One of the most significant aspects of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the sparse crowds. You don’t have to worry about arriving early to secure a good spot for the parade, fireworks, or stage show. For example, we came just 5 minutes before Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show began and still enjoyed a breathtaking view. It’s worth noting that being too close to the castle may cause you to miss a significant portion of the fireworks themselves.
If you’re planning to experience Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, We’d recommend catching the last show at 11:55 PM. By that time, the crowds are usually more manageable, giving you a better chance to enjoy the performance. Plus, once the show is over, you can take a leisurely stroll out of the Magic Kingdom. The monorail runs until 1:00 am, so you’ll have plenty of time to catch a ride if needed. This is also a great opportunity to capture amazing photos of Main Street and the iconic Cinderella’s Castle, as the ambiance is truly magical at this time of night.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Food & Attractions
Not only did the event provide entertainment, but it also presented a variety of delectable holiday delights and seasonal drinks. Whether it was the timeless indulgence of hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies included with admission or the extraordinary culinary concoctions inspired by the festivities available for separate purchases, there was an array of options to satisfy every taste. We only targeted two items to try.
Review of Letters to Santa Mailbox at Mainstreet Bakery (Starbucks)
Our visit to Mainstreet Bakery was for coffee and to try the indulgent “Letters to Santa Mailbox” dessert. This flourless cake was a chocolate lover’s dream, with rich and decadent dark chocolate being the dominant flavor. However, we were unable to detect the promised red velvet flavor. Despite this, the chocolate was still incredibly delicious and left us satisfied. If you’re a fan of intense chocolate flavors, the Letters to Santa Mailbox at Mainstreet Bakery is a must-try.
Review of Chicken Tamale at Pecos Bills
At Pecos Bills, we couldn’t resist trying the “Chicken Tamale,” which exceeded our expectations! The taste reminded us of a Chipotle bowl, which we love. The tamale, perfectly balanced on a bed of rice and beans, comes with a delightful combination of sauce, salsa, and guacamole. The flavors blended seamlessly, creating a mouthwatering experience. Overall, we highly recommend the Chicken Tamale at Pecos Bills.
During the holidays, many attractions receive unique overlays that add a festive touch to the usual experience. Although we tend to limit our attraction rides during ticketed parties, trying out one or two of them can be worth trying out. One attraction that we particularly enjoy during the holidays is the Tomorrowland Speedway. The track is adorned with abundant beautiful Christmas lights, giving it a magical ambiance. We would typically skip this attraction, but the holiday lights transform it into a cool and unique experience. If you’d like to see what it looks like, here is a video from last year. Stay tuned for our upcoming VLOG, where we’ll feature the updated version of the attraction!
TRON Lightcycle/Run is one of the attractions that remains open during the parties. To enjoy this thrilling ride, arrive at the park before 6:00 PM. Disney is implementing virtual queues for TRON, which allows you to reserve your spot in line. You can find more information about the virtual queue system here. This worked out for us as our group was called at 6:28, so we rode it early without missing out on any party fun.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
In closing we wanted to share some tips and thoughts on the event. If you have a chance to check out these parties we highly suggest it. They are so much fun, and can also allow you to really enjoy the atmosphere of the Magic Kingdom at a slower pace. The character offerings are also a lot more diverse during these parties which is awesome as well.
Tips and Tricks
- Arrive as close to 4pm as possible. Your ticket allows you entry to the Magic Kingdom at 4pm. Use that extra time before the party to go on attractions, and eat.
- Make a list of what is important to you, is it both viewings of the parades? Perhaps you want characters. You will want to timebox those options in order to get them done
- Find a good spot for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. We suggest somewhere with a view of the front of the castle, but not too close as you will miss the actual fireworks.
- If you are going to chase down photos with characters, definitely make a list of which. Winnie the Pooh and Friends, Jack and Sally, the Seven Dwarfs have the longest lines. I wouldn’t try to wait for all three as it will eat up a lot of your time.
- Have Fun!
What are your thoughts on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas? Let us know in the comments and Happy Holidays from us to you!
What fun. Thanks for sharing. Loved it all.