Courtesy Walt Disney World
I’ll be honest: Walt Disney World can be overwhelming.
I visited earlier this year with my family and attended theHalloween after-hours party.
We went back just last week for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and had a blast.
Credit:Courtesy Walt Disney World
What Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
The first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was held in 1983.
A lot of people come for the special parade-only events, too.
Credit:Courtesy Walt Disney World
All night, you’re able to watch performances on the Cinderella Castle stage.
Plus, catch a holiday-themed fireworks display overhead.
Lastly, the parade, called Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, runs twice during each party.
Credit:Courtesy Walt Disney World
That’s not going to be true for everyone.
I’m just your classic punch in-A first born who needs a plan for her plans.
Tip 1.
Credit:Courtesy Walt Disney World
During the party, some rides are not open, and somerestaurantsaren’t either.
You have to figure out what is your priority, and then make a plan around it.
For example, if you are all about the rides, then you might do those.
If you are here for the characters and Memory Maker photos, this is your night.
Characters are everywhere, and they are so cute in their holiday vests and outfits.
Pack your patience, and just stand in line.
Those photos are priceless.
Here only for the food?
Soak it in, have fun, don’t stress.
Tip 2.
Arrive Early and Stay Late
The official start time for the party is 7 p.m.
Guests with party tickets can enter as early as 4 p.m., so don’t wait.
you might keep riding and enjoying the extra time in Magic Kingdom.
Some foods aren’t available until even later.
It’s a long eight hours.
At each party, we’ve skipped the early parades and shows and headed for rides or characters.
Then, we stay for the fireworks and second parade and show, before scooting out the gates ourselves.
Tip 3.
A lot of people put really high expectations on their Disney visits.
It should all come together in some euphoric moment of holiday joy.
But it won’t if you don’t pack your patience and bring along some joy of your own.
Despite being a ticketed after-hours event, the party is packed.
So then are the crowds at the shows and fireworks, especially the first ones for the evening.
If you are expecting to have the park nearly to yourself, you won’t, but hang around.
Just take in all the music and lights as the “snow” begins to fall.
It truly is magical.
You just have to look around you and embrace it.
