We are just about half way through September and I don’t know about you, but for me, time is literally flying! Before you know it we’ll be putting out pumpkins, carving them, cooking them up in pies and trading them in for tinsel and trees. Yep, Christmas is officially on its way! With all these feelings of yuletide bliss, perhaps you’ve stepped into the planning phase of a “Disney at Christmas” trip. Today I am sharing with you top tips for those of you planning on partaking in the Christmas cheer at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
#1 Get your tickets ahead of time
I know this seems like a pretty common sense idea, but I think this is a really important thing to do. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but they are about $10 more expensive and you run the risk of a sellout. Purchasing tickets ahead of time saves you money and stress! I like to plan my meals (see the next section for more details) and my day around this date. You do have to have a special event ticket to get into this party so, getting a ticket is really something you shouldn’t let slip!
#2 Think through Dining options
Once I choose a date and purchase tickets to MVMCP (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party), I like to make my ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations)…I know lots of acronyms…sorry! MVMCP is held in the Magic Kingdom. Keeping this location in mind when making your ADRs for the date of your party is a good idea; that way you don’t make them for another park, thus wasting your money and time. Another thought is to try not to make them overlap with the start of MVMCP. If you are on the dining plan, I would try to use my Table Service credit at lunch. That way you don’t have to feel rushed or confined to a park. Because MVMCP offers many unique activities, parades, and shows, I wouldn’t want to spend my time eating a meal instead of enjoying the festivities. Especially when it is a meal I could eat any other night at Disney World. Instead, I would suggest going with a quick service meal at the Magic Kingdom. In fact, restaurants like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe offer special music and dancing during MVMCP. A smaller meal will come in handy when you come across all the “free” (okay…maybe not so free…but included) snack offerings. When I went before you could get cocoa/apple juice and cookies/apple slices. Be careful not to fill up before you go, think through those dining options and leave some room for those cookies!
#3 Picking a park
For those of you visiting a park before going to MVMCP I would suggest picking a different park than the Magic Kingdom to spend your day in . I only say this because, it help will break up your day. When I went, we had park hopper tickets so we visited the Magic Kingdom in the morning and then left for EPCOT until about 3. After EPCOT we headed back to the Magic Kingdom for MVMCP. Your event tickets usually get you in a bit earlier so make sure you take advantage of that. I find that getting to the parks before the big rush of other guests attending the party will let you enjoy more of this special event. Tickets are on the pricey side, especially when you consider that most guests have also purchased regular park tickets. Getting there early gave me time to settle in and get my bearings for the event. I liked this a lot and I felt like it made me appreciate the event more.
#4 Consider a nap
MVMCP is a late night. For me, all Disney nights are late nights. But, MVMCP is a special late night. A late night where you really want everyone to be at peak Disney condition. A night like this may require a midday nap. I know a lot of families with small children already do this, but my suggestion would be head back to your resort (if possible) and take an hour or so to rest. You really do want to be able to see Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas parade, special castle shows, and of course my personal favorite, the Dapper Dans as they carol down a simply wondrous Main Street USA!
#5 What to wear
I know a lot of families are super cute and coordinated when it comes to coordinating outfits. I am totally going to be that mom! To my future children: I am sorry that I took a vow of cuteness that will plague you well into your teen years…that will be another post. lol! For those of you who would like to “up” the cute factor and quite frankly get a your family’s Christmas card photo done the Disney way…you might need time to order cute outfits. If that is you, then get on that now!
Of course, then there is the flip side…
The practical parents who know that the kids are probably going to be out cold by the end of the night. They know how much of a pain it is to change a sleeping child into pajamas. Well, for those parents, I would suggest finding cute, practical, perfectly Christmas pajamas for your children to wear. Look for something that is comfortable, that “works” with doing Disney (can they walk in?, get on and off rides?, etc.). There are so many cute options when it comes to Christmas pajamas for the little ones. (like Disney Christmas pajamas!). This idea will make your night so much easier!
I hope this helps as you begin to plan for your trip to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! As you can probably tell about me, I like to go into everything prepared. That means, I do my research! I would suggest you do the same! Obviously, you’ve come to the ultimate source for all things Disney…Chip and Co. is jam-packed with great tips and planning ideas for MVMCP. I find it helpful to read and research as much as possible. I also like reading reviews of MVMCP and looking at videos from past parties. This is really helpful for visualizing what this event might look like. I think it is good to be aware of what all this event has to offer so that you can get the full experience! Thank goodness for the internet!
Are you planning on visiting the parks during the holiday season? What are you most excited for? List your must see and do attractions and events for the Christmas season. As you would probably guess, Disney World does Christmas like no one else!
As always, thanks for reading!
For more tips, tricks, and ideas for making your trip to Disney World magical, visit my blog: disneydonerightblog.com
See ya real soon!
Ashley
Related articles
- Walt Disney World Resort Reveals Holiday Activities and Special Events (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)
- Disney World Quick Tips – Christmas in the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
If I had to pick an even to attend at disney this wouldnt be my first choice. I mean it seems AMAZING but I would rather go to mickeys not so scary halloween party.
Candlelight Processional is my favorite Disney Christmas activity