Lindsey,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
There are so many wonderful holiday experiences at Walt Disney World, it is hard to know if you have seen them all!
If you want to see
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, you do have to go to the party. However, the
Frozen Holiday Surprise occurs on both party days and non-party days! On party days it occurs twice, once before the start of the party, and once during the party. However, without a party ticket, you would have to leave immediately after the surprise, as on most party dates the park closes officially at around 6 p.m.
BONUS TIPIf you are leaving the Magic Kingdom after the surprise, and want to see one more holiday-themed
"WOW" that evening, consider riding the monorail around to
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Most of the Disney resorts will have special holiday displays, often created by their restaurant staff, that are worthy of the time to visit. But the gingerbread house that they build in the lobby of the Grand Floridian is the best of them all. It is so big they have a cast member inside who sells gingerbread houses you can take with you!
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug