Hi, Brandi! Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is one of my absolute favorite Walt Disney World Resort events. I've been three times in the last two years and
still haven't been able to see and do everything! One suggestion I have is to take advantage of the attractions and experiences unique to the Party. While you may find lower wait times for some attractions, my family typically chooses to spend our time meeting Characters we don't ordinarily see in the Parks, eating the yummy complimentary treats and watching the shows and parades.
While the Party officially begins at 7 p.m., in my experience we've been able to enter as early as 4 p.m. Of course, this is always subject to change--so don't be surprised if you have to wait until 7 (unless you already have a ticket for Magic Kingdom Park that day--then you can just combine your Park ticket with your Party ticket and stay from open to close). Getting there as early as possible, though, is one way to maximize your time.
Must dos for me include the Jingle Cruise (not your average Jungle Cruise), A Frozen Holiday Wish, Holiday Wishes, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration and "snow" on Main Street, U.S.A. I've had the best luck catching the last performance for those events scheduled more than once during the evening, and I've used the time between to seek out some of those hard-to-find Characters. This year my family and I had our picture taken with all Seven Dwarfs! While most people choose to watch the Parade from Main Street, U.S.A., I enjoy watching from its origination point in Frontierland. I like to grab a tasty treat and find a spot to sit about 20 minutes before the second Parade begins.
Hopefully these tips will help you and your family have a Very Merry time!
Amy