Hi Tom, welcome to planDisney!
You've earned my praise by consulting the
Hours & Events Calendar in the weeks leading up to your Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
The Most Wonderful Time of Year at
The Most Magical Place on Earth brings change to the theme parks, and I'm not just talking about the influx of Christmas trees. Calendar, programming, and menu changes are also part of the holiday season. I was thrilled to see the return of my favorite holiday snack, the Werther's Original Caramel and Gingerbread Cookie from
Karamell-Küche, in EPCOT earlier this week.
As you brilliantly discovered, Tom, Magic Kingdom Park closes at 6:00 p.m. on nights that
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place. Magic Kingdom Park's beloved nighttime spectacular, Happily Ever After, does not take place on party nights, so you're smart to consider rearranging your park days if fireworks are a priority. Unfortunately, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party also takes place on November 10, 2023, so a visit to Magic Kingdom Park that day would not involve fireworks, either.
Now for some good news. In my experience, crowds at Magic Kingdom Park on Christmas party nights are typically smaller. Strive to enter Magic Kingdom Park by 8:30 a.m. If you are not eligible for
Early Theme Park Entry, you can capture some photos on Main Street, U.S.A., and/or grab a coffee before attractions open at 9:00 a.m. Arriving at park opening, also known as rope-dropping, gives you nine hours of Magic Kingdom magic.
To really maximize the magic on your Magic Kingdom day, purchase
Disney Genie+ service via the Tip Board of the
My Disney Experience mobile app (three small lines at the bottom right of the homepage > Tip Board) by 6:45 a.m. so you can book your first Genie+ Lightning Lane reservation at 7:00 a.m. I recommend reserving Jingle Cruise first; you can book your next Genie+ Lighting Lane as soon as your first one has been redeemed or at the time listed on your Tip Board Banner.
Valid admission, a theme park reservation for each park day, and a method of entry (MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, or admission card) are currently required for theme park entry. A look at the theme park reservation availability calendar currently shows all parks as available the entire month of November. If you end up deciding to rearrange your theme park reservations, you can modify an
existing theme park reservation to ensure accurate availability.
If you're looking for a nighttime entertainment option on your Magic Kingdom Park day, Tom, I highly recommend walking or taking the Resort Monorail to a viewing spot for the
Electrical Water Pageant. As an added bonus, you'll get to experience the seasonal flair of an iconic Disney Resort hotel.
I hope I've highlighted some ways to have your best day ever at Magic Kingdom Park, Tom. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me
directly with any additional questions.
Plan magic; planDisney.
Jennifer