Hi Nicole! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Oh boy! Your vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort begins tomorrow and it sounds like you have some amazing plans.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is one of my absolute favorite events. It is SO much fun!
First, while the party officially begins at 7:00 P.M., Guests with tickets to this special event can begin entering at 4:00 P.M., in my experience. A special event bracelet will be placed on your wrist to show Cast Members that you are attending the party. You can ride attractions and explore the theme park as soon as you enter
Magic Kingdom Park, so let the fun begin right away!
Once the party starts, most attractions will still be open with a few exceptions, and they will be open until the party ends at 12:00 A.M. (midnight). There are Character meet-and-greets that are unique and only available for the party. I suggest doing an internet search for "Characters available at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" to view a complete list, so you can plan ahead for the Characters you want to meet the most.
There are complimentary treats available for party Guests, as well. Eggnog, hot chocolate, cookies, and pretzels are just a few of the treats you can pick up as you make your way around Magic Kingdom Park. There are also treats available for purchase that are
exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, so check those out, too!
There are two parades and one fireworks show on party nights.
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade begins at 8:30 P.M. and 11:00 P.M. If your group is able to stay up for the later parade, it is usually less crowded.
Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show begins at 10:00 P.M. and you don't want to miss it!
When you arrive at the theme park, maps for the party will be available and you can pick one up to see just how many entertainment offerings, treat stations, attractions, and Characters that are available during the 5-hours that the party takes place. Trust me, you will get to experience a lot before the snow falls on Main Street, U.S.A.!
I hope this helps, Nicole! Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Tabitha