Hi there, Elisabeth! Welcome to planDisney. I'm so glad you came here to ask your question!
Ah, the Walt Disney World Resort for the holidays. There's just nothing quite like it. There's something about the holiday season that kicks it all up a notch. There just really is magic in the air! I just got back from the resort and was lucky enough to enjoy both Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Talk about a jolt of holiday cheer! I'm ready for the holiday season!
As of writing this answer, tickets for the December 19th, 2024 date of
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are still on sale. However, Guests from international destinations are not currently able to purchase these special event tickets ahead of their arrival in the United States as you need access to the U.S. version of the site to purchase them. So, once you've arrived in the U.S., you can immediately purchase them if they are still available. You can also look into having a Disney-authorized travel planner based in the U.S. or Canada buy these tickets ahead of your trip.
If you're unable to secure these tickets, don't panic. There is
plenty of holiday magic all around the resort to enjoy! Let's go through some of your options:
- Consider attending Disney Jollywood Nights instead. This is another specially ticketed event that you can look into purchasing when you arrive if tickets are still available. As of today, the December 21st, 2024 date is still on sale.
- Enjoy the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. To experience this festival, you just need a standard theme park ticket to EPCOT. You can listen to the Holiday Storytellers in World Showcase, enjoy the iconic Candlelight Processional, and experience some other great entertainment...at no additional cost. My favorite thing to do at this festival is to sample some of the delicious offerings at the Outdoor Kitchens. While you'll have to purchase these food items, you'll likely be purchasing food to eat in the park anyway. So why not ensure the food you are eating is inspired by holidays around the world?
- Enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. These trees are spectacular and wonderfully themed. Last year, there was even a tree that interacted with the latest version of Disney Bands!
- Explore the Gingerbread Displays and holiday treats at some of the Disney Resorts Collection Hotels. Just note that to park at these resorts, you must have an advanced dining reservation at one of the restaurants at the hotel you're visiting or be a Guest of that hotel.
- Say hello to the adorable and beautiful puppets from the Merry Menagerie in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. I've never seen them in person before, but I'm obsessed with them!
- All of the theme parks have decor and specialty treats to purchase during regular park hours. And, like the Merry Menagerie, there are often holiday entertainment offerings that are included in your standard theme park ticket.
- Be sure to check out Jingle Cruise in Magic Kingdom Park for a holiday-centric spin on this classic attraction!
Elisabeth, enjoy your holiday visit to the resort, and
reach out again with any other questions!
Christmas is a togethery sort of holiday,
Matt