Hi Tonie,
Welcome to planDisney! I’m happy to help you make the most of your
Walt Disney World Resort visit. December is such a special time to explore the parks, with amazing holiday decorations, seasonal treats, and unique experiences like
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. It’s the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with your family or friends.
When deciding whether to add the Park Hopper Option to your tickets, it’s important to consider your family’s goals for your visit. The difference between a standard 1 Park Per Day ticket and the Park Hopper Option lies in flexibility. A 1 Park Per Day ticket allows you to focus on one park each day, while the Park Hopper Option lets you visit multiple parks in the same day. For first-time visitors or those wanting to explore as much as possible, I often recommend the Park Hopper Option. It provides the flexibility to adjust plans based on crowd levels, wait times, dining reservations, or fireworks schedules. On the other hand, if you’ve visited before and know your family’s favorite experiences, a 1 Park Per Day ticket might be sufficient. Another strategy could be to purchase a 1-day Park Hopper Option ticket for maximum exploration on one day, followed by a 1-day 1 Park Per Day ticket to enjoy a more relaxed experience or revisit your favorite park from day one, on your second day (these would have to be separate purchases).
As for the “Mickey bday” dinner, I believe you may be referring to
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which happens to be scheduled for December 13th during your visit. This is a separately ticketed event that includes access to Magic Kingdom Park starting at 4 p.m., with the event officially beginning at 6 p.m. Guests attending the party will enjoy unique holiday-themed entertainment, including a special parade, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, and complimentary treats. If you’re not planning to attend the party, keep in mind that Magic Kingdom closes at 6 p.m. for non-party guests that day. You’ll want to factor that into your park plans if you decide not to purchase tickets for the event.
I hope this clears up any confusion, Tonie! If you have any additional questions as you finalize your plans,
feel free to reach out. Have a wonderful time at Walt Disney World Resort!
Best wishes,
Brent