Hi Melissa!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! You must be getting so excited for your upcoming vacation to Walt Disney World Resort! It sounds like you'll be visiting during the most magical time of year, too! I love seeing
Magic Kingdom Park decked out for Christmas. There's something about walking down Main Street, U.S.A. while it's all decorated for the holiday season that puts me right into the holiday spirit!
In previous years, Guests with
Advance Dining Reservations for dinner close before the start of a ticketed event (such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party) were welcome to enjoy their meals without having a ticket to the party. I believe this will still be the case for your upcoming reservation! Once dinner is over, you'll be directed towards the park's exit. Since you made these reservations before Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates were announced, I highly recommend calling Disney Dining at (407) 939-3463 (with your Advance Dining Reservation confirmation number close by) just to triple check that this reservation time is still perfect without a party ticket.
Melissa, thank you so much for stopping by with this excellent question! I hope after speaking with a Cast Member from Disney Dining that your mind will be put to ease and your 5:45 p.m. dinner reservation set in stone!
Beth