Hi Patricia, welcome to planDisney!
I'm so excited to hEAR about your upcoming visit to
Walt Disney World Resort! There really isn't anything more beautiful than watching the snow fall on a lit-up and sparkling Main Street U.S.A. and just being at the Resort during this holly jolly time of year is even more enchanting than usual! You'll still be surrounded by the magic of the holidays in both the Resorts and the Theme Parks even if you don't decide to attend
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
If you're already planning on spending your day at
Magic Kingdom, or hopping to Magic Kingdom from another Theme Park earlier in the day, you should have no trouble getting to your dinner reservation at The Crystal Palace even without a Special Event Ticket. Even though the Park closes at 6 p.m. to regular day Guests, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party doesn't officially begin until 7 p.m. putting you in a sweet spot to stay for dinner. Though you will not be rushed through your meal, do expect to head straight to the exit of the Park as soon as you're finished since you won't have a wristband on showing that you're staying for the festivities.
The Crystal Palace is an excellent choice for dining! I remember visiting Walt Disney World Resort as a very young child and enjoying one of my first character dining experiences there! I'm so excited that you'll get to
meet and greet your friends from the Hundred Acre Wood while you're there. Make sure to get some great big hugs for me! It also certainly doesn't hurt that you'll be enjoying delicious fare like Carved Prime Rib and Country Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Gravy for dinner.
If you're looking for ways to continue the magic of your evening after your meal you can always hop on the monorail and stop by one of the nearby Resorts for dessert, a drink or maybe even a practically perfect view of
Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show.
Enjoy your meal and the ambiance of Magic Kingdom during the holiday season!
Ashley M