Hi Kerri! A very merry welcome back to planDisney! I’m so excited to learn you are gEARing up to visit and experience two of my favorites: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. You’re in for sparkly lights, festive music, and pure Disney magic. YAY!
Let me try to unwrap the different timelines for you and hopefully help you plan a holly jolly visit. For special event nights like
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Lightning Lane is not offered. But no worries. Since these events have a limited number of tickets, the wait times for attractions tend to be shorter.
Now here’s an insider scoop. Your party ticket allows you to enter as early as 4 p.m. During those extra hours before the party begins, you can enjoy the park and even try to see if you can secure same-day Lightning Lane for select attractions if it is available. It is not guaranteed, but it is definitely worth checking. Once the party kicks off, it is all about
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the holiday fireworks, festive characters, complimentary treats, and all those little surprises that make this event unforgettable. It is one of my favorite ways to soak up the season!
For your EPCOT day, your ticket will be considered a regular theme park ticket. Your
Lightning Lane booking window will open three days before your EPCOT day, so be sure to have your phone ready with the
My Disney Experience app open, tickets linked, and your top attractions selected. It will help the day stay smooth, magical, and stress-free.
While you are at EPCOT, plan on exploring all of the festive fun at the
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. The World Showcase decorations are beautiful, the seasonal treats are irresistible, and the
Candlelight Processional is absolutely breathtaking with the live orchestra and celebrity narrator. It is one of my personal favorites during the holidays.
I hope this helps your visit sparkle with parades, fireworks, characters, seasonal treats, and a little Lightning Lane magic to keep things easy. If you have any more questions or would like more planning tips, please come back and see us.
Wishing you holiday wishes and the merriest of magical moments on your upcoming visit. May your trip be fa la la flawless! - Emille