Hi Richard,
Thanks so much for visiting us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your great question about
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, my very
favorite special event of the entire year! With a festive atmosphere, unique character greeting opportunities, complimentary holiday treats, short wait times for your favorite attractions, snow on Main Street U.S.A., the spectacular Holiday Wishes fireworks show, and my absolute favorite part of the evening, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. When I see those wooden soldiers trumpeting down Main Street, U.S.A., it gives me chills! The entire evening will be one you'll cherish for years to come and will surely fill your heart with Christmas joy!
You are correct that the actual event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. after
Magic Kingdom Park closes at 6:00 p.m. for Guests without party tickets. You're also correct that in previous years, Guests have been able to enter Magic Kingdom Park with only a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ticket as early as 4:00 p.m. My family has personally enjoyed that early access before, although that is always subject to change, so I'd consider that time from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. pixie-dusted bonus time!
Please let us know if you have any other questions as you're planning your trip, Richard, and have a truly magical vacation!
Missy