Trying to decide to spend fun day evening at MK in December for Xmas decor festivities or buy the party ticket . What extras happen at special party only to make it worth the cost?”

Hi Anita,

It means so much that you continue to use planDisney as a resource when planning your Disney vacations. PlanDisney panelists are Guests just like you, and it would be an honor to use my experience to share my best tips for a dazzling December day in Magic Kingdom Park.

Your decision to visit The World's Most Magical Celebration during the most wonderful time of the year promises a unique kind of Disney magic. To assist you with your decision about whether or not to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, let me paint a picture of two Disney days...

1. Magic Kingdom Park without Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
The early bird gets the shortest wait times for attractions, so you arrive at Magic Kingdom Park in time for park opening, also known as rope drop. After stopping at the top of Main Street, U.S.A., for a picture in front of the larger-than-life Christmas tree, your walk toward Cinderella Castle is lined with boughs of holly and Mickey wreaths. The scent of fresh baked goods entices you to stop at Main Street Bakery for a seasonal treat. You stop for more pictures in front of Cinderella Castle, then head to your first Genie+ Lightning Lane attraction of the day - the holiday overlay of Jungle Cruise, known as "Jingle Cruise" for holiday sailings. December is a very popular time to visit Walt Disney World Resort so it's a good thing you purchased Disney Genie+ service for the day. You continue to make Genie+ Lightning Lane reservations throughout your park day, which allows you to experience multiple attractions with a limited wait time. You use your My Disney Experience mobile app to pre-order lunch at a quick-service restaurant for a mid-day break. As the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Guests begin to arrive, regular admission Guests start to exit the park before an early closing. Your fun continues as you enjoy the 10-minute walk to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for an advance dining reservation and time spent admiring the seasonal decorations and iconic gingerbread display. 

2. Magic Kingdom Park with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
You get to sleep in and enjoy a leisurely morning at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel before heading to the park. You mobile order a poolside lunch before getting dressed in your seasonal best for the party. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party officially begins at 7:00 p.m. but Guests are welcome to arrive as early as 4:00 p.m. You get an early start, which means you can experience some of the Magic Kingdom attractions that will not be open during the party. After the party begins, the smaller crowds allow you to experience multiple attractions with minimal wait times. You grab a spot on Main Street, U.S.A., for Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Wait, is it really snowing on Main Street?! It's time for a snack so you find one of the hot chocolate and cookie stations, which are included in your ticket price. Your night ends with Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, complete with innovative projections and a memorably merry soundtrack.

I think you'll agree that both days have happy endings that leave you full of holiday spEARit. Whether or not you choose to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, I'm certain you'll have a holly jolly holiday.

Choose magic,
Jennifer