Hi Jennifer,
It is so fun to hear of families returning to Walt Disney World time after time, making new memories each time.
I hope you are considering
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party this time, too. It is an extra magical experience filled with holiday joy and excitement. There are so many fun surprises during the party that you will not often find any other time of the year in Magic Kingdom. The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and "snow" on Main Street, USA are my favorites of the evening. It is also fun to snack on the complimentary hot cocoa and cookies to get you in the holiday spirit.
If you do not go to any of the theme parks prior to the start time of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, it will not require one of your park admission days. You will only need the separate special event ticket to get you in. I hope this clarified it for you.
Have a spectacular trip no matter what! It will be here before you can say, "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"
~Allison L