It’s no secret that we consider the holiday season to be one of the most magical times to visit Walt Disney World. But with the holiday decorations in place and so much to do, it leaves you wondering: Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth the extra cost? The answer depends on your family.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the most popular extra-ticketed events at Walt Disney World. From the parades and seasonal treats to rare character appearances and the chance to experience Magic Kingdom after hours, it can be the perfect addition to a Disney vacation.
That said, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to deciding whether to attend this event. The makeup of your travel party, the length of your trip, your budget, priorities, and even the dates of your visit can all influence whether the party makes sense for your family. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few considerations to help you decide what’s right for your family. Let’s take a look!
Who Might Find Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?
For families who love the holidays, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can be a highlight of the trip. The event offers exclusive entertainment and experiences that aren’t part of a regular Magic Kingdom day. Guests can enjoy special entertainment offerings like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, and even the endearing castle stage show.
Character fans will be thrilled with the opportunity to meet rare characters, some of which will be dressed in special holiday attire. These meet-and-greet offerings are exclusive to the party. And while you’re hopping from the parade to your favorite ride, or whatever you fancy, you can stop for a complimentary treat on the way! Throughout the park, you’ll find dedicated stations offering cookies and a festive beverage. We’re talking anything from chocolate chip pretzel cookies to warm apple cider. (Make sure to grab a few extra to snack on at the hotel later!)
While we’ve already touched on the parade, it’s worth noting that it is often the one major appeal for families. Children get so excited about seeing Disney characters in their holiday attire. Plus, if you watch the parade from Main Street, you’ll have the opportunity to see a special pre-parade and experience the magic of faux snowfalls. If you’re smiling thinking about it all (we are), then the party might just be the one thing that makes a holiday trip to Walt Disney World feel extra special.
Who Might Want to Skip the Party?
Now, no matter how magical the party might be for you, a special event ticket is an additional expense. That especially matters when you’re working within the confines of a budget.
If your family is already planning several park days, adding another ticket may not be the best use of your vacation dollars. This can be particularly true for a shorter trip when there are already more things to see and do than you can fit into your schedule.
Children’s ages and interests can also make a difference. Some families may be thrilled by the holiday entertainment and characters. Likewise, others may prefer spending that evening at the resort, enjoying a quieter dinner, and resting up for another day in the parks.
It’s also worth considering how much you want to accomplish during the event. If your primary goal is to experience attractions, the party may not provide the same value as it would for a family whose priorities are holiday entertainment and special experiences.
Your Travel Dates Matter
When you’re deciding whether to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, your travel dates are another important consideration. If you’re visiting during the holiday season, you’ll find opportunities to experience Christmas decorations, entertainment, and seasonal atmosphere throughout all the parks and many resort hotels.
Depending on your dates, you may be able to experience some holiday offerings without purchasing a separate party ticket. For example, the Christmas parade is typically offered the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, after the last party night.
That doesn’t make the party unnecessary. Instead, it means looking at your entire vacation before deciding whether the additional ticket provides enough value for your family. Will you feel as though you’re really missing something if you don’t attend the party?
If you do decide to purchase party tickets, we highly recommend planning a day of rest on the day of your party. That way, you can maximize time at the party and stay out late to enjoy as many offerings as possible. You’ll also want to consider a late start on the day after the party. If you stay at Magic Kingdom until midnight on the party night, you likely won’t feel up to hitting the parks hard first thing the next day. These considerations are essential when planning your trip.
What About the Cost?
The cost of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an important part of the decision, especially for larger families. Rather than looking at the ticket price by itself, consider what you’re hoping to get from the experience.
Would your family be disappointed if you missed the party? Are there specific entertainment offerings or character experiences that your children are excited to see? Would you rather spend that money on another experience during your vacation? Is it possible you could extend your vacation by a day or two if you skipped the party?
There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer. The goal is to spend your vacation budget on the experiences that matter most to your family.
Let an Expert Help You Decide
This is where working with an authorized (and experienced) Disney travel professional can make a difference. Instead of simply adding every available experience to your itinerary, your travel advisor can look at the bigger picture. They’ll consider your children’s ages, the length of your vacation, your travel dates, your budget, and the things your family most wants to experience.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party may be an excellent choice for one family and something another family can comfortably skip.
The important thing is understanding what works for your vacation.
Our expertise can help you weigh those options and design a Walt Disney World trip around your family’s needs and preferences. Whether that means adding Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or choosing another way to spend your evening, we’ll help you create a vacation that feels right for your family.
Because the best Disney vacation isn’t necessarily the one that includes everything. It’s the one that includes the experiences that mean the most to you! If you would like to talk it through further or see what your options look like on paper, we’re here to help.
Feel free to reach out to discuss your travel plans, and we can work out the details of whether Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is worth it to you or not!