The holidays in Walt Disney World are extra magical. From the decorations, characters in their holiday best, and let’s not forget the parties! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a can’t-miss event. If you want to get the most out of your money for this event, I’m here to share my top tips for a magical night.

What is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Before we dive into the tips, let’s clarify what even is this event. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a specially ticketed event held at the Magic Kingdom on select nights from early November through December (usually ends a few days before Christmas).

Very Merry has a special parade, character meet and greets, a fireworks show, snacks, and more. There is so much to this event, it can feel overwhelming. Yet, you’re here preparing, so let’s get to those tips!

My first tip is to accept you can’t do everything.

This is hard. I know. I want to do it all too. But they offer so much at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Trying to do it all would leave you exhausted and possibly disappointed. I know you want to get your money’s worth out of your ticket, but I promise, it’s a good thing you can’t do it all. It means that there is plenty to do and see, and that helps spread any crowds out.

The next tip for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is to learn what’s available before you arrive.

As I mentioned, there is so much to do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you wait until you arrive to see what is there, you’ll get overwhelmed or stressed. That’s not good when you’re trying to embrace the holiday spirit.

Instead, watch YouTube Videos, read the Disney Website, and see what is offered. You don’t need to have it memorized, but just get a feel for things.

This will help with the next tip.

Choose 2-3 priorities for the event.

Now that you have a feel for what will be at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, pick 2 or 3 things that are must-dos. This could be the parade, fireworks, shows, certain characters or ride overlays. While most rides are open during the event with very low wait times, I suggest sticking to things you can only do at the party (unless you’re using the party instead of a Magic Kingdom Day and you don’t care about the holiday things).

For me, seeing the parade from Main Street was a top priority. I also chose Space Mountain with the holiday overlay and meeting Jack and Sally as my priorities.

With your priorities set, you can map out if they only occur at certain times or if they happen all night long. For instance, the parade only happens twice per night.

Of course, you will likely do more than 3 things. However, having a few top picks to focus on means anything else you do is like a bonus!

See the 2nd Parade.

If seeing the parade is important and you can make it, see the second parade. Many people see that first parade since it’s earlier. By the second parade, many people have left the park or are focusing on other things. Seeing the second parade (it was at 11pm the night I went), there were fewer crowds. I was able to get a great spot on Main Street walking up just about 30 minutes before it started.

The first parade is much more crowded at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. To get a good viewing spot you may have to get there an hour beforehand.

Take advantage of the 1st Parade.

Seeing the second parade means you can use that time during the 1st parade to do some of the more popular things. Since most people are watching the parade, wait times are MUCH lower. For example, during my time we went and met Jack and Sally with only a 15-minute wait, then we waited less than 5 minutes to meet Mickey Mouse in his holiday outfit. We were also able to grab coffee at Starbucks with no wait, too.

If your priorities are for the more popular things (like Jack and Sally, or Anna and Elsa) the 1st parade time is a great time to do those things! (Another reason to see that second parade!)

Eat before the Very Merry Christmas Party Begins.

This was one mistake I made. Time got away from me, and I waited until 6 pm to eat. This time is very chaotic as the park is now closed, but regular-day guests (who do not have party tickets) are not yet out of the park. This means that many of the dining options close until 7 pm. The dining lines were then very long at the few places open for party guests.

Either eat dinner before arriving at the park, or eat before the park closes at 6 pm.

Dress Comfortably for the Party.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a great time to get extra festive with your outfits. Plaid ears, lots of red and green, maybe some sparkles. It’s all fun for this event. However, remember that you’re still in Florida and you’re still in Disney World.

Select something that is comfortable for walking and moving in. (Shoes, too!) Weather can be unpredictably warm (it was HOT when I went in early November), or cool. Therefore, having layers is a great way to go.

Shop Party Exclusive Merch Early if Possible

Disney Parks is great about sharing what exclusive merchandise will be available for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party guests. On party days, if you are in the park early you are able to shop the merchandise before the party begins (with proof of ticket). This is very nice as you’re not wasting precious party time. Plus, some items can run out.

I was able to purchase a mug and pin during my daytime visit to Magic Kingdom. When I took a break in the hotel room, I was able to leave my purchases there, and not carry them around all night.

Be Flexible & Don’t Trust Wait Times

With any Disney trip, be flexible. If there is a huge line for something you really want to do, try coming back later. Usually, the line will get shorter. I found that for everything at the party. At one point, meeting Minnie was a 90-minute wait. I came back later and it was 25 minutes. By adjusting and not sticking to a strict schedule, I was able to have a magical time without huge waits.

Going along with being flexible. Don’t always trust the wait times posted. Go look at a line yourself and decide. I found the rides were often posted longer then the lines actually were. Of course, if it looks super long, come back later. There’s plenty to do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

With that, have the most magical time at the party!

Looking for more tips for traveling to Disney? Head to the blog!