My 17 Tips for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024

Hi everyone!

We attended the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the 2024 season, and I have 17 tips to share! The party has been refreshed some, especially the music for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (as well as some character costumes).

Here are my top tips for 2024, along with photos and video. We plan to add more info to the article after our second party.

We recommend booking with our travel partner MEI and Mouse Fan Travel.

1 – Arrive early – Guests can arrive at 4:00pm on a party ticket.  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party does not officially start until 7:00pm, but there are some characters to meet, as well as special photo locations. And you can enjoy Magic Kingdom rides while waiting for the party to officially start. The last Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration starts at 11:55 p.m., so guests can enjoy over 8 hours in the park.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guide map

2 – Plan ahead – Many nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party have already sold out for this year. Book ahead, and I often recommend two parties if possible because there is so much to see and do.

I recommend figuring out priorities for the evening – there is Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade along with Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, characters to meet, a few ride overlays, treats to find and more. You can’t do it all in one night. But it is possible to see all you want to in one party if having a smaller list of must-do activities.

3 – Meet Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws with Sally early – This is almost always our first meet and greet at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! It is a very popular one and starts around 4:00 p.m. Remember to pick up your souvenir autograph card.

The line for Jack and Sally gets long early, but it’s nice to visit with them well before the party officially starts.

Our video of Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws with Sally

4 – Head to the Market Street bypass for photos and a souvenir ornament – Upon arrival into the park, head to the Market Street bypass to the right and pick up a souvenir ornament and enjoy some fun photo ops. Only guests of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enter and this area does close at 8:00 p.m.

Gingerbread characters on Market Street during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ornament for 2024

5 – Watch “A Frozen Holiday Surprise”. Disney says of this show, Join our Frozen friends from Arendelle as they ring in the season. The castle then has projections on it. Unfortunately, there are no ice lights anymore.

10 – Try included cookies and drinks – Delicious cookies from Cheryl’s Cookies, along with Joffrey’s hot chocolate and other beverages (depending on location) are part of your party ticket.

11 – Watch the last Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration show – The final Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration show starts at 11:55pm, so it doesn’t take up any real party time and is less crowded than earlier in the evening. The only caveat is if the show has a glitch for any reason or a weather related issue. I recommend seeing it earlier and then the last show with the less crowds.

Our video of the Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration show 2024.

12 – Ride the Jingle Cruise – This is not a party exclusive, so you can enjoy it anytime during your visit. But it will help you get into the holiday spirit! Riding between 4:00pm and 7:00pm is best as not to take party time.