Walt Disney World, every year, hosts two parties: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, in September and October, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in November and December.  Both parties take place at the Magic Kingdom.  Today’s blog is going briefly discuss what goes on at these parties and when we get closer to the events, I’ll go into more detail about tips and strategies to maximize the enjoyment of going to these parties.

First, both of these parties are “hard ticket” items which means that guests have to purchase tickets IN ADDITION to any park tickets already purchased.  Also, these events only take place on select nights.  On these nights, guests who have tickets to party may enter the Magic Kingdom starting at 4 pm where they will be given a wrist band for Cast Members to see in order to gain access to attractions and meet-and-greets.  The party officially starts at 7 pm and Cast Members start moving non-ticket holders out of the park and the party comes to a close at midnight.

Starting with the Halloween Party, these are the nights when it will take place:

September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26 and 28

October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 21, 23 24, 26, 28, 30, and 31

Advance Sales Ticket Pricing

September Dates: $62.00+tax ages 10 & up; $57.00+tax ages 3-9

October Dates: $67.00+tax ages 10 & up; $62.00+tax ages 3-9

Advance Sales are available for all the dates in October except the 10th, 17th, 24th, 30th, and 31st where same day ticket pricing is available.

Day of Event Ticket Pricing

September Dates: $68.00+tax ages 10&up; $63.00+tax ages 3-9

October Dates: $71.00+ tax ages 10&up; $66.00+tax ages 3-9

October 31st: $77.00+tax ages 10&up; $72.00+tax ages 3-9

Annual Passholder and DVC Member Discounts

Ticket discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members for all the September and select October Dates (October 3, 10, 17, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 31 are excluded from the discount) $58.00+tax ages 10 and up; $53.00+tax ages 3-9

With the dates and ticketing out of the way, what does a guest for their $60+ dollars.  Let’s start with the map:

There is something for everybody: trick or treat trails for the kids and kids at heart, spectacular themeing, specialty food and drink treats, a Halloween Parade and a special showing of Halloween themed version of the Wishes Fireworks Show, and appearances by rarely seen characters.

Two of the most popular meet and greets are the Seven Dwarfs (as seen above) and Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.  This is also one of the nights where the Disney Villains are out in the parks (seen below).

The villains are seen mainly in the parade and one of the many dance parties that occur throughout the evening.  The usual suspects (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, etc.) are also out in the parks available for meet-and-greets in costume and at dance parties during the event.

My family has gone to the Halloween Party twice during our visits to Walt Disney World and we have enjoyed both visits.  We learned a lot from that first time.  The most important thing we learned is lightweight costumes that are breathable are a must.  It is still hot AND humid in Florida during September and October.  The last thing a guest wants to do is start shedding layers of a costume off and trying to find a place to store it while in the parks.   The other thing we learned is: If there a certain character that a member of your party wants to meet, find where the meet-and-greet is going to take place and get in line early.  The wait time will only grow throughout the night and the characters may only be out for a short time.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Timing of the Christmas party is the same as the Halloween party: ticket holders can enter the park starting at 4, non-ticket holders are ushered out starting at 7, and the party is over at midnight.

Very Merry Christmas Party Dates:

November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, and 30

December 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19

Advanced Sales Ticket Pricing

Advanced Sales Pricing is available for all dates EXCEPT: November 21 and 30; December 5, 12, 18, and 19

All dates except those listed above: $67.00+tax ages 10 and up; $62.00+tax ages 3-9

Day of Event Pricing

All dates (except December 19): $71.00+tax ages 10 and up; $66.00+tax ages 3-9

December 19: $74.00+tax ages 10 and up; $69.00+tax ages 3-9

Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Members Pricing

All dates except the dates listed above in the advanced sales ticket pricing: $62.00+tax ages 10 and up; $57.00+tax ages 3-9

Like the Halloween Party, here’s the map for the Christmas Party:

The Christmas Party is very similar to the Halloween Party in terms of what takes place. They both have a special parade and version of Wishes, holiday treats are available throughout the park, the characters are dressed up in Christmas attire, and there are rarely seen characters out in the parks.

There are two main differences between the Halloween Party and Christmas Party are: 1) Cinderella’s Castle is covered in Christmas lights and it snows on Main Street during the party.  Both can be seen below.

The most well-known character that appears during the Christmas Party is Scrooge McDuck.  Like in the story, he’s not giving out any of his money….sorry!

The Seven Dwarfs also make an appearance at the Christmas Party.

The same rules, from the Halloween Party, apply for meeting these characters: find out from a Cast Member where the special meet-and-greets are taking place and get in line early.

The parade that takes place during the evening is one of the must-see events of the party.

The parade proudly announces that this is Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade.  The parade continues with floats showing the various Disney characters in Christmas attire.  And the parade wouldn’t be complete with an appearance by the “Big Guy.”  No, not Santa.  But MICKEY!

 

If a person is planning a trip in the second half of the calendar year and asked me which of the two parties is better party to attend, I would answer the Christmas Party.  Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Halloween.  The combination of heat, humidity, and getting dressed in a costume makes it even less appealing.  Now, November and December when the weather is a little cooler, the humidity isn’t as oppressive, and I get to celebrate Christmas.  That’s a home run!  My best tip for the Christmas Party is to bring extra layers of clothing.  It can get chilly in November/December at night in Florida and packing a jacket or sweatshirt to keep you warm can go a long way in making your party more enjoyable.

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