Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth the cost? We’re sharing everything you need to know about the separately ticketed event.

At Disney World, you have not one, but TWO very special holiday events you can attend this year. Over at Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is returning for another year, taking place on select nights from November 9 to December 22. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Jollywood Nights will be making its official debut on November 11, taking place on select nights through December 20. Each of the events requires a separate ticket from your typical park admission, offering guests special entertainment, treats, and lower crowds in the park after hours.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party costs anywhere from $159 to $199 a ticket (for ages 10 and up), depending on the night you go. With such a large price tag, the major question you may have when considering the party is whether it’s worth the cost. We’re breaking down everything you can expect from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and whether it may be worth the ticket price if you’re considering going.

What You Get from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

While Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party doesn’t officially start until 7 PM, your ticket will grant you entry into Magic Kingdom beginning as early as 4 PM. That means you can get an extra few hours in the park prior to the party starting, without needing an additional theme park ticket or Park Pass reservation.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

So, what exactly is included in the cost of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket? You can expect exciting entertainment, exclusive treats, lower crowds and wait times, and more when you’re attending the festive event. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect from the party.

Character Meet and Greets

If you are a fan of meeting Disney characters at the theme parks, attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a must-do! Not only will you get the chance to meet some rare characters who are not typically out during regular park hours, but you will also get to meet some of the iconic Disney characters in their festive attire – something that only happens for a few weeks out of the entire year.

One of the most popular meet and greets at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is Sandy Claws, who meets alongside Sally, from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Typically guests cannot meet these two during normal park hours so their line is usually pretty long, but if you get there early it is worth the wait so you have the rest of the party to experience everything else.

Prince Naveen. Photo by Laurie Sapp

Another highlight during Very Merry is the fact that you can typically meet the Disney Princesses alongside their significant others at Fairytale Hall. Rapunzel meets guests alongside Flynn Rider, Cinderella will greet you alongside Prince Charming, and Snow White and the Prince, as well as Aurora and Prince Phillip, will meet you in their holiday attire. To me, having these rare character appearances is certainly worth the money, however, if you are not into meeting character this may not be a selling point for you.

Special Entertainment

In addition to character meet and greets, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also offers a stage show, a special fireworks show, and a one-of-a-kind Christmas parade. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration takes place throughout the evening in front of Cinderella Castle. This yuletide stage show brings the magic of Christmas to Magic Kingdom, with the help of many Disney friends. The show only exists during this special ticketed event so if this a must-see for you, then definitely splurge on a ticket for the party. 

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show is nothing like you’ve ever seen before! Festive projections take over Cinderella Castle as fireworks light up the night sky, all timed perfectly to holiday classic carols. If you love fireworks shows, this is certainly a selling point for you.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is one of my personal favorites. This offering brings Christmas cheer to Main Street, U.S.A. as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dress in holiday attire and appear on top of a parade float decorated with a giant Christmas tree and presents! And keep those eyes open, because the one and only Santa Claus will make a special appearance during the parade!

Should I Choose Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Disney Jollywood Nights?

While Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has typically been the only holiday after-hours event offered in Disney World, this year the parks are also introducing Disney Jollywood Nights. The latter event takes place on select nights from November 11 to December 20, with tickets ranging from $159 to $179 per person (ages 10 and up). While both events are family-friendly holiday celebrations, Disney Jollywood Nights have been marketed more towards guests looking to celebrate the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood as opposed to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Each of the parties offers a special menu of exclusive food and drink, fun entertainment, special character meetings, and more that attendees will love. Ultimately, the choice of which is better will be up to you and your group’s needs. Do you want to experience lower wait times at Disney’s Hollywood Studios rides, with theming that caters to old Hollywood? Then Disney Jollywood Nights may be for you. If you want a night filled with holiday fun at Magic Kingdom, filled with reindeer, Santa Claus, and more, then Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be your better pick.

Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth the Cost?

Ultimately, whether the party is worth it for you and your group will depend on how much you’ll get out of it. If you love the holidays, enjoy getting to meet rare characters, and watch special entertainment, you’ll get a lot out of your ticket. If you are bringing younger kids to the park that have an earlier bedtime, and won’t be able to experience the full party, that cost may not be worth it.

Overall, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a particularly fun and unique experience that will certainly get you in the holiday spirit. While the cost of the tickets is inarguably large, if it fits within your budget and will be enjoyed by the entire group, we fully think it can be worth the cost of admission.