In the last episode of Sam’s Disney Diary, we took a trip to Hollywood Studios to explore the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Now, we’re heading to Magic Kingdom for the ultimate Christmas celebration—Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Held on select nights from early November through December 21, the event transforms the park into a winter wonderland filled with character dance parties, holiday fireworks, special castle shows, and most importantly—Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
What You Need to Know About the Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a “hard-ticket” event, meaning regular park admission doesn’t cover it. Guests need a special party ticket, and advanced purchase is highly recommended—many nights sell out. With your party ticket, you can enter as early as 4:00 p.m., even though the event officially begins at 7:00 p.m. Once inside, you’ll receive a wristband granting access to exclusive party offerings until midnight.
The Main Event: Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
There’s no doubt that the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is a must-see. With two performances each night at 8:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., you’ll have a chance to plan your evening around it. The parade is packed with beloved characters, dazzling floats, festive music, and of course—the iconic Toy Soldiers marching through the streets. Cinderella Castle aglow in holiday lights provides the perfect backdrop.
Our video captures the parade from Frontierland, with some additional footage from the second performance near the hub. Frontierland is a great place to grab a prime viewing spot with less of a crowd.
Plan to Maximize Your Night
You can knock out three big highlights without moving: catch the 7:45 p.m. “Celebrate the Season” castle show, stay in place for the 8:15 p.m. parade, and wrap up with the 9:30 p.m. Holiday Wishes fireworks—all from the hub. But don’t forget the other magical offerings, including:
- “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” stage show (five performances)
- Character meet-and-greets with rare appearances (like all Seven Dwarfs and Scrooge McDuck!)
- Cookies and cocoa stations scattered throughout the park
- Open attractions with shorter wait times
Disney Holiday Magic at Its Best
This episode focuses on the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, but Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offers so much more—from special merchandise to unforgettable memories. The parade, however, is the star—bringing holiday cheer, classic characters, and festive floats to life under the twinkling lights of Main Street, U.S.A.
Stay tuned—our next two episodes will highlight the castle stage show and Holiday Wishes fireworks!
Direct Links to More Walt Disney World Parades
Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: All of Them, Happy Easter Parade All of Them
Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectulactors 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
[…] ticketed event at Walt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom. I covered the party in detail last year in Episode #22, including Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade. So rather than cover the event again, I thought I’d cover what’s new for 2013. A few of […]
[…] mentioned in my last episode, I covered Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in detail last year, Episode #22. I may have followed that episode up with a look at Holiday Wishes, the nightly fireworks […]