Mouse Extra

Its almost the holiday season at Walt Disney World. The parks will be decorated for Christmas in short order. Santas from around the World will be gracing the World Showcase pavillons. The Osborn Family Lights will soon be dazzling Studio guests. And starting November 12th the “hard” ticket event Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be packing them in at the Magic Kingdom. Tickets for this event are about $50 for adults and slightly less for kids. The question is, of course, is it worth it?

I must say yes. There are a number of holiday shows going on around the park. These include Celebrate the Season, Twas the Night Before Christmas, and a special version of Wishes. The big highlight is probably the holiday parade which runs twice. Another highlight is the imagineers have created a snowfall to set the mood down Main Street. There are also character dances and, of course, you can meet Santa Claus. An important note about the shows is that many of them play during the day starting in the middle of December just as the crowds really intensify and lines for attractions become virtually unbearable.

You also get holiday treats like hot chochlate, apple slices, and cookies. For real meals, there are unfortunately limited choices. Cosmic Ray’s and the Pecos Bill Cafe are open as are the sit-down Tony’s Townsquare and Liberty Tree Tavern. My suggestion would be to either eat at a Magic Kigdom resort just before the event as crowds can get tough or try Cosmic Ray’s.

For sure the event can get crowded. The number of tickets sold is about 20,000 and most nights sell out well in advance. Tickets go on sale around 6 months before the events begin. The party closes at midnight (give or take) but the crowds begin to thin after the holiday version of Wishes which starts at 9:30. It really drops after the second parade which sets off at 10:45. You want to be around after 11 o’clock as many of attractions are virtually empty. I would do the Mountains during the first parade. Just before and immediately after the second parade do many of the attractions that ordinarily get very busy. We enjoyed Big Thunder 4 times in a row without getting off as it was virtualy empty which is true for much of the park after 11 o’clock. During the early portion of the evening enjoy the shows you want to see. I would watch the second parade as it is much less crowded.

The event is not by any means cheap. Furthermore, the decorations are out for everyone to enjoy all day. Other events like the Osborn Lights are included in your park ticket. Plus, if you’re at the park for the few weeks prior to December 25th, most of the shows play during the day as well, except the fireworks and parade. Still, I think its well worth your time and money, and a fun way to kick off the holiday season.

Today’s article is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra.