Download free, printable Disney Planner pages for the holidays.
Are you going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year? As you may know, this amazing Christmas party takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights from November 8 to December 22, 2026. (The dates in red are sold out already).
- November: 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29.
- December: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22.
The evening goes by quickly, so it helps to have a plan. The party features
- Frozen Holiday Surprise, an outdoor stage show featuring Elsa, Anna and Olaf from the Frozen franchise.
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, an outdoor stage show featuring lots of characters and Yuletime cheer.
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
- Holiday treats and drinks throughout the park (e.g., cookies and cocoa)
- Character meets, kids dance parties, party-exclusive food for sale, special holiday overlays on some rides and festive decorations and music.
Here are 10 less-than-well-known tips that may save you time, money and aggravation so that you have the best time ever!
- Plan like a pro! Download my free, printable Planner pages. You can make a copy on Google Docs and insert your own travel, hotel, park tickets and dining reservation dates and confirmation numbers. This planner is designed to be printed and inserted into a mini photo album ($1.25 at Dollar Tree). It’s handy to to have this information at your fingertips. It might be easier for you to read than the map. Questions? Just contact me.
- Don’t sleep on purchasing your party tickets. The party does sell out. If you have your heart set on a sold-out date, you can keep calling Disney and see if any more party tickets have been released for your preferred date.
- Save money on Party tickets. As soon as you know your plans are definite buy your tickets from Undercover Tourist. Not only will you save some money, you can get a refund for non-expired tickets if your plans change (less a 5% processing fee) and that won’t be offered if you buy them from Disney (although they may let you use unused tickets on another date).
- Don’t go too early or too late. Going to the party depends a lot on what else you want to do at Walt Disney World, especially if you are traveling from out of state (or from out of the country). Last year, my son and I went on November 17. The weather was lovely, but not all of the resort decorations were up and Festival of the Holidays hadn’t started yet. If your schedule allows, go in November — but wait until after November 13, which is the official start of the holiday season at Walt Disney World. If you also want to also see Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, then know that doesn’t begin until the day after Thanksgiving, November 27.
- If you are flying back home from Florida, book a morning or mid-day flight. It’s tempting to take the last flight of the day but Orlando is a busy airport. Evening flights are much more likely to be canceled or delayed.
- Eat a substantial meal before the party. Some people have encountered slow wait times and service at table service restaurants, long lines at kiosks, congested mobile ordering and a lack of options that aren’t spicy. Fuel up with a sandwich at your resort or have a late lunch/early dinner at the Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian. I recommend the kid’s turkey sandwich meal (a bargain!) and the roast beef focaccia sandwich.
Photo credit: Disneygo.com - Plan for a bedtime snack. When you come back to your hotel room, you might be really hungry after 1:00 a.m.! So, before you head to the party, buy some yogurt, a banana, cereal or a sandwich and stash it in your room. If you don’t eat it before bed, you’ll have something to eat when you wake up.
- Don’t miss the train. If riding the WDW Railroad train is on your wish list, keep in mind that it stops operating after 5 pm. So, hop into the station on Main St. as soon as you get your map and wristband. When you get off at the Fantasyland station, take the path (on your left) that passes under Tron if Tomorrowland is your next destination. This is an especially good plan if you want to buy Party-exclusive merchandise at Star Traders. Now, you’ve avoided the crowds at the stores on Main Street, USA..
- Another late night munchies option. McDonald’s will be open after the party! It is open 24/7 every day and is a quick walk from All Star Sports.
- When you get back to your room after the party, before you go to bed, take some Tylenol or Advil and drink a glass of water. You may not realize it, because you are bone-tired, but you are probably also dehydrated. As you body relaxes in sleep, you may wake up in a couple of hours in pain, after tossing and turning. So, take an anti-inflammatory before going to bed so you have restful sleep. This helped me so much on my last trip.
And one last tip — dress for the occasion! Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and lightweight layers — it can be warm and cool that time of year. I was comfortable in leggings and a t-shirt and didn’t need my sweater all evening (but a light sweater or hoodie is a good idea). Most of all, sparkle! Wear holiday colors, t-shirts, fun jewelry, light up necklaces and mouse ears. It is a party, after all, and there will be loads of photo opportunities.
I hope these tips were helpful for you! What tips can you share with me?
