It Feels Like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party…All Over Again!
The title of this Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party report is a nod to two of our favorite holiday songs, fitting for our (or at least my) second one of the holiday season. In this MVMCP report, we share some thoughts about crowds, entertainment, and other random stuff, plus ~50 new holiday photos.
In case you missed it, our 2018 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Photo Report covers my first MVMCP experience this year in Magic Kingdom. If you’re looking for step-by-step strategy, consult our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tips post instead. This is basically just a MVMCP trip report.
Let’s start with crowds, as that seems to be a topic of significant interest to potential party attendees. The party we attended was really busy and not sold out. Parade spots were claimed early and several rows deep along Main Street for both parades; Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration and Holiday Wishes both had fairly dense crowds, too.
It was an abnormally chilly night in Magic Kingdom, but the park didn’t really clear out until after the second parade, after which it was relatively quiet. On a positive note, character meet & greets did not seem nearly as busy as the last party I attended. Several ‘normal’ characters had short or nonexistent lines later in the night. Overall, the crowd level was higher than I’d expect for a hard ticket event.
In our previous Christmas Party report, we discussed how Walt Disney World could conceivably increase the attendance cap of these special events (as has undoubtedly occurred) by trying to redistribute attendance within Magic Kingdom during them.
To the point, getting more people on rides early in the night, and encouraging guests to see the later parade or entertainment would allow Walt Disney World to increase the attendance cap without guests being negatively impacted or even noticing a difference.
It’s a savvy strategy…when and if it works. Unfortunately, we don’t think it’s working.
Halloween and Christmas Parties ticket prices and attendance have both increased this year. Meanwhile, Cast Member discounts have become more abundant. Now, we have zero issue with hard-working Cast Members receiving perks. Offering Cast Member discounts for every single party wouldn’t be a problem–it’s the higher attendance cap and the fact that parties are rarely selling out, even when really busy. That’s the problem.
To us, there’s something a bit ‘off’ about this. Reports from the first few weeks of these parties come in, and have a consistent chorus of the parties being crowded…and Disney ‘responds’ by extending Cast Member discounts to pretty much every remaining night in December in an attempt to sell even more tickets.
The goal is to sell as many tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as possible, and that’s hardly noteworthy.
What is fascinating is the means of doing this–and it’s something we’ve observed elsewhere with Walt Disney World the last couple of years: price segmentation.
Basically, the idea here is charging different prices to different people for the same or similar product or service based on the maximum amount that demographic is willing to pay. It’s not a new concept, and Walt Disney World has been doing it for ages with Florida Resident, AP, DVC, and Cast Member discounts.
More recently, we’ve seen deeper dining discounts, significant hotel deals, and what amounts to multiple tiers of pricing for these parties. (Even our recent Tips for Priceline Express Deals at Walt Disney World is an example of this in action.)
Personally, I think this trend is going to continue. Walt Disney World has a seemingly never-ending pool of once in a lifetime guests who will spare no expense to ensure that their trip lives up to the hype. Fear of missing out is a powerful motivator, as is the pressure of presenting ‘perfection’ on social media.
However, that highly lucrative single-visit demographic is not enough to sustain a theme park operation, even with strong consumer confidence. Walt Disney World also needs various types of repeat visitors, who tend to be more savvy and aware of past precedent.
Tickets for one of these parties may not seem expensive to the first-timer, especially if they are told it’s an incredible, unequivocal must-do by a social media influencer or they see it compared to the cost of an NFL game. That ‘argument’ will be far less persuasive with someone who attended the same party in 2007 but paid half the price and enjoyed half the crowds.
I think this is a really fascinating topic that will influence guest spending, pricing, offerings, and operations at Walt Disney World for at least the next 5 years to come. However, it’s also veering pretty far off topic at this point, so let’s switch gears…
By total luck, we attended the coldest Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the year thus far. When I say luck, to be clear: I mean good luck.
I know a lot of people visit Florida to escape cold weather, and that’s fine. We totally understand why they’d be disappointed by temperatures in the 40s.
I’m the polar opposite of that. If I could only choose 40-degree weather or 90-degree weather (with humidity), I’d take the former every day of the week.
You can always put on more clothing…there’s only so much you can take off. (Oh, and we say coldest party “thus far” because the low tomorrow is 39 degrees. So consult our Winter Packing Guide for Walt Disney World and plan accordingly if you’re visiting this week.
Since I had already attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and got most of the entertainment and ambiance photos I wanted then, our main goal for the evening was getting some good photos of us.
Because of the cooler weather, we opted to wear matching Christmas sweaters: Sarah in her adorable one featuring the sweet Duffy, Shellie May, etc., and me in a menacing one featuring the devious Gremlins. Well, at least we managed complementary Christmas colors.
We started with Mickey in his vaguely Christmas ensemble at Town Square Theater shortly before the official start time of the party. We ended up getting a number of other PhotoPass shots throughout the night, with very mixed results…which is why the photo above is one of Mickey by himself that I took, rather than us with him.
At least we only waited 5 minutes for this meet & greet. Around this same time, Jack as Sandy Claws and Sally had around a 90 minute wait–which also isn’t too bad as compared to their norm.
Our next stop was Santa Goofy back in Storybook Circus. We debated going for the other Fab Five characters back here, but the lines were significantly longer (all of those are unique, whereas Santa Goofy meets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and we have photos with them from the last few years.
The wait was minimal, which I’m grateful for in hindsight because the photo is sorta meh. I really wish they’d do themed backdrops for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The cost would be minimal, it’d be an ‘exclusive’ offering, and would significantly improve the look of photos as to random backgrounds of everyday aspects of Storybook Circus.
Another priority for the evening was trying some of the party-exclusive desserts. I had planned on doing a comprehensive post of Christmas foods at Magic Kingdom, but it now seems like I won’t get around to that while it’s still relevant.
Suffice to say, the only thing I’d recommend is the Yule Log, which was fantastic. The biggest disappointment ended up being the Red Velvet Zero Waffles. We love the this at the Halloween Party, but the Christmas version was atrocious. Hopefully ours was a one-off poor experience.
Not focusing as much effort on camping out for parade spots this party, we had more time to see Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration. All told, I saw portions of that show 5 times this year. I said it before, but I’ll say it again: I love this show.
It has incredible production value, great performances, excellent costuming, and Walt Disney World goofiness. Let me explain that last one, because that may be perceived as a backhanded compliment, when it’s really not.
Throughout its history, Walt Disney World has leaned into the quirky and sometimes downright weird. (Anyone who has seen the infamous ‘Movin’ On’ Grad Nite video from the 1970s knows what I mean.)
Over the years, this approach has given personality to Walt Disney World offerings, and given rise to a slew of enduring, quotable lines, memorable gags, and more.
In short, this is total fodder for nostalgia. I’m not sure this was an intentional thing in the early years of Walt Disney World, but it has become one of the ‘secret sauces’ for Disney that isn’t really talked about.
For the most part, it’s not something that’s common with new offerings, either. Walt Disney World aims for a more polished approach that focuses on wow-factor rather than wacky. (And when they do try for wacky, it often misses the mark–see the Flight of Passage pre-show.)
That’s what’s so great about entertainment like Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration and A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas.
These shows are both quintessential Walt Disney World quirkiness, and take an unconventional approach. You could argue that A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas goes a bit too far in the campy direction–I totally disagree.
By any reasonable measure, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration strikes the perfect balance.
The show is exceptional, and its moments of personality elevates it from a montage show of Christmas tunes to something that will endure and be remembered long after its run ends.
Honestly, even that “Text Me a Merry Christmas” song, which I dislike and think is off-brand for Disney adds to the show’s idiosyncrasies. The more I see that number and, more importantly, see the audience reaction to it, the more I’m cool with it.
For a curmudgeon like me, it’s a bit too…modern. The college age group seems to love that song, and they have a hoot while it’s being performed. It’s often said that Walt Disney World needs to continue evolving and appealing to the younger generations to stay relevant, and you know what–that includes in quirky ways. Either way, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is an absolute gem and one of the best additions to Walt Disney World in the last decade.
A Mickey Christmas is always a good time.
We’ve done the party twice and had fun, but I am not sure we will do the party again. For our family of 5, it is just so expensive; you could add another night of hotel stay and extending tickets by the day and the party is more expensive than that! But I also don’t think it is “worth it” to pay $80 per person for a dessert party either, and plenty of people do, so I guess to each his own.
The problem is the baseline with no expensive “extras” at Disney World is soooo good, I think it is harder to persuade me that the extra cost is worth it. The park feels plenty festive at Christmas time even before the party, FP+ ensures I never have to wait more than 15 minutes for a ride any time of day, and I can buy some very nice Christmas-sy treats for $4 or a snack credit in daytime rather than paying $100+ per person for “free” cookies at the party.
To me, the special parade and fireworks would be a much better upsell if the crowds weren’t so horrific. I have NEVER seen the hub so packed with people (many of whom were decidedly bereft of Christmas spirit and shoving and yelling at each other) as it was during our Christmas party last year. And I can have dinner at a monorail resort to watch the party fireworks instead.
So basically Sarah just gets prettier every year?
Seriously!! And her sweater!
We were at that same party and boy was it cold! Our kids were wrapped up in gingerbread blankets the whole time! Btw, the storybook circus cookie people were stingy with those amazing peppermint crunch cookies! I just had one for breakfast today- so good!
I was that guy pestering you guys that night at Sleepy Hollow, and can attest that the Red Velvet Waffles were sub-par!
My kids were exhausted so we left mid-fireworks (I know your thoughts on paying as much as we did and leaving so soon, but it’s tough with a 4 year old and 15 month old. I had already made up my mind that the cost was worth it for the parade and I still think that to be true). Anyways, leaving mid fireworks turned out to be pretty awesome. The last time we attended MVMCP was in 2015 and we watched the fireworks from about halfway up Main Street. I didn’t really notice the perimeter bursts at that party, but man oh man is it pretty awesome seeing them from in between the entrance and the bus loop.
It’s probably not a location most seek out, but it was an awesome spot for the perimeter bursts!
I love the activities at the MVMCP such as parade, character greets, and shows. I have no time for rides. If Disney promotes rides during the show, I am happy because it spreads the crowds out.
I love Sarah’s Duffy and Friends sweater. I wish they would sell more of Duffy and Friends merchandise in the US parks.
I have mixed feeling about Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration. I like the appearances by classic Disney characters in such as Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Three Caballeros, White Rabbit, and Clarabelle (although I dont like for her song choice of the overplayed All I Want for Christmas song). I like most of the segments but I still loathe Text Me Merry Christmas even if it makes everyone happy. You are going soft on Text Me Merry Christmas haha 🙂 I’ve seen on YouTube the Christmas shows and parades in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Paris and I love their jazzier versions of the shows plus appearances by rare classic characters. I wish WDW or DL could incorporate these elements into their Christmas shows instead of trying to be hip.
I 110% agree with you on the Country Bears. I love interacting with the Country Bears. I always make sure to see them in Frontierland during the day or at the Christmas Party.
Now that Spectromagic is long gone, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade is my favorite active parade (nevermind seasonal). I love the soundtrack. If I could make changes to make it perfect for me, I would revert the parade back to pre-Frozen era (sayonara Frozen and Wreck it Ralph), bring back Duffy, and somehow incorporate the Country Bears and Brers (similar to Boo to You parade).
Your story of the almost showdown with the imposter bear did NOT disappoint. Such a coward! Someday you’ll get him!
We were at the party Dec 6th and we had fun, but everything was crowded. There were over 30 minutes wait on all the big attractions and same with character meet and greets. Even the food lines were long. We were disappointed.
It’s so interesting to read the different comments/perspectives….. I took my 10-year old niece last Sunday (the 2nd) and we had a great time! After several years of taking her to NSS, we decided to change it up a bit and try the Christmas party. I personally hadn’t been in about 8-9 years and she’d never been. Keeping in mind that we’re AP and local, she decided she actually preferred VMCP.
We managed 15 rides (I made a list in my notes throughout the night), the parade, the fireworks, a picture with Santa Goofy, four snow cones, six cups of hot chocolate, two cookies AT the party (27!!! to take home), a round of The Macarena with the reindeer, and the end of the last show at the Castle. It was muggy, but the temps weren’t bad. The crowds were a lot in certain areas, but overall were fine. Maybe it was because we usually go to these events with a big group (and it was just the two of us this time) or maybe it was because I’d mentally prepared for it to be crazy, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount we were able to do.
Tom, the cola bear left the dance party because he didn’t recognize you in your
new Gremlins sweater. You have to wear your old signature red one. C’mon – you should know that after what happened last time!
The Free Range Country Bears are definitely great character encounters– and not just at Mickey’s Christmas party. On my last time at WDW, I went with a friend’s family on their first visit. There’s a checkerboard in front of the Frontierland shooting gallery, and while some of our group were playing at target practice, my friend and her mom sat down to play a game of checkers. While they were playing, one of the bears (that we hadn’t noticed) spotted them, came over and sat down, and started kibbitzing the game: suggesting moves (by pointing), applauding pieces getting crowned, etc. A crowd ended up gathering to watch the whole thing. It was one of the best, and completely spontaneous, character interactions I’ve had at WDW.
We went to MVMCP on Sunday, December 2nd. It was hot and WAY too crowded! I was told that party sold out. I really wish that I had planned better and went on the 4th. That party did not sell out and, like you said, that temps were way cooler. Alas, we went to the Mickey’s Backyard BBQ on the 4th which my 3 year old enjoyed immensely! I don’t think we will be doing another MVMCP. We didn’t even stay to enjoy the fireworks. We did not, however, have any problems with the cookie lines. They seemed to go very quickly. The 1st one (sugar cookies) actually gave us a handful when my husband jokingly asked is he had extras to spare!
We went to the MVMCP last Tuesday (12/4). It was our first time to the party, and I was so disappointed after spending over $600 for us to attend. It was so crowded we could barely move, and lines for everything were atrocious. It was more crowded than the next day where we did a “regular” day at MK with extra magic hours! We couldn’t get good spots for anything without waiting at least an hour (therefore wasting more valuable party time…), and my family was so frustrated that we left around 10:30. Super bummer in an otherwise great vacation.
We went to the party on 11/27 (and it was cold then too). My entire family decided we prefer the Halloween party (went last year, last) and we were not happy with the lines to get the cookies/snacks. It seemed a lot busier than our last Halloween party (even with the temps low enough to wear our IL coats). We got good seats for the parade (across from Liberty Tree) but had to wait an hour to get front row, we walked up to the side of the castle and saw the end of the show and then the fireworks. My kids favorite part of the night was the Country Bears and Club Tinsel (the Cosmic Rays dance party). We could’ve spent the whole night dancing.
Tom where in the world did you find a gremlins xmas sweater!! I wont one…
We went last week for the first time, a family member used her DVC membership for a small discount. The main reason we decided to go was to see Moana since she is a hard one to find. Unfortunately, my family was more into getting the most of low wait times ( not even one person behind us as we got on thunder mountain) so I missed out on the shows!
We attended on November 29 and it was chilly that night as well but better than sweating! It was our first Christmas party. I was disappointed by the crowd size. We have a 7 and 4 year old and I wanted it to be magical for them. The first show at the castle they couldn’t see and were upset. We also couldn’t get a good seat for the parade so we opted to ride rides since the lines were much shorter. We caught the fireworks but from behind the castle and then went to try and find a seat for the 11pm parade. My daughter got lucky and someone let her sit in the front. And my son fell asleep and never saw the parade. The “Free” desserts given out during the party were a joke. I’d rather they not offer them at all then give the nasty stuff they did. The cookies had no taste, the hot chocolate was cold and the apple cider was cold apple juice. We had hopes the next place would have better treats but we wasted our time stopping to get them. I’m not sure I’d go to a Christmas party again except for the lower crowds. However my husband and I did the late magical hours the night before and could just walk into rides. That would be a cheaper option for us.
I too went to MVMCP last week and MNSSHP in October and was extremely frustrated with the crowds. Compared to previous years they both felt like they had much larger crowds. I can’t begin to count the number of times I ran into people (by accident of course) with my stroller. The number of rides we went on and character meet and greets was about half of what I was able to do in the past. However, if going on rides and not waiting 90+ minutes (I’m looking at you Seven Dwarfs and Flight of Passage) is your goal, skip the parties and go to the After Hours events. I think 5x in a row of FOP with no line has to be some sort of a record!
I paid for MVMCP this year (against my better judgment), and also attended DLP this Christmas season.
My considered opinion is that DLP was the better event, which is quite striking considering that it’s included in park admission and included a fantastic (partially sing-along) presentation of Christmas Wishes in the Videopolis Theatre. The only aspect in which I thought DLP compared unfavorably were characters greetings.
I know nostalgic is a nice way of describing MVMCP, but I think a fairer word would be “tired”. Small side-shows that should have been one-off events (like A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas) are repeat events with no changes.
I’ll probably still attend the MK event in the forthcoming years because I am a sucker for Christmas, and it is the only way to experience the MK in the evening in a pleasant way during the holiday season now they have brought forward the closing time to 6PM. Yes, I’m aware this makes me part of the problem and a hypocrite.
As I’ve posted before, I think a genuine discount for Passholders (not just a token $5!) would go a long way to mitigating my complaints. We are in this situation where “everyone” knows they can enter at 4PM, making the party great value for non-ticket-holders and very poor value for Passholders. Bearing in mind day guests get 8 hours of entertainment (4PM to midnight), whereas passholders only get 6 hours (6PM to midnight) beyond their entitlement, I think a case can be made that a 25% discount should be assessed to passholders on top of the existing discount. Otherwise they are paying twice for (literally!) the same admission.
Thanks for the review! What was the date of the party you attended?