Walt Disney World kicked off Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party season last night at Magic Kingdom, and here are our quick impressions of this year's event and what you need to know before your visit.
Lower Crowds
Based on the opening night, which was sold out, crowds are similar to last year's and maybe lower. Wait times for the signature character meet and greets, including Jack and Sally, the Seven Dwarfs, were manageable all night. Later in the evening, many had no wait at all.
Parade viewing appeared less congested than last year, with front-row viewing spots available in Town Square minutes before the parade's arrival.
Crowds were not especially heavy even in the hub area for viewing Mickey's Most Merriest castle show.
Firework viewing along Main Street U.S.A. was not a problem, with lots of space moving further away from the hub - which is actually a better viewing location.
Attractions all had very low wait times of under 15 minutes. TRON Lightcyle Run requires a Virtual Queue, which remained open for 18 minutes following its 6 pm start.
Entertainment Goes Unchanged
The entertainment line-up remains unchanged this year, with all the signature offerings carrying over from last year. Watch videos of all the main entertainment offerings from opening night.
There has been tweaks here and there to the pyro in Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, and some of the audio has been re-recorded, but most guests will not notice.
Clarice joins Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade as one of the only notable changes, and there is still no return of the Toy Solider marching band, although the Toy Soldiers are still present.
As previously reported, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas stage show is no more and has been replaced with a dance party and boy band.
The excellent Reindeer Wranglers continue to perform in Frontierland, and a Disney Jr. dance party can be found in Cosmic Ray's Starlight cafe.
Although not exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, there is a second showing of Frozen Holiday Surprise at 8:15pm for partygoers. The LED dream lights are sadly no more and have been replaced with projections, but the show is still worth a look and features some impressive laser and lighting effects alongside Anna, Elsa, and Olaf onstage.
Guide Map Better than Ever
The Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party guide map got a makeover this year and is probably the best ever. Resembling one of the park anniversary guide maps, this new event guide is printed on thick, glossy paper with all-new graphics and designs. View the guide map.
Cookies, Beverages, and Ornaments
Fans of last year's complimentary treats will be pleased to know that the same pre-packaged Chery & Co. cookies are back. There are five flavors - Red Velvet Cake, Snickerdoodle, Buttercream Frosted Gingerbread, Buttercream Frosted Green Sprinkle Cutout, and Chocolate Chip. Each treat station has one type of cookie available, so you must visit them all to sample the full set. Drinks include Hot Cocoa, Apple Cider, and Egg Nog.
Just like last year, guests arriving at the party each receive a metal Toy Solider ornament. The gift is handed out in the Main Street bypass, which serves as the entrance to the party, separate from day guests. New this year in the entrance area are meet-and-greet characters, including the Toy Soldiers and Slit Walkers. A live DJ and snowfall add to the festive atmosphere.
Wrapping Up
In short, this year's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is mostly business as usual. If you visited last year, expect much of the same. If you are new to the party or have not been for a few years, it is a great night in the park, with lower waits, lots of entertainment, quality included treats, and far less crowded than we saw pre-pandemic.
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