Quick impressions from the opening night of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

18 days ago in "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party"

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2023 highlights
Posted: Friday November 10, 2023 12:20pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

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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CompedLess than a minute ago

UCF can easily fill that, and that's without Valencia, other colleges, or local high schools... No chance it was because of a lack of people!

Brian1 hour ago

I guess they got more in stock this morning from the slow boat from China?

Sirwalterraleigh1 hour ago

You mean after they randomly started selling more tickets? 🤪

DCBaker2 hours ago

It appears all Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates have now sold out.

gerarar2 hours ago

The 6pm Tron VQ drop lasted for ~1 hour 39 mins for tonight's party. For comparison to the previous 6pm drops during the recent parties on Wednesday (11/22) and Sunday (11/26):

Sirwalterraleigh6 hours ago

Lol…”previously sold out” …do you know when you’re being hosed? 😎

DCBaker7 hours ago

As of yesterday, tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on December 12 were made available again for purchase.

jrhwdw1 day ago

Looks like MK found some for ABC...... IDK why I didn't notice it the day of but, starting at the 2 Hour mark of this Stream form Taping day 2023: There's at least Toy Solder Trumpeters on the Castle Stage! Why they weren't in MOUACT a Hour before, who the heck knows!

mastromjm2 days ago

Unlike most other musician positions, the trumpeters are non-union - they are local college musicians and have been for a while. Probably a cost-saving move as well (not meant to be an attack on their ability!) Crazy because they used to have five full bands in the parade.

jrhwdw2 days ago

Yes I heard the first part.

gerarar2 days ago

The 6pm Tron VQ drop lasted for ~32 mins for tonight's party. For comparison to the previous 6pm drops during the recent parties on Tuesday (11/21) and Wednesday (11/22):

MisterPenguin2 days ago

The did indeed put out a Help Wanted for trumpeters. Maybe they didn't get enough applicants?

jrhwdw2 days ago

We talked about the Missing Toy Solder Band after the first night. IDK why MK dropped the ball but they really need to stop doing that.....

ABQ2 days ago

Not really, they have cheaped out and removed equity, I assume, paid performers from the parade. So, another case of getting less for more... Most notable removal is fully half the toy soldiers, removing all those who played instruments: 2023, 16 total soldiers: 2019, 32 total soldiers: