The holiday season has officially begun. Everywhere you go there are Christmas carols playing, lights and decorations that have turned ordinary streets into magical displays, and plenty of special events to help get you feeling holly jolly. One of the biggest Christmas celebrations happens every year at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida and is hosted by the world’s most famous mouse. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the top holiday attractions in Central Florida. This event combines the wonder of Disney with the magic of the season, so even the biggest scrooge won’t be able to help to get in the holiday spirit.
Each year from the end of November through Christmas Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park is transformed into a holiday-styled wonderland. From the moment you enter the park you’ll find yourself surrounded by festive decorations and classic characters from both new and old Disney favorites. Mickey will be donning his holiday gear waiting to celebrate with you and the family. The Christmas party also brings out some rare appearances by characters like Jack Skellington and Scrooge McDuck, so make sure you have your camera ready and pick up an autograph book so the kids can get each character’s unique signature.
Making so many new friends will undoubtedly work up an appetite. Luckily Disney has plenty of sweet and savory treats to indulge in available around the park. Stop by Gaston’s Tavern and try Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Dessert, a flourless chocolate cake filled with white chocolate peppermint mousse and covered in a yellow glaze with a chocolate garnish of Belle dressed in her holiday gown. Or get something on the salty side and grab a snowman shaped soft pretzel at Tortuga Tavern. And of course, no Christmas party would be complete without a cup of hot cocoa to wash it all down. The best part is that these seasonal selections are included in the price of admission.
You don’t want to get too full because there’s still a park full of rides waiting for you. Dozens of Disney’s most popular
attractions remain open for the event, giving you a chance to experience them with much shorter wait times than you normally see during regular park hours. The Seven Dwarfs Mine train rollercoaster is one of the new rides at Magic Kingdom, and one that any coaster enthusiast won’t want to miss. A few quick dips and sharp turns and you find yourself in the mines with Doc and the gang collecting gemstones while whistling a happy tune. There are plenty of rides for the younger members of the family as well. Be sure to explore Neverland on Peter Pans flight where you’ll float through scenes from the movie in the comfort of your very own pirate ship. For the competitive gamers in the group Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is a must. Take aim with the laser gun attached to your vehicle and try to get as many points as you can. Whoever receives the top score gets bragging rights for the rest of the night.
Disney has always been known for their top notch entertainment 
and Mickey’s Christmas party is no exception. The event has it’s own special shows, parade and fireworks that you can only see as a guest of the party. The Once Upon a Christmas parade rides down Main street, U.S.A. and features dancing gingerbread men, prancing elves and Disney’s most popular characters waving from their holiday floats. Santa himself even shows up for the parade in his colorful sleigh to personally wish you Merry Christmas. Later in the evening be sure to head back to Cinderella’s castle to watch the Holiday Wishes fireworks show. Jiminy Cricket hosts this spectacle which features pyrotechnics, holiday themed projections, classic seasonal music and, of course, Disney’s amazing fireworks display. Anna and Elsa from Disney’s blockbuster hit Frozen also have their own special show in which Elsa uses her powers to transform Cinderella’s castle as a Christmas treat for everyone.
The Disney hospitality doesn’t stop once you leave the park. It’s carried on at the incredible resorts that are offered through the Disney Vacation Club. With several different themed resorts right on Disney property, your commute to and from Mickey’s party is almost as easy as traveling by pixie dust. DVC is a points-based vacation ownership program that allows you to stay at Disney resorts all around the world. Fidelity resales allow you to buy DVC points at a discounted price, meaning the licensed professionals at Fidelity can help you save money while planning your dream Disney vacation.
*Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party runs on select nights November 9 – December 22 from 7:00 to Midnight.
