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Review: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party first event of the year

Review:  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party first event of the year


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On Monday night I visited the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the year.  Here’s my thoughts on what I experienced that night including some nice photos, witty commentary and helpful thoughts.

As you enter the Magic Kingdom for party, you’ll see the advertisement for the Very Merry parties on the left and right.  It is a “hard ticket” event, meaning it requires an extra cost for admission that is separate from your day ticket.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

As I entered Town Square I noticed the Dapper Dans coming on stage right after the Festival of Fantasy parade.  The are now dressed each day in their holiday finest.  I had hoped to hear a Christmas song, but they sang “Right down the middle of Street.”

Dapper Dans at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

The massive Christmas tree was erected earlier than normal because the Magic Kingdom is only filming the stage show portions of the upcoming Christmas shows.  Disneyland is filming all parade portions.  I guess it makes sense to do it that way, but people really loved the parade parts because they could see new characters that wouldn’t appear otherwise.  I’d expect the Disneyland filming to offer Moana for the first appearance for example.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

On my previous visit where I looked into the Magic Kingdom Christmas decorations, these arches weren’t yet installed.  It seems that it takes 3 nights to get Main Street fully prepped for the holiday season.  It’s really beautiful and festive and especially nice at night.  You’ll see some of those photos at the end of the post!  Given the choice, I prefer Disneyland’s decoration for the season because they decorate almost all of the park vs one land, but WDW does have all the parks and resorts to do as well.Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

Because I used my Annual Pass to enter the Christmas party, I made my way over to the Buzz Lightyear Fastpass+ kiosk area to get my Very Merry wristband.  It’s a simple process where they tapped my MagicBand and sent me on to Gary to get my wristband on my right wrist.  If you’re already in the party, you can visit Tortuga Tavern across from Pirates of the Caribbean, Philharmagic or Buzz Lightyear to get your mandatory wristband.  At 7PM the Cast Members begin to politely guide you toward the exit if you don’t have it.Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

My expectation was to see Jack Skellington dressed as “Sandy Claws” before the party even began.  He and Sally came out early for each Halloween Party and I, as well as 150 other people, thought it would happen for the Christmas Party.  Well, we waited 2.5 hours for him to show up at 6:30pm.  The people who arrived at 7pm waited until 9:30pm, so at least we still had the entire party.Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

While we waited in line the guests were humored by the fact that the team was having a difficult time setting up the queue line.  Everyone said, “Didn’t they just do this last week?”Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

A family in front of me asked if the child could sit on Sandy Claws lap and take a pic.  Nice job hiding your face for me kid!  Now I don’t have to blur it out.Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

By not offering the highest demand characters super early, like they did for the Halloween Party, that threw off a lot of people’s plans for the evening, but I was still able to accomplish a great deal.Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

Say “Spiders and Snakes!”Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

Continue on to PAGE 2 below!

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Jen Corbo

Monday 20th of August 2018

Disney with a 3 and 7 year old dec 11-13... was going to do MK dec 11 which is a party day. Have breakfast at chef mickeys at 10:30 (only time we could get). Should we do MK during the day or just do party that night?? Mainly for rides not characters... thanks!

kennythepirate

Monday 20th of August 2018

Rest, pool, rest, party

AD

Monday 25th of September 2017

Can you find Belle in her Christmas dress anymore? (I'm a Character Locator member, and did look there first-I'm thinking since it isn't listed, it probably doesn't happen, but did want to ask.) Thank you, Kenny!

kennythepirate

Monday 25th of September 2017

Only at Akershus for the week of Christmas

Beth Cole

Friday 18th of November 2016

Which of the rare characters who are only out for parties sign autographs?

kennythepirate

Saturday 19th of November 2016

That info is on www.characterlocator.com

Lauren

Sunday 13th of November 2016

Can you post a photo of Mickey and Minnie's costumes for the party? Thanks

kennythepirate

Sunday 13th of November 2016

They are on the main Christmas Party post.

chaim d greenberg

Saturday 12th of November 2016

what is the costs for this event?

kennythepirate

Saturday 12th of November 2016

http://www.kennythepirate.com/2013/05/01/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-dates-and-costs/

chaim greenberg

Saturday 12th of November 2016

Did you pay for this event or did you get comped?

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