What Special Holidays Happenings are at the Magic Kingdom?

Castle Dream Lights -- When daylight has passed during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom guests can behold a breathtaking transformation during the Castle Dream Lights ceremony. Each evening November 8, 2010, through January 3, 2011, Cinderella and favorite characters decked out in holiday garb take to the stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace aglow with 200,000 white lights – a perfect centerpiece to a park all decked out with wreaths, bows, garland and towering Christmas trees. Click HERE for a video of the Castle Lighting Ceremony.

Mickey's Once upon a Christmastime Parade celebrates the many festive moods of the holiday season, showcasing a series of holiday themes including a Friends and Family Christmastime Party, a sleigh ride through a Winter Wonderland, a romantic Fairy Tale Christmastime, a scrumptious display of Christmastime sweets, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus in a grand finale. And for longtime Disney Christmas parade fans: Soldiers, Snowflakes and dancing deer are all still in the parade. The parade features original music as well as both classic and current holiday tunes. Click HERE for a video of the Parade.

A number of special holiday shows take place from mid-December on.

The Magic Kingdom Tree lighting ceremony takes place most nights on Main Street.

Celebrate the Season at Castle Forecourt Stage is performed daily beginning mid-December.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special "hard ticket" event.

Tell me more about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which kicks off at 7 p.m. on select evenings (after regular Magic Kingdom closing), is pure, time-honored Disney magic. Holiday revelers can sip cocoa, catch a "snowflake" on a fingertip and catch the spirit of the season through enchanting entertainment that includes live shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets. Dancing gingerbread, marching soldiers and Santa's sleigh parade down Main Street, U.S.A. to seasonal melodies during the twice-nightly "Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade". Cinderella Castle is draped radiantly with 200,000 glistening white lights and "Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks lights the night sky during a pyrotechnics show orchestrated to holiday melodies.

The night wouldn't be complete without the forecasted flurry of snowflakes along Main Street, U.S.A. and a warming cup of cocoa in hand. Party-goers also enjoy complimentary cookies and apple slices and enjoy unlimited admission to favorite attractions.

Holiday stage shows include the following: Celebrate the Season at the Castle and Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show in Tomorrowland's new theatre.

The parade is spectacular and is accompanied by great Disney Magic and Music.

Consult the MVMCP Guidemap HERE for Locations of Treats and Restaurants and Attractions that are open during the Party.

How much does MVMCP cost? Is it offered every night?

A separate admission ticket is required.

Hours – 7 p.m. - midnight

2010 party dates and times:

November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, and 30;
December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, and 19

Prices for the party are as follows (all prices listed include tax):

Advance Purchase: $57.46 for adults 10 and older / $51.07 for ages 3-9 (Not available December 7, 10, 12, 17 or 19)

Passholder and DVC Member Discounts: $53.20 / $46.81 (Not available December 7, 10 through 19)

Day of Event (if still available): $63.85 /$57.46

Children under 3 are admitted free.

Buy your tickets early! A number of MVMCP events SELL OUT! For more information, call 407-W-DISNEY.

In previous years, the park would close and then reopen. Now the park stays open through regular closing time. Be sure to get a special MVMCP wristband before 7 p.m. Cast Members will direct guests without the bands to leave the park.

This sounds like a lot of fun, but is it overly crowded?

WDW limits the number of tickets sold in order to keep the crowds down and many nights do sell out in advance. It is estimated that tickets max out around 20,000. Check out the Reader Comments!

I have never been, what tips can you give me?

Buy a Disney Holiday Hat and Join in the Fun! Santa Hats with Mickey Ears and Reindeer Horns with Mickey Ears are Available.

Ride the Mountains during the First Parade!

Enjoy the special shows.

Take in the Snow on Main Street!

Visit the characters in Fantasyland later in the evening.

Make sure to watch the Special Fireworks!

Watch the second showing of the parade.

Pace yourself -- the park empties quite a bit by midnight and you'll have most attractions to yourself.

I'm not sure I want to spend the money for MVMCP. Is it a must-see?

If you are on a budget, there is no need to attend MVMCP. Most all the decorations are out during normal operating hours. What you will end up missing (during the first half of December) is the Christmas Parade and special fireworks.

Trivia Information regarding MVMCP

The very first MVMCP was held on December 16, 1983.

 

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2009 DATES (for info purposes only)

November 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29

December 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18

Tickets went on sale May 1, 2009!

PRICES (including tax):

ADVANCE PURCHASE: Adults: $55.38; Children 3-9 $48.99 (discount not available Nov 29, Dec 4, 11, 17-18; price is same as Day of Event tickets)

DAY OF EVENT (IF NOT SOLD OUT): Adults $62.84; Children 3-9 $56.45

Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Discounts: Adults $52.19; Children 3-9 $45.80
Only available for the following dates: Nov 10, 12, 13, 17, 19; Dec 6, 8

2009 PARTY MAP!

2009 Christmas Party Report

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Video

Mickey's Once upon a Christmastime Parade - Photo Gallery

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Characters

Holiday Wishes 2008 | Holiday Wishes 2007

Read what others have to say about MVMCP here!