"Official" 2023 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Yuletide Joy

This is our first year going (11/22) and as I looked at sold out dates from 2022, it seems dates are selling out this year at a much slower pace. By the end of October 2022, there were 11 parties sold out (out of 24 parties). We still have a few days in October to go but wondering why only 3 parties have sold out (out of 25 parties). There is one more party to spread guests over vs 2022 but I'm still surprised at the seemingly slow pace of sell outs. I wonder if they are adding more people to parties or if people have maxed out on what they are willing to spend or maybe people were quicker to buy in 2022 with parties not having been available in 2020 and 2021.

2022 Sold Out Dates: 11/8 (9/26), 11/10 (9/19), 11/11 (10/3), 11/14 (11/4), 11/15(10/31), 11/17 (11/4), 11/18 (10/30), 11/20 (10/27), 11/22 (10/9), 11/27 (11/4), 11/29 (11/4), 12/1 (11/10), 12/2 (11/4), 12/4 (11/4), 12/6 (10/27), 12/8 (11/4), 12/9 (11/10), 12/11 (11/18), 12/13 (11/18), 12/15 (11/19), 12/16 (10/28), 12/18(10/20), 12/20 (11/4), 12/22 (10/27)
 
There is one more party to spread guests over vs 2022 but I'm still surprised at the seemingly slow pace of sell outs. I wonder if they are adding more people to parties or if people have maxed out on what they are willing to spend or maybe people were quicker to buy in 2022 with parties not having been available in 2020 and 2021.

Coming into this party season, I was curious if last year's all sell outs was a fluke because it was the first year back or if it would be the norm. Given how MNSSHP has played out, I'm thinking another full sell out but just a little slower this time.

Given the extensive room discounts available for the holidays this year, it's safe to say that bookings are lighter and I would think that's slowing down the sell outs, too.

Also, don't forget about Jollywood Nights in terms of spreading out the pool of people willing to spend that kind of cash for a special event. I'm sure some folks who've done the party before, or are maybe 2 parties a season people, are shifting some of their party spending to a Jollywood event instead.
 
This is our first year going (11/22) and as I looked at sold out dates from 2022, it seems dates are selling out this year at a much slower pace. By the end of October 2022, there were 11 parties sold out (out of 24 parties). We still have a few days in October to go but wondering why only 3 parties have sold out (out of 25 parties). There is one more party to spread guests over vs 2022 but I'm still surprised at the seemingly slow pace of sell outs. I wonder if they are adding more people to parties or if people have maxed out on what they are willing to spend or maybe people were quicker to buy in 2022 with parties not having been available in 2020 and 2021.

2022 Sold Out Dates: 11/8 (9/26), 11/10 (9/19), 11/11 (10/3), 11/14 (11/4), 11/15(10/31), 11/17 (11/4), 11/18 (10/30), 11/20 (10/27), 11/22 (10/9), 11/27 (11/4), 11/29 (11/4), 12/1 (11/10), 12/2 (11/4), 12/4 (11/4), 12/6 (10/27), 12/8 (11/4), 12/9 (11/10), 12/11 (11/18), 12/13 (11/18), 12/15 (11/19), 12/16 (10/28), 12/18(10/20), 12/20 (11/4), 12/22 (10/27)
I've read several anecdotal reports from people who attended a MNSSHP that reported manageable crowds, so it would appear they aren't increasing attendance to this year's parties. I do think there has been a slowdown in domestic travel and most of the Florida theme parks are experiencing that. Tom Bicker at the Disney Tourist Blog predicted that it would take longer to sell out this year but that eventually all of the parties will sell out. There is also the "competition" of Jollywood Nights. All of this is speculation, but I also think that people are getting to their max spending limit in an uncertain economy.
 
Also, don't forget about Jollywood Nights in terms of spreading out the pool of people willing to spend that kind of cash for a special event. I'm sure some folks who've done the party before, or are maybe 2 parties a season people, are shifting some of their party spending to a Jollywood event instead.
I think this is a probable cause, but I do suspect that all of the parties will sell out eventually. Once the first Jollywood Nights event occurs, depending on reviews/word-of-mouth, they will likely sell out if the buzz is positive.
 


There's only one reason the parties didn't sell out. It's because I rushed to buy tickets before they sold out. (I also missed a good cash back discount by doing so too soon.)

BUT had I waited, every party would be a sellout. I have enjoyed this same "magical touch" timing other purchases: I buy, the price drops a month or two later. I hold out for a better price, it's jacked up and all the early bird folks scored the deal.

Just do the opposite of what I do - and you can't lose. 😜
 
There's only one reason the parties didn't sell out. It's because I rushed to buy tickets before they sold out. (I also missed a good cash back discount by doing so too soon.)

BUT had I waited, every party would be a sellout. I have enjoyed this same "magical touch" timing other purchases: I buy, the price drops a month or two later. I hold out for a better price, it's jacked up and all the early bird folks scored the deal.

Just do the opposite of what I do - and you can't lose. 😜
Are we related?!? I have the same magical touch! 😉
 
We just decided yesterday to head to WDW over thanksgiving. YOLO. Anyway.. submitted ticket order to shades of green and are planning to go to the party on Nov 26th. I did the very merry after hours in 2021 when they didn't have the party.. but my kids have never been to a Disney world party... well actually they have never been to DisneyWorld lmao! We've done Disneyland several times but I've always done WDW solo.. they are 11 and 7 so now I feel we can take on the beast that is WDW! Excited! We have another full day at MK so we will prioritize entertainment.. maybe some characters depending on waits. Tron is my hubby's fave ride tho- so also the VQ.
 


The night that we have tickets to MVMCP, we also have reservations at MK during the day and are trying to decide what attractions to do in the day and which to do at night and wondering if Tomorrow Land Speedway and Jingle Cruise are any different during the party then they will be during that day?
 
The night that we have tickets to MVMCP, we also have reservations at MK during the day and are trying to decide what attractions to do in the day and which to do at night and wondering if Tomorrow Land Speedway and Jingle Cruise are any different during the party then they will be during that day?

Jingle Cruise is all day now. If they do the holiday lighting on Tomorrowland Speedway, that will only be during the party.
 
With the party and holiday season kicking off next week..... when do we think we will be getting a Foodie Guide?!!?! I'm so excited to make my lists!!
 
Disney Eats: Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2023
Have yourself a (very) merry Christmas because the holiday extravaganza is on its way back to Magic Kingdom Park! That’s right, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is bringing the festive fun from Nov. 9, 2023 through Jan. 1, 2024. This beloved party is filled with holiday excitement sure to put you in the spirit of the season.

Back this year is the dazzling nighttime extravaganza – Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show and the beloved Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, not to mention all the exciting character greetings to be had throughout the park. And what evening at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would be complete without all the cookies and cocoa you can handle.

But the treats don’t stop there. This year is filled with nearly an all-new lineup of goodies to put you in a winter wonderland. With sweet treats like the Peppermint Snowman or savory delights like the Holiday Turkey Burger, you’ll be getting all the flavors on your wish list this year, and then some!

What do you say? Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? It’s time to unwrap this year’s Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies collage of food at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

  • Reindeer Chow Sundae: Chocolate soft-serve, pretzels, cereal, M&M’S chocolate candies, and hot fudge (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
  • Lump of Coal in your Stocking: Cookies ‘n cream milk shake topped with whipped cream, cookies ‘n cream crumbles, and a chocolate doughnut hole (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Casey’s Corner

  • Candy Cane Tart: Chocolate tart filled with peppermint ganache and topped with festive meringue (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cool Ship

  • Magic Holiday Tree: Coconut, pecans, and M&M’S chocolate candies on a graham cracker crust (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe collage of food at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

  • Holiday Pot Roast Melt: Slow-cooked beef on thick toast with cheddar and provolone cheese and beef gravy (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Holiday Turkey Burger: Turkey burger topped with traditional stuffing, provolone cheese, and cranberry chutney on a brioche bun (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Christmas Cookie Cake: Christmas cookie cake roll with buttercream and topped with holiday sprinkles (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
The Friar's Nook collage of food at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

The Friar’s Nook

  • Holiday Ham Fried Pie: Flaky pastry filled with baked ham, candied sweet potatoes, and spiced pecans served with pineapple glaze (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Italian Beef Tots: Tots covered in slow-cooked beef, cheese curds, zesty giardiniera, and pot roast gravy (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Peppermint Snowman: Chocolate brownie topped with cookies ‘n cream peppermint mousse (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Winter Milk Shake: Creamy coconut milk shake topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut, cinnamon, and crisp pearls (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Golden Oak Outpost and Main Street Bakery collage of food at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

Golden Oak Outpost

  • Orange Gingerbread Shake: Orange cream slushy layered with gingerbread cookie crumbles and topped with whipped cream, gingerbread spice (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Gingerbread Cake layered with cream cheese frosting and dulce de leche ganache topped with a gingerbread man chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Main Street Bakery

  • Minnie-shaped Cinnamon Roll: Cinnamon roll topped with red icing, holiday sprinkles, and a chocolate bow (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
  • Letter To Santa: Flourless chocolate cake, hot cocoa mousse, and marshmallows topped with chocolate pieces (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Various food on menu at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

  • Chicken Tamale served “Christmas-style” with mild red chile and green chile-pumpkin seed sauces, cilantro rice, pinto beans, and queso fresco (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Chocolate Eggnog Reindeer: Chocolate tart topped with eggnog mousse and chocolate antlers (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Orange-Cranberry Pineapple Punch with a hint of “smoke” from the fireplace (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

  • Peppermint Brownie Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, and candy cane sprinkles served on a brownie (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

  • Holiday Waffle Sundae: House-made red velvet waffle topped with M&M’S chocolate candies, peppermint ice cream, and hot fudge (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Milk and Cookies for Santa: Brown sugar cookie cake topped with chocolate chip cookie dough mousse, milk mousse, and chocolate chip cookies (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Various food on menu at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

Storybook Treats

  • Sugar Plum Sundae: Sugar plum soft-serve atop sugar cookie crumbs and topped with whipped cream, crisp pearls, and cotton candy (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Sunshine Tree Terrace

  • Santa’s Belt Buckle: Pistachio mousse with a dark chocolate truffle center and a chocolate buckle (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Cranberry Citrus Float with Orange-Vanilla Soft-serve Twist: Orange-vanilla soft-serve twist with Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and fruity boba pearls (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Outdoor Vending Locations Near Cinderella Castle

  • Red Velvet Wreath: Doughnut topped with buttercream and holiday sprinkles (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
  • Hot Cocoa Churro: Churro rolled in hot cocoa powder and topped with marshmallows and peppermint candy pieces (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Festive Disney PhotoPass photo ops with Mickey gingerbread at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

Don’t miss out on the festive Disney PhotoPass fun during the party with event-exclusive photo ops all around Magic Kingdom Park, including many holly-jolly Magic Shots worthy of a Christmas card! If you want to download all your photos and videos from the party and the rest of your vacation, be sure to check out Memory Maker.

What an exciting (and tasty) holiday season we have ahead of us. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
 
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

  • Holiday Pot Roast Melt: Slow-cooked beef on thick toast with cheddar and provolone cheese and beef gravy (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
  • Holiday Turkey Burger: Turkey burger topped with traditional stuffing, provolone cheese, and cranberry chutney on a brioche bun (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Am I just reading hungry or do these sound kind of... good, maybe?
 
Regarding TRON while attending the Merry Christmas Party, I understand that it uses the Virtual Queue and my question is:

Is there any chance that the Virtual Queue for TRON may sell out during the Party, or is my group of 3 guaranteed to get on the ride at least once between 7pm and the end of the Party? I ask because if I can avoid an ILL for TRON on the other day of the week that we are there during the daytime I would take advantage of it.

Thanks!
 
Regarding TRON while attending the Merry Christmas Party, I understand that it uses the Virtual Queue and my question is:

Is there any chance that the Virtual Queue for TRON may sell out during the Party, or is my group of 3 guaranteed to get on the ride at least once between 7pm and the end of the Party? I ask because if I can avoid an ILL for TRON on the other day of the week that we are there during the daytime I would take advantage of it.

Thanks!
It goes within seconds as it’s very popular for the parties.
 
Regarding TRON while attending the Merry Christmas Party, I understand that it uses the Virtual Queue and my question is:

Is there any chance that the Virtual Queue for TRON may sell out during the Party, or is my group of 3 guaranteed to get on the ride at least once between 7pm and the end of the Party? I ask because if I can avoid an ILL for TRON on the other day of the week that we are there during the daytime I would take advantage of it.

Thanks!
The VQ for parties fills within seconds. There is no guarantee your party will be successful obtaining a VQ during the party.
 
The VQ for parties fills within seconds. There is no guarantee your party will be successful obtaining a VQ during the party.

Thanks. Follow up question: What time does the virtual queue begin for a party? Is it at exactly 7 PM or is it also one of the ones you have to jump on in the morning at 7 AM?

Also, would all three members of my party have to be logged into the same MDE account and all of us trying at the same exact second to get a VQ spot?
 
We are having a MK park day on a party day and we also have tickets to the party that same night (11/22). Our group is a mix of adults and kids. What is your advice regarding purchasing Genie+/LL for the day (I know it is not available during the party)? I have read to expect lower crowds and thus lower wait times. But even a 30-40 minute wait time can seem long if we have multiples of those. We haven't decided if we will rope drop as that will make for a really long day. I don't know if park arrival time should factor into our decision to buy Genie+ or not. Thanks for advice.
 

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