Walt Disney World Announces Very Merry Plans
Okay, fellow Disney holiday enthusiasts, I have the best possible news!
We are now halfway to Christmas! We know this because Disney has turned these halfway-to… dates into celebratory hashtags.
For this reason, we just learned about the holiday plans at Walt Disney World. Here’s what you can expect in six months!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and More
First, here’s the best news! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will return this year.
As with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Walt Disney World officials didn’t want to sully the name of a beloved after-hours event with a limited version.
So, Magic Kingdom offered the Disney After Hours events in 2021 instead.
Starting on November 8th, we’ll get the real deal again when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns!
Magic Kingdom will host the event on 24 nights through December 22nd. Here are the official dates:
- November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29
- December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22
Prices will start at $149 and max out at $199 this year. Tickets for these events go on sale to the public on July 7th.
However, those who have already booked hotel reservations for one of these dates will gain access to an early booking window.
You can purchase your party tickets starting on June 30th, which is Thursday!
The Other Walt Disney World Events
Disney confirmed several exclusive events during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
The stage near Cinderella Castle will host Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, while Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks return as well.
Remember these?
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is also coming back, and yes, Santa Claus will participate in this event!
Folks, you just can’t beat the tandem of Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus.
The beloved holiday attraction overlays will also anchor the Christmas party event. Disney has confirmed overlays for:
- Jungle/Jingle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
I should clarify that the Jingle Cruise overlay isn’t exclusive to the party, though.
Magic Kingdom will make that switch as early as November 1st. It’s for everybody to experience!
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will also add a holiday-related conclusion. You can watch that version here:
An unexpected treat is that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will switch to a holiday music mix. I’m really looking forward to that.
Disney has also promised the following Very Merry amenities:
- A dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
- Disney Junior Jingle Jam at Storybook Circus
- Holiday Beacons of Magic
- Santa Claus character greetings at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs
- Santa Claus Motorcade/Floatilla encounters
- Three “jolly new photo opportunities”
- A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas
The Halfway to Christmas announcement also snuck in an announcement about the dates for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
This event returns on November 25th and apparently ends on December 30th, although that’s not in the blog announcement.
The beloved Candlelight Processional also starts on November 25th. Unfortunately, Disney didn’t provide any details about dining packages, but you should expect that announcement soon.
Other Tidbits
I think you get the gist that this will be a full-fledged holiday celebration, not the modified experience we had in 2020 and 2021.
So, everything you know and love about Walt Disney World during the holidays is back in play.
I’m talking about the Cookie Stroll and the holiday overlay at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, the latter of which will switch to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar.
Disney has also promised exclusive photo and AR Lens opportunities across Walt Disney World.
Finally, Disney didn’t reveal anything specific, but the Parks Blog stated the following about gingerbread displays:
“…at resorts across Walt Disney World, guests will encounter artisan-made gingerbread creations displayed in select locations.”
Hopefully, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will bring back the lovely gingerbread cabin from 2019.
Overall, we’ve got plenty of cause for excitement, as Disney just shouted from the rafters, “WE’RE BACK, BAY-BEE!!!”
There is still plenty of time to plan a Walt Disney World getaway and experience the holiday season at the most magical place on earth! Head over to the DVC Rental Store Confirmed Reservations page and view available reservations that can save you up to 65% off regular Disney room rates!
