There is always much to do at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, but Christmas brings a flurry of additional activities celebrating the happiest time of the year. You’re sure to keep busy from morning till night.
If 1,300 decorated trees and 8.5 million lights strung throughout Walt Disney World don’t get you into the spirit of the season, we don’t know what will! Yuletide festivities await at every park and resort.
It is, therefore, no surprise that the Magic Kingdom is decorated to the max. Make sure to see all the windows of the Emporium shop on Main Street U.S.A., as they, too, are decorated in the spirit of the season.
Every night, after flag retreat, there is a tree-lighting ceremony and special seasonal treats galore throughout the land. And don’t forget to ride the Jungle Cruise as it is transformed into the Jingle Cruise complete with festive Christmas decorations and Yuletide-themed jokes.
You don’t have to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to see Disney characters decked out in holiday garb. You’ll find them alongside gingerbread men, reindeer, and toy soldiers, marching down Main Street U.S.A. (starting December 22nd) in Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade (shown twice daily) for all to enjoy. Through December 29th, there is also a 10 p.m. performance of the Holiday Wishes fireworks show.
If you cannot wait, by all means, make reservations for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, a show on Castle forecourt stage is an absolute must-see, and so is Holiday Wishes, the mind-blowing fireworks.
Next, get ready for A Frozen Holiday Wish, when Queen Elsa (of Frozen fame) transforms Cinderella’s castle into an ice palace aglow with more than 200,000 lights.
One of the highlights of the party is to meet with favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, as well as some rarely seen characters such as Santa Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, the Seven Dwarfs, and Scrooge McDuck.
A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas show takes place, several times nightly, on the Tomorrowland stage. Join Stitch, Mike Wazowski, Buzz Lightyear, and a group of dancers as they revel in popular Christmas tunes. Last but not least, let off some steam at Club Tinsel, a dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.
Free cookies-and-hot-chocolate stations are set up throughout the Magic Kingdom, and, with the help of millions of tiny soap bubbles, snow falls on Main Street U.S.A.
For those with a sweet tooth, two additionally ticketed dessert parties—with priority viewing of the fireworks—are available. Guests can pick between the Holiday Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace ($84 adults and $50 children ages 3 to 9, plus tax) and Holiday Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing ($69 ages 10 and up and $41 ages 3 to 9, plus tax).
Sweet and savory treats and a special priority viewing of Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade as it makes its way down Main Street, U.S.A. is available at the new Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party. ($99 per person, plus tax).
Remember that a separate ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also required and is not included in the price of these three packages.
Good to Know: Keep in mind that the Magic Kingdom will be filled to capacity as early as 10 a.m. on Christmas Day, and Disney will close the park. So, if your heart is set on being there, arrive early, be prepared to stay all day, and don’t expect to see all the attractions. We also recommend you arm yourselves with a good dose of humor and lots of patience. Take in the sights and sounds, and enjoy the holiday spirit!
If you enjoyed this post, sign up for our newsletter here. For all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids by Bob Sehlinger and Liliane Opsomer, with Len Testa.
