Twinkling lights, festive décor, and magical celebrations will fill Magic Kingdom Park when “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” begins. The event will take place on 24 select nights Nov. 8 through Dec. 21 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This year’s holiday celebration coincides with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” We can’t wait to unwrap all that festive fun!
Event dates are:
November: 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30
December: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21
“Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will include the nighttime spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the special holiday-themed parade “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”. That’s right, a parade! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be joined by pals from Disney’s “Frozen” and many other favorite Disney characters including the very popular Toy Soldiers. This festive parade will, of course, also feature Santa Claus himself!
It is important to note this is not the same as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, an event that was cancelled in 2020 and is not scheduled to return at this time. After Hours events may be the norm during the 50th Anniversary Celebration - the reason would likely be due to crowd control as the Magic Kingdom will draw larger crowds during the 50th and the After Hours events will allow the park to account for that.
Similarities:
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks (guests will now be able to enjoy two firework shows at the Magic Kingdom on After Hour nights!)
Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (the first scheduled parade since the pandemic closure!)
“Mickey and Minnie’s Very Merry Memories” brand new holiday performance at Cinderella Castle inspired by beloved Magic Kingdom holiday shows of the past—including “Mickey’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Celebrate the Season” and “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.”
Attraction Overlays (the Jingle Cruise and Monsters Inc Laugh Floor will have holiday overlays)
Low wait times at over 20+ attractions
Magical “snowfall” on Main Street USA
Complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages.
Seasonal food and beverage available for purchase
Club Tinsel in Tomorrowland, a favorite spot for my kids!
Differences:
The biggest difference is the time, the After Hours events are scheduled to begin at 9pm and run until 1am, with guests allowed in the Magic Kingdom at 7pm. This is a bit later than MVMCP, which typically runs from 7pm - midnight. This is definitely something to keep in mind if you have younger kids in your party
Character meet and greets are mentioned but it is unclear if these will be distanced as they currently are, or more traditional, so we’ll stay tuned to learn more. The good news is characters in their holiday best WILL be at the holiday After Hours event!
Price - in general After Hours events are higher in price than the parties and this is the case here. Tickets range from $169 to $229 plus tax for select November/December nights, and $249, plus tax on December 19 & 21. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.
I am planning to attend one of the earlier After Hours events in November with my family. The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is one of our favorite things in all of Walt Disney World so I wouldn’t miss it! If you are interested in tickets to this event email Melissa today.
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