Special Holiday Events & Tours at Disney World
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Yuletide Fantasy Tour
Nov 10, 2009
Families visiting Walt Disney World (WDW) during the Christmas season – mid-November through the end of December – have several opportunities to enjoy special holiday events at the theme parks and resorts. There are seasonal decorations, parades, and shows included with the price of admission, and guests can also touring the holiday sights at the resorts and Downtown Disney for free.
For guests wishing to further enjoy the combination of Christmas magic and Disney pixie dust, WDW also offers special-ticket events, the most popular of which is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party held in the Magic Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom's Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP), a special-admission event not included with theme-park admission, takes place on select nights between 7:00 p.m. and midnight. The holiday party starts with “snow” falling on Main Street, features holiday shows throughout Magic Kingdom, and ends with a special presentation of Wishes. Guests can enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate as they tour the parks. A holiday parade featuring Santa, Mickey, and other Disney characters are central to the festivities.
And, of course, most major attractions are open:
- Adventureland: Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Pirates of the Caribbean
- Fantasyland: Cinderella's Golden Carrousel, Dumbo, It's a Small World, Mad Tea Party,The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Peter Pan's Flight, and Snow White's Scary Adventures
- Frontierland: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Country Bear Jamboree, Frontierland Shootin' Arcade, and Splash Mountain
- Liberty Square: Haunted Mansion
- Mickey’s Toontown Fair: Barnstormer, Mickey's Country House, and Minnie's Country House
- Tomorrowland: Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear, Indy Speedway, Space Mountain, Stitch's Great Escape, and Tomorrowland Transit Authority
MVMCP is only open to ticket-holders and guests need not purchase a theme-park pass if they want to only attend MVMCP. Because of the event’s popularity, especially as a means to avoid some of the season’s heavy crowds, advance ticket purchase is recommended. A limited number of MVMCP tickets are available.
MVMCP for 2009
- Dates: Nov, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 and Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
- Advance Tickets: $52 plus tax (ages 10 and up), $46 plus tax (ages 3 – 9)
- Same-Day Tickets: $59 plus tax (ages 10 and up), $53 plus tax (ages 3 – 9)
- Annual Passholder Prices: $49 plus tax (ages 10 and up), $43 plus tax (ages 3 – 9)
- Premium Tickets: $59 plus tax (ages 10 and up), $53 plus tax (ages 3 – 9) for Nov. 29 and Dec. 4, 11, 17, and 18 (the event is the same, but no advance purchase discount due to anticipated demand on these dates)
- Contact: 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7539)
Also available through December 29, 2009, is the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, an extension of the popular dining experience. This dessert buffet begins one hour before Wishes, on the night the fireworks are shown, and provides guests with an exclusive view. Seating is limited for the party, and reservations with advance payment are suggested. The Disney Dining Plan is not accepted for this event, and park admission is required.
The Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party for 2009
- Dates: June 23 – December 29
- Times: Varies with Wishes, and begins one hour prior
- Cost: $23.40 (tax included ages 10 and up) and $12.77 (ages 3 – 9)
- Contact: 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3563)
Wilderness Lodge Sleigh Rides
Guests can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, outfitted with tires because of the lack of snow, at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Sleigh rides last approximately 25 minutes, and the sleighs hold up to four adults or two adults with three children 9 years and younger. Check-in is located in front of the Blacksmith's Shop near the Settlement section.
Fort Wilderness Sleigh Rides for 2009
- Dates: Nov. 29 – Dec. 30
- Times: 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., departing every half hour
- Cost: $60, guaranteed by credit card
- Contact: 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529)
Yuletide Fantasy Tour is a Guided Look at Holiday Décor in the Parks and Resort Areas
Offered seasonally, the Yuletide Fantasy guided tour is a 3 1/2 hour program that explores how WDW decorates its theme parks and resorts. The tour is open to guests age 16 years and older. Tour discounts are available to Annual Passholders, DVC owners, and AAA and Disney Card members. Theme-park admission is neither required nor needed.
Yuletide Fantasy for 2009
- Dates: Nov. 27 – Dec. 30, Monday through Saturday; no tour on Christmas Day
- Times: 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Epcot’s Guest Relations Window outside main entrance
- Cost: $79 (tax included), barring discounts, and charged in advance to a major credit card
- Contact: 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687) between 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
During the holidays, Walt Disney World immerses guests in the Christmas atmosphere while still providing the signature elements of a Disney vacation. Where else can a family see both Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse before riding Space Mountain? For those visiting Walt Disney World during the season, special-ticket activities like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, dessert parties, sleigh rides, and the Yuletide Fantasy Tour make memorable gifts.
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