It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Walt Disney World! In a magical overnight transformation, the wreaths and garland have been hung on Main Street U.S.A. and the Christmas tree in Magic Kingdom was erected by opening on Monday, November 1! More of the decorations have been hung in the parks this week and some of the delicious and festive snacks have been arriving to The Confectionary and other spots around Disney World.
With the beginning of the holiday season in Walt Disney World comes the opening night of the holiday after hours party named “Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours.” This after hours party is a ticketed event held on select night from November 8 through December 21, and this Monday is the first day! The best news is that tickets for the opening night of this new after hours party are still available!
Event Details
Tickets to Disney’s after hours parties are almost always more expensive than regular park tickets, so you may be asking, “What is included? and “Is it really worth it?” To begin, the ticketed event runs from 9:00PM-1:00AM, but attendees should know that they will be granted entrance into the park beginning at 7:00PM, so that is a total of six hours to enjoy the park! While not all attractions will be open during the after hours event, there will be over 20 attractions open and the wait times and crowds will be much less than during the day at Magic Kingdom during the holidays. Something else to note is that Annual Passholders and DVC members will be eligible for a $10 discount on select dates! Tickets to Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours are limited, so if you are planning to go this holiday season, purchase your tickets right away! At the time of this writing, November 9, 11 and 16 are already sold out!
Special Entertainment
During Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours, you will be treated to some exclusive entertainment not regularly available outside of the event. The first is a stage show at Cinderella’s Castle titled “Mickey and Minnie’s Very Merry Memories” featuring some of Disney’s most beloved characters and holiday songs! Next, drop by Club Tinsel in Tomorrowland for an exciting holiday dance party. Finally, make sure to secure your spot to watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade where Jolly St. Nick himself makes an appearance! As you make your way around Magic Kingdom, be on the lookout for your favorite characters dressed in their holiday clothes. You may even spot a character or two that you wouldn’t normally see like Jiminy Cricket!
Holiday Food and Refreshments
Some snacks and drinks are included with the purchase of your tickets! Special carts situated throughout the park during the event will serve items for “free” such as ice cream and popcorn. An unnamed special holiday treat and select beverages will also be available to party attendees. While you may be inclined to purchase more desirable food options, don’t miss out on the free stuff as well!
Exclusive Fireworks Show
With the debut of the 50th anniversary nighttime spectacular “Enchantment” on October 1, it was initially unknown whether a holiday-themed fireworks show would be available to guests during this special event. However, it was confirmed in July that Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will return to Magic Kingdom for Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours. Set to the music of popular Christmas carols, you’ll want to make sure you end your night with this festive fireworks show.
With so many things to do and see at Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours, don’t forget to just look around and appreciate the magic of the sights and sounds in every corner of the park. And when you find yourself on Main Street, you may be surprised to find out that there’s a chance for snow in central Florida! Do you plan to attend Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours? What are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image by Photo by Antonio Thomás Koenigkam Oliveira (CC by 2.0)
Written by
Shelley Wehler
Contributing Writer
Shelley is a stay-at-home mother of two girls living outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of all things Disney has grown even more as she sees the magic come alive through the lens of her young daughters. She spends her free time keeping up with the latest in Disney news and daydreaming of her next trip to the parks!
