"Official" 2024 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

[japanese maple]

Yep that is our issue... watching all this videos on it, it seems easy to get dessert but not real meals...

There were about 5 savory items for the party last year. But definitely a lot more sweets.

Now Jollywood had a lot of savory items, wish Christmas party had more.

 

[Pyxie]

I keep reading that it's hard to find "real" food during the parties? That and we don't want to do a table service meal during the party because it takes too much time. I just figured that since we have so much time that day before we are allowed inside the MK we might as well spend that time fueling up . . .

I actually don't really understand this comment. I've never had trouble finding "real food" during any party, Halloween or Christmas. It may not be what people want, but there are several QS options available with things like burgers, hot dogs, etc. Pecos Bills usually has something too like a Christmas tamale.

 

[AussieFan8]

I actually don't really understand this comment. I've never had trouble finding "real food" during any party, Halloween or Christmas. It may not be what people want, but there are several QS options available with things like burgers, hot dogs, etc. Pecos Bills usually has something too like a Christmas tamale.

I think part of it is just the pacing and timing of things at the parties that make people less likely to slow down and go into the designated places offering food. Between running around getting free cookies or trick or treating, watching the parade and fireworks, etc., I know we have had a couple of parties where we were just having fun running around to do everything, didn't make a point to stop at one of the designated locations for food, and then arrived back at the resort starving with no food options open at the hotel. We've learned our lesson now but I do think depending on how you do the parties it somehow feels like you have to stop and seek out "real food" more than on a regular park day.

 

[bethy]

I think part of it is just the pacing and timing of things at the parties that make people less likely to slow down and go into the designated places offering food. Between running around getting free cookies or trick or treating, watching the parade and fireworks, etc., I know we have had a couple of parties where we were just having fun running around to do everything, didn't make a point to stop at one of the designated locations for food, and then arrived back at the resort starving with no food options open at the hotel. We've learned our lesson now but I do think depending on how you do the parties it somehow feels like you have to stop and seek out "real food" more than on a regular park day.

For me, as a mom trying to find "real" healthy-ish food that everyone likes, can eat and make sure we take that time is a chore tbh - even when on vacation and when I don't have to cook. So I'll be happy to get a good meal into everyone's tummies before the party starts so that I can relax more during the festivities.

 

[GSDGlitter]

Thanks to an earlier recommendation I've discovered Steakhouse 71's lunch menu which I think will work for our family before the party on 12/13. Just to confirm this is how we should get there. We are staying offsite this time:

Drive rental car to MK parking and Park
Take tram to TTC
Take Monorail to the Contemporary
After we eat take monorail to MK, go through security and get in line for the party.

Thinking of making Lunch reservations for around 1:30 or 2.

I think you've got an extra step in your plan. If you park at MK, have lunch at the Contemporary, and then return to MK for the party you can eliminate that TTC step. Park at MK, walk (10ish minute walk) or take the resort monorail from MK to the Contemporary.

 

[georgina]

I think you've got an extra step in your plan. If you park at MK, have lunch at the Contemporary, and then return to MK for the party you can eliminate that TTC step. Park at MK, walk (10ish minute walk) or take the resort monorail from MK to the Contemporary.

MK parking is at the TTC, so they have to start there. They can't walk from the MK parking lot to the Contemporary. There is no path. They could walk from lunch at the Contemporary to MK rather than monorailing all the way around the loop.

 

[GSDGlitter]

MK parking is at the TTC, so they have to start there. They can't walk from the MK parking lot to the Contemporary. There is no path. They could walk from lunch at the Contemporary to MK rather than monorailing all the way around the loop.

Thanks for clarifying! So not so much that there's an extra step, but step 1 is actually TTC.

 

[bethy]

Thanks all, as you can see I am not a WDW regular! This helps a ton.

 

[LordVader]

Yep that is our issue... watching all this videos on it, it seems easy to get dessert but not real meals...

Last year we ended up just eating at Casey's corner at like 5pm and just had snacks the rest of the evening lol. Probably will do it again this year but do Pecos.

 

[msmayor]

Thanks to an earlier recommendation I've discovered Steakhouse 71's lunch menu which I think will work for our family before the party on 12/13. Just to confirm this is how we should get there. We are staying offsite this time:

Drive rental car to MK parking and Park
Take tram to TTC
Take Monorail to the Contemporary
After we eat take monorail to MK, go through security and get in line for the party.

Thinking of making Lunch reservations for around 1:30 or 2.

The Contemporary is the first monorail stop after MK, then it goes around the rest of the circuit. Taking the monorail back to MK is 'the long way'

After you eat, much faster to walk the path from Contemporary to MK...you'll clear security on that walkway and then be able to get through the gates of MK.

We stayed at BLT this past June and always walked to MK - barely 10 minutes.

 

[pixiedust2u]

I actually don't really understand this comment. I've never had trouble finding "real food" during any party, Halloween or Christmas. It may not be what people want, but there are several QS options available with things like burgers, hot dogs, etc. Pecos Bills usually has something too like a Christmas tamale.

We always settle in and secure our spot along the parade route on Main Street then order Casey’s Corner and chow down while we would be waiting for the parade to start anyway

 

[dspads]

The Contemporary is the first monorail stop after MK, then it goes around the rest of the circuit. Taking the monorail back to MK is 'the long way'

After you eat, much faster to walk the path from Contemporary to MK...you'll clear security on that walkway and then be able to get through the gates of MK.

We stayed at BLT this past June and always walked to MK - barely 10 minutes.

How long does it take to get from Contemporary back to MK on monorail? I am also trying to get a sense of how long it would take to tour Poly and GF, then lunch at Steakhouse 71, before getting in line around 3.

 

[msmayor]

How long does it take to get from Contemporary back to MK on monorail? I am also trying to get a sense of how long it would take to tour Poly and GF, then lunch at Steakhouse 71, before getting in line around 3.

I don't recall the specific length of time because we only used the resort monorail in that direction when we went to Epcot, going from Contemporary to TTC in one stop...then on the return we had the three stops at Poly, GF and MK before getting back to Contemporary. If you're going to make stops and tour Poly and GF, the distance between stops isn't that long but you'll need to allow for the time to tour. You'll have security lines at each of the monorail stops when getting back on too, which (depending on time of day) can add more time to the wait.

 

[MouseMamaToMany]

Just bought my ticket for 11/21! Hooray! I attended a few years ago with my mom, but really didn’t realize how different a part would be from the After Hours events that used to happen. As such, I did a terrible job of navigating and therefore enjoying the party. (I know, I know. RESEARCH these things beforehand, right?) I won’t make that mistake twice. Very excited to go and experience it all again!

 

[LordVader]

Just bought my ticket for 11/21! Hooray! I attended a few years ago with my mom, but really didn’t realize how different a part would be from the After Hours events that used to happen. As such, I did a terrible job of navigating and therefore enjoying the party. (I know, I know. RESEARCH these things beforehand, right?) I won’t make that mistake twice. Very excited to go and experience it all again!

We're hoping to do the same. Last year was my families first time and we ended up missing the fireworks because I had a virtual queue for Tron and I just didn't realize what time it was.....time goes by crazy fast!! So this year we have a plan in place and we'll be an hour early to fireworks!

 

[AttheParks]

Attending for the first time this year! We have AP's and our travel buddies have a valid ticket with park hopper.
Getting a little stressed reading about the lines to get in.
If we arrive at 6:00, can we enter MK as day guests and get our party bands inside the park? Is this a better option?

 

[MouseMamaToMany]

Attending for the first time this year! We have AP's and our travel buddies have a valid ticket with park hopper.
Getting a little stressed reading about the lines to get in.
If we arrive at 6:00, can we enter MK as day guests and get our party bands inside the park? Is this a better option?

As long as you have ressies to MK for your annual passes and your friend has a day ticket, you can enter through the day guest tapstiles.

 

[LordVader]

Attending for the first time this year! We have AP's and our travel buddies have a valid ticket with park hopper.
Getting a little stressed reading about the lines to get in.
If we arrive at 6:00, can we enter MK as day guests and get our party bands inside the park? Is this a better option?

It is easier from what I've read. Look for the A-frame signs that say "Wristband Distribution." I believe it's near Main Street?

 

[MouseMamaToMany]

It is easier from what I've read. Look for the A-frame signs that say "Wristband Distribution." I believe it's near Main Street?

When I went last time I picked up my wristband in Tomorrowland near Stich’s Great Escape. There are a few other locations as well. I think they are listed in the first page of two of this thread with the FAQs.

 

[scrappinginontario]

We attended a sold out MNSSHP in Aug. We arrived at 5:50 based on timestamps on our photos and we had our pick of party tap-stiles. I would guess you won’t have much of a wait if you arrive around 6:00. Honestly, unless you arrive prior to 4:30 I don’t think you’ll face much of a line.