by Beth Keating
News
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 17, 2021
Anyone else having seasonal whiplash? We are only one week past the first “Boo Bash” Halloween fête (with 90+ degree summer temperatures here in Florida), and Disney has announced the dates for the Christmastime “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” event at Magic Kingdom. The successor to “Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party” will be kicking off November 8, 2021, with the much-awaited return of a Christmas parade.
In addition to the seasonal whiplash comes a bit of sticker shock, however. Tickets for the four-hour-long “Very Merriest” range from $169 to $229 (plus tax) for the November-December party nights, and a whopping $249 (plus tax) on December 19 & 21 - more than the cost of most full day park ticket categories! (Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members are eligible for a $10 discount on select event dates in November.) As a point of reference, the 2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ranged from $99 to $139 plus tax per adult, depending on the date of the party. The party didn’t happen in 2020 because of COVID.
And while the party has a few extra magical ties this year, including the connection to the 50thanniversary celebrations, the “beacon of magic” at Cinderella Castle, and EARidescent décor, the ticket price for a family of four closing in on the holidays can reach a thousand dollars…. Ouch! At least there are the included complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties, popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages to soften the blow, though there will also be specialty holiday food and drinks available for purchase.
And if you time it right, you can take advantage of not only the new fireworks spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” at the close of the regular parks day, but the special “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” during the party.
The limited-capacity, separately ticketed event will take place on 24 select nights November 8 through December 21, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with parties on the following dates:
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
If you are planning to head to the Most Magical Place on Earth for the holidays, you’ll not only be treated to the Christmastime Fireworks, but “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at the After Hours gathering. Santa Claus himself will put in an appearance at the parade, and the much-loved Toy Soldiers will be back.
On the “bonus” side of the ledger, party-goers can arrive at the Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7 p.m. for this event. The popular ride overlays were missing from the Halloween festivities, but a few will be making their grand return during the Christmas party, with the Jungle Cruise becoming the holiday-themed “Jingle Cruise,” and Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor adding new seasonal jokes. Adding to the atmosphere, snow will be magically falling along Main Street, and Disney PhotoPass will be taking special holiday magic shots throughout the party.
More than 20 attractions, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain, will offer guests much lower wait times once the park closes to day guests, and the park becomes party-ticket holders only.
Throughout the evening, guests will be able to spot Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, and while autographs, and meet and greets are still on hiatus, guests will be able to take socially-distanced selfies with their favorites. The “Club Tinsel” dance party will also be in full swing in Tomorrowland.
Tickets go on sale August 20, and can be purchased online at “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” or by calling 407-939-7947. Guests at select Disney Resort hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort, have the option of booking their tickets as early as today (August 17).
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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.
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