1. ARRIVE AT 4PM – NOT 7PM
Sure, your ticket says the event starts at 7pm, and ‘officially’ it does. However, because of the large crowds, Disney begins letting ticket holders in at 4pm. If you show up at 7, you’ve missed three extra hours of Disney magic!
2. WATCH THE SECOND CHRISTMASTIME PARADE
The first Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is always more crowded than the second, as families with small children tend to flock to this parade and leave after fireworks – foregoing the second parade. This is the perfect time to meet and greet with some of the rare characters or hop on your favorite ride.
And when it does come time to watch the parade, read THIS helpful parade “Do’s and Don’ts” checklist from WDW Info.
3. USE FASTPASSES
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not. Disney doesn’t offer Fastpasses once the party begins at 7pm. However, you CAN get Fastpasses for that small 4pm-7pm window — before the party kicks off. Do it! That way, you can focus your actual party time on the exclusives and not on rides available during the day.
4. GET IN LINE EARLY TO MEET RARE CHARACTERS
One of the best things about MVMCP are the rare character appearances. But it can also be the worst, because the lines get loooong — especially for the 7 dwarves or Jack Skellington as Santa Clause. Pick your one or two ‘must meet’ characters and try to get in line before the party starts. You’ll be glad you did.
For a full list of characters from last year, visit Kenny the Pirate’s MVMCP Character Guide HERE.
5. DON’T MISS THE EXCLUSIVE SHOWS
One of the best parts of MVMCP are the shows: A Frozen Holiday Wish, Mickey’s Merriest Celebration, a Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, and of course — Holiday Wishes. All of them are unique and delightful in their own ways. Don’t skip out on any of them. And make sure you grab those free cookies and a cup of hot chocolate (or apple cider) on your way.
And if you’re a fan of the Dole Whip, make sure you grab one before the 6pm because Aloha Isle turns into a cookie and hot chocolate station for the party. We had to learn that one the hard way.
