11 tips for attending Disney Very Merriest After Hours at Magic Kingdom

Last night in the Magic Kingdom there was a full parade, a stage show in front of the Cinderella Castle and special holiday fireworks lighting up the sky. All of this for the first time in almost two years. Was this a Christmas miracle? No, just a very expensive night at Disney Very Merriest After Hours. And it felt good. To help out we have Disney Very Merriest After Hours tips.

This special after hours event is taking the place of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. While there were limits on the amount of people who attended the party nights, the after hours events are even more restrictive in the amount of tickets sold.

This was evident when we went to watch the fireworks. Instead of having to squeeze our way into the hub area in front of the castle there was plenty of open space around us and no claustrophobic feeling. This was not the case if you planned to watch the first parade (but more on that later).

There are bound to be some comparisons to the previous parties when it comes to offerings and cost. In 2019, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party cost ranged from $99 to $129 a ticket with the last couple of days at $139. Disney Very Merriest After Hours tickets range from $189 to $209 with the last few days at $249.

In the past, there was a lot more entertainment and food offerings, but at the after hours event has free beverages, popcorn, and ice cream novelties, in addition to the usual free hot cocoa and cookies that have been offered in the past.

And, let’s remember Disney is still ramping up from offerings after closing down for the COVID-19 pandemic. Entertainment Cast Members have just returned and Disney like many companies are still searching to fill spots.

Initially, I was very skeptical about paying the money for the tickets, but after experiencing it on a night that was “Sold Out,” I would say, it was worth it. I was smiling all night, unlike the Disney After Hours Boo Bash, where I felt my pocket was just being picked.

Now, if you go or are planning to go, here are 11 tips that will help you navigate the evening:

1. Check what the temperature will be at night. There is a large range in Florida and you will most likely need either a sweatshirt, Spirit Jersey, jacket or something as the night progresses. Be prepared.

2. You can enter the park starting at 7 p.m. without having a Magic Kingdom ticket or park reservation. If you plan on doing that, get to the park around 6:15 p.m.to wait on the lines outside the park. It might be a pain, but it wil be well worth it once you get your special wrist bracelet.

3. If you are in the park already because you spent the day at the Magic Kingdom, head over to the entrance to Tomorrowland (at the former Stitch’s Great Escpae) around 7 p.m. Here you can check-in for the party and get your bracelet. I would recommend doing this around 7 p.m. The line goes fast.

4. While the party does not start until 9 p.m., you now have two hours to go on rides or get something to eat. Or you can watch “Disney Enchantment.” If you plan on seeing the “Disney Enchantment” fireworks on another night, I would skip them and head to the rides.

5. The parks closes at 8 p.m. This means, it’s a free hour of rides. The only people who can get on rides are those with after hours bracelets. This also allows you to walk anywhere in the park, you will need to raise your wrist to show cast members the bracelet as they clear out the park. I would stay away from the front of the park during this time period.

6. Skip the first parade and first castle show. You paid for a four-hour event until 1 a.m., so you might as well prepare to stay all night. Try as best as you can to go to on rides, or stand in line for special character sightings, snack on free food or purchase some of the specialy food and beverage.

7. If you like Coke or Diet Coke products or even bottled water, bring a backpack and stuff a few extra in them for later in the week or to have in your hotel room. You’ve paid for them, go ahead and take a few.

8. Make sure to head over to the PhotoPass photographers for some photos. There are about a half dozen special Magic Shots and the later in the night the lines are shorter (you might also look more tired, so there is that trade off).

9. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show takes place at 11:15 p.m. You can show up about 20 to 30 minutes to find the spot you want. You should not have to worry about the large crowds.

10.See the 12:05 a.m. parade. You can take a break between fireworks and the parade. We were able to ride Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and dance a little over at Club Tinsel before for the second parade and still got a good spot on Main Street.

11. End the night with Mickey and Minnie’s Verry Merry Memories at 12:50 a.m. There will be plenty of room in front of the castle to see the show and it is a great way to end the evening

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