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Dates Revealed, Plus Fireworks & Parade Return for Disney Very Merriest After Hours!

Big news coming out of Walt Disney World today! We previously shared the news that “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” is coming to Magic Kingdom in place of the former Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. With the current Disney After Hours Boo Bash underway, we’ve been disappointed that, unlike the former Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, no fireworks or parades are available. The fear of course was that when “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” arrives, it too would drop the former parade and fireworks we used to be able to enjoy at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. But today brings good news! Disney has revealed the dates and details about “Disney Very Merriest After Hours”… and YES – fireworks and parades are BACK!

As shared by Disney: “Twinkling lights, festive décor, and magical celebrations will fill Magic Kingdom Park during “Disney Very Merriest After Hours.” The event will take place on 24 select nights Nov. 8 through Dec. 21 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This year’s holiday celebration is truly “once in a lifetime,” coinciding with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

Event dates include:

  • 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

“Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will include the nighttime spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the special holiday-themed parade “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” That’s right, a parade! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be joined by pals from Disney’s “Frozen” and many other favorite Disney characters including the very popular Toy Soldiers. This festive parade will, of course, also feature Santa Claus himself!

Tickets for the 4-hour “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will grant admission to Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7 p.m., giving you more time to enjoy some of your favorite Magic Kingdom attractions. You can also take in EARidescent magic that will be part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” from the brand-new fireworks spectacular “Disney Enchantment” to the transformation of Cinderella Castle into a “Beacon of Magic,” it’s all in honor of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. And, yes! That means you could be able to experience two different and unique fireworks shows in one night!

Additional details of what you can experience during this limited-capacity, separately ticketed event: 

  • Holiday attraction overlays are also making a comeback! The Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise, and Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor will get new jokes perfect for this joyful season. 
  • After the park closes to day guests, enjoy less time waiting in line for more than 20 attractions including favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain and more.
  • Sightings of Disney characters throughout the park all dressed in their holiday best. 
  • While you are walking down Main Street, U.S.A. be sure to look up to the sky, you might catch some magical snowfall! 
  • Dance and boogie the night away at themed Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland.
  • Enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages.
  • Specialty holiday food and drinks will also be available for purchase. 
  • Disney PhotoPass will offer holiday magic shots throughout the night.

Tickets will go on sale Aug. 20 and can be purchased online or by calling 407-939-7947. Guests of select Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can book their tickets as early as August 17. Tickets range from $169 to $229 plus tax for select November-December nights and $249, plus tax on December 19 & 21.  Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $10 discount on select event dates in November. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.

So, what do you think? Are you making plans to visit Walt Disney World during the most magical time of the year? It’s time to grab those holiday Mickey ear headbands and get to planning!

About Jamie Sylvester

I'm a Disney nerd! A kid at heart who loves the magic and memories of Walt Disney World. I follow all things Disney and enjoy the vacations, day trips, weekend getaways, and geek out over the planning of such events. My goal is to experience as many Disney desserts and cocktails as possible! Married to another Disney nerd and blessed with a daughter and son, we thoroughly enjoy the magic at Disney and are here to help others experience the magic as well.