Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season in Magic Kingdom and experience some of your favorite rides with much lower waits! Not only that, but you get the chance to see exclusive entertainment, meet rare characters, and enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate or apple cider throughout the night. What could be better than that?!

Disney recently announced the dates for this year’s Christmas Party, and we learned everything that will be returning to the event, too. But, there’s one perk Disney confirmed is returning that we think stands above the rest — and it’s a total game-changer on party night!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom that officially starts at 7 PM, but there’s one perk that will let you get your party started even earlier! Party guests can actually enter the parks as early as 4 PM, even though the party doesn’t start until a few hours later. While not all party offerings will be available until it starts at 7 PM, you can still use that time to ride attractions and even shop for party-exclusive merchandise!

This year’s party is taking place on the following nights:

• November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29
• December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22

There is SO much to see and do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, including a lot of exclusive party entertainment. Disney has confirmed that Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will return this year. This fireworks display includes projections, special effects, fireworks, and more.

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade will also return to the party this year, first at 8:30 P.M. and again at 11 P.M. Pro tip: check out the second parade because it’s usually less crowded than the first. Note that Disney has not confirmed these parade times, but these are the times the parades have been held in the past.

You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for Disney characters in holiday outfits. You’ll even see rare characters that aren’t usually out in the parks during the day. Disney has not yet confirmed a full list of characters appearing at this year’s party, but you’ll find them on the party map or My Disney Experience app.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also has FREE cookies and drinks (usually hot cocoa and apple cider). You’ll find these freebies at select quick service restaurants throughout the park (they’ll be marked on your party map, and each location will have a giant candy cane inflatable in front).

You’ll also be able to purchase exclusive food and drinks at the party at select locations. Disney hasn’t revealed the menus yet, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for those to share with you when they’re available.

Check out everything returning to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year right here!

We’ll be on the lookout for even more updates about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the holiday season at Disney World. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!

Are you planning a trip to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year? Let us know in the comments below!