Holiday magic is supposed to feel exciting — not like a stress test.
Fireworks for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of Disney World’s biggest holiday events, and we usually look forward to it all year. But heading into the 2025 season, we’re feeling a little more anxious than usual. Between rising prices, minimal updates to the experience, and major closures across Magic Kingdom, this year’s party is shaping up to be more frustrating than festive. Let’s break down exactly why we’re worried about MVMCP this time around.
Same Party, Higher Price Tag
It’s hard to justify a bigger price tag when the experience stays exactly the same — and that’s pretty much what we’re seeing this year. MVMCP in 2025 is clocking in at a record high of $229 on the most expensive nights. That’s a $10 bump from last year, and while $10 may not seem like a huge jump on paper, it stings when nothing else about the event has changed.
©Disney
We’re talking about the same parade, the same fireworks show, the same character meets, and the same cookies. Yes, we still love those cookies, but we were hoping for something new. A fresh overlay, a new float, maybe an exclusive treat or a reworked show element to keep things feeling special. But so far, Disney hasn’t announced anything like that.
Fireworks for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
When you’re dropping over $220 for one night in the park, there should be something that makes it feel like you’re getting more than last year. Right now, that’s not the case.
Construction Chaos
There’s no avoiding it—Magic Kingdom is in a bit of a mess right now. Several key attractions are closed, and that means fewer options for guests to enjoy during the party. If you’re someone who likes to squeeze in rides between parades and cookies (and who doesn’t?), this year is going to feel more limited than usual.
Walls near the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is closing in August and won’t reopen until 2026. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also down for a lengthy refurbishment. And in a pretty big shift, both Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat are now permanently closed to make way for the upcoming Cars-themed land, “Piston Peak.”
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
So while you’re still paying more, you’re also getting less in terms of attractions. With some of these ride closures affecting capacity, we’re expecting longer lines for the few big attractions that are open during the event.
The Magic Feels a Bit Stalled
Every year, we hope MVMCP will get a little upgrade. It doesn’t have to be a total overhaul — just something to make it feel like Disney is still putting that extra sparkle on it. But this year, we’re not seeing much effort to keep things fresh.
FREE Cookies and Cocoa!
The event has been running in its current form for years, and while it’s a solid offering, there’s definitely room for innovation. But MVMCP is holding steady with the same setup.
Santa!!
We know the party can evolve, and that’s the kind of change keeps the event exciting. But this year, we’re seeing a lot of “copy and paste” vibes, and it makes us nervous that Disney might be relying too much on nostalgia to carry the event, rather than actually enhancing it.
Should You Still Go?
Look, we’re not saying don’t go. MVMCP can still be a magical experience — especially if it’s your first time or you’ve got holiday-loving kids who want to meet Santa Goofy. The snow on Main Street, the lights, the entertainment — it’s all still there, and it is still MAGICAL. But we are saying to go in with clear expectations. Don’t expect anything new. Expect higher prices. Expect some areas of the park to be blocked off or closed. And if you’ve been before, be prepared for a little déjà vu. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that Disney surprises us with a late announcement or two, but for now? We’re a little nervous. And we want you to be prepped, not disappointed.
Will you be attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World coverage!
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Nope! Done with the expensive parties.
We’ve never been to MVMCP so we’re going this year in December with my daughter and her husband. We did MNVSHP some years back and really enjoyed it. I also did Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland, which was a lot of fun. Disney prices are astronomical for everything. At some point they will price out everyone, well, I guess not everyone or else they would go bankrupt.
Yes my First Time!
This is our first year EVER doing disney and its my daughters 10th birthday. So we bought tickets for mickeys VMC. We are going in November, so didnt have to pay the top teir price but it was still a whopping $561 for 3 of us.
I’ve been once, it was amazing. Wouldn’t and probably couldn’t do it again at that price. I don’t feel anxious about it though.
Yes, it’s the first time for most of our family. This is the first time all 16 members of our family will be together in Disney. It’s probably the only time we will go somewhere as a large group during this trip!
Yes, I am going! I am 63 and this is my first time ever going to Disney and I will celebrating my retiring from teaching for 24 years. I’m hoping it is good.
Yes! I’m going for my third time and I’m happy it’s the same as last time. Last time was terrific! I don’t want it to change. Why mess with perfection? There are many things to be anxious about, but the Christmas party is NOT one of them.