New After Hours Event Replaces Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Inside the Magic

Walt Disney World has announced that a brand-new After Hours event will be coming to Magic Kingdom this year, replacing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Here is everything we know so far regarding the holiday party.

Last year due to the ongoing pandemic, Walt Disney World Resort had to make the difficult decision to cancel many of its after-hours and ticketed events, including Villains After Hours, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

These difficult decisions — amid other operational changes, like the suspension of character meet and greets as well as nighttime shows — were made by Disney Parks in order to keep both Guests and Cast Members as safe as possible as the theme parks continue to operate during the pandemic.

However, as the world continues to move forward with the ongoing pandemic, and as more and more people get vaccinated and COVID-19 cases continuing to lower, many have been wondering if Disney would bring back Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for 2021.

Well, even though Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will not return, a new Disney After Hours event will debut called Disney Very Merriest After Hours. Per Disney Parks Blog:

Holidays are sure to be enchanting at Magic Kingdom Park, where quintessential decorations will return to Main Street, U.S.A. When the sun sets, special holiday projections will appear most nights on Cinderella Castle, alternating periodically with the castle’s transformation into a Beacon of Magic.* What a great way to celebrate the holidays and the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!

Now, talk about an early holiday gift… “Disney Very Merriest After Hours,” a new special-ticketed event, will debut Nov. 8 before all the rest of the festive fun. It will be available on select nights through Dec. 21. The four hours of festivities will delight guests with “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” Disney characters throughout the park, holiday music and décor, treats included and so much more! As with other Disney After Hours events, a limited number of tickets will be sold for this event. It’s held after regular park operating hours, with lower wait times and access to more than 20 select attractions.  

Tickets will go on sale next month, with an early purchase window available to guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.  

The Walt Disney World website also released special details for the upcoming Disney After Hours event:

Walt Disney World also announced special details, including:

Merry music fills the night air. Cinderella Castle is all aglow. Snow falls on Main Street, U.S.A. as Magic Kingdom park brims with excitement.

This Christmas season, join your loved ones and friends at a truly magical holiday festival—Disney Very Merriest After Hours—held during the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort. Offerings for this new event include Character sightings, fireworks, themed music and decorations, attractions and more.

Spot some favorite Disney friends as they spread their holiday cheer throughout the park. Thrill to Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, a dazzling fireworks display hosted by Minnie Mouse. Indulge in delicious holiday treats, ice cream, popcorn and bottled beverages—all included with the cost of admission. Delight in some holiday-themed attraction overlays and Cinderella Castle projections. Plus, enjoy Magic Kingdom park for 4 hours after the park closes, and less time waiting in line for attractions!

Disney Very Merriest After Hours will take place from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM on select nights, from November 8 through December 21, 2021. Tickets will go on sale next month, so continue to check for updates. Event tickets will grant admission to Magic Kingdom park as early as 7:00 PM, giving you time to enjoy even more of your park favorites before the event begins. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.

Event Highlights

Don’t miss this merriest of evenings, made merrier still when shared with those who brighten your holidays. Highlights include:

• Character sightings
• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
• After-hours access to Magic Kingdom park and less time waiting in line for popular attractions
• Holiday-themed attraction overlays and Cinderella Castle projections
• Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Holiday treats, ice cream, popcorn and bottled beverages—all included with the cost of admission
• Themed food and beverages available for purchase
• Holiday-themed Disney PhotoPass photo opportunities (photos available for purchase)
  Special lighting, music and more!

More on Winter 2021 at Disney World

Beginning in October 2021, and running for a total of 18 months, we are going to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World — bringing a party to all of its Disney theme parks!

Known as “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” Disney World will begin its anniversary festivities on October 1, 2021, to commemorate exactly 50 years since Magic Kingdom first opened its gates in 1971. The celebration will still be going on during the winter months so if you plan to visit this year, you’ll be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary!

Additionally, EPCOT is bringing back its annual International Food and Wine Festival again for 2021 and will run through November 20! Be sure to swing by EPCOT to check out the famous Global Marketplaces, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, merchandise, and more!.

If you want to visit Disney World in 2021 to celebrate, make sure to begin planning your magical vacation today. Our friends at Academy Travel can help you every step of the way. Get started by clicking here!