Credit: DisneyThere’s a certain kind of magic that takes over Magic Kingdom as soon as the holiday season arrives.
Twinkling lights wrap around lampposts, festive music echoes through the park, and Main Street, U.S.A. becomes a postcard-worthy scene with snow flurries dancing in the air. At the center of it all? Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—a beloved tradition that many families plan their entire vacation around.
This after-hours event has built a reputation over the years for offering something truly special: lower crowds, rare characters, and a kind of holiday charm that even the most hardened Grinch would find hard to resist. But this year, some fans are feeling less holly-jolly after looking at the ticket prices.
A Premium Experience With a Premium Price
Disney isn’t just rolling out the holiday decor—they’re rolling out the red carpet for premium pricing. In 2025, the event will run on 25 select nights from November 7 through December 21. Tickets went on sale to Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests on July 16, with general public access opening July 22.
Guests can enter the park as early as 4 p.m., with the party officially beginning at 7 p.m. That extra time gives attendees a head start on the festivities, from exclusive ride overlays to the dazzling “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” show and the return of the fan-favorite “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”
But while the experience remains as festive as ever, it’s hard to ignore the price tag attached.
2025 Pricing Reaches an All-Time High
This year, prices for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party range from $169 to $229 per person, depending on the date you choose. That’s a $10 bump from the highest-tier pricing in 2024, which topped out at $219. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can still get a $10 discount on select nights—but for many families, the event is starting to feel financially out of reach.
To understand just how much things have changed, let’s rewind the clock to 2015. That year, the lowest ticket price for the party was $74, with peak nights topping out around $82. Compared to today’s $169 entry-level price, that’s a whopping 128% increase over the past 10 years.
And this isn’t just inflation—we’re talking about an event that has nearly tripled in price for the same basic experience.
Is It Still Worth It?
For some families, the answer is a firm yes. The shorter lines, exclusive entertainment, and unique holiday atmosphere are all part of what makes the party a once-a-year splurge. Plus, the ability to get into Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. and enjoy the park into the late hours is still a major perk.
But others are feeling priced out. With standard daytime park tickets already pushing $150+ per person depending on the date, the added cost of a separate ticketed event can feel like too much—especially for larger families or those traveling around the holidays when resort rates are also at their highest.
There’s also growing frustration among guests who feel like Disney is turning once-accessible traditions into luxury experiences that only some can afford.
Nostalgia Isn’t Cheap Anymore
What used to be a heartwarming night out with cocoa, cookies, and classic characters is now a serious financial decision. And while there’s no doubt that the experience is still magical, it’s not lost on longtime fans that the magic is getting more expensive by the year.
For many, the biggest frustration isn’t the price itself—it’s the feeling that Disney is leaning harder into exclusivity. What was once a holiday treat for most visitors now feels more like a VIP perk reserved for those willing to pay big.
And as more and more Disney events hit those high-dollar price points, fans can’t help but ask: are we moving into an era where holiday magic is reserved only for the highest bidders?