Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World is known for reinventing its seasonal magic every year, but this time, EPCOT is hosting one of the most unique and exclusive holiday experiences yet. Mickey and Minnie Mouse have unveiled brand-new ski-themed outfits—something guests have never seen before—and they’re only available at one location in the entire resort.
This wintery meet-and-greet is not part of any standard park offering. You won’t find it in the My Disney Experience app or marked on a park map. In fact, unless you’re part of a select group of Disney insiders, you won’t even know it’s happening.
Let’s take a closer look at this hidden holiday gem, how to experience it, and why it’s becoming one of the top perks of Disney Vacation Club Membership.
The Rare Character Encounter You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Inside EPCOT’s World Celebration area, a calm and cozy lounge offers DVC Members a much-needed break from the theme park bustle. That space—called the ImaginAtrium—is already a perk for eligible Disney Vacation Club Members, offering snacks, seating, and charging stations.
But for the 2025 holiday season, it’s also become home to something far more magical: a meet-and-greet with Mickey and Minnie dressed in alpine-inspired ski attire.
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These costumes are completely new. Mickey sports a sleek white-and-silver jacket with snow boots and gloves, while Minnie wears a matching outfit complete with fur accents and a stylish winter hat. They pose alongside skis and snowboards in front of a snowy backdrop that includes a world map, mugs of hot cocoa, and a miniature Christmas tree. The whole vibe feels more Aspen than Orlando—and that’s exactly the point.
It’s intimate, festive, and totally unique to this location. But don’t expect to just walk in.
Access Is Limited—and That’s the Whole Appeal
This holiday character experience isn’t available to all Disney Vacation Club Members. It’s part of a newer benefit tier called Membership Magic Beyond, which launched in 2024 and offers an extra layer of premium perks.
Magic Beyond is a paid add-on—not automatically included in DVC Membership. Members must enroll separately and meet certain criteria, including holding a minimum of 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney. The annual upgrade includes special events, character meet-and-greets, merchandise previews, and even priority lounge access when crowds pick up.
For 2026, the Magic Beyond option will be priced at $99 per year, and the ski outfit character greeting is just one example of the exclusive experiences it unlocks. Only guests who have this upgraded benefit can attend the meet-and-greet, which is available nightly from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. during the holiday season.
The Real Cost of DVC Membership—Is It Worth It?
Joining Disney Vacation Club does involve a significant upfront investment, but for many families, the long-term value is undeniable. Membership starts at $23,500 for a real estate interest represented by 100 Vacation Points. That breaks down to $235 per point, and there are closing costs that start around $393, depending on the home resort.
In addition to the one-time cost, Members pay annual dues, which help cover resort operations, maintenance, and property taxes. These dues start at about $67 per month, depending on your home resort, and increase slightly year-to-year.
For those who prefer financing, DVC offers loans starting at around $283 per month for a 15-year term with a 10% down payment. That makes entry more accessible for families looking to commit to decades of future vacations.
While that may sound steep, Disney advertises long-term savings of 50% or more compared to booking deluxe accommodations at regular resort prices over the life of the membership. In essence, you’re locking in today’s vacation rates for the next 30 to 50 years—and getting some sweet perks along the way.
Why This Meet-and-Greet Feels Like “Old School Disney”
Disney fans often talk about the magic of the past—the personal interactions, the quiet moments, and the unexpected touches that made each trip feel unique. This rare EPCOT meet-and-greet brings a bit of that energy back.
There’s no loud music or flashing lights. No 90-minute line. Just you, Mickey, Minnie, and a holiday scene that feels like a winter postcard come to life.
It’s the kind of offering that makes Disney Vacation Club feel worth the price tag—not just for the accommodations, but for the little moments that remind you why you love Disney in the first place.
EPCOT’s Holiday Offerings Continue to Grow
This year’s ski-themed character interaction is part of a broader effort by Disney to expand EPCOT’s holiday offerings. While Magic Kingdom may get most of the attention with its after-hours parties and castle projections, EPCOT has been steadily growing its Festival of the Holidays lineup.
Beyond the cultural storytellers and food booths, EPCOT now features holiday overlays, festive lighting, themed merchandise, and more character appearances. Figment shows up in an ugly Christmas sweater. Olaf pops up in World Showcase. And now Mickey and Minnie are glamming it up in their ski gear for Members only.
It’s a sign that Disney is doubling down on EPCOT’s transformation—not just as a park of the future, but as one that captures the charm and warmth of a classic holiday experience.
Should You Join?
DVC Membership isn’t for everyone. But for families who return to Disney year after year and enjoy staying at deluxe resorts, it can be a smart investment. The ability to plan vacations with confidence, the savings over time, and the growing list of Members-only experiences all add to the appeal.
Magic Beyond takes that concept even further by offering exclusivity. It doesn’t just save you money—it gives you something most guests never get: personal access to limited-time experiences, like meeting Mickey and Minnie in outfits you won’t find anywhere else in the parks.
If you’re the kind of fan who wants every trip to feel different, memorable, and just a bit magical in its own way, this new EPCOT meet-and-greet is a reminder of what DVC can offer.
Final Thoughts
While most guests stroll past the ImaginAtrium without ever knowing what’s inside, those with the right kind of membership are stepping into a snowy Disney moment few others will ever see. Mickey and Minnie in ski outfits might not sound groundbreaking—but in the world of Disney fandom, it’s a rare gem.
And in a season all about magic, coziness, and joy, it’s hard to imagine a better gift for those lucky enough to find it.