Disney World's 'very merriest' Christmas party will be one its most expensive yet
Disney lovers who've missed Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will have to pay a lot more for the closest thing to it during Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary.
Starting prices for this year's Disney Very Merriest After Hours are nearly twice as expensive as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 2019. The popular holiday event was canceled last year amid the pandemic.
The two holiday celebrations actually sound strikingly similar.
Like its predecessor, Disney Very Merriest After Hours will be held after hours at the Magic Kingdom on select nights leading up to Christmas, Nov. 8 through Dec. 21. It requires a special ticket, not included with regular park admission. Capacity is limited, so guests can expect shorter lines on select rides. There will still be snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A., a holiday-themed parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime fireworks.
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There are a few notable differences between the two holiday celebrations.
How is Disney Very Merriest After Hours different from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?
Disney Very Merriest After Hours is later and shorter than Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The festivities run from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., but ticket-holders can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 7 p.m. for a total of six hours in the park. In 2019, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas ran from 7 p.m. until midnight, but guests could enter the park at 4 p.m. for a total of eight hours in the park.
Guests will not be able to get up close to their favorite characters, who in the past donned their holiday finest for the festivities. Throughout the pandemic, up-close character meet-and-greets have been suspended to allow for social distancing.
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Snacks will be different, too. While endless cookies, hot cider and hot cocoa were included with admission to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Very Merriest After Hours guests will get ice cream, popcorn, bottled drinks and unspecified holiday treats. Of course, additional food will available for purchase.
Pricing is also different this year.
How much are Disney Very Merriest After Hours tickets?
Tickets range from $169 to $229 for select nights in November and December and start at $249 for Dec. 19 and 21 on Disney World's website. Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can get $10 off on select dates in November.
Tickets for the 2019 holiday event started at $94.
This year's tickets go on sale on Aug. 20 for the general public. Disney resort guests will be able to buy tickets starting Aug. 17 for event nights during their stay.
Only Disney Very Merriest After Hours tickets are accepted for entry to the event. Not only will standard theme park tickets be rejected, but regular Magic Kingdom guests will have to leave the park before the event starts.
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Contributing: Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Disney World Christmas party 2021: 'Very Merriest' tickets cost more