Last Updated on August 25, 2023 by Happily Ever Park Hoppers
2023 Walt Disney World Holiday Military Discounts
Taking place on select nights in November and December guests can enjoy two different Extra Ticketed Events, inside of Magic Kingdom Park or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you have never been to Walt Disney World during the Holidays, it is definitely something extra special. But just know. That EACH event is an additional ticket that you will need to purchase for everyone in your party (ages 3+).
What is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a Holiday party inside of Magic Kingdom Park that takes place “after” the park closes to all other park guest with a regular park ticket. From 7pm – 12pm guests can experience lower crowds, treats, Holiday-themed ride overlays, characters meet & greets, special themed parades and fireworks. Included in the price of the ticket are Mickey ice cream novelties, popcorn, select beverages and a seasonal treat! Additional themed snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
*MVMCP Guests can enter the park as early as 4pm and DO NOT need to make a park reservation for the day of the event.
What is Disney Jollywood Nights?
Disney Jollywood Nights is a brand new holiday party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can expect lower crowds and wait times, nighttime spectaculars, entertainment and special characters like Powerline Max, Phineas and Ferb, and Edna Mode. There will also be two new Disney PhotoPass experiences that include complimentary digital downloads; as well as any Disney PhotoPass photos you take during the event.
This special event takes place from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM, and guests with tickets to this event can get in as early as 7pm.
Subscribe and stay up to date on all things Disney
Follow Happily Ever Park Hoppers on Social Media!
Why should you go to a Holiday Party?
To me, the biggest reason to go to an after-hours event is for the shorter wait times. With less people allowed in the parks, it allows for your party to ride a lot more rides than you can during the day. The other reason is the special ride overlays, parade and fireworks/ castle projections are completely different than what you will see during the day. The characters will also be dressed in their themed Holiday outfits, which are super cute! These are all things that will definitely add to the magic of your trip. There also is a dance party in Tomorrowland for all those little ones who love to get down and dance! Another fun aspect to this after-hours event is the “Snow” (Snoap… soap bubbles to appear as snow). And then the BIG reason is that Santa will be there! I mean…Santa, need I say more?
The prices might be a little sticker shock if you have never gone to one of the Holiday parties in the past (and even if you have because the prices have gone up). But it’s important to remember that these events are completely optional. You do not have to buy them and go. The parks will still be decorated and there will be a lot of Holiday cheer to go around.
Military Pricing
*No tax on Shades of Green tickets
Beginning June 39th, 2023 Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, including Shades of Green, can purchase tickets. General public sales begin July 6th, 2023.
Where to buy discounted tickets?
Military Discounted tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can only be purchased at Shades of Green or GOXV.COM. The pricing at GOVX will vary and includes taxes & fees, which you wont see until you go through all of the steps to purchase. Shades of Green prices are what you see, just remember to factor in the $15 shipping fee.
*Also, another important note. When buying tickets from Shades of Green, regardless of what type of tickets you are buying, the sponsor/service member MUST BE the one paying for the tickets. The sponsor/service member’s name has to be credit/debt card that is being sued to pay for the tickets. So keep that in mind when pricing out your options.
Keep in mind that tickets are subject to availability and WILL sell out. If you know you want to go, I would submit your order request to Shades of Green as soon as you know your dates because the turnaround time for Shades of Green ticketing office can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.
If you are worried your date will sell out before you hear back from the ticketing office, you can always buy the tickets directly from the Disney website. Just know that you will be paying for them at full face value.
My advice!
If you really want to go and just can’t wrap your head around the price, one thing my family has done in the past is plan to go on a break day.
For Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, since you can enter the park as early as 4pm, you have the entire day to do what you want. Take this day to sleep in, relax by the pool and rest those tired feet. Then around 3pm, start making your way to Magic Kingdom Park so you can enter right at 4pm and have the entire night in the park. This way you all are nice and refreshed and didn’t just spend the entire day hot and walking around, only to go to the event and leave early because everyone is tired.
Also, consider buying less park ticket days. With “up to” 8 hours at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you may not need a 5 Day Park Hopper. (I say up to, because I realize 1am is very late for most of us). The other thing is that you may want to forgo buying the Park Hopper Plus option (which allows you to go to one of Disney’s waterparks) and spend the extra money on the Holiday event.
Spreading magic one post at a time
Kristin