Christmas at WDW: Magic Kingdom Edition

I cannot believe that the Holidays are already almost here!  It feels like it should be MONTHS off, but nope...here we are...back at mistletoe, presents, and feasts that can feed an army.  With that being said, I thought I'd take a look at the Holiday festivities that happen at each park for the next few weeks. 

For many, the Holiday season is their favorite at WDW and I can most definitely see why.  Nothing gets me in the spirit quicker than seeing all the fun festivities the Mouse House has up their sleeves for park guests to enjoy.

Today, we're going to take a look at the frivolity that happens at the Magic Kingdom...a park so rich in Holiday traditions...you'll feel like it's Christmas morning each time you step foot in the park.

The major event that happens at the Magic Kingdom is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This is a special hard ticketed event that happens on select nights.  The two major draws for this Party are the Christmas parade that is shown each night and the firework extravaganza that takes place. 

First off, we have the parade, called Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.  Now, unfortunately the song underscoring the parade isn't as catchy as the Boo To You music, but it is lovely in it's own way and extremely festive feeling.  Here is a good preview of what the parade actually looks like. 



My favorite float has to be the Chip and Dale one.  Maybe it's just because I have a soft side for those two and the fact that I love that they've made snow-munks!  I also really love the use of the soldiers and the reindeer who remind me of being a kid and watching the Christmas Day Parade each year.

Personally though, I don't feel this parade has as much pizazz as the Halloween Party one does. For me, it falls a little flat (though to be honest, I'm not much of a parade person to begin with.)  Don't get me wrong...it's a lovely parade...it just doesn't do a whole lot for me.

The parade takes place at 8:15 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.  Keep in mind, the second parade is often less crowded than the first.

The other really big thing that happens each night at MVMCP is the fireworks show Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Season.  One of the coolest aspects of this show is it uses perimeter fireworks, which means they fireworks surround you!  It is truly spectacular to see in person!

This show is narrated by Jimminy Cricket and it's really quite beautiful but it's also got just the right amount of whimsy mixed in too.  The fireworks spectacular starts at 9:30 p.m.

Also at the parties, a few more festivities occur, such as the distribution of Holiday Treats (cookies and hot chocolate) and a few dance parties.  Oh and of course, most of the rides are open too! 

Of course, the thing that I love the most that Disney does around the Holidays at the Magic Kingdom is actually something that's relatively new.  Disney added the Castle Dream Lights just a few short years ago and the only word I can use to describe them is breathtaking.  Photos honestly cannot do this justice.  It really has to be seen in person to understand.  There is also a special Castle Lighting ceremony which takes place nightly where Cinderella's Fairy Godmother works her magic to get those lights to sparkle! 

And of course, my final favorite thing is all the decorations that go up on Main Street.  Really, the place turns into such a magical land this time of year.  Garland hanging from roof to roof, Santa Claus can often be found here, and a HUGE Christmas tree parked right there on Main Street. Plus, the Toy Soldiers make their appearance known here as well.

Here is a look at just a tiny portion of the decor that can be found on Main Street.

As you can see, the Magic Kingdom offers the whimsy and the fun of Christmas.

What is your favorite aspect of the Magic Kingdom during the Holidays?  Make sure to let me know in the comments!