It’s the most magical time of the year at Walt Disney World, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! On select nights from Nov. 8, 2018 until Dec. 21, 2018, guests get to experience snow on Main Street U.S.A. and lots of other festive surprises! Heading to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for the very first time? Here are some top tips to help you conquer the party like a pro!

Show Up Early

Although Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party doesn’t start until 7 p.m., party guests are granted access into the parks starting at 4 p.m. Take advantage of those extra three hours enjoy that bonus time in Magic Kingdom before the sun goes down!

Pro Tip: If your tickets are limited, don’t buy a park ticket for your party day! Save yourself some money and use the morning as your time to relax before the party in the evening.

Save Your Snacks

One perk of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is all of the free holiday treats! From cookies to snow cones to hot cocoa, it’s quite a lot of Christmas sweets to enjoy. While some items must be consumed immediately, that’s not the case when it comes to the cookies! These treats are individually wrapped and make for a perfect snack for your next park day or on your plane ride home.

Pro Tip: Be sure to bring a bag to store all of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party goodies!

Ride The Jingle Cruise

Walt Disney World is home to one holiday overlay attraction this time of year, and it’s a fun festive take on the classic Jungle Cruise attraction! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special ticket event which means you’re likely to experience shorter lines for attractions. Since this is the only holiday attraction at the resort, it’s a must when it comes to your Disney holiday bucket list!

Pro Tip: Try to ride this attraction before the party starts at 7 p.m. so you’ve got more time to enjoy the other party offerings!

Take Advantage of Meet and Greets

In addition to the other many party-exclusive entertainment offerings, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is home to some pretty exciting character meetings that you can’t find anywhere else in Walt Disney World. Whether it’s Mickey in his holiday best or a photo opportunity with all seven dwarfs, it’s worth your time to seek out at least one of these character meet and greets while at the party!

Pro Tip: Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws is the most popular character to meet at the party, so if meeting him is a must for you be sure to get in line as early as possible.

Don’t Skip On Party Exclusives

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is home to exclusive shows, merchandise and photo opportunities, so don’t forget to take advantage of these special things before the party ends. One free Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party exclusive is the specialty Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card that can only be found on party nights! This year’s card features the characters from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.

Pro Tip: Disney PhotoPass offers special Magic Shots exclusively during party hours, so get creative and snap a few memorable shots with your group!

Stay As Late As You Can

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is full of special holiday moments, but the real magic happens once the party ends. As the guests continue to leave the park and Magic Kingdom empties, you’re really able to take in the beauty and details of Main Street U.S.A.’s iconic Christmas decor! Without the hustle and bustle of the fellow park guests, it’s so peaceful getting to experience this late night magic.

Pro Tip: Stop into Casey’s Corner for a quick bite, or peruse around the shops on Main Street U.S.A. until you notice that the crowds have diminished, then step outside and take it all in!

There’s no place like Disney for the holidays, and what better way to enjoy them than at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! If you’re headed to Walt Disney World before Dec. 21, 2018, be sure to grab your ticket to this fun and festive Magic Kingdom event. And don’t forget to remember these top tips to help you make the most of your night!