Disney World holiday details announced for 2023, all-new party coming to Hollywood Studios

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

It may seem too soon for talk of Santa, snowmen and holiday spirit, but we’re officially ‘halfway to the holidays.’ So, Disney is unwrapping the details of upcoming winter holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World, including an exciting new after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Each holiday season, Disney World manages to outdo itself with more lights, more decorations and more ways to celebrate all that’s merry and bright. This year is no exception.

Visitors will enjoy resort-wide holiday decor, festive character costumes, limited-time seasonal treats and the opportunity to meet Santa at all four theme parks. Additionally, Disney announced that an all-new party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will join Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for a double dose of after-hours merriment.

Planning to go to Disney World? Let a free Disney Vacation Planner do the work for you via TPG’s partner Mouse Counselors.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket information

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event at The Magic Kingdom after the park closes to daytime guests. The party typically starts at 7 p.m., but guests can enter The Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. (and sneak in a few attractions before the party officially begins).

This year, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place on 25 select nights beginning Nov. 9 and running through Dec. 22. Ticket prices vary based on the date you select but range from $159-$199 per person. (Discounted tickets are typically available for Disney World annual pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members.)

Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning July 6 with an advanced sale beginning June 29 for guests of select Disney World hotels.

Official event dates include:

November: 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30.
December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22.

During the party, guests can experience holiday stage shows like Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. The new “Frozen Holiday Surprise” will allow guests to join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the adorable Snowgies as they illuminate Cinderella Castle each evening.

There will also be photo opportunities, character meet-and-greets and opportunities to ride The Magic Kingdom attractions, including the new Tron Lightcycle Run coaster, with shorter waits during the event.

Disney Jollywood Nights

Each holiday season, Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes on a glam, vintage vibe with glitzy decor and nostalgic holiday tunes. This year, it’s taking things to the next level with a new after-hours party called Disney Jollywood Nights.

During the party, guests can expect to be treated like the toast of Tinseltown, with a jazz band, DJ-led dance party, the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! fireworks spectacular, fun photo ops and character interactions, celebratory food and drinks and access to the park’s most popular attractions, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

The separately ticketed event will take place on 10 select nights in November and December from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Official party dates are as follows:

November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29.
December: 4, 6,16,18, 20.

Ticket prices will range from $159 to $179. They will go on sale July 6, coinciding with ticket sales for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Bottom line

Ready or not, here come the holidays … or at least the planning part.

Disney World still requires guests to make advance theme park reservations for 2023, and the parks still occasionally reach capacity on busy days during the holiday season. Holiday party tickets are also known to sell out as Santa’s big day approaches.

If your only wish this year is to be at Disney for the holidays, start planning your trip now — even if it’s still much too warm to break out those ugly Christmas sweaters.

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