I’m counting down the days until Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom…it’s almost time!

The Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Map

The party is one of the biggest highlights of the holiday season, with exclusive entertainment, merchandise, and snacks, plus just an absurd level of jolliness that makes me want to dance down Main Street, U.S.A. But this year, there are a few changes coming to the offerings that you should know about if you’re attending!

First of all, the dance party inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is getting a rebrand! The lower level of the restaurant usually plays host to a DJ and a few characters for a kid-focused experience, but in 2026, it’s going to be the home of Stitchmas! at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Disney Jr. Jingle Jam back in 2024

Based on the description in the My Disney Experience app, it sounds like this is going to be a similar dance party experience, except now with Lilo and Stitch…plus possibly some of their friends? We’ll make sure to stop by on the first night of the party and let you know who all we see.

©Disney

Speaking of popular characters, you should know that Winnie the Pooh and friends are MOVING. The Disney World website has been updated to note that Winnie the Pooh and friends will be meeting in Storybook Circus during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party instead of their normal location next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Winnie the Pooh dressed for the holidays in 2021

During the holiday parties at Magic Kingdom, you can typically meet Pooh and Tigger along with Eeyore and Piglet, all at once. This is a popular meet-and-greet since the only other way to see Eeyore and Piglet is to dine at The Crystal Palace.

Pooh and Friends in their Halloween costumes

If you’re going to Very Merry this year, it’s a great idea to pick up a party map when you arrive. You can check both the map and the My Disney Experience app to see where characters are located and when to watch popular entertainment offerings. Also listed, you’ll be able to see the ride overlays, open restaurants, and the places where you can get free cookies with seasonal beverages (that’s one of my FAVE things to do during the party — I leave with a backpack full of cookies).

Treat locations from 2025

If you enter through the front of the park, you’ll get a map when you arrive along with your wristband, and then you’ll be directed to walk down Market Street to collect your complimentary souvenir (we can’t wait to see what it is this year — it’s often some form of Christmas ornament). If you’re already in Magic Kingdom for the day and need to check in for the party, there are typically wristband and map pickup locations in Adventureland and Tomorrowland.

The Very Merry wristband in 2025

The party starts at 7 PM and runs until midnight, but you can enter with your party ticket as early as 4 PM. The park closes to non-party guests at 6 PM. In those pre-party hours, it’s a good idea to grab your family photos, eat dinner, or hop on a few rides. Also, if meeting Jack Skellington and Sally is important to you, this is a great opportunity to line up for their meet-and-greet at Town Square Theater, since their line gets long and STAYS long.

Jack and Sally

We’ll be at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on Sunday, November 8th to celebrate the first night, and we’ll be taking you along with us, so stay tuned. To see what last year’s event was like, check out the YouTube video below.

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See EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Party Here!

Are you going to the Christmas party this year? Tell us in the comments!