Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party #2

Friday, November 10, 2023

Tonight was our second trip to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party at Magic Kingdom.  No parade tonight.  Instead, we prioritized some rides (the ones with holiday overlays, mostly) and some cookie stops.  This meant our first stop was in Tomorrowland for trips on Space Mountain (with hard rock Christmas music and lights) and Tomorrowland Speedway.

   

   

We also visited Buzz and the gang for one more ride.  I didn't take pics of the cookie stops, but based on the number of cookies we brought home I can report that there were several stops.

   

On party nights, you have the option to join the Tron virtual cue, which we did, and our group was called at the perfect time.  It was great to get to ride again!

By this point in the trip, we were looking forward to a seated fireworks experience.  Even with somewhat shorter days and rests in the afternoon, by 9pm, we were all pretty tired.  So, off we went to the dessert party.  

I was a little disappointed in the event this year.  There were not as many festive desserts as in the past and a lot of the variety was lost due to the selections not being restocked after they were eaten.  It was a little disappointing, but still fun and the fireworks were amazing as always.  Perfect ending to our MK day!

    

   

Magic Kingdom

Friday, November 10, 2023

Today was our full day at Magic Kingdom - my favorite park at Christmas.  I love all the decorations so much!

   

   

Our first stop was in Tomorrowland - the People Mover!  A perennial family favorite!  Emily got to hear the new narrator for the ride.  Thankfully, "Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow" was still part of the ride.  We also got an early ride on Space Mountain before the line got long.  Then, we had a pretty early boarding group for Tron (plus a lightning lane later in the day)!  Emily was excited for a new Disney coaster and this ride ended up being her favorite of the trip!

   

   

Before leaving Tomorrowland, we also took a ride with Buzz Lightyear to save the galaxy from Zurg.  This is definitely another family favorite.

   

Then we were off to Fantasyland for a visit to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  So thankful for all the lightning lanes today because the park was pretty busy, but it did not really slow us down too much...other than the Buzz line was pretty long.

   

   

We made a short stop for lunch at Columbia Harbor House.  We have only been there a couple of times, but Emily likes the salmon and it is a nice change from burgers and nuggets.  We even got extra hushpuppies!  While we were in the neighborhood, we made a trip through the Haunted Mansion and crushed another ride photo!

   

The only time we ride the Jungle Cruise is when it changes over for the holidays to the Jingle Cruise.  The jokes are no better, but the decorations are pretty good, so we gave it a spin.

   

   

After Jingle Cruise it was time to head back to Bay Lake for a little rest before heading back tonight for our second set of tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party...and a fireworks dessert party too!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party #1

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Tonight was our first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party night and we were so excited!  We grabbed a quick dinner at Contempo Cafe (our favorite) and then walked over to Magic Kingdom for the party.  Just as we were walking in, there were the toy soldiers!

For this party, we prioritized the parade and some of the holiday overlay rides - including Space Mountain and Tomorrowland Speedway.

  

   

   

   

   

I love the toy soldiers.

   

   

After the parade, we headed over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad...one of Emily's favorites.  She loves reciting the safety briefing.  Howdy partners, fer yer safety...  From there we made a stop for cookies and eggnog over at Tortuga Tavern.  Yum!

   

From there, we heard there was a special DVC member experience over at Gaston's Tavern so we headed that way.  Sure enough, there was a special meet and greet with Gaston and then a mini cinnamon roll with LeFou's brew to wash it down.

Then it was time for Tomorrowland Speedway and Space Mountain.  Sadly, our Space Mountain picture never did come.

   

   

During our ride, the fireworks started!  We opted to skip them tonight because we had the dessert party and good seats for the fireworks then.

   

   

What a great night and a fabulous party!  Can't wait to go again tomorrow night!  Oh, and look!  Snow on Main Street on our way out!