Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can be daunting for even for the most seasoned Disney travelers, but visiting during the holidays can be truly overwhelming.  There are four theme parks, two water parks, the Downtown Disney district, twenty-one resort hotels, and not to mention the numerous water and sports activities available.  All of that alone is enough to keep someone busy on a vacation, but there are numerous special offerings that go under the radar of most visitors… and they shouldn’t.

Special events, backstage tours, and special dining events happen throughout various areas of the resort, but with one major difference: special events are offered for a limited time during the year and backstage tours and special dining events are typically offered year around.

First, we’ll take a look at special events.  These events typically happen around the same time of the year, every year. They are highly anticipated by those who know about them, but casual WDW visitor may not be aware.  Whether they are sporting events or holiday celebrations, many people build their Walt Disney World vacations around these happenings.

Both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade are popular events that take place at The Magic Kingdom. Because of the limited amount of tickets sold on select dates— 24 party days for Halloween and 19 party days for Christmas in 2009—these events tend to sell out quickly.  The general estimate is 20,000 tickets, but Disney does not release exactly how many they sell for each evening’s party.  It is best to purchase tickets in advance of course, but tickets can be purchased on the day-of the party if available.

Advance ticket purchase is the same for both parties.  After calling Disney (or purchasing online) and giving a credit card, tickets can be mailed or picked up upon your arrival.  If you’re already in the park on the day of the party, proceed to the Rose Garden near Cinderella’s Castle after 4:00 PM and Cast Members will swipe your party ticket and put a wristband on you.  Those holding party passes, but not planning on being in the park earlier, can typically head to the main gate at 4pm and look for specially designated Cast Members who will assist in getting you set up.  Although the Halloween and Christmas parties officially start at 7pm, guests will be admitted as early as 4pm.  When the park closes at 7pm to regular guests, only those guests with wristbands may stay.  Cast Members do check and will kindly escort out anyone not wearing a wristband.

Both events have similar set-ups: holiday-specific themed fireworks and parades, character meet-and-greets, access to some regular Magic Kingdom attractions, themed food and beverages, dance parties, and other specialty events and shows.

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