“When will Walt Disney World launch 2024 dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion?” and “why haven’t tickets for MVMCP gone on sale but?” are reader questions we’ve been receiving extra. We’ll attempt to reply primarily based on what we all know primarily based on historic launch dates, present tendencies, previous demand, and extra.
As with all of those speculative posts, we’ll begin with the easy indisputable fact that Madame Leota isn’t employed by this weblog–that means that we don’t have a crystal ball. Nobody can provide you a definitive reply about when Walt Disney World will announce 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion dates or tickets. The identical holds true for just about something that hasn’t been formally introduced, launched internally, or leaked.
So when you’re the form of one who, up to now, has complained that this kind of prognostication publish is a “waste of time,” now’s your probability to decide out. Think about as a substitute subscribing to our free e-mail publication for immediate alerts, which can present you an instantaneous replace when 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion dates are formally introduced by Walt Disney World. This publish is most definitely not that, however quite, our long-winded try to supply perception in response the above reader questions…
We’ll begin this part with final 12 months, when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion was introduced throughout “Midway to the Holidays” on June 15, 2023. Tickets for final 12 months’s MVMCP went on sale on June 29 for company of choose on-site inns, and July 6 for most people. Clearly, June 15, 2024 is within the rearview mirror and even the on-sale dates are proper across the nook.
On condition that, the logical expectation is for Midway to the Holidays to happen actually any day now. Nonetheless, we’re barely skeptical of that. Waiting for subsequent week, Walt Disney World has the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Journey on June 28, 2024. That alone isn’t enough motive to not do Midway to the Holidays, as the 2 issues in tandem might enhance bookings for the final two months of the 12 months.
It’s not simply Tiana’s Bayou Journey, although. Walt Disney World can be per week behind on releasing reductions relative to final 12 months, and we’d anticipate these to drop this coming week. Particularly since particular presents have sometimes been coming early in 2024, quite than late. It’s additionally our understanding that extra bombshell information is coming subsequent week. All of that plus Christmas information simply strikes us as unlikely, until Walt Disney World desires to “flood the zone” and actually create buzz. And maybe they do!
If Midway to the Holidays doesn’t occur this week, the subsequent logical timeframe would merely be subsequent week, beginning July 1. Disney might even rebrand and name it their “Christmas in July Celebration.” That appears uncertain, although, for a really apparent motive: Independence Day on Thursday, making it a partial workweek–and one throughout which lots of people will undoubtedly be out of workplace for the length.
One other distinct risk is that Midway to the Holidays gained’t be almost as huge of an occasion this 12 months. Final 12 months, it was unfold out over the course of a complete week, with every day bulletins to generate pleasure. Identical story for Midway to Halloween final 12 months. This 12 months, Midway to Halloween was a single day of reports–it was nearly as if Disney wished to get it executed and over with.
If Midway to the Holidays is scaled again to a single day, it turns into way more believable within the nearer time period. It might occur June 24, July 1, or different weekdays in between that don’t produce other information scheduled. Or, if Disney doesn’t care or thoughts having ‘shared’ information days, it might happen on these, too. I simply wouldn’t anticipate a full-on week of Midway to the Holidays to start till July 8, 2024 on the earliest.
One remaining risk is that Midway to the Holidays hasn’t been scheduled but as a result of the key particulars haven’t absolutely firmed up. In the case of this, there are two huge wildcards that instantly come to thoughts: Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights and Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.
It’s our understanding that there was inner debate in regards to the former for the final couple years, and we suspect the identical might be true of the latter in 2024. (For no matter it’s price, we predict Jollywood Nights is nearly a positive factor to return, whereas the percentages are in opposition to Dream Lights.)
Bulletins may very well be held up as Disney determines the ultimate destiny of each–or one thing else completely. With pent-up demand absolutely exhausted and a summer season slowdown in progress, Walt Disney World is perhaps contemplating methods to spice up attendance and lodge occupancy within the final couple calendar months (or first fiscal quarter).
As must be clear from the above, the underside line is that we don’t know when 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion dates might be introduced or when tickets will go on sale. I’d anticipate an announcement earlier than mid-July in addition to ticket presales and common gross sales all by the top of subsequent month. However past that, who is aware of.
Personally, I don’t suppose Disney has a lot sense of urgency with MVMCP since each single date offered out final 12 months (and the 12 months earlier than), and the identical will nearly definitely be true in 2024. Consequently, it’s not as in the event that they “want” to make the announcement by a sure date with a view to have sufficient runway to promote tickets. These vacation events have gotten extra like their counterparts at Disneyland, which by no means rushes to disclose particulars or begin promoting tickets as a result of they know all dates will promote out yearly.
Regardless of how or when the 2024 MVMCP announcement is made, I’d additional predict that tickets will go on sale per week or two after the announcement and as soon as once more be staggered for on-site and off-site company to create a way of urgency and maybe demand for on-site lodging.
With that in thoughts, listed below are the historic announcement and gross sales dates of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion going again to 2017, simply in case you need to additional attempt to learn the tea leaves. I believe that’s a idiot’s errand, however maybe this information is in some way helpful to you…
In 2017, dates and particulars for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion have been introduced on April 6; ticket gross sales began on Could 10. That 12 months, costs began at $89 for adults and $84 for kids (3-9).
The 2017 MVMCP was held for a 21 nights, with occasions on the next dates:
- November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28
- December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22
That sprung ahead considerably the next 12 months, with March 19, 2018 being the date that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion tickets went on sale. MVMCP ticket costs began at $95 upfront or $105 on the gate.
The 2018 Christmas Occasion was held for a then-record 22 nights:
- November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
- December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21
Each of these years, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion tickets additionally went on sale the identical day that MNSSHP tickets have been launched. This was a reasonably frequent observe on the time, however didn’t at all times happen.
It additionally wasn’t at all times the case that the announcement and gross sales date coincided. For just a few years, it was regular for dates to be launched in late March or April and tickets happening sale in early Could.
In 2019, tickets for MNSSHP have been launched in mid-January, which was too early for the discharge of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion dates and tickets. The MVMCP announcement got here on April 8; tickets began at $99 in 2019, and that was after a pre-purchase low cost of $10.
The variety of occasion nights elevated as soon as once more, hitting a then-record 23 dates:
- November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
- December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22
It’s price including a “footnote” right here that 2019 was not a traditional 12 months for Walt Disney World. That late summer season and early fall was the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and many individuals steered away from the parks (each in Florida and California) throughout that land’s opening months out of fears that it will be chaotic.
Individuals pushed journeys again to November or December for Christmas, and/or the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The top outcome was an atypically gradual finish of summer season, and surprisingly sturdy vacation season. This actually has extra pertinence for the Halloween season, nevertheless it’s nonetheless noteworthy when discussing the second half of the 12 months. Just like the 2-3 years that adopted, 2019 was not regular–by way of attendance and demand dynamics–at Walt Disney World.
Quick-forward to 2021, when Disney Very Merriest After Hours was introduced as a alternative for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion following a hiatus in 2020. That new occasion was unveiled on August 13, after the Disney After Hours Boo Bash had already began. Tickets went on sale starting August 17 for on-site resort company and August 20 for most people.
Disney Very Merriest After Hours was held on 24 choose nights:
- November: 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30
- December: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21
Ticket costs ranged from $169 to $229 plus tax for choose November-December nights and $249, plus tax for late December dates in 2019. Annual Passholders and Disney Trip Membership Members might reap the benefits of a $10 low cost on choose occasion dates in November.
The timing of this launch was nearly definitely an anomaly, as Walt Disney World was scrambling to convey again its regular choices amidst staffing shortages and whereas attempting to navigate an anticipated inflow of crowds for Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary. As with 2019 and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this didn’t materialize. This time, it was extra in regards to the Delta variant and reinstated face masks guidelines quite than “crowdpocalypse” fears, however the latter seemingly contributed barely to decrease attendance between October and December.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion made its triumphant return in 2022. This was introduced throughout Walt Disney World’s “Midway to Holidays” on June 23. Tickets went on sale starting June 30 for on-site resort company and July 7 for most people.
Going down on 24 choose nights, the 2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion set a brand new document for earliest begin date and most occasion nights. It additionally returned to its commonplace schedule of hours from 7 p.m. to midnight, and was not capacity-constrained in the identical was as Very Merriest After Hours.
Consequently, ticket costs decreased as in comparison with After Hours the 12 months earlier than, however have been nonetheless a document excessive (by a large margin) relative to MVMCP in earlier years, starting from $149 to $199 per particular person.
Occasion dates for the 2022 MVMCP have been:
- November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29
- December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22
As you possibly can see from the vary of launch dates above, when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion tickets go on sale every year varies. It has occurred in each early March and late August–however the latter was an apparent anomaly. Walt Disney World planners could bemoan this, because it makes planning tough.
The excellent news is {that a} pattern has emerged within the post-reopening period with the “Midway to Halloween” week to construct anticipation and pleasure for spook season. As for exactly when “Midway to the Holidays” is prone to occur, that’s largely dictated by anticipated demand and gross sales projections. Final 12 months, pent-up demand was nonetheless working sizzling; consequently, each single date of each MNSSHP and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion offered out upfront.
That’s not regular. Whereas Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion does normally promote higher than its Halloween counterpart, the norm is for the primary 2-3 events to promote out, the primary one after Thanksgiving to promote out (as a result of events aren’t held throughout the week of Thanksgiving), after which mid-December dates. In a mean 12 months, about half of the MVMCP occasion nights would promote out, with the events least prone to promote out being mid-November and early to mid-December.
Often, the primary Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion would promote out in October or early November, with subsequent dates promoting out between late November and early December. Final 12 months, the primary couple of Christmas Events offered out in September, and each single date offered out earlier than Thanksgiving. Most dates have been passed by November 4. Once more, this was not regular.
Level being, when you’re anxiously awaiting Walt Disney World to launch 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion dates and tickets since you’re frightened about it promoting out, don’t. Even with final 12 months setting the document for offered out dates, nothing was gone till September, and solely the primary two nights offered out that month.
Late October and early November is when most dates of final 12 months’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion offered out. And once more, that every one occurred sooner than regular. Understand that People have been absolutely embracing in “revenge journey,” which resulted in freer spending as customers sought to make up for misplaced time and have been much less worth delicate consequently.
Suffice to say, the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion is not going to promote out inside days of tickets happening sale. That applies to each the presale window and most people window. We all know lots of you’re planners who get anxious about not having each element set in stone, however you actually don’t have something to fret about right here.
With that mentioned, the recognition of final 12 months’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion shouldn’t be minimized. Don’t have a look at the looming summer season slowdown and assume the identical might be true for November and December. These months will most likely be slower than their counterparts final 12 months, however they gained’t be as unhealthy as proper now or August and September. The vacation season is at all times busy; it’s a fan favourite, and People discover cash of their funds for Christmas even when chopping again at different occasions of the 12 months.
In different phrases, it will be silly to forecast considerably decrease gross sales for 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion tickets whilst crowds and lodge bookings are decrease for summer season. There have been many elements driving the recognition of MVMCP final 12 months, and way more demand for tickets than provide. Even 25% much less demand for the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion might nonetheless imply many or most dates nonetheless promoting out over the course of the occasion.
Lastly, few fast predictions. The primary is that I don’t suppose there might be worth will increase to the ticket worth vary for the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion. Regardless that the events are fashionable and offered out all dates final 12 months, Disney has largely hit a wall with costs. Possibly that doesn’t apply to arduous ticket occasions, however perhaps it does. At most, I’d anticipate a $5-10 enhance.
My subsequent prediction is that, if costs do enhance, tickets for the occasion will promote slower. To offset this, it might imply the return of low cost tickets for Solid Members or the last-minute introduction of a brand new uncommon character meet & greet–something to entice extra demand. A method or one other, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion might be going to promote out each single date once more in 2024.
The underside line is that we wouldn’t fear about shopping for tickets on day or week one, however we additionally wouldn’t take a brilliant laid again strategy, both. Whilst Walt Disney World has seen an exhaustion of pent-up demand with just about all the things else, particular occasions are the one factor that’s nonetheless going sturdy. That would change, however for now, it’s arduous to examine a state of affairs the place the Christmas celebration is significantly much less fashionable this 12 months than it was final.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
When do you suppose 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion dates might be introduced? Anticipate ticket gross sales to begin the identical day, or with a delay? Did you attend MVMCP at Walt Disney World final 12 months? Planning on attending once more this 12 months, or have been you a part of the ‘pent-up demand’ crowd? What did you consider the ‘offered out’ crowds? Suppose it was definitely worth the excessive ticket worth? Any leisure additions you’re hoping to see for the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion? Every other suggestions, likes or dislikes? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
