With the announcement of the 2026 dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, I'm looking for some opinions to help me help my group decide what to do on our early December 2026 trip. Having never experienced either of these events, I would like to go to both. However the rest of my group will probably only want to go to one. We'll be there when there are 4 nights of Very Merry Christmas and 2 nights of Jollywood, so no shortage of options.
Which do you prefer and why? What is your favorite part of the events and/or experiences? If you had to pick one, which one?
For additional context, my group is myself, my wife, and her mom. We aren't big into photo ops, would take advantage of the lower ride wait times some, but would enjoy the atmosphere, experiences, and treats the most. We are also planning on 5 park days (Magic Kingdom twice) and two rest/resort days. I was also thinking of potentially doing the special tickets event on one of the rest/resort days.
Which Christmas event do you prefer?
5 voters
Based on what your preferences are, MVMCP makes the most sense. MK has more rides than HS since that will be will be a priority. The parade at MVMCP is really good. The fireworks is 10x better at MVMCP than Jollywood. And for the treats, both have special food offering for purchase, only MVMCP has the free cookies.
I would say Jollywood has better shows though.
Member since 2011
Home Resorts Rivera & Saratoga Springs
We went to both last Christmas - Went to Jollywood Nights with two other adults and my wife and I went alone to the MVMCP. I would recommend Jollywood over MVMCP based on our personal preference. I didn't have any expectations beyond a video I watched @ DVCFAN so we went in knowing there would be food and some fun. For our group, it didn't disappoint! We are getting the group back together this Christmas and doing Jollywood again.
We have the time to go to MVMCP but will be opting out. It felt like it was more a cookie run than a party. It would have been more fun with our kids - We did end up walking the park twice and got on some rides pretty quick. We ended up taking a ton of cookies back to the kids for Christmas at the parents. The pot roast was really good (even if the hot dog wasn't my thing)! And I'd say that the party Pin is a better looking pin than the Jollywood Nights one.
I really don't think you can go wrong though as long as you go into it to have a good time!
You won’t see snow falling on Main Street at the Jollywood one, something to consider.
For me, the falling “snow” is an emotional thing as in “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Just isn’t a Disney home Christmas without the MVMCP.
However, I must admit that being in the MK on Christmas Day is better still, though like trying to navigate in a sardine can of people after around 9:30 a.m. Not at all sure I’m eager to do that again.
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh