Disney has officially announced dates and details for both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios for the 2026 holiday season. If you are trying to decide which event deserves a spot in your vacation plans, the good news is that there really is not a wrong answer.

My family has attended both parties for years, and while they are both holiday events, they offer very different experiences. The best choice often comes down to what your family enjoys most.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: The Classic Disney Christmas

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• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade


• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks


• Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle


• Complimentary holiday treats


• Character meet-and-greets, including the incredibly popular Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas

• Multiple live entertainment offerings throughout the park


• Rare character meet-and-greets


• Specialty holiday entertainment


• Unique food and beverage offerings


• Snoap (Disney fans know exactly what I mean) falling along Sunset Boulevard near Tower of Terror

• Phineas and Ferb


• Powerline Max


• Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers


• Santa Stitch


• Santa Duffy


• Baloo and King Louie


• José Carioca and Panchito


• Lotso


• Bo Peep


• Partysaurus Rex


• Bing Bong


• Joy


• Sadness


• Mike Wazowski


• Edna Mode


• Frozone


• The Mandalorian and Grogu


• Chewbacca


• Donald and Daisy


• Mickey and Minnie in their holiday attire


• Scrooge McDuck


• Goofy and Pluto  

• Christmas parades


• Fireworks


• Snow on Main Street


• Classic Disney holiday traditions


• A nostalgic Christmas atmosphere

• Rare characters


• Lower waits for major attractions


• Live entertainment and shows


• Hollywood Studios attractions


• A unique holiday experience with a different vibe than traditional Christmas events

People on the internet have some very big feelings about this new Walt Disney World policy. 

 Whether you love it, hate it, or are just here for the comments, Disney has officially shared more details about the new transportation policy coming to Disney Springs beginning June 28, 2026.



Guests traveling from Disney Springs to a Disney Resort hotel via Disney bus service or the Sassagoula River Cruise will now need one of the following:

• A valid Disney Resort hotel reservation (shown through a room key or MagicBand)

• A dining reservation at a Disney Resort hotel

• An Enchanting Extras reservation at a Disney Resort hotel

One detail Disney has now clarified: if you have a dining or Enchanting Extras reservation, you can begin using transportation from Disney Springs up to 2 hours before your reservation time.

For example, if your dining reservation is at 6:00 PM, you can begin using Disney transportation from Disney Springs at 4:00 PM.

This change only applies to transportation departing from Disney Springs to Disney Resort hotels. Transportation from the theme parks to Disney Resort hotels will continue operating as usual.

Guests can still park hop and visit other resorts during their day. They will just need to begin by parking at a theme park and using Disney transportation from there rather than starting at Disney Springs.

One of the things that makes Disney feel so magical is the sense of ownership many guests feel toward it. The flip side of that is that whenever Disney introduces a new policy, guests tend to have some very strong opinions about it. This change has been no exception. I personally see both sides of the 'argument' but in the end, I think it is a benefit to Walt Disney World Resort guests and that is who the company will ultimately cater to the most (I say this as a Passholder, remembering that we can park at the theme parks for free and start a park hopping day there!)

 

My name is Chali, I am an Oklahoma-based travel advisor and Walt Disney World Annual Passholder who spends arguably too much time at the parks. Things at Walt Disney World change often and quickly- my job is to make sure guests who plan with me know current policies and events so they don't have to spend their free time stressfully doom scrolling afraid they will miss something. If you would like someone on your team for your next trip- reach out! I would love to connect

If you are planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation, one of the most popular reservations you will want to know about is the Royal Gathering.

This *complimentary* princess meet and greet gives guests the opportunity to meet multiple Disney Princesses during a single experience. For many families, especially those traveling with young princess fans, the Royal Gathering is one of the most anticipated character experiences onboard.

Because reservations are limited, understanding how to book the Royal Gathering can make a big difference in your planning experience.

What Is the Disney Cruise Line Royal Gathering?

The Royal Gathering is a complimentary character experience that typically takes place in the Grand Hall aboard the ship.

During this special event, guests have the opportunity to meet multiple Disney Princesses, take photos, and collect autographs in one convenient location.

Rather than waiting in several individual character lines throughout your sailing, the Royal Gathering allows families to meet multiple princesses during a single reservation.

Guests may only reserve the Royal Gathering one time per cruise.

It is important to know that every guest attending the experience must have a valid reservation, even adults who do not plan to take photos themselves. When booking, make sure everyone who will be going through the line is included in the reservation.

How to Book Royal Gathering on Disney Cruise Line

One of the most important Disney Cruise Line tips I share with guests is that the Royal Gathering follows a different booking schedule than many onboard activities.

Royal Gathering reservations open at exactly midnight Eastern Time, 30 days before embarkation, regardless of Castaway Club status.

For first-time Disney Cruise Line guests, this booking window opens at the exact same time as online check-in.

If you are a first-time cruiser, I strongly recommend reserving the Royal Gathering before starting your online check-in process.

While there is certainly value in completing check-in quickly, especially if you are hoping to secure an earlier boarding group, the Royal Gathering is one of the fastest-selling reservations on Disney Cruise Line. In many cases, waiting until after check-in is complete means the reservation will already be gone.

What Happens If You Miss Securing a Royal Gathering Reservation?

Many guests stress about the possibility of missing a Royal Gathering reservation, and for good reason.

The reality is that Royal Gathering reservations can disappear very quickly, within minutes. It is also common for guests to experience website errors, app issues, or other technology glitches during the booking process.

If this happens to you, it is completely normal to feel disappointed.

However, missing the Royal Gathering online booking does not mean completely missing the opportunity to meet Disney Princesses onboard the ship.

• You can go to Guest Services when you board the ship to enquire if they have spots available- often guests find there is additional availability when they ask on board! (Please note: there is no guarantee there will be more openings, but it is always worth asking!)

• Disney Cruise Line offers additional princess meet and greets, character appearances, and special character experiences throughout your sailing. Once you are at the port/onboard and connected to Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi, the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will display character greeting times and locations throughout your cruise.

The Royal Gathering is a wonderful convenience, but it is not the only way to experience the magic.

Disney Cruise Line Tips for First-Time Cruisers

My biggest piece of advice is simple: set a reminder for when your booking window opens, be logged into your account before midnight Eastern Time, and be ready to hit 'Book' as soon as the clock strikes 12!

And if you do not get a reservation, try not to let it define your cruise experience.

Some of the best Disney Cruise Line memories come from unexpected moments, *surprise* character encounters, and magical experiences you never planned for.

Planning Your Disney Cruise Line Vacation

As a Gold Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club member, Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, and travel advisor specializing in Disney destinations, I help families navigate Disney Cruise Line planning from the initial quote all the way through debarkation day and beyond.

Whether you are sailing for the first time or returning for another Disney cruise adventure, I help my guests understand booking windows, character experiences, onboard activities, dining, and all of the details that can make planning feel overwhelming.

If you are planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation and would like personalized assistance, I would love to help your family create a magical sailing.