Mickey and Minnie on a float at the Christmas Party at Disney World
Image: Disney

Mickey’s Very Expensive Christmas Party: How It Stacks Up to NFL Games and Concerts

If you are going to Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year you may have noticed that the price has soared to $169 for the cheapest nights. But how does this increase compare to other exclusive experiences like NFL games or concerts? 

Chart comparing price increases from 2019 to 2024 for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, NFL games, and concerts. The chart shows that Mickey’s Christmas Party prices increased by 71%, NFL average ticket prices rose by 29%, and concert ticket prices rose by 44%. In 2019, all three experiences were priced similarly at around $100, but by 2024, the Disney party price jumped to $169, significantly higher than the others.

Price Comparison to NFL Games and Concerts

We compared the Disney World Christmas Party to other premium experiences like attending an NFL game or a concert. Previously, we had looked at the rising cost of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and contrasted it with everyday items like gas, eggs, and bread. While that comparison illustrated how Disney’s events have far outpaced inflation, we recognize that comparing a themed holiday event to everyday staples may not be entirely fair. After all, attending a Disney holiday party is more of a luxury experience—a special occasion that fans often save up for and treat as part of their Disney vacation, rather than an essential, everyday purchase.

So, we turned to other premium experiences that people view as once-in-a-lifetime or exclusive events. In 2024, the average price of an NFL ticket is $131.82*, while the average concert ticket costs $132.18*—nearly identical to one another. These events offer a better comparison for Disney’s Christmas Party, which now costs $169 on its lowest-priced nights. After being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, Disney World’s holiday event returned with significantly higher prices.

Mickey’s Christmas Party: Outpacing Even Premium Experiences

While NFL ticket prices have risen 29% and concert tickets have climbed by 44%, Disney’s Christmas party has jumped an eye-popping 71%. That’s an incredible increase, and yet—like the Halloween Party—Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party consistently sells out.

It’s not just these special events, either. Over at Disneyland, we’ve seen a similar trend with the rising cost of annual passes. Hotel rates at Disney World have steadily risen, with many rooms now fetching premium prices year-round. However, by using Magic Trip Tools you can always find the best Disney World deals for your vacation dates.

Demand Is Still Through the Roof

In fact, last year, Disney responded to the overwhelming demand by introducing a second holiday event, Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. Despite the rising prices, it’s clear that there’s still an incredible appetite for these exclusive experiences and the parks are busier than ever, check our Disney Crowd Calendar to avoid the busiest dates. And as long as the parties continue to sell out, we can expect prices to keep climbing.

*Sources:

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