December 14^th, 2010.

Jack turned 6 months.

We attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

The. Whole. Reason. We. Went.

Another fun fact about me is that when it comes to Jack, I am a SCHEDULE mom. He eats on a schedule, he sleeps on a schedule, he plays on a schedule, he poops on a schedule…okay, maybe not, but if I could figure that one out, he just might! So needless to say, being on a vacation can really do wonders on a scheduled mom and babe. In an attempt to keep things as normal as possible, we tried to stay at the town home until Jack finished his morning nap from 10am to noon. It worked out perfect on the day of the Very Merry Christmas Party because to get into the Party you have to buy a separate park ticket than regular admission, and therefore cannot get into the park until 4:00pm. The tickets cost $57.46 for adults and  $51.07 for kids. Luckily, Jack is under the age of three and gets in free! DOUBLE luckily, we have a Disney Rewards VISA and paid for our Christmas Party tickets with points!! Yay! Go Team Elrod!

At 4:00pm on the dot we strolled up to the park, passed the bag inspection with flying colors, and made our way into the Christmas-decked entrance to Magic Kingdom. It was just wonderful! Usually when we go in September it is all decorated up for fall and Halloween, but seeing it sparkle with red and green, silver and gold was just amazing.

Once again, upon entering the park, I had some very specific goals in mind to accomplish before the Party officially started at 7:00pm.

1. Let Jack meet Mickey Mouse.

2. Ride a few rides, because once the Party started we wanted to do all things Very Merry and not worry about waiting in line for rides.

So back to the soon-to-be-no-more Toontown we jetted, knowing that that is a sure place to meet Mickey, and often for not too long of a wait. Mission: Accomplished! (Although I was quite unhappy with how we…okay, I, looked in the picture.)

Yikes! Could that hat look any dopier on my head?

Next, we hopped on It’s A Small World and Tim decided dinner would be nice, so we split a pizza at Pinocchino Village Haus. About that time, Schedule Mama looked at her watch and noticed it was dinnertime for Jack-Jack as well! Let me just tell you, one day I intend to dedicate a post entirely to this, but the Baby Care Centers are just one more reason of why we choose to vacation in Walt Disney World. They are clean, staffed with sweet and helpful Cast Members, and have everything you could need for your little one.

We fed Jack his nighttime bottle at the Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center located right behind Crystal Palace and [gasp!] let Jack stay up a little later than usual that night. His bedtime is usually 8:00pm, but we let him watch Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade at 8:15. Here are two clips. Sorry about the camera work. I am not a professional…and I used my iPhone.

Video: The beginning of the Parade with Mickey and Minnie.

Video: The end of the Parade with Santa.

After the Parade, Jack went to sleep in the stroller, and Tim and I were left to enjoy the rest of the Party! We watched the fireworks and shows, shopped, and made sure to get our FREE cookies and hot chocolate!

Knowing that the hot chocolate was free, we expected it to be some watered-down, instant-tasting stuff, but to our surprise it was actually really good! Rich and chocolate-y! We both downed more than one cup. They also served complimentary hot apple cider and apple slices at the seven different Holiday Treat stations throughout the park!

I can’t say enough about the Party. We had a blast! If you ever get the chance, GO! We can’t wait to take Jack back when he is a little older and can really enjoy it. To sum it up, here are a list of the events held at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and a few short videos and pictures of our night. Enjoy!

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – 8:15 and 10:30pm

“Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” Fireworks Spectacular – 9:30pm

“A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” Show – 7:45, 8:45, 9:55, 10:50 and 11:45pm

“Celebrate the Season” Show at Castle Forecourt Stage – 7:45, 10:05, and 11:20pm

Character Dance Parties throughout the night in Liberty Square and Tomorrowland

Cinderella's Castle

Video: A little clip from “Holiday Wishes” fireworks show!

This was my favorite part! The Castle had spinning sparklers all over it, and I loved all of the colors!

Video: I also LOVED this! *Notice the Country Bear, Wendell, that sneaked up on us at the end!

DAY 3 coming soon!