Pooh and friends are leaving their cramped Fantasyland spot for all 25 nights of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Disney hasn't said where in Storybook Circus they'll be, and 13 of those nights were already sold out.
Winnie the Pooh is packing up for the holidays. Pooh and his friends will meet guests in Storybook Circus during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party this year, BlogMickey reported Tuesday, Nov. 3.
That's a change from their usual party spot at The Thotful Spot, right next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and across from Mad Tea Party. The move covers every party night, starting with opening night on Sunday, Nov. 8, and running through the final party on Dec. 22.
Disney's wording was short and sweet: "Winnie the Pooh and friends will be greeting guests at Storybook Circus."
What Disney didn't say is exactly where in Storybook Circus. BlogMickey guessed Pete's Silly Sideshow, but that's a guess, not an announcement. Last year that building was busy during the party with Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Scrooge McDuck.
Daytime fans can relax. Pooh and Tigger still meet at The Thotful Spot during regular park hours.
Here's a look at Pooh and friends in their holiday scarves at a past party:
Why are Winnie the Pooh and friends moving for the Christmas party?
Disney didn't give a reason. BlogMickey's theory makes sense, though. The Thotful Spot line is cramped, and on busy nights it spills into the Fantasyland walkway.
Storybook Circus has more room and sits off the main path. A long Pooh line there blocks a lot less foot traffic than one parked in front of the teacups.
Pooh once got stuck in Rabbit's front door. He knows a tight squeeze when he sees one.
Which Pooh characters meet at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?
Disney only said "Winnie the Pooh and friends." Last year, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger met together in holiday scarves at their usual spot near the ride, WDW News Today reported.
Disney hasn't confirmed the 2026 lineup or outfits. Times weren't released either. BlogMickey suggests checking the My Disney Experience app on party night.
What else is in Storybook Circus during the Christmas party?
During the party, Storybook Circus turns into Santa's Christmas Carnival. That's where Santa Claus greets guests, near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Barnstormer.
Here's what the area had at last year's party, per WDW News Today:
Santa: Greeting guests, with elf helpers handing out souvenir postcards and treats.
Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Scrooge McDuck: Meeting as a group at Pete's Silly Sideshow, in matching holiday outfits.
Pluto: Meeting near Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Add Pooh and friends, and that corner of Fantasyland gets a lot more crowded. Plan accordingly if Santa and Pooh are both on your list.
Is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh open during the party?
Yes. The ride is on Disney's list of attractions open during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, WDW News Today reported. So you can still ride with Pooh, then walk over to Storybook Circus to hug him.
When is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 2026?
The party runs 25 select nights at Magic Kingdom. It starts at 7 p.m., and ticket holders can get in as early as 4 p.m.
November: 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29
December: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22
How much are Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets?
Tickets cost $189 to $229 plus tax, depending on the night. Kids ages 3 to 9 save $10. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members get special pricing on select nights.
The cheapest night went up $20 from last year's $169. The priciest night stayed at $229.
Act fast if you're still deciding. BlogMickey counted 13 of the 25 nights sold out by late October. That's more than half the season gone before the first party even starts.
What else comes with the Christmas party?
The party includes Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and the Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration stage show at Cinderella Castle. Free cookies and cocoa are part of the deal, too.
Other confirmed meets include Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall and Sally, Santa Jack, Mickey and Minnie at Town Square Theater.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
BlogMickey (Nov. 3, 2026), the Storybook Circus move, Disney's wording, the daytime meet spot and the sold-out night count
WDW News Today (Nov. 2025), last year's Pooh lineup and Storybook Circus character meets
WDW News Today (June 2026), party dates, ticket prices, entertainment and the Pooh ride being open
BlogMickey (June 24, 2026), party perks including cookies and cocoa
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