Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse

Movie review by Joly Herman, Common Sense Media
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

Lots of Disney faves stuck in a bland hodgepodge of shorts.

NR 2009 61 minutes
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Parents say

age 4+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 3+

Based on 4 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that though this feature is hailed as a full-length movie, it is actually a collection of shorts, some of which can be found on the Mickey's Christmas Carol DVD. The pace is almost manic, bringing to mind a sugar rush, and some sword fight scenes in the "Nutcracker" short are a little intense for the youngest viewers. Plus the ghost of Christmas Future in the "Christmas Carol" segment might be scary for little ones. As parents may have guessed by the title, the only winter holiday mentioned here is Christmas, but without any religious elements; under every Christmas tree is a heaping mound of presents.

Community Reviews

Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
December 20, 2016
age 5+

for anyone who likes reunions

I can understand why it might be overstimulating for preschoolers, as it is a bit manic, which is why I'm putting the green light at 5. Beyond that, though, I disagree with your review. I think it's fine for kids who are able to handle the manicness, etc. that you described. In fact, it will be fun for them. The artistic quality is only average, but kids will enjoy seeing snippets of other Disney Christmas specials, regardless of whether they've seen them before in their entirety or are completely new to them. If they've never seen these other Disney Christmas specials before they just may beg to see them in their full length. As for this, kids (and adults) will feel like they're at a family reunion.
ABRN
ABRN Adult
July 3, 2012
age 2+

Disney on warp speed

I agree with Common Sense's review. The old shorts are good (Mickey's Christmas Carol, Pluto's Christmas), but the rest of it is definitely manic. They jump from character to character very quickly and it's very jumpy. The scene changes are so quick my eyes had trouble tracking it. I don't think that's good for little ones. Plus my 3-yr-old was scared a bit by some parts in the Christmas Carol short.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much consumerism
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Every Disney animated character that any kid has seen in the last 30 years is present at Mickey Mouse's Christmas bash. As everyone prepares to leave, news that the House of Mouse is snowed in for the night circulates. So Mickey decides to present some stories to entertain his guests, who, at times, join in with songs and jokes between the sketches.

Is It Any Good?

With all of that star power, this movie should have been much better. Instead, it feels like a traffic jam of Disney characters. Beauty and Simba share air time with the Seven Dwarves and Tigger. In fact, the whole production feels rather hectic and thrown together. Showing this movie to your kids at night would be a mistake: it's far too stimulating. Besides, most of the shorts shown here can be found on other DVDs, where they are presented more carefully.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about all the presents shown. Are presents really important? Do you get sad when a sibling or a friend gets more presents than you do? Why or why not? Parents might find these tips helpful for discussion.

  • Donald is not in the Christmas spirit at all, which is why Mickey does everything he can think of to cheer him up. What finally cheers Donald up? What cheers you up when you are grouchy? What gets you into the holiday spirit?

  • Mickey and his pals talk a lot about Christmas, without the religious element. How does your family celebrate the season, if you celebrate Christmas? What other holidays are celebrated this time of year? What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Movie Details

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