Holidays at Disney World
Thinking about spending the holidays at Disney World? Here are somethings you should know.
Updated: September 22, 2023 | Original Post: September 24, 2018
Walt Disney World is already known as the most magical place on Earth, so spending time during the most magical time of year should be even better, right? If you go prepared, it can be! That is why so many guests rely on expertise from travel agents specializing in Disney destinations like me.
Disney crowds at Christmas
Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, it will be crowded. Christmas Day is historically the busiest day of the year at Walt Disney World. Pre-pandemic, I would help clients manage this by navigating Extra Magic Hours and coordinating FastPass+ reservations. Since reopening after the covid closure, there are some other things we can do.
One great thing is Park Pass Reservations. (*Update September 22, 2023: this is the last December that will have Park Pass Reservations as this policy will be going away with arrivals starting January 9, 2024.) This system allows my clients to guarantee their entry into Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day if they want to with a valid theme park ticket and Park Pass Reservation. (Before people would get there super early and still possibly be turned away once the park reached capacity.)
Although Extra Magic Hours have gone away, there are now extended evening hours for Deluxe Resort guests on select nights at either Magic Kingdom or EPCOT parks. This is an excellent perk for staying on Disney property and at a nice resort that provides a wonderful, holistic Disney experience for your vacation.
Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane purchases can also alleviate some of the time spent waiting in lines for attractions. There are many tips and tricks I share with my clients on the best way to utilize this in-app feature and “stack” some of your reservations for later in the day.
I also recommend making advance dining reservations. Whether you are looking for character dining, a fancy dinner to celebrate the season, or just a quick dinner with your family, reservations are a must this time of year. I mark the calendar for when dining reservations open and can help you coordinate the right plans for your family.
As always, I continue to improve my customized itinerary for your trip before you travel. I continue to visit the parks frequently and stay up to date on the latest news, openings, policies, and more to ensure you know everything you need to know to have a wonderful, stress-free vacation.
Activities at Disney during the holidays
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
I highly recommend taking advantage of the extra seasonal fun Disney has to offer. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a spectacular special ticketed event with cookies and cocoa, a special parade with an appearance from Santa, stage shows, entertainment, special character meetings in holiday outfits, unique sweets and treats, plus decor. And one of the most magical things of all — snow on Main Street U.S.A! The fireworks at the party are also awesome and they continue to improve the castle projects that accompany it.
When you add Memory Maker to your package, everyone can be in the picture! There are fun frames, background, and even special magic shots only available at the party. With your active Memory Maker, you can download all of your photos, not just from the party, but your entire vacation. That will make Christmas cards a breeze!
One of my favorite things during this time is how they change the theme of the Jungle Cruise attraction to the Jingle Cruise with additional decorations, sign overlays, and everyone’s favorite Skippers change up some of the corny jokes to include some holiday laughter. A “must-do” on the itinerary I create for my families before they travel.
Holiday events at other Walt Disney World theme parks
There are more holiday festivities around the parks outside of Magic Kingdom, including The Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, Jingle Bell Jingle Bam fireworks show at Hollywood Studios, and new in 2023 — Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios! This brand new special ticketed event takes place after hours similarly to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights. They’ve described it as “Hollywood glam meets Christmas cheer” and I am loving it! They’re encouraging guests to put on their dapper attire and join the glitz of Hollywood for dancing, music, special shows and more. Miss Piggy and Kermit will be hosting a show, plus there will be character meet and greets and attractions open for riding. Contact us to purchase your tickets available only on select nights.
All of the Parks receive decorations, festive merchandise, and holiday-inspired food and beverage offerings. Plus there is no shortage of trees, wreaths, decorations, and food across all the Resorts to help celebrate the holidays at Disney World. Each resort has a slightly unique theme to its decor to keep the storytelling accurate, but festive.
My personal favorite holiday tradition is the giant gingerbread house in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The pastry chefs and bakery departments spend countless hours baking and assembling these incredible gingerbread houses every year. Now you can also find some gingerbread decor at Contemporary Resort, Yacht Club, and more! Not only is it beautiful and festive, but it smells amazing!
And it isn’t just for viewing (or smelling)! They also have an area where they have items like hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies, cake pops, brownies and more available for purchase. Yes, you can actually buy a “shingle” of gingerbread after viewing the house!
Vacation planning for Christmas at Disney World
If you’re interested in spending the holidays at Disney World it is important to plan early! That way you have your choice of resorts and room types available during this popular time of year. Contact us today for a free vacation quote. As always, all our services and expertise is free to you when we book the vacation package.
