For some, there’s nothing more perfect than spending Christmas at Disney World.
But we’re not sure if The Most Magical Place on Earth is where we want to spend the holidays. However, it might be ideal for others.
Whether you choose to spend your Yuletide budget at the Orlando, Florida, resort or not, we’ve got the full scoop.
Let’s get started!
About Walt Disney World During the Christmas Season
True Disnerds know that few places are more magical than Disney World during Christmas. It’s not just because of the perks of the park throughout the holidays, though.
Orlando is a tropical paradise, unlike other parts of the country during winter. If you’re coming in from northern climes, you’ll get a welcome break from buckets of snow.
For many of us who grew up with Disney’s magic, it’s part of our DNA. And, just like all their holiday specials, they go all out. They’ve got 625 trees, 5,000 gigantic ornaments, and 260,000 lights. That’s enough to make even Clark Griswold jealous.
The park transforms early, too. Beginning November 2, you and your family can enjoy the holiday season in full swing. Magic Kingdom Park is the first to embrace a bucket of cheer, but by mid-November, they deck the whole area out.
Don’t miss Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party if you want to hit the year’s biggest event. With dates spread between November 9 and December 22, you’ve got plenty to choose from.
They’ve also started a new tradition with Disney’s Jollywood Nights at the Hollywood Studios. From November 11 to December 20, you’ll enjoy glamorous music and dining along the boulevard.
The Benefits of Christmas at Disney World
You may not find a more festive place to celebrate Christmas than Disney World. One of our favorite things is to take in the holiday decorations that practically drip from every surface. Even Cinderella’s castle gets decked out with lights. Walking through the park after dark is pure magic.
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade is another must-do each year. During November and December, it’s held twice each evening. It’s a Yuletide extravaganza chock full of your favorite characters.
Food is always one of the best parts of the season, and it’s no different here. Disney World chefs bring out their best Christmas fare for visitors. Unique offerings at restaurants and food stalls keep the treats coming. Everything sweet and savory gets a makeover, and you’ll love what you can find at your usual stops.
Even classic rides get some special sparkle with punny tweaks that make us giggle. Jungle Cruise becomes Jingle Cruise, for example. And while you’ll love all the nods to the season, spending time with loved ones soaking up holiday charm can’t be beat.
The Disadvantages of Christmas at Disney World
But it’s not all wonder and cheer at Disney World during Christmas. Some might counsel you to stay far away during this time of year.
One of the most significant drawbacks to visiting during the holidays is the crowds. The months leading up to December 25 are some of the busiest all year.
Milder weather brings many folks to the park who avoid the summer heat. Prepare for a wait, especially if you’re there to go on rides. You could spend between 240 and 270 minutes in line at more popular attractions.
Another consideration is the cost. During the week of Christmas, prices at Disney World skyrocket. And don’t even get us started on flights. They’re astronomical.
If you’re not springing for tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, plan to cut your visit short. Staff need extra time to prepare the park for the celebration, so you’ll get the boot before you’ve had your fill.
Disney is always hit or miss for those who enjoy vacations sans children. But at the peak of the Yuletide season, it’s a nightmare of grubby hands and whiny teens. Avoid the resort at all costs if you’ve already had your fill of little ones.
Skipping Disney? Here are our 10 Best RV Parks for Christmas.
Which Parks Are the Least Crowded on Christmas Day?
Disney World doesn’t have to feel like packing sardines in a can at Christmas. Choosing the right park is essential if you want to avoid the crowds.
The busiest is always the Magic Kingdom, and for good reason. Parks only allow a certain number of guests at one time for safety. Unless you’ve reserved your tickets, you could be disappointed and unable to go where you’d like.
But if all the trimmings aren’t something you have to see, EPCOT is usually a safe bet. It’s more spread out than other attractions and can offer extra elbow room. Wait times are also lower, with an average of 38 minutes instead of nearly an hour.
Animal Kingdom isn’t as packed as some other spots, either. According to Mouse Savers, neither of these two areas has ever reached capacity.
Of course, you can hop from one to the other, but plan to hit the busy spots early.
We’ve got the answer: Can You Take an RV to Disney World?
Tips for Enjoying Christmas at Disney World
We’ve got some tips to help you get the most out of your Christmas holiday at Disney World. With the right approach, you’ll have a chance to see and do everything on your bucket list.
Plan Far in Advance
Planning vacations to popular destinations is an art. But if you take time well before your dates, you should have a stress-free experience.
Remember that hotels fill up early. Onsite goes first, and outside resorts come after that. Book accommodations at least six months to a year before your trip dates to ensure you get your first choice.
You’re not off the hook when it comes to park entry and dining. Disney’s Park Pass system allows you to secure your admission and dining experiences no more than 60 days in advance. When staying at the resort, you can book entry times ten days at a time. Off-site guests can only reserve one day at a time.
Arrive Early
Once you’ve booked your arrival time, make sure to get there early. Even if you’ve got tickets, once parks are at capacity, they’re closed to new guests. The Magic Kingdom usually opens at 8 am during the holiday season. That means you can maximize your time onsite if you’re outside waiting by 7:15 am.
Around mid-morning, things will start to get busy, so every minute counts. Some hotels offer early theme park entry passes that will get you in 30 minutes before the official opening. If you can drag yourself out of bed, it’s worth it.
Go with the Flow
Most importantly, relax and go with the flow. You’ll have a good time if you stick with that mantra. You probably won’t get to everything on your list during the holidays. Prioritize a few experiences and plan around them. Even if they don’t happen as planned, enjoy the experience.
With all the atmosphere packed into the holiday season, you’ll have lots to see. Be open to whatever comes your way. It could be better than expected.
Are you up for the challenge? The Magical World of Disney Trivia
Is Christmas at Disney World Worth It?
The Christmas season at Disney World isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Massive crowds and high costs can make it feel less like a celebration and more like an ordeal.
However, the electric experience of The Most Magical Place on Earth during the holidays is unmatched. A little planning and some long days could make memories you’ll hold onto forever.
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: