10 Tips for your Disney Christmas Vacation

Christmas is such a magical time of year, and Disney makes it glisten with all of its’ splendor. Even though the crowds are high, Christmas is my favorite time of year to go to Disney. Disney goes BIG with decorations, tastes, and entertainment. Here are some of my best tips to make your Disney Christmas Trip amazing!

10 Tips for your Disney World Christmas Vacation

Christmas at Disney World starts early. Decorations go up in the Magic Kingdom around November 1st.

Christmastime is very busy at Disney World. Typically early November and early December have lower crowd levels. December 24th to January 2nd are the busiest days of the season and even the busiest days of the year.

1. Plan Early

Booking a Disney trip for Christmas early is essential to securing the best selection of resorts and accommodations. The holiday season is one of the busiest times at Disney World, and the most popular resorts—especially those with festive holiday décor and proximity to the parks—tend to book up quickly. By planning ahead, you’ll have more choices when it comes to room types, locations, and price points.

Early booking also gives you a better chance of snagging reservations for highly sought-after dining experiences and special holiday events, ensuring a magical and stress-free vacation during the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas parties start selling out in November.

Also, be advised everything is at its’ highest price. No resort discounts, the meals are higher priced as well. Like, I have said before, it is worth the trip even with the higher prices. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve are high-capacity days. Plan on getting to the park VERY early and more than likely staying all day because sometimes they stop letting people in.

2. Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The magic of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is almost indescribable but I will try. Main Street USA is already magical, once you step into the street and see the castle you feel transported to your childhood and a fantasyland all at once. Well, imagine that feeling along with “snow flurries”, Cinderella Castle adorned with pretty lights, all while you are sipping free hot cocoa and nibbling on cookies while your favorite characters parade down the street in their Christmas best. You are enjoying this while also enjoying fewer people in the parks since this is a ticketed event with a lower crowd threshold. It is such an amazing experience and well worth the extra money paid.

During the party, you get exclusive entertainment, free cookies, and cocoa and lower crowds so you can ride your favorite rides without the long waits.

3. Spend Time Resort Hopping

All of the resorts are decked out to the fullest, even the value resorts. HUGE Christmas trees, lights, and displays galore. The Grand Floridian has a 2 story Gingerbread house. You walk in and the smell is amazing. Disney artists demonstrate some of the techniques for decorating the house. You can also have some roasted chestnuts for FREE! Closer to the holidays there are special character meet and greets as well!

Must See Resorts During the Holidays:

• The Grand Floridian
• Contemporary Resort
• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Boardwalk
• Beach Club
• Art of Animation

4. Don’t Skip Out on Epcot During the Holidays

Christmas at Epcot is truly magical with an array of festive activities that capture the holiday spirit. The International Festival of the Holidays showcases seasonal traditions from around the world, offering unique foods, performances, and cultural celebrations. One of the most popular events is the Cookie Stroll, where guests can taste various holiday cookies from different countries and collect stamps for a sweet reward.

The Candlelight Processional brings the story of Christmas to life with a celebrity narrator, a full orchestra, and a choir. While this event is included in the price of admission, I highly suggest getting a Candlelight Processional Dining Package as popular narrators such as John Stamos or Neil Patrick Harris draw huge crowds and you might not get a good seat or a seat at all.

5. Prepare for Crowds

Dealing with crowds during the busy Christmas season at Disney World requires a little strategy and a lot of patience. Start by having a loose plan that highlights your priority attractions—focus on a few must-dos rather than trying to cram everything into one day. Take advantage of street entertainment like the Dapper Dans or the Trolley Show, which offer a break from the lines and add holiday cheer to your day. To save time, pre-plan your meals using mobile ordering at quick-service locations to skip the crowds. Above all, keep a flexible mindset and embrace the festive atmosphere, knowing that patience is key to enjoying the magic during this busy time.

6. Remember Your Manners

Be polite to others and the Cast Members. It is crowded and some people are just rude. You will encounter line cutters, people who edge you out of your parade/fireworks spot, people who can’t follow CM’s directions, and longer waits. Anticipate this and it will make your day go better. Now if everyone would remember their manners, the park experience would be wonderful.

7. Let Disney Handle the Driving

If you are staying on property, let Disney handle the transportation. Between the free boats, monorails, and buses Disney has you covered.

One year while staying on property, I decided I wanted to ride in my own car. That was a mistake! It took so long to get out of the parking lot (a couple of hours) and then several of the exits to get back to the resort were blocked off for buses only. We had to drive off the property and then circle back onto the property to get to the resort. Buses and monorails might have lines and be crowded, but it is better than the alternative.

8. Take time to check out the “Christmas” Touch on your Favorites

Last year the Jungle Cruise did a special holiday version, the Main Street performers sing Christmas songs and are dolled up in their Christmas best, the daytime Christmas parades, plus, characters are dressed in their Christmas best as well.

9. Do your Christmas Shopping at Disney

Disney Springs has so many decorations and trees to gaze at while you are shopping. Disney Springs has the largest Disney Store in the world to find a gift for everyone on your list. There are also lots of other stores to find perfect gifts for everyone on your list! 

10. Make Sure to Visit Animal Kingdom

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the enchanting Merry Menagerie of artisan-sculpted winter animal puppets will be back amidst the beautiful holiday décor. And don’t forget to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy in their festive attire!

Post Originally Published September 18th, 2014. Updated with new information and tips for 2024.

Thank You for Spreading the Pixie Dust!