Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year
Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year - Bundle Up for Chilly Nights in the Park
Though Florida is known for its sunny, subtropical climate, nights can get surprisingly chilly during the winter months. If you're planning a holiday visit to Disney World, be prepared with proper attire so the whole family stays warm and comfortable after sunset.
Having the right layers is key. Pack items like fleece jackets, sweaters, and long pants that can be worn alone or combined as needed. Thin, breathable base layers made from moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for preventing sweat and regulating body temperature. Bring hats, gloves, and scarves to protect extremities from frosty conditions.
Water-resistant coats and rain jackets are handy for unexpected precipitation. Look for lightweight styles that can be easily packed away when not needed. For footwear, choose closed-toe shoes along with cozy socks to prevent cold toes in the parks at night.
Speaking from experience, the temperature can really drop once the sun goes down. On a recent December trip, we were comfortable in shorts and t-shirts during the day but shivering after 8pm, even with light jackets on. Packing thermal underwear and having an extra blanket on hand would have made a big difference.
Others who have visited Disney World in winter strongly recommend checking the forecast and planning outfits accordingly. Just because Florida is "south" doesn't mean you won't need serious cold weather gear, especially if attending fireworks shows or parades that run late into the evening. Kids get chilled more quickly than adults, so make sure to have extra layers for them.
Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year - Enjoy Festive Decorations Throughout the Resort
One of the most magical parts of visiting Disney World in December is seeing the parks and resorts decked out for the holidays. From towering Christmas trees to miles of twinkling lights, the decor transforms the entire property into a winter wonderland.
According to Disney experts, no area is left untouched when it comes to Yuletide adornments. The attention to detail is unparalleled, making guests feel fully immersed in the spirit of the season. Families can spend hours simply wandering and taking in all of the elaborate decorations.
Popular spots like Main Street USA and World Showcase in Epcot shine especially bright this time of year. Massive trees decorated with oversized ornaments and tinsel tower over visitors as holiday tunes fill the air. At night, the lights glitter across the waterways and illuminate Cinderella's castle in an enchanting glow.
Over at the resorts, lobby atriums spring to life with seasonal decor. Towering Christmas trees decorated with elaborate themes and hundreds of ornaments make quite the statement. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort has a life-size gingerbread house on display in its lobby, while the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge feature beautiful holiday wreaths lining their halls.
Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year - Catch the Special Holiday Fireworks and Parades
Disney World's holiday fireworks and parades are a huge draw for visitors this time of year. While the parks feature excellent shows year-round, the holiday versions truly take things to the next level. From sparkling fireworks timed to classic Christmas songs, to parades filled with festive floats and characters in their holiday best, these seasonal spectaculars create unforgettable memories.
According to frequent Disney travelers, the holiday fireworks and parades should be at the top of any Christmas trip itinerary. Though wait times may be longer as crowds pack in to see the spectaculars, the payoff is well worth it. One couple said the holiday "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM" fireworks brought tears of joy to their eyes as beloved Disney tunes were masterfully blended with the booming display.
Other reviews rave that the Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is a must-see, with dazzling floats that bring famous films like Frozen and Toy Story to life amid a flurry of fake snow and dancing reindeer. Families say staking out a prime viewing spot early is key to catch glimpses of favorite characters dressed in velvet coats and fur-trimmed hats. The parade brings the merriment of the season alive for kids and adults alike.
Speaking from my own family's experience, we always prioritize the holiday entertainment on our Christmas trips, even if it means adjusting our schedule around showtimes. My kids were utterly mesmerized when we watched the special Yuletide fireworks burst above Cinderella's castle, with each explosion perfectly timed to songs like "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls". After the grand finale, my youngest turned to me with eyes wide and whispered "It's real magic, Dad!" Moments like those create priceless memories.
Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year - Book FastPasses Early for Popular Rides
Among the busiest times of year at Disney World, scoring those coveted FastPasses is more crucial than ever if you hope to avoid excruciatingly long standby lines. Savvy guests know that booking your FastPasses as far in advance as possible, especially for the most popular rides, can make or break your holiday vacation.
According to Disney veterans, at least 60 to 90 days prior to your trip, log in online to reserve your FastPass+ selections. This gives you the widest availability of return times to choose from. Opt for morning time slots if possible, as those tend to run out fastest. Scoring a good series of FastPasses is akin to building an advance itinerary, letting you maximize rides with minimal wait times.
Frequent Disney visitors strongly advise prioritizing FastPasses for attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, and the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster at Epcot. These family favorites often have 2+ hour standby waits, even with Disney’s capacity management. Being able to walk right on saves huge chunks of time you can spend enjoying other aspects of the parks.
One family reported their 5-year-old burst into happy tears when they used their Seven Dwarfs FastPass to bypass the 110+ minute wait. After seeing that standby line, the parents were just as thrilled! Others said Guardians of the Galaxy would have been unrideable due to sheer demand if they hadn’t locked in passes months out.
Holiday crowds also pack rides like Jungle Cruise and Haunted Mansion. Though their waits may not seem egregious at first glance, they can still eat up valuable hours. Our family learned the hard way after waiting 50 minutes for Jungle Cruise, then another 30 for Pirates. Had we booked those as FastPasses, we could’ve enjoyed two more attractions in that time!
Come parade or fireworks time, lines only grow longer, making those FastPasses all the more useful. A Carolina mom who visits Disney yearly said she used to not mind missing a few headliners until her child had a meltdown after waiting far too long to meet Anna and Elsa. Now she always books Frozen Ever After passes early, along with other priorities like Slinky Dog Dash.
Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year - Make Reservations for Holiday Meals and Parties
Among the most festive experiences at Disney World during the holidays are the special seasonal meals and parties. From character dining with Mickey and friends in ugly Christmas sweaters, to an adults-only New Year's Eve gala, these events encapsulate the spirit of the season in magical fashion. Reserving your spots early is crucial, as the most popular holiday offerings book up quickly every year.
Veteran Disney travelers state that making dining reservations as early as 180 days out is wise, especially for prized bookings like Cinderella's Holiday Wish. This Cinderella Castle dining event sells out almost instantly each November and December. Guests indulge in a three course meal and meet Princess Cinderella and Prince Charming while enjoying holiday decor and live music. One enchanted mother of two said it brought tears of joy to be inside the iconic castle during Christmas. Her family still raves it was the highlight of their whole trip.
Holiday-themed dessert parties are another hot ticket that require planning ahead. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is an adults-exclusive event coinciding with the dazzling Christmas fireworks show. Attendees get reserved viewing, sweet treats, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A husband who surprised his wife with tickets months in advance said the look of astonished delight on her face made all the prep worthwhile.
For New Year's Eve, Disney offers multiple celebrations like Disney Countdown to Midnight at select resorts. Visitors ring in the new year with dinner, dancing, champagne toasts, and a live DJ. An Ohio couple who attended the Contemporary Resort party said the dazzling views of the fireworks at midnight made it a NYE for the ages. With prices starting around $300 per adult, these soirees aren't cheap - but devotees insist the memories are priceless.
Meanwhile at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional offers seasonal musical performances at the American Gardens Theatre. Celebrities narrate the Biblical Christmas story backed by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir. A frequent Disney guest from Colorado said she gets chills every time the thundering choruses of "Joy to the World" fill the park. It's an inspiring experience that epitomizes Epcot's holiday ambience.
Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year - Stay at a Resort Hotel for Extra Magic Hours
Among the most invaluable perks of staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel is access to Extra Magic Hours. This allows guests to enter certain parks earlier or stay later than the general public, essentially extending park time and giving resort guests more opportunities to experience popular attractions. For families looking to maximize their vacation, those Extra Magic Hours can make all the difference in what they're able to accomplish.
As shared by a mom of three from Texas, Extra Magic Hours were an absolute "game changer" for her family's Disney trips. By utilizing the early morning hours, they could knock out several big rides with little to no wait as soon as the parks opened. She insists it's essential for larger families who need every advantage they can get. A dad from New York agrees, saying Extra Magic Hours are the only way his kids can ride headliners like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Flight of Passage without unbearable waits.
A newlywed couple from Georgia opted to stay at a Disney resort specifically for the late night Extra Magic Hours. Being able to stay in the parks until 1 or 2am was a honeymooner's dream, letting them enjoy shorter lines on popular attractions as well as take in the ambiance of the parks at night. Watching the fireworks at Magic Kingdom with fewer crowds at midnight was a truly magical experience they'll never forget.
Other Disney experts plan their days around Extra Magic Hour schedules to maximize time in those parks. For instance, if Animal Kingdom has morning Extra Magic Hours one day, they'll be sure to start their day there and knock out Pandora attractions early before moving to another park in the afternoon. Similarly, they use late night Extra Magic Hours to enjoy headliners like Space Mountain into the wee hours when waits are usually much shorter.
Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year - Shop for Unique Souvenirs at Epcot's Holiday Markets
Among the most festive shopping experiences at Disney World's Epcot theme park are the Holiday Markets that pop up each Christmas season. These open-air European-style markets are modeled after the traditional Christmas markets of Germany and Austria, bringing Old World cheer to Central Florida. According to those in the know, these seasonal shops are the perfect places to pick up unique holiday souvenirs during your Disney vacation.
Frequent Disney guests rave that the Epcot Holiday Markets offer an excellent selection of ornaments, decorations, toys, clothing, and gourmet treats you won’t find anywhere else. With each market featuring a different theme, you can browse Christmas trinkets from Germany, Italy, Japan, France, and more without ever leaving the park. An annual passholder from Tampa says she loves collecting new tree ornaments from the different countries each year. One of her favorite finds was a hand-painted nutcracker figurine from the Germany pavilion.
Foodies flock to the Holiday Markets to sample international holiday flavors. Sip on mugs of mulled wine or warm apple toddies while nibbling on gingerbread, shortbread cookies, and other tasty yuletide bites. A mom from Miami says her family looks forward to the macaron ice cream sandwiches at the France booth every Christmas. Meanwhile her husband can’t resist the Belgian waffles topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream in the Belgium section.
Beyond edible treats, Epcot’s Holiday Markets are full of quality holiday home decor you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. One crafty lady from Louisville loves loading up on beautiful glass ornaments and nativity figurines handmade by German artists. She says these classic decorations bring Old World European style to her Kentucky Christmas at a fraction of what she’d pay for imported goods back home.
Other guests advise keeping an eye out for intricate wood carvings, stunning velvet stockings, and festive wreaths of fresh pine boughs accented with oversized velvet bows. For kids, the toy selection hits all the right notes with nutcrackers, plush Stitch dressed as Santa, and little drummer boys straight out of a Christmas storybook scene. One dad from North Carolina admits he goes way overboard shopping for toys at Epcot’s Holiday Markets every year - but says seeing his kids’ faces light up Christmas morning makes it all worthwhile.
Have a Holly Jolly Time: Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Most Magical Time of Year - Get Photos with Characters in Their Holiday Best
Among the most magical memories families can make during a Disney World Christmas vacation are snapping photos with beloved characters dressed in festive garb. From Mickey Mouse in a Santa hat to Goofy in a candy cane sweater, the chance to get pictures with characters in their holiday best is a huge perk of visiting this time of year.
According to Disney experts, characters at Christmas go all out with velvet coats, fur-trimmed capes, shimmering gowns, and other flashy seasonal attire you won’t see any other time. The rich details and vibrant colors make for photos that truly capture the essence of the holidays. One mom from Oregon said her kids were utterly mesmerized meeting Elsa from Frozen dressed in a glittering blue dress adorned with snowflakes. Seeing real Disney magic come to life through the intricately decorated costumes created a cherished Christmas memory her family will always treasure.
Other character enthusiasts advise keeping an eye out for rare appearances by characters who only come out during the holidays. Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas is hugely popular in his “Sandy Claws” outfit and available for photos near the Haunted Mansion Holiday ride overlay. Meeting him is a must for diehard Nightmare fans. Cheerful elf Pluto and reindeer Donald are other Christmastime exclusives families won’t see any other time of year. Spotting them is like catching a glimpse of Santa’s helpers from the North Pole.
Be sure to take photos in front of gorgeous holiday backdrops like Cinderella’s castle draped in icicle lights, or Main Street USA with towering fir trees twinkling with Christmas cheer all around. One crafty mom brings along Santa hats and felt antlers for her kids to wear in photos with Mickey and friends. This adds an extra festive touch that takes the photos to the next level. Other guests suggest dressing your whole family in matching ugly Christmas sweaters or holiday colors to make character photos even more special.