Visiting the Disney Parks and Resorts at Christmas
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The holidays are here and if you’re a Disney lover, then you’ll want to check out the Disney Parks and Resorts at Christmas time. There is so much to do that it’ll be hard to list it all in one place. Celebrating Christmas at Disney World is magical no matter where you are on the property. Here is a quick list of what you can do and see that will be extra magical because of the upcoming holiday season. Should you spend your Christmas vacation at Disney? Let’s find out!
Magic Kingdom
You already know that Magic Kingdom is the best place to be for all of the Christmas festivities. You can book reservations for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and watch the fireworks celebration, view the Christmas parade, and the special live entertainment and characters.
Just remember that this Christmas party requires an extra admission ticket. Aside from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can also check out the castle projections, seasonal décor, and the limited time treats like the holiday inspired food located all over Magic Kingdom.
Some rides, like Jungle Cruise, have holiday overlays. A few are only available during the Christmas party, but all guests can ride the Jingle Cruise during the holidays!
Epcot
This year, make sure you stop by Epcot to experience the holiday magic happening here! If you’ve ever wanted to experience the holiday magic that happens all over the world, then Epcot is where you belong.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is a big one this year. You can also experience the Candlelight Processional with celebrity guest narrators, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Holiday Remix, and the performances around the World Showcase. This includes the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre, the Chinese Lion Dance, and holiday storytellers.
The festival also features several special food booths throughout the World Showcase where you can sample festive holiday treats for a limited time.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is its own special place to be around the holidays. Each night the Hollywood Tower Hotel will have holiday projections.
Don’t miss out on the Santa Claus Motorcade, where you can catch Santa riding in his red convertible.
You don’t want to miss the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. It has a special holiday addition that you can’t see any other time of the year!
There is just so much to do, where do you begin? I know! Make sure you start by looking at the dazzling holiday décor that is literally everywhere. Hollywood Studios features the cutest vintage decorations. Even Gertie gets in the spirit of the season! Toy Story Land has special decorations too and the characters have spruced up holiday outfits too.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
If you want to experience Disney firsthand, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is where you want to be!
The biggest event happening at Animal Kingdom is the Santa Claus Festive Flotilla. You can also see tons of shimmer and sparkle at the Tree of Life Awakenings: Holiday Edition.
Find the Merry Menagerie in Discovery Island with artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals—like penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
You can find Santa Claus in his beachwear at Blizzard Beach this holiday season. Pose and take photos with him and his sleigh and look out for the snow falling (or “snoap” … soap that looks like snow!) in select locations throughout the water park.
Make sure to try out some of the seasonal items on the menu, like the Peppermint Milkshake and Orange Bird Santa Cone during your visit.
Disney Springs
A visit to Disney Springs over the holidays is a must! Visit at night for the most magical experience. You’ll find special entertainment such as live music, DJs, stilt walkers, and more. You can even get in a visit with Mr. Claus himself.
The main attraction is definitely the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. You can discover Christmas around every corner, as you come across a collection of elaborately decorated Christmas trees throughout the neighborhoods of Disney Springs. There are so many fun themed trees for you to find! You can even see a magical snowfall in the evenings.
You’ll find special holiday treats at places like Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar, Amorette’s Patisserie, Marketplace Snacks, and more.
What’s happening at the Disney Resorts at Christmas?
If you love to see the decorations at Christmas then you need to check out the resorts, They all go all out for Christmas. These are the best Disney Resorts at Christmas:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Hotel
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club
- Disney’s Yacht Club
Be sure to check out the special gingerbread decorations, like the life size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Resort and other gingerbread designs throughout some of the other deluxe resorts.
Is Disney at Christmas worth it?
Most Disney lovers would agree that checking out Disney World around Christmas is a good thing to do. Seeing all of the special displays and décor is well worth the money spent and creates special memories.
Make sure you get out to see all of the Christmas decorations before Disney starts taking them down in early January. Have you ever been to the Disney Parks and Resorts at Christmas? What did you think?
