5 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World During the Holidays
Can you believe it is mid-December already? If you are anything like me, you are definitely in the holiday spirit (and maybe you have been since mid-November) and what’s more fun than holidays and Disney? The next couple of weeks on our Travelmation blog, we are going to be focusing holiday celebrations at Disney and all of the unique offerings this time of year.
I absolutely love Christmas time at Disney World. From the decorations all over the parks and resorts to the specialty Christmas clothing and accessories, I love it all. For the last four years, I have been lucky enough to spend time at Disney World in December, and I’ve got 5 reasons I think it’s one of the best times of the year to visit Walt Disney World.
1.The Crowds (earlier in the month)
If you know anything about Disney World, you know the summer months at Disney can be crazy crowded. This is also true for the latter part of December and even into the first week of January. However, I’ve learned about what I like to call a sweet spot. The sweet spot is the time right after Thanksgiving – mid December. It’s definitely still full of people (I am not sure Disney World is ever not busy) but it isn’t at a 10 on any crowd calendars during that late November/early December time frame. I know what you may be thinking too: “But I’ve got kids and we can’t go during school.” I totally get that and it’s why I’ve been taking advantage of this sweet spot while my kiddos are still little and not in school. I am sure as they get older, we will have to adjust our travel plans but, until then I am going to relish this time which I have deemed the perfect time to go!
2. Christmas Decorations
I am the person who feels like I re-decorate my home every year when Christmas time comes around and I absolutely love it! It only makes sense to me that Disney does the same! I absolutely love the transformation that Disney makes every year right after Halloween. If you’ve never watched a video of that transformation, you totally should. In fact, why don’t you watch this one now! Disney literally decorates all of their resorts and parks with the most beautiful decorations. It’s totally worth taking time to tour the different resorts to see how each resort is different. My personal favorite this year is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – the tree was absolutely gorgeous. Another bonus is they have Memory Maker photographers at lots of the resorts by the trees so you can grab a family photo in front of these gorgeous trees.
3. The Weather
Florida is hot! This is probably not surprising to you, but what might surprise you is how nice Florida can be in December. By no means is it cold (although you never know), but it is so much cooler than summertime and most likely a bit warmer than your hometown is in December. It makes enjoying the parks so much more pleasant when you aren’t pouring buckets of sweat. It’s also fun to bundle up a bit if the weather does dip into cooler temperatures. It really makes it feel like Christmastime.
4. Candlelight Processional at Epcot
I am a big fan of all the special Christmas events at Walt Disney World and this is one of my favorites. Each year at Epcot, they have different celebrity narrators tell the biblical Christmas story from late November through the month of December. During the telling of the Christmas Story, they also weave musical elements throughout the show using a full orchestra and a choir. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and Disney offers dining packages that guarantees seating during one of the 3 performances on your chosen date. Definitely something to do at least once during your visit!
5. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
I have literally saved the best for last! This Christmas party happens throughout the months of November and December and it might be one of the most magical experiences offered at Disney World! It does cost extra to attend this party but after doing it 4 times, I can’t recommend it enough. The park is closed for guests of the party only, so the crowds are typically much lighter and it’s a great way to take advantage of riding lots of the rides or character meetings with lower wait times. It’s also so fun to see how different families celebrate the night. Some show up in pajamas or ugly sweaters and of course there is always the matching T-shirt family with at least one unhappy family member (We’ve all done it). You get access to UNLIMITED holiday beverages and cookies all night and they do a special parade and nighttime show that can only be seen at the party. They also make it SNOW on Main Street and it is literally the most magical experience because you forget that you’re in Florida, completely. Tickets to the party allow you to enter the park at 4PM, but the actual party starts at 7PM and ends at Midnight. If you want to see what dates still might be available for this year, click here or reach out to one of our agents.
If you have ever thought about going to Disney at Christmastime, I say go! Any of our agents can help you plan the best trip for your family and budget. Be sure to check back next week to hear more Holiday themed fun at another Disney destination!
Kristen is one of our agents and her favorite resort is Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.
