A visit to Disney World can bring joy any time of year. However, during the Christmas season there is extra magic in the air. Here are, 10 Things I love About The Christmas Season At Disney World.
1. The Decorations & Holiday Touches
Disney World knows how to decorate. Wreaths (over 1,000), lights (totaling over 8 million across property) and more are found throughout Disney World. Visit Toy Story Land for its own unique holiday décor, Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios also gets in on the fun with added decorations. Living with the Land at Epcot gets holiday touches in the greenhouse. The Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom gets a holiday overlay. Furthermore, stop for pictures on Main St USA is lined with beautiful wreaths and lights. These are just some of the incredible decorations and holiday touches found at Disney World during the Christmas Season.
2. Holiday Tours
Consider the Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy Tour at $99 per person and experience behind the scenes look at how the parks are transformed for the holidays. Disney’s Holiday D-Lights is a long tour at 6-hours long, cost is $279 per person. These tours are only offered select dates in November & December each year. Both give guests behind the scenes looks and expertise knowledge.
3. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Attend a holiday party at Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is offered select nights in November & December each year. This separate ticketed event gives guests the opportunity to ride select popular attractions with low wait times, meet Characters in Holiday apparel and more. Be sure to catch, A Frozen Holiday Wish stage show featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf. Watch Queen Elsa will transform the castle into a frozen wonderland. See Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Snow fall on Main St USA, and enjoy complimentary Hot Cocoa & cookies.
4. Christmas Trees
In addition to jolly decorations, guests will find various decorated Christmas trees across Walt Disney World Resort. Stop for a picture in front of the 60′ tree on Main St USA at Magic Kingdom. Furthermore, visit the Christmas tree trail at Disney Springs for a fun self-guided walking tour of Disney themed decorated Christmas trees. Each tree will be 10′-12′ and themed such as Minnie Mouse, Snow White, Cinderella, Pinocchio and more. In 2018 the trail featured 27 different decorated trees, plus extra magic such as snow fall and music.
5. Gingerbread Displays
The Gingerbread Displays are a sight to see, not to mention they smell amazing. Disney Resorts know how to decorate for the holiday season, learn: 7 Must Visit Disney Resorts During The Christmas Season. These include the Gingerbread displays at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and more. Consider an afternoon of Resort Hopping to see the incredible Resort Holiday decorations.
6. Meet & Greet With Santa
Christmas season is not complete until you have your photo with Santa. Santa meets with guests at Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom and Epcot in the parks (subject to change by year, check times guide your day of visit). Also, guests can meet Santa Claus at Disney Springs, check in and get a time to return. The meeting itself does not cost anything. If you have purchased Memory Maker the photos taken by the PhotoPass photographers are included.
7. Festivals of the Holidays
Festival of the Holidays is included with your Epcot Admission and returns yearly in November. This festival brings added entertainment to Epcot for guests to enjoy. On the Dining Plan? Use your snack credits at the festival food booths. The Candlelight Processional is also included, and is a beautiful retelling of the traditional Christmas Story.
8. Holiday Sleigh Ride
Dashing through the…Resort, guests can enjoy a Holiday Sleigh Ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Offered during the month of December each year. Guests enjoy a scenic 25-minute ride, with views of the decorated campsites and through the woods. Your sleigh will be decorated with lights, garland and bows. This is an extra cost of $84, which covers up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 small children.
9. Holiday Treats & Merchandise
Holiday treats can be found at various restaurants and gift shops throughout Disney World property. Find santa hats adorned on desserts, red & green frosting added to favorite snacks and more festive touches on food & drink. A favorite each year is popcorn in a festive (and refillable for $2 each) holiday popcorn bucket. Holiday merchandise includes housewares, Mickey ears, Spirit Jerseys and much more.
10. Nighttime Entertainment At Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios brings extra evening entertainment during the Christmas season. Watch Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a fireworks spectacular with projections and snowfall. Also at Hollywood Studios is, Sunset Seasons Greetings, a projection show.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.