Walt Disney World plays a massive role in bringing tourists to Central Florida year-round, but the resort’s appeal surges around the holidays.
Travel trend insight from Google shows Orlando, Florida, as the most sought-after domestic travel destination for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
When families think about Disney World, long lines often come to mind. Add an influx of holiday crowds, and avoiding the parks altogether sounds appealing to some.
Despite increased ride wait times and overall traffic, travel experts acknowledge the perks of visiting Disney World this time of year. Across the board, they recommend families schedule a Disney World vacation in November and December.
Disney World goes all out during the holiday season, which typically runs from early November through early January. Larger-than-life Christmas trees, limited-time Christmas food items, and other seasonal offerings bring a unique charm to the parks not seen the rest of the year. Many families organize their entire Disney World vacation around these events.
Strategies exist to make the most of a visit to the theme parks during this busy season, including taking advantage of earlier calendar dates to almost entirely avoid crowds altogether.
Can’t-Miss Seasonal Offerings
The holiday season brings limited-time events and festive decorations that travel experts classify as a must-see at Walt Disney World. Theme park journalist Megan duBois recommends people visit all Disney World theme parks during the holidays to seek out these seasonal offerings. “There are many holiday parties that you can attend, the weather is generally nicer, and nothing beats the festive charm of the parks.”
duBois’ highlights include “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” at Magic Kingdom and “Disney Jollywood Nights” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both parties take place on select evenings in November and December and require separate admission to attend.
However, once in the park, attendees enjoy lower wait times for most rides and attractions, seasonal fireworks, parades, and party-exclusive food and beverage items.
EPCOT hosts its annual “Festival of the Holidays” from late November through December, with no separate ticket purchase necessary. Here, guests dine on themed small bites and drinks at festival booths around the park. The fan-favorite “Candlelight Processional” EPCOT Concert, featuring a guest celebrity narrator, welcomes big crowds nightly.
Parties and festivals aside, Walt Disney World comes alive during the holiday season. Beautifully decorated spaces fill the parks, hotels, and shopping and dining district of Disney Springs. Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and best-selling author of Disneyland Secrets, recommends families set aside time to visit the hotels. “I love the gingerbread houses and the soaring Christmas trees located in the lobbies all across the property,” Doyle shares. “All of the decorations at each property are themed to the style of that hotel.”
Make the Most of the Busy Season
Limited-time holiday events and travelers with more time off from work and school make this time of year one of the busiest at Disney World.
Despite the crowds, Kimberly Fidler, Vice President of Marketing for Get Away Today, suggests families find a way to make it work. On whether families will enjoy a busy Disney World during the holidays, Fidler notes, “I say go for it. As kids get older and school and extracurriculars get harder, the holidays may be the only time it works to get away. With proper planning and the right expectations, it’s entirely possible to have an amazing vacation.”
Alex Caspero, New York Times best-selling author and founder of Delish Knowledge, doubles down on prioritizing early planning to make the most of a holiday visit to Disney World. She shares, “For families who are well-prepared and have the right expectations, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.” Caspero recommends booking hotel accommodations, dining reservations, and Lightning Lane selections as early as possible. “Understand that you won’t be able to do everything; prioritizing your must-do experiences helps to figure out what’s most important.”
Most holiday travelers arrive at Walt Disney World in late December around Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s. Experts advise families to plan flexibly to avoid the busiest days. Caspero adds, “Consider visiting in early December as you can still enjoy the holiday offerings with slightly smaller crowds than later in the month.” With Thanksgiving in the rear-view window and peak Christmas travel days yet to arrive, guests in early December encounter more manageable crowd levels in the parks.
