Christmas Day: Disney Or No Disney?

If you're considering a trip to Disney World on Christmas Day, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, expect big crowds and long lines—it's one of the busiest times of the year. The parks are decorated for Christmas from early November, so if you want to avoid the peak holiday crowds, that's a better time to go. However, if you're set on a Christmas Day visit, be prepared with a positive attitude and a good plan. Make dining reservations in advance, take advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry, and be ready to enjoy the special holiday shows, food, and decorations.

Pros of visiting Disney World on Christmas Day

There is no denying that Disney World is a magical place to visit during the Christmas season. The parks are adorned with festive decorations, and the atmosphere is filled with holiday music, creating a whimsical and enchanting experience for visitors. The holiday season at Disney World offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy special events, such as EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The parks also feature an array of holiday-themed food, treats, and souvenirs that can only be found during this time of year.

For those who embrace the festive spirit, visiting Disney World on Christmas Day itself can be a memorable experience. All four Disney World theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—are open on Christmas Day, typically from 9 am to 8 pm. This means that visitors can enjoy their favourite attractions and shows throughout the day. While some rides may have longer wait times due to the holiday crowds, there are still plenty of other limited-time holiday-specific activities and entertainment to enjoy.

Christmas Day at Disney World is undoubtedly a busy time, but with proper planning, it can be a magical experience. Making dining reservations in advance, taking advantage of the mobile ordering system for quick-service meals, and arriving at the parks early are key strategies to navigate the crowds. Additionally, focusing on enjoying the atmosphere, strolling through the parks, and taking in the decorations and entertainment can make for a delightful Christmas Day experience.

For families with young children, visiting Disney World on Christmas Day can create lasting memories. The joy of seeing their favourite characters dressed up for the holidays and experiencing the wonder of a Christmas tree that rivals a skyscraper can be priceless. Embracing the crowds and long lines with a positive attitude can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Cons of visiting Disney World on Christmas Day

While visiting Disney World on Christmas Day can be a magical experience, there are some drawbacks to consider before planning your trip.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that Disney World is incredibly busy on Christmas Day, often reaching full capacity. This means you will encounter large crowds and long lines for rides and attractions. The parks tend to get crowded from 10 am onwards, with noon being the peak time for crowds. Therefore, if you dislike crowds or prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, visiting on Christmas Day may not be the best option.

Secondly, not all restaurants and dining options will be available on Christmas Day. While select quick-service and table-service restaurants across the parks will be open, your choices may be limited. Making dining reservations in advance is highly recommended to ensure you have a spot, especially if you want to dine at a popular restaurant.

Thirdly, if you plan to visit multiple parks in one day, you may encounter challenges. Park hopping may be restricted, and it is possible that parks could close to guests arriving late in the afternoon, even with a reservation. Therefore, if you have a park-hopping itinerary, you may need to adjust your plans or arrive very early to secure your spot.

Lastly, the costs of visiting Disney World during the Christmas holidays can be significantly higher than other times of the year. Airfare, accommodation, and park tickets may be more expensive, impacting your overall trip budget.

While visiting Disney World on Christmas Day can offer a unique and festive experience, it is essential to consider these potential drawbacks and plan accordingly to make the most of your holiday.

Tips for visiting Disney World on Christmas Day

Christmas Day is one of the busiest times to visit Disney World, so it's important to be prepared for the crowds. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Planning and Booking

• Make reservations for both the park and restaurants as early as possible. Reservations for park entry and dining open 60 days before Thanksgiving, and they tend to disappear quickly.
• Download the Disneyland app to take advantage of mobile ordering at select quick-service restaurants, helping you to avoid long lines.
• Consider staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel. This will allow you to enter the parks an hour early each morning and take advantage of the magic for longer.
• If you're not staying on-site, try to stay as close to the park as possible to make it easier to get there early and take breaks during the day.

On the Day

• Arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before opening. This will give you a couple of hours of lower crowds and shorter lines.
• Be prepared for big crowds and long lines throughout the day, especially from 10 am onwards. Keep a positive mindset and make the most of the festive atmosphere.
• Enjoy the holiday entertainment, such as shows, parades, and fireworks displays.
• Take advantage of the Disney Genie+ service to reduce the time spent waiting in lines.
• Make the most of the atmosphere by enjoying the holiday treats, music, and decorations, even if you have to wait for rides.
• Schedule some downtime during your vacation to relax and recharge, especially if you're spending multiple days at the park.

Best times to visit Disney World during the Christmas period

Disney World is a popular destination during the Christmas period, with many people wanting to experience the festive atmosphere, decorations, and events. However, it is also one of the busiest times of the year, with large crowds and long lines. So, when is the best time to visit Disney World during the Christmas period?

Firstly, it is important to note that all four Disney World theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—are open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day. So, if you are planning to visit during the Christmas period, you will have the option to visit any of the parks.

That being said, there are certain times during the Christmas period that tend to be less busy than others. The end of November and early December, right after the Thanksgiving rush and before schools break for Christmas, are generally less crowded. Specifically, the weeks of November 29th to December 5th and December 6th to December 12th are recommended for lower crowds.

If you are only able to visit during the week of Christmas, there are still ways to make the most of your trip. Arriving at the parks early is key, as most people won't be up and about first thing in the morning. This will give you a chance to enjoy shorter lines for the first hour or two after opening. Additionally, the crowds tend to grow enormously around 10 am, with noon to late afternoon being the busiest times. So, you may want to take a break during these peak hours and return to your hotel to rest or enjoy a meal.

Another tip is to prioritize which attractions are a "must-do" for you and create a plan. This will help you make the most of your time in the parks and ensure you get to experience the things that are most important to you. Taking advantage of the Disney Genie+ service and the Early Theme Park Entry, if you are staying on property, can also help you beat the crowds and get more done.

In summary, the best times to visit Disney World during the Christmas period are the end of November and early December, specifically the weeks of November 29th to December 5th and December 6th to December 12th. If you are visiting during the week of Christmas, arriving early, planning your must-do attractions, and taking advantage of Disney's services can help you beat the crowds and have a more enjoyable experience.

What to expect from Disney World's Christmas decorations and festivities

If you're planning a trip to Disney World for Christmas, you're in for a treat! The parks and resorts go all out with their Christmas decorations and festive offerings, creating a magical atmosphere for the holiday season. Here's what you can expect from Disney World's Christmas decorations and festivities:

Decorations

Disney World typically starts decorating for Christmas in early November, with the process taking a few weeks to complete. Magic Kingdom is usually the first park to be fully decorated, followed by Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. The resorts also get into the festive spirit, with deluxe resorts like the Grand Floridian, Contemporary Resort, and Wilderness Lodge putting up spectacular gingerbread displays and towering Christmas trees. Even the moderate and value resorts have themed decorations, so no matter where you stay, you'll be surrounded by holiday cheer.

Entertainment

Each of the four theme parks offers unique entertainment for the holidays. Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a separate ticket event with special character meet-and-greets, ride overlays, holiday-themed shows, and fireworks. Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays celebrates how different countries around the world mark the season, with holiday kitchens serving festive food and drinks, and the popular Candlelight Processional show. Over at Hollywood Studios, you can enjoy the Sunset Season's Greetings projection show and the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration with a festive finale. Animal Kingdom joins in the fun with the Merry Menagerie, featuring life-sized artisan-sculpted puppets of winter animals, and festive flotillas on the Discovery River.

Dining

While not all restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, select quick-service and table-service restaurants across the parks will be available. It's recommended to make reservations in advance to secure your spot.

Crowds

It's important to note that Disney World is typically very busy during the Christmas season, especially on Christmas Day itself. Expect large crowds and plan accordingly by arriving early, using the Disney Genie+ service, and making reservations for parks and dining as early as possible.

Frequently asked questions