Hi Daniel!
Welcome to planDisney.
There is no doubt that Christmas week is one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy yourselves. As crowds are likely to be higher than usual, I recommend arriving at the parks early, and leaving early. If you’re happy to soak up the atmosphere in the parks, without any pressure to ride your favourite attractions, check your Tip Board on your My Disney Experience app to see if any characters or if Santa is making an appearance. Please intend for a relaxed time.
Apart from early mornings at the parks, I love to visit some of the Disney Resort hotels to see the Christmas decorations – try and travel to the hotels by Disney transport if you can, because if you are driving you may not be permitted to park at the hotels, with priority being given to guests with hotel or dining reservations at this busy time. Of course, this would be a good reason to book a dining reservation at a Disney Resort hotel! One of my favourites is
Narcoossee's at Disney Grand Floridian Resort and also Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
The huge tree in the spectacular lobby at
Disney's Wilderness Lodge is worth a visit (take a boat from Magic Kingdom). It’s a rarity but sometimes they build a gingerbread log cabin in the lobby too. You’ll probably find some delicious snacks and seasonal Christmas treats for sale in the lobby, along with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Over at Disney's Contemporary Resort, seek out the gingerbread display on the Grand Canyon Concourse (4th floor), where snacks and souvenirs can be purchased. You can take a short walk from Magic Kingdom, or ride the monorail.
At Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – the famous life-sized gingerbread house brings in many visitors. Situated in the beautiful lobby, you can also pick up seasonal treats including gingerbread shingles (as used on the roof!). The recipe for each edible masterpiece is usually displayed with the exact measurements of ingredients - made with REAL food! It's quite astonishing!!
At Disney's Beach Club Resort (walking distance from EPCOT's International Gateway or arrive by Disney Skyliner - the station is just beside the International Gateway) the edible carousel is a "must-see". Ingredients include chocolate, gingerbread and handcrafted confectionary snowflakes. Search to find hidden Mickeys (there always seems to be one I cannot find!).
If you have time to visit Disney Springs, the
Christmas Tree Stroll is up and running - I saw it last month! There are 21 themed trees across the whole of Disney Springs - you can complete a map as you go around, and when you've finished you can collect a special surprise. You can also join a Virtual Queue to meet Santa, and if you are staying later there is nightly snowfall at Town Center. So much to enjoy!
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help you plan your magical vacation!
Sue