Welcome to planDisney Pat! Thanks for reaching out with your great question. How wonderful that you're planning a trip to
Walt Disney World Resort! You’re sure to create some amazing memories at The Most Magical Place on Earth!
My favorite budget friendly Disney Resort Hotels are Disney’s Pop Century Resort (Value Resort), Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Value Resort) and Disney’s All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, Sports).
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is themed to celebrate pop culture from the 1950s–1990s, Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, its also spacious enough for a family of four.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has themed family suites (e.g., Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King), the largest pool on Disney property and amenities your kids will love and Skyliner access makes park travel fun and efficient. The Disney All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, Sports) is budget friendly with fun Disney theming.
To navigate the parks during your stay, here's my suggested plan:
- Day 1: December 22: Arrival and Disney Springs. Check in and settle into your resort. Visit Disney Springs - Explore holiday decorations and enjoy a family friendly dinner at T-Rex Café or Rainforest Café.
- Day 2: December 23: Magic Kingdom. Morning - Arrive early for attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo, and It’s a Small World. Use Lightning Lane Passes for popular rides. Midday: Lunch at Be Our Guest or The Crystal Palace (character dining). Afternoon: Explore Fantasyland and Adventureland with attractions like Jungle Cruise (Jingle Cruise during the holidays). Evening: Stay for Happily Ever After fireworks.
- Day 3: December 24: Animal Kingdom. Morning - Begin with Kilimanjaro Safaris and Avatar Flight of Passage (use Lightning Lane). Midday - Enjoy a holiday-themed meal at Tusker House (character dining).
- Day 4: December 25: EPCOT: Morning - Experience Frozen Ever After, Test Track, and Soarin’ Around the World. Midday - Lunch at my favorite restaurant Garden Grill or Via Napoli. Afternoon - Take a relaxed walk around World Showcase. Let your older daughter try a scavenger hunt like DuckTales. Evening - Enjoy EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and end the day with Luminous: The Symphony of Us nighttime show.
Disney World offers many magical Christmas experiences especially the special holiday decor. Every park is beautifully decorated, with themed trees and festive details. There's also my favorite ticked event,
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Resorts like Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge have stunning Christmas trees and gingerbread displays.
Pat, your visit promises to be a magical adventure for you and your family! Enjoy the moments of joy, wonder, and togetherness as your family explores The Most Magical Place on Earth during The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Let me know if you need help with booking reservations or making those last minute magical touches!
Kay