Hey there, Colleen. I'm so glad you've stopped by
planDisney to chat about park hopping. It is absolutely my favorite way to spend a Disney day! Visiting the Walt Disney World Theme Parks in December is so much fun. Everything is dressed up in its holiday best and everything is so festive. You and your daughter are going to love it, I know me and mine sure do!
Colleen, I went ahead and took a look at the
park hours for December 15th just to get a lay of the land. You are correct, Magic Kingdom Park is open late that evening but only for Deluxe Resort Guests. If you aren't staying at a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World then you aren't able to take advantage of those 9 p.m.-11 p.m. hours. I just wanted to mention that before we start planning.
My favorite park to visit in the early morning hours is
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. It's beautiful in the morning and you'll be able to get quite a lot done here so this would be my first park for sure. I'd suggest arriving 45 minutes to one hour prior to the park's scheduled opening time. Park hopping hours now start at 2:00 p.m. so I'd enjoy Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park until about lunchtime, get yourself something to eat and then head over to Disney's Hollywood Studios right at 2:00 p.m. You should be able to get a few fun things in like, perhaps, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. This is my favorite attraction at
Disney's Hollywood Studios and even though the line can be long, I think it moves quickly. Hopping on, the next stop for me would be over to
Epcot. You can take the Disney Skyliner, the boat or even walk if you feel up to it. I'd enjoy the evening snacking around The WorldShowcase, it's a perfect spot for dinner. Then, when you've made your way to the front of Epcot hop on the monorail over to
Magic Kingdom Park. I think it would be a great plan to try to make it over there right before the fireworks. Then, after that, you can spend the rest of the evening enjoying some must-do attractions until the park closes that night.
I hope this helps give you some itinerary ideas for your upcoming vacation, Colleen. If you have any other questions as you plan your trip, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'm happy to help. Have fun and happy hopping!