Welcome to planDisney, Megan! I’m so glad you reached out as you prepare for your magical holiday visit to
Walt Disney World. Visiting during the week leading up to Christmas is an unforgettable experience, and planning your park days with expected crowds in mind can make a world of difference. I’d be happy to help you choose the best parks for each day of your stay so you can enjoy your time to the fullest.
Crowds rise steadily as Christmas approaches, and December 20–23 is the point where the holiday rush really begins. EPCOT usually absorbs crowds better than the other parks because of its size, while Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom feel busier more quickly since they have more concentrated attractions.
A good way to structure your trip is to begin with
EPCOT on December 20. It’s the park that handles heavy attendance the most comfortably, and starting your trip there gives you a more relaxed first day before the holiday crowds peak. On December 21, moving to Hollywood Studios works well. Sundays are busy everywhere, but it’s better to visit Hollywood Studios earlier in your trip when you still have more energy for its high demand rides and shows. This leaves Animal Kingdom for December 22, which is a slightly calmer day as weekend crowds taper a bit. Animal Kingdom is often the easiest park to navigate earlier in the week, and its pace feels more manageable on a Monday.
By December 23, you’ll be right at the doorstep of Christmas week, when crowd levels tend to jump. This day is best kept as a flexible day, some families like to revisit their favorite park, hop to multiple parks if they have that option, or use it as a lighter day to enjoy resort time, dining, or holiday offerings.
Megan, I hope this helps you feel more confident as you shape your park plans for your December visit. Thank you for stopping by planDisney with your question. Here’s wishing you a trip filled with smooth days, joyful moments, and all the magic that makes a Walt Disney World vacation truly unforgettable!
Kay