Hi there, Laurel. And thanks for bringing your question to planDisney. You’re actually visiting during my favorite time of year—when the Most Magical Place on Earth becomes the Merriest Place on Earth!
In my experience, it’s hard to find the absolute “least busy” time at Disney World since the crowd patterns are always changing. But it’s usually a good bet to avoid holidays and event weeks, like runDisney races, which you’ve already done.
I absolutely love being at Disney World the week after Thanksgiving! The holiday crowds are usually on their way out and the weather is typically comfortable, although it can get chilly at night. I like to bring a packable puffy jacket that fits in my park bag to pull out during the evenings.
December is an extra magical time to be at Disney World because the theme parks and resort hotels are beautifully decorated for the holidays! In fact, one of my favorite things to do is a resort crawl to see all of the different decorations, like the life-sized gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, the majestic Christmas tree at Wilderness Lodge, the gingerbread animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the gingerbread carousel at Beach Club.
The
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will also be underway where you can enjoy special treats at the Holiday Kitchens, listen to different stories and traditions through the Candlelight Processional and Holiday Storytellers, and even meet Santa Claus. One of my family's must-dos is hearing
Voices of Liberty sing Christmas and Hanukkah songs. It always gets us in the holiday spirit!
And for some extra fun, there are typically two specially-ticketed events in early December—
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and
Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is my pick because of the holiday parade and fireworks show, but I attended Jollywood Nights last year and loved all of the live entertainment!
With so many special offerings, you’re sure to have a magical vacation during this practically perfect time of year! If you have any other questions before your trip, we’d love to have you back at planDisney.
JoAnna