Walt Disney World Holiday decoration on Main Street
  • On Jan 20, 2025
    Laurel from ON Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi! I’m very torn on when to take my Disney world vacation. I currently have booked November 30-December 8. I’m able to go anytime after the summer but preferably before 2026. Please help me pick the best “least busy” time! Thank you!

    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
thumbnail image for JoAnna

Meet the Panelist: JoAnna, New York

Hi, friends! I’m JoAnna, an Imagineering nerd and dog mom from New York. I’ve traveled to all of the Disney parks around the globe, but Disney World will always be home.

Whether I’m navigating Rider Switch with my nephew or snacking around World Showcase with my friends, I love discovering what’s special about each of the different Disney destinations. I can’t wait to help plan your next adventure and get you on your way to making magical memories!
Learn More About JoAnna

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