Hi Amanda,
Welcome to planDisney! I am delighted to see that you are visiting during the
Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort. Although my family loves visiting Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day, you are quite correct in thinking that you need to carefully plan if visiting at that time. The crowds have been intense!
First, I do agree that you should definitely make an
advanced dining reservation. Given the crowds, I would not leave the park if you want to return that evening. On Christmas Day, my family will hit Magic Kingdom early, eat lunch, experience a few more attractions and then leave by early afternoon, but we typically do not return. I recommend an early dinner at
Cinderella's Royal Table. As much as my girls and I love
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, if you decide to dine there, you would have to leave the park and may not be able to return.
If you are considering a dessert party, review available dates and details for the
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties - Pre Party,
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties - Post Party, or
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties - Seats & Sweets. Given the
advanced dining reservation booking window timeframe, dates are not yet displayed for Christmas Day. At this time, I cannot guarantee which dessert parties, if any, will be available at the time of your visit. As you make plans, also keep an eye on the
Happily Ever Fireworks calendar so that you can check the time of the show. Currently, for example, the calendar indicates that on November 10th the fireworks are scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
However, the good news is that guests of
Disney Resorts Collection hotels can currently make advanced dining reservations 60 days prior to arrival or up to
10 nights of their stay. So, if you are staying at a Disney resort hotel, your ability to make advanced dining reservations and reservations for
Enchanting Extras Collection experiences should increase if your visit to Magic Kingdom on Christmas day is towards the end of your vacation.
Amanda, I do have a few other considerations. When we have eaten at Cinderella's Royal Table and Story Book Dining at Artist Point, those meals have left us feeling pretty stuffed. So, be careful with the timing of your dinner reservation and the dessert party. Keep an eye on the calendars over the next few weeks to see what might be available to book and keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for updates. I am sending a little extra pixie dust trusting that you will make the most magical plan!
Magic and memories,
Donyell