Mickey dressed in holiday clothes in front of a Christmas tree.
  • On Nov 14, 2024
    Dave from WI Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We’re going to MK on the 25th with a date based ticket. If we arrive early, would we be able to stop back at our resort (poly) for lunch and return later or does it depend on park capacity at that time? Are there times to avoid, or is it unpredictable?

    Hello Dave! Welcome back! A Christmastime visit to Magic Kingdom Park sounds like an extra magical way to spend a wonderful holiday!

    Magic Kingdom Park is the most popular Walt Disney World Resort park on Christmas Day! Due to its popularity, the park may reach capacity. When the park reaches capacity there are phased closures which can include Guests no longer being admitted into the theme park.

    I have a few helpful recommendations to avoid any Christmas Day disappointment:

    •Plan on arriving at Magic Kingdom Park early. As of now, opening time is set for 8:30 for early entry for Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. However, don’t be surprised if you see that early entry time adjusted to an even earlier opening in the next few weeks. I also expect the 9:00 PM closing time to be extended by a few hours once we get closer to the holiday. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks calendar for updated park times!

    •Once you are in the park, plan on staying in the park. Once you’re in, you’re in! However, if you leave and then try to re-enter the park, you might not be allowed to re-enter if the park reaches capacity. So, I would avoid the plan of returning to your resort hotel for lunch. Rather, try to find a reservation for a table service lunch and/or dinner. If you can’t find a table service reservation, try quick-service dining such as Columbia Harbor House or Pinnochio Village Haus for lunch and/or dinner. There are MANY other quick-service restaurants throughout the park, but they happen to be my two favorites.

    •Plan on enjoying some attractions where you can relax and get off your feet for a while. I highly recommend Mickey’s PhilharMagic! There is usually a shorter wait, and you can plan on getting off your feet for about 15 – 20 minutes. I also recommend the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover for a nice break!

    •Stay hydrated! You’re going to be walking around the park quite a bit. Keep water with you! Guests can also request a cup of ice water at any Disney Dining location. There is no charge for cups of water.

    •Consider purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass for your group. Lightning Lane Multi Pass will allow you to bypass the traditional standby line and have a shorter wait for three attractions. You can select additional attractions (pending availability) once you are in the park and begin using your Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

    I hope these tips add to your enjoyment! Have a wonderful Christmas Day visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

    Dreams do come true!

    Jonathan

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Meet the Panelist: Jonathan, Pennsylvania

Hi, everyone!  My name is Jonathan.  I am a Disney-adoring husband, dad of three sons, and elementary school principal from Pennsylvania.  If you're visiting planDisney with questions about the Most Magical Place on Earth, then Hakuna Matata because you've come to the right group of people!  I'm happy to use my past Disney-travel experiences and knowledge to help you enjoy every moment of your vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort! Learn More About Jonathan

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