Hi Lee, and welcome to planDisney!
Visiting the
Most Magical Place on Earth during the Most Wonderful Time of the Year is truly something special. My family was able to visit in early December last year, and although our trip didn’t coincide with
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, we still found plenty of ways to soak up the holiday cheer. From the moment we stepped onto Main Street, U.S.A. and saw the towering Christmas tree, to enjoying seasonal treats and festive music, it felt like we were right in the middle of a Christmas card.
While the official
Hours & Events calendar only goes into mid-October right now, the Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort page will give you a pretty good sense of what to expect for your visit. During your dates in late December, the festive offerings shift a bit. Even though Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ends the day before your arrival, many of the special elements that are exclusive to party nights begin running during regular park hours once the parties conclude. In the past,
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks typically become part of the daily schedule at Magic Kingdom after the conclusion of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates leading up to and including Christmas. While I can’t guarantee this is happening again this year, until it's officially announced by Disney (keep an eye out on Disney Parks Blog), I would expect some Christmas miracles to bless you with something special on the days you are visiting.
Beyond Magic Kingdom,
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will be in full swing, with Holiday Kitchens serving seasonal bites and the beautiful Candlelight Processional taking place each evening at the America Gardens Theatre. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll likely experience special projection shows similar to previous Sunset Seasons Greetings and what has been done to Hollywood Tower Hotel, while Disney’s Animal Kingdom usually sprinkles holiday touches throughout the park with festive flotillas and decorations in every land.
One of my favorite holiday traditions at Walt Disney World isn’t even in the parks at all. If your schedule allows, take some time to “resort hop” and explore the incredible Christmas displays at the Disney Resort hotels.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge feels like it was built for Christmas, with its massive tree and cozy lodge atmosphere. Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club feature elaborately themed gingerbread and chocolate displays, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort often features a holiday-themed mural in its Grand Canyon Concourse. The gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a fan favorite, though this year the lobby updates are likely going to impact its availability, if available at all.
I hope this gives you a good picture of the holiday magic waiting for you. If you’d like me to share more ways to add even more seasonal cheer to your trip, please send me another question.
I’d be glad to help.
Cheers,
Brent