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  • On Sep 23, 2022
    Elaine from IL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Trying to pick the best time to visit. We would like to see the holiday decorations but we are afraid of the crowds. Is there a time to avoid the crowds and still see the decorations?

    Ho-Ho-Ho Elaine, 

    Welcome back to planDisney. The holiday season is my absolute favorite time of the year to visit Walt Disney World Resort. From the special events and entertainment options to the festive decorations at the theme parks and Disney Resorts Collection hotels, the magic of the holidays is everywhere you look. 

    Disney World is absolutely beautiful during the Christmas season. The theme parks, Disney Springs and the Disney resorts are fully decorated and sprinkled with seasonal magic. Each theme park and resort has their own personality and style and it shows on each tree, twinkling light, and ornament. From the African themed wooden ornaments at Disney's Animal Kingdom, to the glitz and glamor of the lights on Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios, to the gorgeous gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you cannot help but feel the Christmas spirit. As you can imagine, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year to visit Disney World, but the good news is you can still find time to visit before the crowds increase.

    Mickey Mouse and his pals begin decking the halls right after Jack Skeleton heads to bed on Halloween night. Magic Kingdom is typically the first to complete its holiday transformation, finishing in time for the first night of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (usually the first week of November). Most decorations are in place by mid November, with the finishing touches in place by Thanksgiving. We actually love visiting the week before Thanksgiving as the crowds have not yet increased and a bonus is you can enjoy the last of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. The other ideal time would be the first two weeks of December since school is not out yet and many Guests have yet to begin their holiday vacations. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more the crowds will increase. 

    Bonus tip - be sure to enjoy the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays - Candlelight Processional. It is an inspirational telling of the Christmas Story done by a celebrity narrator and accompanied by the most beautiful choir and band. I hope this helps you find the most wonderful time to visit. If I can help with any additional planning questions, please stop back and see me. 

    Hope to see ya real soon, 
    Margaret

thumbnail image for Margaret

Meet the Panelist: Margaret, Illinois

Hiya friends. I’m Margaret, mom to four young men and wife to my Prince Charming. Raised on the southside of Chicago, we have now moved our castle to the suburban cornfields. We are a pin trading, Hidden Mickey hunting, resort hopping family who loves to debate the best Disney World resort or attraction over the dinner table. I am thrilled to share some of our favorite tips and tricks in hopes it will add even more magic to your Disney World adventure. Learn More About Margaret

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