How to Survive Your First Disney World Christmas Trip Like a Pro!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It truly is. And what better way to spend the holidays than having a good old family Disney World Christmas trip. Magical, right? 

Well, yes it is.

November and December offer perfect weather (a little bit cooler than usual – you might actually need a coat!), entertainment, festive decorations, scrumptious holiday snacks, and so much more. 

But there is also a lot you need to know to start planning. 

In this Disney World Christmas Guide I’ll share with you all that you absolutely need to know in order to plan a successful, memorable and easy holiday trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth.

Cinderella Castle for 50th Anniversary Celebration with the Omnibus. Keep reading to learn more about surviving your Disney World Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Magic Kingdom at Christmas

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Your Disney World Trip At a Glance:

Keep reading to get a full guide on the best way to explore this Disney holiday experience like a pro!

Disney one-day game plan itinerary
Download your Disney one-day game plan itinerary by clicking image!

What day does Disney decorate for Christmas?

Disney World showed off the first set of decorations at the Magic Kingdom on November 2, 2023; however, the 2023 holiday season officially kicks off across the Walt Disney World Resort on November 11th, 2023. 

Disney Magic Kingdom Main Street USA with Christmas Tree. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney World Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Magic Kingdom at Christmas

By that date, all of the decor will be up in all the parks, resorts and Springs, with the exception of EPCOT (where the holidays officially kick off on November 24th – more on that later). 

Santa Claus and Dog at Disney Christmas at Epcot Festival of the Holidays
Santa Claus at Disney’s EPCOT Theme Park

Magic Kingdom will be the first park to complete its holiday overhaul just in time for the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on November 9th. 

How long are the Disney Christmas decorations up for?

The holiday festivities and decor will typically come down sometime during the first week of January 2024. So there are about two full months of holiday cheer to enjoy.

Disney Magic Kingdom Main Street Cinema. Keep reading to learn how to survive your first Disney World Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Magic Kingdom at Christmas

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

TOP 10 Ways to Survive Your First Disney World Christmas Trip

So how best does one start to prepare for a Disney Christmas trip, and what can you expect once you get there? That’s a great question. 

Christmas at Epcot with Christmas Tree in Santa's Village. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
EPCOT at Christmas

It seems in years past the planning process has gotten a bit more complicated than it used to be, and if you miss a step, it could impact your family vacation.  

Disney Magic Kingdom Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Outside with Santa sleigh in front of Cinderella Castle. Keep reading to learn how to survive your first Disney World Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Magic Kingdom at Christmas

It’s best to be aware and prepare and that’s where this guide will help. Let me jump in and break it all down.

1. Make Park Reservations Early During Christmas Time at Disney

Park reservations do book up and reach capacity, especially during peak seasons. Plan accordingly. 

Disney Park Reservations Step One
Disney Park Reservation Website Screenshot

As soon as you have a Disney Christmas trip booked, buy your tickets and book your park reservations.

There are no exceptions, if you show up to the gate without one, you will not be allowed in.

2. Be Mindful Of Park Hopping And Park Capacity

I highly recommend adding the park hopper option to your park ticket so it gives the ability to move around the parks during your Disney Christmas trip. 

Disney Hollywood Studios Ticket Gates. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

Be aware however that parks do reach capacity often during the holidays (especially during the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day), so be sure to call 407-560-5000 at any time to check capacity levels before hopping. 

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

3. Learn the basics of My Disney Experience and Genie

It will be advantageous to you if you spend a bit of time researching and understanding the basics of the My Disney Experience (MDE) app and how Genie works. 

My Disney Experience App Selections
Disney App Screenshot

Be sure to download the app to your phone and get to know the features before your trip, you will use it more than you can imagine.

NikkyJ on Living with the Land Ride during Disney Christmas at Epcot Festival of the Holidays

Also, take some time to learn the fundamentals of Genie and Genie+ if you plan to use either during your vacation. 

Genie Pass Walt Disney World Itinerary
Disney Genie Service

You will save a lot of time and frustration if you take a bit of time to research and understand the basics before you go. 

Disney Hollywood Studios PizzeRizzo Mobile Ordering App. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Mobile Ordering at Disney World

MDE is used for the Genie planning tool, Genie+, Mobile Ordering, Mobile Key for your hotel room, and so much more! 

Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!

4. Book Dining Reservations As Early As Possible

Dining reservations are hard to come by these days. As soon as you know you are heading to Walt Disney World for Christmas, book your dining reservations. 

You can make reservations up to 60 days out from day one of your trip. 

If you are having trouble finding what you want, keep checking. Be persistent. Guests cancel reservations all the time and things open up. 

5. Pack Your Patience

When going to Disney World for Christmas, prepare for enormous crowd levels. This is especially true for the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 

Disney Christmas decorations in Magic Kingdom with Cinderella Castle in the Background. Keep reading to learn how to survive your first Disney World Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

If you go into your vacation already knowing this, it’s half the battle. It will be crowded, lines will be long, tempers might flare. 

Holiday Tree with Lights at Disney Christmas at Epcot Festival of the Holidays

Take breaks throughout the day and find a quiet place in the park to take a breather. It does help.

6. Have A Plan, But Be Flexible

Always have a plan, prioritize what is most important for you and your family. But also be flexible. 

Disney one-day game plan itinerary
Download your Disney one-day game plan itinerary by clicking image!

Things will change, things will happen and you need to be able to pivot if needed. Disney is magical no matter what. 

Hipster Power Tip: The best way to handle a Disney Christmas trip is to roll with the punches. 

7. Put The Phone Down

Enjoy what is happening around you and in front of you. Christmas at Disney World is pure magic and you don’t want to miss any of it. 

You have worked hard to plan this vacation, be present and enjoy every moment of it! 

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

8. Check Park Hours; Arrive Early and Stay Late

Park hours change all the time and are usually extended during the holidays. Know what time the park opens and closes each day so you can plan accordingly. 

Christmas at Hollywood Studios Decorate Dinosaur in Santa Hat on Lake Echo. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Hollywood Studios at Christmas

Be an early bird and a night owl all at the same time. 

Take advantage of early morning entry (if applicable) and extended night hours. Take a break midday if needed and then head back to the park. 

Holiday Tree at Disney Christmas at Epcot Festival of the Holidays in America Pavilion

With park reservations, if you head back to your starting park for the day, you will be guaranteed re-entry. 

9. Know The Transportation Options And Always Factor In Extra Time

There are thousands of Guests using Disney transportation at any given time, but during the holidays, that amount can rise exponentially. 

Disney Riviera Resort Epcot skyliner sign Caribbean Beach Club. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

If you are using the bus, monorail, skyliner or Minnie Van, the waits may be longer than usual. 

Disney Riviera Resort skyliner interior. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

Factor this in if you need to be somewhere at a specific time. If you think it will take 20 minutes, plan for 40. Always double or triple your time. Trust me on this one. 

Get Your Discounted Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets here TODAY!

10. Have A Safety Plan For The Children

It’s easy to get separated in the crowds. Before the day starts, decide on a place to meet if this happens. 

If you bypass your solo Disney trip and have children with you, introduce them to Cast Members. 

This means, if they get lost or separated from you, let them know they can seek out any of the Cast Members to help them. 

Disney's Polynesian Resort Christmas Tree in the Lobby
Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Now let’s get into the good stuff, when to go…

Are you wondering when the best time to travel to Walt Disney World might be for the holidays?

I have the answer for you!

What are the BEST weeks to visit Disney World during Christmas?

In my experience the first and second week of November and the first and second week of December are usually the best times to visit the parks. 

Disney Contemporary Resort Christmas Tree and decor. One of the best things to Do at Disney World for Christmas. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Christmas at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The crowds tend to be lighter during these weeks. I emphasize the word usually because these days it is a bit harder to predict. 

Disney crowd calendar. Best time to go to Disney World. #disneyplanning #disneytips #disneycrowdcalendar

Since the pandemic, crowd patterns have changed significantly, and now with so many pandemic restrictions lifted after the last couple of years, 2022 and 2023 seem to be the years of travel. 

So while the general best travel times may still be accurate, crowd levels could potentially be more intense this year. 

Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!

Where can I find the best Disney Christmas treats during the holidays?

Disney always releases the sweetest foodie guides during the holidays. And don’t forget about all the uniquely themed (and tasty) cocktails to go along with those tasty treats! 

Swirls on the Water Soft Served Christmas Dole Whip Waffles at Disney Springs
Swirls on the Water (Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.)

You will find the most options at Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – it seems this is where the best of the treats are highlighted. 

Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party Sweet Treats Christmas at Disney Christmas Cookie Sundae (Available Daily at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Cookie butter soft-serve topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and a white chocolate piece. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Christmas Cookie Sundae (Available Daily at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Cookie butter soft-serve topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and a white chocolate piece

But during regular park days, you can find lots of delicious snacks across all four parks.

Which Disney Resort has the best Christmas decorations?

Have a day off from visiting the parks? Be sure to take time to tour the magnificent Disney hotels. 

Boardwalk Inn Gingerbread House and Christmas Tree. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn during the holidays

Each one is meticulously decorated and themed appropriately for that particular Disney Resort hotel. 

Disney Wilderness Lodge at Christmas with Large Christmas Tree. One of the best things to Do at Disney World for Christmas. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Disney Wilderness Lodge

They are just as much an event as the parks themselves. And they deserve to be seen. I would personally prioritize the Disney Deluxe Resort hotels such as: 

I think they go the extra mile in decorating for the season and you will not be disappointed.

More Disney Christmas Decorations to See on Your Vacation

Although one of my all-time favorite Moderate hotel lobby’s is in the Destino Tower. 

Disney Coronado Springs Christmas Trees in the Lobby. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

The reflective golds and shimmering jewel tones are absolutely gorgeous – you definitely need to stop by! It is magnificent during the holidays.

NikkyJ and Friend at Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Christmas

And be sure to stop by Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hotel to see the ginormous Gingerbread House that is built in the hotel lobby. 

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House with Majestic Christmas Tree and Piano in the Lobby. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Made from real ingredients, this lifesize house not only smells amazing, but is an actual shop that sells gingerbread goodies to all Guests. 

Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Gingerbread House Entrance. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Life-size Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

It is spectacular and worth the extra trip – it’s super easy if visiting Magic Kingdom. It’s just a quick resort monorail stop away. 

When do the Disney gingerbread houses go up?

The Disney Grand Floridian Resort Gingerbread House is on display November 8th through January 1, 2024. You can get the full schedule for each gingerbread display at Disney here.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House at Disney at Christmas.

Get up to 76% off of the Orlando attractions with Groupon TODAY!

A Very Disney World Christmas: What’s happening at the parks for the holiday season?

There are so many things to do at Disney for Christmas across all four parks, it will be hard to get it all in this guide. 

Epcot Festival of the Holidays. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
EPCOT at Christmas

I’ll highlight the best of the best at each park; be sure to add these to your park itinerary when you visit. 

Magic Kingdom at Christmas

The Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is the highlight of the holidays at Magic Kingdom. It’s back in all its holly jolly glory. 

Santa and Reindeers during Disney Christmas Parade Magic Kingdom. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Parade (Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.)

After a 2-year hiatus and an After Hours version offered in 2021, Disney fans are delighted this popular event we know and love came back in 2022!

When does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party start?

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicked off on November 9th 2023, the first of 25 party dates scheduled this year! 

Disney Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree on Main Street USA next to City Hall. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney World Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

What’s offered at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Celebrate a Disney Christmas with special entertainment like “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, snow on Main Street U.S.A, and more! 

Fireworks Show at the Magic Kingdom Disney Very Merry Christmas Party

You’ll also find lots of characters out in the park wearing their holiday best, unlimited cookies and hot chocolate and elaborate decorations across the park. 

It’s fun for all ages! There is no better event to get everyone in the Christmas mood.

Disney Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland Galactic Gateway Stage with Silver Christmas Trees. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

Event dates are selling out quickly. If you want to attend, you can purchase your tickets here. 

More Disney Christmas Magic 

Holiday overlays are also a huge attraction (no pun intended) at Magic Kingdom during the holidays. 

Disney Magic Kingdom Holiday Christmas Trolley with Winnie the Pooh Tigger in front of Theater. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

While Disney can’t change attractions overnight, they can decorate them to get into the holiday spirit.

One of the best attraction holiday overlays at Walt Disney World is the Jungle Cruise (known as the “Jingle Cruise”) for the holidays. 

The queue, the jokes, the boats and more all have a holiday twist that you can’t miss. 

Jingle Cruise Disney World Magic Kingdom. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Jingle Cruise at Christmastime

It is one of the most popular attractions during the holidays – Disney fans can’t get enough of the corny, jingling jokes! Be sure to make this attraction a priority!

Hipster Power Tip: If you are visiting during the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, all of the entertainment offered during MVMCP is free to all day Guests. Plan to include some of these into your Magic Kingdom itinerary.

Christmas at EPCOT

EPCOT gets started a little later with their holiday festivities then the other three parks. 

Christmas at Walt Disney World Epcot World Showcase with Tall Christmas Tree. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

Disney needs to wait until the Food and Wine Festival ends (on November 18th) to bring in any of the holiday entertainment, food, drink, etc.

When does the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays start?

The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays kicks off on November 24th and runs through December 30th of 2023. 

Epcot Festival of the Holidays 8 Germany Pavilion Christmas Story. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

Why We Love the Holidays at EPCOT

This festival is one of the shortest offered throughout the year, but it is the most celebrated and joyous of all the festivals. 

There is nothing more spectacular than EPCOT (and the World Showcase specifically) during the holidays.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Santa Claus Story Teller in UK Pavilion. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Santa Claus Story Teller in UK Pavilion

Similar to all other festivals in EPCOT, the holiday festival offers some incredibly delicious food and drink options at the various festival food booths (called “Holiday Kitchens”) throughout the park. 

Epcot Festival of the Holidays Christmas Food Turkey Dinner in front of Christmas Tree. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

There are not as many booths (or “kitchens”) as the Food and Wine offers, but there are still a lot of yummy options!

What’s offered at EPCOT Festival of the Holidays?

Don’t miss out on the Holiday Cookie Stroll – visit various locations around the World Showcase to get special cookies. Get them all and you get a free bonus one! It’s super fun and delicious, too!

Epcot Christmas Festival of the Holiday Candlelight Processional with Santa in the American Pavilion. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

The EPCOT Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions found across all four parks at Walt Disney World. 

Hear the story of Christmas presented by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by an orchestra and choir. 

Christmas at Epcot 2013 during Candlelight Processional with James Denton. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
Epcot Candlelight Processional

This amazing celebration of Christmas is shown nightly from November 24 to December 30, 2023. 

Similar to the concerts that happen during other festivals, this is included in your Epcot ticket, but is insanely popular so if you know you want to attend consider booking a dining package for guaranteed seating at one of the shows.

Hollywood Studios at Christmas

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of my favorites to visit during the holiday season. 

Hollywood Studios Christmas tree and decorations with pink poodle dog like large ornaments. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

If you love retro and vintage Christmas like I do, this park is for you! Hollywood Studios is covered in vintage and festive decor. You’ll want to spend extra time at this park just to take it all in.

The most beautiful area is Echo Lake, near Gertie (the big dinosaur). 

Gertie Dinosaur for Christmas at Hollywood Studios. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

Here’s where you find the massive park Christmas tree, amazing holiday cocktails, old-school holiday music (think Perry Como, Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams), an old-world vintage charm that you will absolutely fall in love with, and the NEW Jollywood Nights! 

Why We Love Hollywood Studios at Christmastime

This whole area is pure Disney Christmas magic, full of nostalgia. Be sure to come back at night and see how spectacular the lights glisten on the lake.

Christmas in Hollywood Studios with Gertie in Santa Hat. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

After you take in the lights on the lake, be sure to wander down Sunset Boulevard to catch Sunset Seasons Greetings, a projection show on the Tower of Terror. 

And now with the return of Fantasmic!, this area will be bustling at night. 

Fantasmic Disney Company Photo
Fantasmic! (Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.)

I suspect it will be full of Disney Christmas cheer and festive vibes. Plus, I actually love the projection show and I highly recommend it. 

Overgrown palms outside the façade of The Hollywood Tower Hotel, home of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios

It plays continuously all night from dark to closing so it’s easy to fit into your park plans.

They have four different mini-shows playing on a loop with various soundtracks and projections so make sure to stick around to see them all. 

Watch how the whole street becomes a Winter Wonderland as it snows on Sunset Boulevard.

The best place to watch is close to the Tower to ensure you see all the fun details in the projections.

Christmas at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom probably has the least holiday festivities of all the parks, but where they excel is the exceptional decor and overall holiday vibe.

Animal Kingdom Tree of Life

The Merry Menagerie, adorable life-size animal puppets, have quickly become a crowd pleaser. 

They can be found wandering all over Discovery Island, right at the entrance to the park near the Tree of Life. 

Christmas at Animal Kingdom with Animal Puppets Merry Menagerie. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.
The Merry Menagerie (Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.)

These artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals—like penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears are the most charming things. Videos or photos do not do them justice. 

You just have to go and see them!

Why We Love Animal Kingdom at Christmas 

Live musicians stroll around as well, making this whole area so magical.They are an absolute hit and quickly became a fan fave when they debuted just a few short years ago.

Keep in mind they do take some breaks throughout the day, so you may need to hang around the area to see them all. They also don’t stay out late so visit before 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to see them.

More Holiday Offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Also scheduled to begin on November 11th, the Tree of Life Awakening – Holiday Edition, a special projection and musical show presented on the Tree of Life (final details pending for 2023). 

Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree in the Front Entrance. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

Like all the things at Animal Kingdom, this show is unexpectedly sweet and magical, and they have several different mini-shows that play from dark till closing so hang around a bit to see them. 

You can only see these on the front of the Tree closest to the entrance.

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to check out the festive decor at Disney Springs for Christmas this year! It’s a free thing to do at Disney for the holidays.

My Final Thoughts on Your First Disney World Christmas Trip

Christmas at Disney World is by far the most magical and joyous time to celebrate and visit. 

Disney Christmas Tree Decor at Magic Kingdom. Keep reading to learn more about your Disney Christmas trip and the Disney Christmas decorations.

There are truly so many things to do and see at Disney for Christmas, there is no shortage of fun to be had. 

While planning a Disney Christmas trip can be intense, once you are there be sure to take it all in, enjoy the festivities, and treasure the time with family and friends. 

Complete Guide to the Perfect Disney Christmas Trip
Save This Article for Later Using the Share Button Below!

Disney Christmas is pure magic. If you are going to visit Walt Disney World, make it during Christmas-time!

Until next time, Happy Holidays Hipster!

About the Author

Marine Disney Blogger and Travel Writer

Hi there! I’m Marnie from A Disney State of Mind, a creative Disney writer and blogger with 35+ years of travel and park experience.

I have a fierce and contagious passion for all things Disney.

I specialize in simplifying the complexities of planning a Disney vacation by sharing travel tips, park strategies, the latest park news, unbiased reviews, and advice to make the most of your Walt Disney World experience.

Follow all my adventures @adisneystateofmind on Instagram and Facebook.

(Original Article Date: November 14, 2014/Updated on November 10, 2023)

Share this article!

2 thoughts on “How to Survive Your First Disney World Christmas Trip Like a Pro!”

Leave a Comment