Incorporating these items and events in your itinerary will help you plan the Ultimate Holiday Vacation at Walt Disney World
Enchanting decorations, festive entertainment, and special events-no one does the holiday season like Walt Disney World! The resort transforms the year-round warmth of the central Florida area into a winter wonderland that will make your Christmas vacation truly unforgettable. With ALL of the holiday offerings Disney World offers, planning that holiday vacation can be a bit intimidating. Read on as we guide you through planning the ultimate Christmas vacation at Walt Disney World, including all the must-see attractions and events.
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When the holiday season arrives, Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the park is adorned with twinkling lights, joyful music fills the air, and Disney Characters don their merriest attire. Here are some highlights of this festive event:
- Fantastically Festive Entertainment: Don’t miss Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show, a dazzling display of lights and music that will leave you in awe.
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: Disney Characters take to the streets in a yuletide-themed parade, spreading holiday cheer to everyone.
- Meet Your Favorite Characters: Get the perfect holiday picture with your favorite Disney pals dressed in their Christmas best.
- Sweet Treats: Savor sweet moments with complimentary cookies and cocoa, available at select locations throughout the park.
- Winter Wonderland: Experience the magic of “snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A., creating a picturesque winter scene.
- Elaborate Decorations: Admire the breathtaking decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life all around the park.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party runs on select nights from November 9 to December 22, 2023. Ticket prices vary based on the date of your visit, with special discounts for children aged 3 to 9. Remember that event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or theme park reservation.
While visiting Magic Kingdom Park during the Holiday season, make sure to explore some of the iconic attractions, including:
- Adventureland: Experience the holiday twist on the classic Jingle Cruise and enjoy adventures on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Frontierland: Take a thrilling ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
- Liberty Square: Dare to visit the Haunted Mansion for a spooky holiday adventure.
- Fantasyland: Delight in classic attractions like “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
- Storybook Circus: Take a spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Barnstormer.
- Tomorrowland: Enjoy futuristic fun on attractions like Space Mountain (with a holiday twist), Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise.
For a holiday celebration with a bit of Hollywood glitz and glam, head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights from November 11 to December 20, 2023, for Disney Jollywood Nights. This festive event offers a unique experience with glitzy decorations and themed celebrations. Here’s what you can expect:
- Merry Mashups: Enjoy yuletide entertainment, including live bands, a new stage show, and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular.
- Attractions & Characters: Take advantage of lower wait times for your favorite attractions and meet beloved Characters for spirited season’s greetings.
- Event-Exclusive Shows: Enjoy musical variety shows with special guests like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Don’t miss the spirited sing-along experience and the dazzling Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular.
- Themed Entertainment: Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as you explore swanky venues and hot spots around Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From DJs spinning holiday mixes to lively street fairs and jazzy lounges, there’s something for everyone.
While at the park, be sure to check out all of the wonderful Holiday decorations as well as the nighttime holiday projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel!
Heading on over to EPCOT, be sure to check out the International Festival of the Holidays. Available from November 24 through December 30, 2023, this event is a celebration of cultures from around the world and features various festive activities:
- Candlelight Processional: Listen to the stirring story of Christmas as told by celebrity narrators in the World Showcase at EPCOT.
- Holiday Cookie Stroll: Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious treats from around the world as you explore the festival.
- Holiday Storytellers: Embark on a journey with Holiday Storytellers sharing holiday traditions from around the world, offering insight into different cultures’ celebrations.
Don’t forget to check out Animal Kingdom, where the magic of nature combines with a myriad of seasonal delights. Animal Kingdom does not get as much attention as the other three parks when it comes to holiday decorations, but this park is packed with holiday cheer and magic! Here are some events at Animal Kingdom you do not want to miss out on:
- Merry Menagerie – Discovery Island is transformed via artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals, including penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears.
- Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition – Watch in awe as the park’s magnificent icon shimmers and sparkles each evening, accompanied by a heartwarming musical score. The experience begins at dusk and is subject to change.
- Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurer’s Outpost – Pose for a photo with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse all decked out in their holiday attire.
- Seasonal Décor – Discover festive trimmings and touches around the park.
Related: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Parties Returning for 2023
All of the Disney resorts also get in on the Holiday action, featuring decorations throughout that fit the theme of the resort. Wilderness Lodge is my favorite resort to visit during the Holiday season, as the theme of the resort feels warm and cozy when it is all decked out for Christmas.
Planning the ultimate Christmas vacation at Walt Disney World is a magical experience that will create cherished memories for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, enjoying attractions in the park, or exploring EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, Disney World offers a festive and enchanting holiday season that will leave you with a heart full of joy and holiday spirit. Don’t miss out on the chance to make this Christmas truly special at the Most Magical Place on Earth!
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