If you’re heading to Walt Disney World to celebrate the holidays, lucky you! If you’re not, you can live vicariously through this post and then save your money for a future trip- there is no better time to visit! Of course the closer you get to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the crazier things get as far as attendance, but everyone should experience the magic of Christmas at Disney. It helps that the holiday season starts now, so we have plenty of time to celebrate! I’ll go location by location and outline my favorite Christmas must-dos while you’re there.

Christmas in Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom:

Credit: Disney / Ryan Wendler, photographer

Perhaps the most magical park to visit during Christmas, there is PLENTY to do and see at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Here are some of my favorites:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (It is DEFINITELY worth the extra admission: smaller crowds, access to attractions, special parades, fireworks, designated treat areas for complimentary snacks/cookies and cocoa, and of course a visit from Santa! For a full review of last year’s party, check out my post from 2016.)

A Frozen Holiday Wish: watch the castle turn to ice thanks to our Frozen friends, Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff

Jingle Cruise: seriously get a FP+ for this. The Christmas overlay is amazing and the cheesy Christmas/Jungle Cruise puns are fantastic

What to Eat: The holiday cinnamon roll or the peppermint cupcake from Main Street Bakery
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Epcot:

Credit: Attractions Magazine

Epcot is a beautiful way to see how other countries across the world celebrate the holidays. Celebrate at “Festival of the Holidays” featuring the ever popular Candlelight Processional, Holiday Kitchens featuring Christmas treats from around the world, a holiday version of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, and plenty of Christmas-themed entertainment, including an incredible Gospel choir by the Fountain of Nations.

What to Eat: The Bûche de Noël au Chocolat from the Alsace (France) marketplace, or if you’re craving something savory, the cheese fondue in a bread bowl from the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen
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Hollywood Studios: 

Credit: Disney

Even though we all miss the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Hollywood Studios has really embraced the holiday season more than ever!
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! : projection show and fireworks on Hollywood Boulevard featuring Santa’s elves “Prep and Landing”
Sunset Season’s Greetings: new to this year, Sunset Boulevard will get a stunning holiday overlay, and the Hollywood Tower Hotel will become Toy Tower!

What to Eat: The “Prep and Landing” gingerbread cupcake found at ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American Cafe, Catalina Eddie’s Sweet Spells and The Trolley Car Cafe; for the 21+ crowd, get a hot chocolate “flight” featuring three alcoholic cocoas from Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner or Fairfax Fare
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

Credit: Disney

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has one of my favorite trees on property. Take a moment to look at the decorations: hand-carved wooden ornaments, animal masks, festive safari themes and garland cover the tree. Holiday offerings at Animal Kingdom are limited, but decorations are strewn about the park. It will be interesting to see if Pandora: World of Avatar celebrates the holiday season!

What to Eat: No word on a specialty holiday menu, but in the meantime, check out Satu’li Canteen in Pandora for a great quick service lunch or dinner.
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Disney Springs

Credit: Disney

A great way to take in the Christmas magic and save some money on park tickets is to spend an afternoon and evening at Disney Springs. Shop, enjoy a delicious dining experience at one of the award-winning restaurants, and check out the following:
Christmas Tree Trail: take a walk down the Christmas tree trail and see 25 trees that are specifically decorated based on classic Disney films and themes
Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt: kids can enjoy a holiday scavenger hunt featuring Stitch and his list of gifts that have gone missing!

What to Eat: For 21+ the snowflake margarita at Dockside Margaritas; for something savory, the holiday-themed poutine from The Daily Poutine; also The Ganachery has every treat you could ever want!
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Walt Disney World Resorts: 

Credit: Disney Tourist Blog

Perhaps the most spectacular decorations are the ones located in your Walt Disney World resort! Some of my favorites are Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and of course, Disney’s Grand Floridian where they have a life-sized gingerbread house!

Credit: Disney

As you can see, there is so much to do you likely won’t be able to fit it all in. All the more reason to go back year after year at this special time of year!

Have you been to Walt Disney World during the holiday season?
What is your favorite thing to do while you’re there?

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Warm Christmas Wishes,
Gina / Will Run for Disney