Any time of year is a magical time at the Walt Disney World Resort; however, the Christmas season takes the magic and pixie dust up a level. If you are planning on heading down to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, you will want to make sure you know these important facts.
Being aware of these ten things will help you be even more prepared for a magical time. We are slowly starting to hear more about what Walt Disney World is planning for the 2022 holiday season, and that will be things you need to know about before your trip. Here are ten things you need to know about Walt Disney World during the Disney holiday season.
1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season at Walt Disney World is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. This special ticketed event will be offered on select nights throughout November and December.
During this event, Guests are able to enjoy a variety of unique events exclusive to the party. The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is going to be back for 2022. In this parade, Guests will be able to see some of their favorite characters in their holiday gear, Santa Claus, and enjoy “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks are going to light up the night sky over Magic Kingdom on party nights. This show includes great music, amazing fireworks, and truly outstanding projections that transform Cinderella Castle.
Guests are also able to enjoy free cookies, dance parties, photo opportunities, and so much more. If you are a huge Christmas fan, this holiday party is going to be something you’ll want to add to your holiday vacation to Walt Disney World.
2. Candlelight Processional
Magic Kingdom isn’t the only Disney Park that gets some extra magic during the holidays. EPCOT brings the Christmas story to life during the extremely moving Candlelight Processional. This special show will be back at EPCOT starting November 25th.
The show includes a celebrity narrator along with a 50-piece orchestra and choir that retells the traditional Christmas story. As this event provides limited seating, in the past choosing a dining package would be helpful to ensure a seat to the performance.
Although Disney hasn’t released these yet, be aware that booking one can be extremely beneficial. Stay tuned to learn more about this amazing experience as we get closer to November.
3. Festival of the Holiday
Another amazing event that takes place during the holidays at EPCOT is the Festival of the Holiday. This festival will start on November 25th bringing holiday kitchens, special merchandise, unique entertainment and so much more to EPCOT’s World Showcase.
We love the holiday storytellers that bring their holiday traditions to Guests from around the world. These amazing storytellers shouldn’t be overlooked. Take time during the festival to enjoy some great good and wonderful entertainment that will surely get you in the holiday spirit.
4. Check Park Hours
With so many special events happening in all the Disney Parks for the holiday season, make sure you check Park hours. Events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom will cause the Park to close to regular Park Guests early. For example, right now for the Halloween party, we are seeing Magic Kingdom close at 6 pm for the 7 pm party start time.
If you only have a single-day Park ticket, you probably don’t want to use it during a party day. On the other hand, if you have a Park hopper, you might want to start or head to Magic Kingdom as crowds could be lower with the people not wanting to head to the Magic Kingdom Park with shorter hours offered.
Disney will also adjust Park hours depending on crowds during the holiday season. Hours can be extended giving Guests even more time in the Parks.
Disney will often do this around a week or so out, so make sure you are checking often before your trip.
5. Consider a Park Hopper
With so much to see and do during the holiday season, think about purchasing a Park Hopper. This addition to your ticket will allow you to move between all four Disney Parks after 2 pm. This can be a great way to enjoy all the different holiday that happens throughout the Walt Disney World Property.
Even though Park hoppers are an additional cost, during the holiday season it can be a great upgrade. Being able to move between the Parks can be a huge advantage. Enjoy more food, see more holiday magic fun, and enjoy more magic.
6. Crowds
If you are planning on heading down during the holiday season, make sure that you plan for crowds. We have lots of great tips on How to Disney to help you navigate crowds. Use these to make a plan so you don’t spend your vacation in line.
7. Weather
Even though we would love to think that Disney is always sunny and warm, the reality is that it does get cold. Make sure that you pack layers for the holiday season. Mornings and evenings in the Parks can be chilly.
Think about having a light coat, hats, gloves, and layers to keep yourself warm while you enjoy the Parks.
8. Plan For Dining
Because this is a busier time at Walt Disney World, having a plan for dining is going to be important. If you are wanting to enjoy some table service meals, make sure that you are ready to make dining reservations within 60 days.
For those that prefer quick service, you still want to have a plan. Know how to mobile order on the My Disney Experience app and be ready to do so early on in the day.
Don’t wait until everyone is hungry to make a plan. Know where you want to eat and get that plan made early on.
9. Be Flexible
We always recommend having a plan when heading to Walt Disney World. Knowing what you want to experience in each of the Parks can really set you up for a successful time. With that in mind, make sure that you are flexible.
The holidays are so magical that you will want to allow yourself to be flexible and experience all of the unique offerings. Slow down and enjoy the decorations, take pictures, and enjoy all the fun.
10. Take In the Magic
Disney is always magical, but the holiday season takes it up a notch. When visiting during the holiday season, make sure you take time to enjoy the magic all around. As we said before, enjoy the details in the decorations. Take time to visit Disney Resorts. Take a lot of pictures. Disney does an amazing job of bringing the holiday season to Guests. Don’t miss out by rushing around.
If you are heading to Walt Disney World for Christmas this season, make sure you are ready with these 10 takeaways.
