Traveling to Walt Disney World during the holiday season brings a little extra magic and pixie dust. With that also comes some larger crowds and additional planning. We have some hot takes to help you have the most magical trip possible. These will help you navigate the crowds, experience the magic, and have a fantastic time at Walt Disney World this holiday season.
Go Early
If you want to get ahead of the crowds this holiday season, you must set that alarm. Head to the Disney Parks in the morning to take advantage of the lower crowds. Take advantage of early entry for those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. This allows you to enter any of the four Disney Parks thirty minutes before the posted opening time.
Although this isn’t a lot of time, it can make a huge difference. By being in the Parks bright and early, you set yourself up to be head of the crowd all day long. This can make a big difference as you navigate between rides and attractions.
We know that getting up early might not be your favorite part of a Disney vacation, but if you can get to the Parks early, you will be happy with the lower wait times.
Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes
Another major tip for navigating Walt Disney World’s holidays is investing in Genie+ and Individual Lighting Lanes. Both options are excellent ways to move around the crowds and spend less time in line.
Individual Lightning Lanes are available for four specific rides at Walt Disney World. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort can purchase this at 7:00 am. The rides that are currently included are Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Seven Dwarf Mine Train, Avatar: Flight of Passage, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. As these are the most popular rides at Walt Disney World, during the holiday season when we see larger crowds purchasing these can lower your overall wait time.
Genie+ is also added daily; the cost starts at $15 per day and goes up to $30 per day. By purchasing this, Guests can book rides and attractions throughout the day. This allows them to skip the standby lines and avoid the long wait times that build throughout the day.
If traveling to Walt Disney World during the holiday season, having both Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes budgeted for will significantly impact navigating the crowds.
Enjoy the Extra Magic
One of the great things about traveling to Walt Disney World during the holiday season is all the extra magic available throughout the Parks. Take advantage of these during your trip by planning.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back at Magic Kingdom. This party takes place on specific nights throughout November and December. During this event, Guests experience special holiday events such as the holiday parade and fireworks display.
Over at EPCOT, Guests will want to consider experiencing Candlelight Processional. This is the retelling of the Christmas Story movingly using a narrator, orchestra, and choir. It takes place a few times a night, and you can book a dining package to secure a seat at the show.
These are just two of the most significant holiday events at Walt Disney World. When visiting during the holiday season, look into all the holiday experiences you might want to take advantage of during your vacation.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is essential during any Disney vacation, but flexibility becomes even more critical during the busier holiday season. Head into the day with an overall plan, but be willing to adjust and change your plan.
Don’t be so stuck to your plans that you don’t allow yourself time to enjoy magical moments as they come up. You never know what your kids will enjoy or what meltdowns might happen. Be okay with having to adjust so everyone can continue to have a magical time.
Enjoy the Resorts
There is a lot of magic outside of Disney Parks during the holiday season. Make sure you plan some time during your vacation to step away from the Parks to enjoy the Disney Resorts.
Visit the beautiful gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A great carousel also features our favorite princesses at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Resort transform their lobbies with outstanding Christmas trees. These magnificent trees are worth the visit to these beautiful Resorts.
Take time out of the Disney Parks to enjoy the holiday spirit that comes to the Disney Resorts during the season.
Step Away
It can be tempting to want to be in the Disney Parks from opening to closing during the holiday season. There is so much to see and do that we often can get wrapped up in trying to do it all. Take time during your vacation to step away from the Parks.
As we mentioned, visit some Disney Resorts to enjoy the holiday decorations. Enjoy a meal at some of these great Resorts or just walk around and take in the beautiful themes.
Allow yourself time to head back to your Disney Resort and relax. Enjoy the pools, the dining, and the activities that are available at your Disney Resort. Taking time away from the busy Disney Parks during your vacation will be necessary during the holiday season. Allow yourself time to rest, reset, and be ready to head back for more magic.
The holiday season is so magical at Walt Disney World. We hope these tips will help you have a great time celebrating this holiday season at Walt Disney World.
