Is Disney World at Christmas Worth the Visit (in 2024)?

Disney World at Christmas can be magical.

Picture the parks and resorts transformed into winter wonderlands.

Imagine gorgeous lights, enchanting parades, and festive decorations everywhere you look.

But, unfortunately, there is more to the Christmas season than perfect celebrations.

There’s definitely a handful of cons of visiting at this time of year.

So, today, we’ll help you decide if a holiday visit is right for you.

This post is all about answering the question: ‘Is it worth visiting Disney World at Christmas 2024?’

Disney World at Christmas

Does Disney World Do Anything for Christmas?

YES.

Disney World at Christmas is nothing short of spectacular.

As soon as you step into the park, you’re greeted with an explosion of holiday cheer. Everything from the decorations to the entertainment is transformed to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Stunning Decorations

Walking through Disney World during Christmas feels like stepping into a holiday card.

The entire park is adorned with twinkling lights, oversized ornaments, and festive wreaths. Main Street, U.S.A., is especially breathtaking, with its towering Christmas tree and garlands hanging from every building.

The Disney World Christmas decorations are some of the best you’ll find at a theme park!

Main Street, U.S.A.: A towering Christmas tree welcomes visitors as they enter the park, with garlands and wreaths decorating every building.

Resorts: From the gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian (arguably the best Disney World hotel at Christmas time) to the gingerbread carousel at Beach Club, visiting the resorts is an attraction in itself!

And almost everywhere at Disney World!

Enchanting Entertainment

Disney World doesn’t hold back when it comes to holiday entertainment. Special parades and shows electrify the park, making the season even more magical.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This special ticketed event features a festive parade, snowfall on Main Street, and a fireworks show that lights up the night sky.

christmas decorations at disney world — Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Disney Jollywood Nights: This is Hollywood Studios’ glamorous Christmas party. With fun shows, great food offerings and a nighttime show.

Epcot Festival of the Holidays: Epcot offers a global holiday experience like no other. The International Festival of the Holidays (November 29th-December 30th, 2024) is a must-see event that celebrates holiday traditions from around the world. Mainly, this means you can celebrate by trying food and drinks from around the world!

Candlelight Processional at Epcot: A beautiful retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by an orchestra and choir.

Delightful Holiday Treats

What’s Christmas without some delicious treats? Disney World offers an array of holiday-themed snacks and beverages that are sure to satisfy your festive cravings.

Gingerbread Creations: Elaborate gingerbread houses and cookies are found all around the resort.
Holiday-themed Beverages: Indulge in festive hot cocoa and eggnog (these are unlimited at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!).
Seasonal Sweets: You can find different Christmassy snacks at different parks and resorts.

Character Greetings

Meeting beloved Disney characters dressed in their holiday best is a highlight for many visitors. Imagine snapping a picture with Mickey and Minnie in festive outfits or catching a glimpse of Santa Claus himself!

Santa Claus: You can find Santa in various locations throughout the parks, ready to hear your Christmas wishes.
Disney Characters: Many of your favorite characters, like Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, in festive outfits for the season. You don’t tend to see the characters in their Christmas outfits throughout the day. BUT at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, you can expect to!

How Busy is Disney World at Christmas?

Visiting Disney World at Christmas is a dream come true for many, but it’s important to know what to expect in terms of crowds and wait times. This magical season attracts visitors from all over the world, making it one of the busiest times of the year. Before you plan your trip, let’s dive into what you need to know about the holiday crowds and how it might impact your experience.

Crowds and Wait Times

‘Is Disney World crowded around Christmas?’

Christmas at Disney World is synonymous with high crowds. The festive atmosphere draws families and tourists, looking to make unforgettable holiday memories. Here’s what you can anticipate:

Peak Season: The weeks leading up to Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve see the heaviest crowds. Schools are on break, and many families choose this time for their Disney vacation. Be prepared for packed parks, long lines, and bustling streets.
Wait Times: Popular attractions can have wait times of over an hour, sometimes even reaching two hours or more.

But don’t let this discourage you. Here are some tips to navigate the crowds and still have a magical experience:

Arrive Early: Get to the parks at opening time. The first few hours of the day are generally quieter, allowing you to enjoy some attractions with shorter wait times.
Use Lightning Lanes: Don’t mind paying extra to skip the lines? Check out Disney’s Lightning Lane (new updates starting on July 24th).
Prioritize Must-See Attractions: Make a list of your top rides and shows. Focus on those during your visit, so you don’t miss out on your favorites.
Attend Holiday Events: Special events, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, offer unique experiences that you can’t miss. These events often come with limited capacity, providing a more exclusive feel. That being said, they are expensive – usually $150+ per ticket!

Visiting Disney World during Christmas requires some strategic planning, but with a bit of effort, you can still enjoy the magic of the season despite the busy atmosphere.

Accommodation & Ticket Pricing – Best Places to Stay at Disney World at Christmas

Finding the right place to stay is crucial when planning your Disney World Christmas trip. With various accommodations and fluctuating prices, it’s essential to choose what fits your budget and preferences.

How much does it cost to go to Disney World at Christmas?

Visiting Disney World during Christmas can be expensive, but the magic makes it worth every penny. Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose and how early you start planning.

Usually, Disney will offer promotions on hotels (to Annual Passholders and other guests).

The discounts tend to be higher on more expensive (Deluxe) hotels, but you can still find pretty good deals on Value (and Moderate) Resorts.

Check out Disney’s Special Offers page to find a great deal for your Christmas vacation!

But as a general rule, hotels will be less expensive during most of November (avoiding Thanksgiving) and early-mid December, peaking over the Christmas and New Year periods.

Disney World tickets can also be VERY expensive at this time of year (as we outline in our post, The Insane Prices of Disney World 1 Day Tickets in 2024).

Is It Worth the Visit? – Is Disney World good at Christmas?

Okay, so I’ve mentioned mainly positive things about visiting Disney World (other than some of the pricing just mentioned).

But, what are the cons?

Cons and Considerations

While Disney World at Christmas is magical, there are a few downsides to consider:

Crowds: Christmas is one of the busiest times at Disney World. Expect long lines for attractions and crowded streets. It’s important to plan your visit carefully to make the most of your time.
Higher Costs: Prices for tickets and accommodations soar during the holiday season. Be prepared to spend more than you would at many other times of the year.
Weather: While Florida is known for its warm weather, December can bring unpredictable temperatures. You might need to pack both your sundresses and your winter coats.

how busy is disney world at christmas — Even with sweaters and coats, it was still COLD on this late November evening at Hollywood Studios!

Limited Availability: Special events and dining reservations can fill up quickly. Early planning and booking are essential to secure spots for your must-do activities.
Stress: Navigating through heavy crowds and long waits can be stressful.

Ta Ta For Now

Is Disney World worth visiting during Christmas? Absolutely, if you’re ready for the crowds and higher costs in exchange for a holiday experience like no other. With the right planning, you can enjoy the festive magic and create unforgettable memories.

This post was all about answering the question: ‘Is it worth visiting Walt Disney World at Christmas 2024?’