Christmas at Disney World Planning Guide 2023

When Does Christmas at Disney World Start?

If you’re ready for the holidays, and wondering when does Disney start Christmas. Then know that Disney World starts Christmas early! The day after Halloween in fact. So on top of their game, if you’re visiting Walt Disney World on October 31st for Halloween, you’ll be amazed to see the parks dressed up for Christmas the following morning. So when does Christmas start at Disney?

Disney Christmas Dates 2023

This year Christmas at Walt Disney World begins November 11, 2023 and runs through December 31, 2023. With a new Disney Christmas time events, like the  NEW Disney Jollywood Nights Party, and returning favorites like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there is plenty of holiday fun. Be sure to check out everything happening this year for the holidays at Disney World. 

Is Disney World Open on Christmas Day?

Yes. Walt Disney World is open 365 days a year. And on Christmas Day, you can see the holiday entertainment typically reserved for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade happens at Magic Kingdom along with special shows and fireworks. And there are also plenty of places to grab Christmas Dinner at Walt Disney World too. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World during Christmas?

Disney World during Christmas is one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World. It can also sometimes be the busiest and most expensive. Luckily, you have options if you are looking for the best time to visit Disney for the Holidays. 

• November 1- 21: Weekdays. Minus Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Week
• December 1- 17: Weekdays. Minus Christmas Week and New Year’s Eve

The best dates to visit Walt Disney World for Christmas fall in the early part of November and the early part of December. If you are choosing the Early November dates, know that Christmas Decorations at Walt Disney World typically go up the third week in November. In 2023, you can expect Christmas Decorations at Walt Disney World to be up across the parks and resorts the week of  November 11th. Both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, on select nights November 9, 2023, and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios on select nights starting November 11, 2023, give you ample things to do during this time of year. If you’re choosing the Early December dates, you can take advantage of the EPCOT Festival of Holidays and the Candlelight Processional, both included with your EPCOT Park Ticket. 

What are the Busiest days during Christmas at Disney World?

The Week of Christmas is by far the busiest week to visit Walt Disney World during the holiday season. 

What are the Least Crowded Disney Christmas Dates in 2023?

Our favorite trick to find the Least Crowded Days at Disney World is easier than you think. Simply look for the Cheapest Disney Tickets on the Theme Park Ticket Rate Calendar. 

Not only a great way to find the cheapest times to visit Disney World at Christmas but also a great way to Save Money on your Disney Vacation! These are the days with the cheapest Disney Christmas Ticket prices as well as fewer crowds.

• November 1- 14, 2023
• November 25- December 14, 2023 

Christmas at Magic Kingdom Park

If you’re looking forward to a Magic Kingdom Christmas, look no further! considered to be one of the best Disney Parks for Christmas, you can find decorations around every corner, cheerful and festive Disney Christmas snacks, special entertainment, and holiday merchandise. Here is a snapshot of what’s happening at Magic Kingdom for the Holidays. 

Magic Kingdom Christmas Decorations

One of the best parts of Christmas at Walt Disney World is the decorations. And at Magic Kingdom, you can find Mickey wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees. Main Street USA in particular is known for its Toy Soldier display and the Town Square Christmas Tree. 

Frozen Holiday Surprise * NEW 2023*

A Brand New Christmas Show at Magic Kingdom has arrived! Frozen Holiday Surprise is a “Frozen”-inspired show that will illuminate the castle in a whole new way. Guests will be able to see Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle. Available during regular park hours and during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. New for 2023, we’re excited to see this new Christmas Castle lighting ceremony for the holidays. 

Cinderella Castle Holiday Projection Show

Beautiful digital projections cover Cinderella’s Castle with holiday designs throughout the evenings at Magic Kingdom. You can see gorgeous blues and golds, reds and greens, and even a fair isle sweater print pattern that shows up on the castle during this evening’s projection show. It loops every 15 minutes, so you’re sure to see gorgeous colors all evening long. Since it is dependent on nighttime lighting, this show is not offered on nights that Mickey’s Christmas Party is offered. Be sure to double-check park times before planning your Magic Kingdom Day so that you can choose a day without the party. 

Main Street Philharmonic and the Toy Soldier March

Adding a little holiday cheer throughout Magic Kingdom, the Main Street Philharmonic marching band and Toy Soldiers take to the streets throughout the day playing holiday music. The best view of this show is centered on Main Street, with Cinderella’s Castle in the background. 

Christmas Cavalcades

Walt Disney World Resort parks have a slew of Christmas Cavalcades that happen in each park throughout the holiday season. At Magic Kingdom, you can see Santa Christmas Cavalcade, A Royal Christmas Processional, Mickey’s Holiday Cavalcade, and Goofy’s Scrumptious Cavalcade. All offer unique takes with our favorite Disney characters decked out in holiday decorations and outfits. 

Holiday Trolley featuring the Dapper Dans

A staple in Magic Kingdom, the Dapper Dans, take to Main Street in their Christmas best. Courtesy of the Main Street Trolley singing songs with tidings of comfort and joy. Be sure to stop and listen for your favorite Christmas songs by this talented group!

 

Jingle Cruise on the Jungle Cruise

A fan favorite, Jingle Cruise returns every holiday season to Walt Disney World to add a little holiday cheer to the Jungle Cruise. With Holiday decorations, stories, and jokes, this boat ride should be on your holiday must-do list. 

The Christmas Shoppe

Available all year round The Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom debuts all the new Christmas ornaments and decor items as soon as the holiday season arrives. Be sure to stop by the shop to see the new seasonal merchandise. 

 

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition: You can also play the Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition game, finding Olaf in each country via stickers on a map, and then collecting a special prize.

 

Holiday Cookie Stroll: Take on the Holiday Cookie Stroll Challenge finding the 5 select dishes to try on your way to grabbing a foodie treat prize.

 

Holiday Storytellers: Visiting with the Holiday Storytellers in each country is a wonderful way to learn the history of Santa, Christmas, and all the holiday stories from across the globe. Check out What’s New for the Festival of Holidays at Disney World? for the details. 
 

Festival Kitchens

Ride Tips for Disney World at Christmas

Disney World at Christmas brings with it extra long lines just about everywhere. As such, if you’re visiting during the busiest time of year, then you should have a plan for riding rides. Every park has an extremely popular ride that will always require a longer wait or Lightning Lane pass.  So if any of these rides are on your Disney Christmas List get ready to either pay, wake up early, or stay up late. Here are some of the best Strategies for Rides at Walt Disney World during the most crowded times of the year, and the rides for which you may need them. If you’re using Genie+ or Lightning Lane, choose these popular rides FIRST, and choose the earliest time available to you in the app, so that as you complete them, you can choose more ride selections. 

Animal Kingdom’s Busiest Rides

Flight of Passage. Typical 2-3 hour wait during the holidays. On a rope drop morning, this goes down to about 45 minutes, unless you’re really fast, of course. 

Epcot’s Busiest Rides

Guardians of the Galaxy located in Epcot World Discovery is available via Disney Boarding Pass Virtual Queue. You must enter the Virtual Queue with drop times at 7am, 1pm and a special drop at 6pm for Disney Deluxe Resort Guests. 

For Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure we recommend you add these to your Disney Genie+ list, or plan to wait during meal times, when lines are lower. Waits are typically over an hour for Frozen Ever After and Remy during the holidays. 

Hollywood Studios Busiest Rides

Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge, Slinky Dog Dash and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway are the most popular rides in Hollywood Studio. We recommend adding these to your Genie+ selections or running to these rides once the gates open, as it gets pretty filled up throughout the day. 

Magic Kingdom’s Busiest Rides

TRON, Snow White’s Mine Train Ride and Peter Pan’s Flight are by far the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom. TRON currently has a Virtual Boarding Queue in place which is required in order to enter the ride. So be sure to check your My Disney Experience App at 7am and 1 pm to get into the Virtual Boarding Queue.  Pirates of the Caribbean, Jingle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion are also somewhat busy rides and all have devoted followings and higher waits this time of year. 

Disney Ride Tips for Busy Times

• Know which rides you’re hoping to ride BEFORE you enter the park. 
• Plan your ride order based on which rides are close to each other, so you’re not running across the park.
• You’ll find the lowest waits for rides during meal times (12-2 pm and 5-7 pm) and fireworks, parades, or showtimes.
• Try for rides later in the evening. The park typically empties right after fireworks, and all lines get lower. 
• Grabbing an early breakfast reservation inside any park will get you closer to the action for easy line access. 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Home to more than 20 years of Gingerbread Carousel Tradition, Disney’s Beach Club, welcomes a new Gingerbread Carousel each year. Every carousel is themed to a Disney character, movie, or place. Did we mention it’s life-size and moves too? An absolute must-see at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

This Victorian Gingerbread House in the lobby of the Grand Floridan Resort is made from real gingerbread, decorated in detail, and serves up gingerbread treats at the nearby cottage counter. A true excursion this holiday season, we recommend grabbing the monorail or hopping on a Disney Bus to the Grand Floridian so that you can see this in person! 

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

One of our favorite places to visit for the holidays is the Disney Campgrounds. If you’re staying there, you can rent a golf cart to drive around and see the camper’s Christmas Decorations. With each site decked to the nines, and RV’s at Fort Wilderness wearing their festive best, there is plenty to see here. Christmas lights galore can be found across Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, and you can grab hot cocoa at the commissary.  

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

If you’re longing for the cozy Christmas Cabin vibe, then head to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort for all the festive decor, a multi-story Christmas Tree, and festive Christmas Snacks at Roaring Fork. Smells of pine waft through the air here, and if you’re lucky you may even see a small Gingerbread Cabin during your visit. Grab a S’mores Latte and settle in by the fire. 

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Draped in elegance for the holidays, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort features a two-story Christmas Tree in the Barcelona Lounge area of the resort. Towering in front of large glass windows and among white marble columns, it’s a beautiful scene. Be sure to take some time here to grab hot chocolate or a drink, and settle into the sights of the season. 

Cost to Visit Disney World During Christmas 

Planning a Disney Vacation Budget to accommodate Disney for Christmas can be a little overwhelming. Not only do you have the expensive holiday travel, presents, winter packing, and special Disney Christmas events to consider. And never mind that you’re traveling during the Most Expensive Time of the Year at Disney. The Christmas season is generally tougher on your wallet than any other time of year. That said, it’s important to go in with a plan. Here’s what you’ll need to portion out in your budget.

Dining Cost

Disney Dining Plans are available at Disney World for Christmas and offer a great way to pre-pay for your meals. Alternatively, you can also review our post on how to create a Disney Dining Budget to get a handle on your Disney Food costs on your own. We typically recommend planning between 70-100 dollars per person, per day on food. This typically includes a breakfast ($15 dollars), a Quick Service meal ( $15-25), a Disney Snack ( $5-10), and a table service meal  ($35-80). As you can see the table service meal here is completely dependent on the restaurant you’ve chosen and what mealtime you are planning for. And while we’ve included the typical soda or coffee in these ranges, alcohol will blow your budget faster than anything else. So you may want to portion out alcohol purchases separately. As a reminder, contactless payments are preferred, so prepare to have a credit card attached to your My Disney Experience account so you can use your MagicBand to pay, or Mobile Order. Disney Gift Cards also work well here to help you stay on budget. 

 Transportation

You may only need to pay for transportation at Walt Disney World during certain times throughout your vacation. For instance, to and from the airport an Uber ride typically costs $30-50 dollars each way. But to and from your resort to a park for an important dining reservation when you’re running late is closer to $10 dollars. Plan, plan, plan to get the best handle on how much you should budget here. 

Tips and Gratuities

Generally, an 18% gratuity is added to your dining bill at any table-service restaurant for parties of 6 or more people. If you have less than that, a gratuity is still expected but at your discretion. You can check your receipt for the suggested tip amount- usually at least 15%. 

Parking Fees

If you’re not staying at a Disney Resort ( which gets you FREE resort parking and FREE theme park parking) then you’ll have to pay to park at the theme parks. Check out the Disney Parking Fees post for all the details on ways to AVOID them! 

Disney Christmas Snacks

Don’t underestimate the power of Disney snacks during the holidays. From adorable cupcakes covered in Mickey Santas to all things pumpkin, gingerbread, and peppermint, you’ll be enamored by the selection of Disney Christmas Snacks throughout the holidays. Snacks range from $5-10 dollars. 

International Festival of Holidays at Epcot 

Disney’s International Festival of Holidays happens every holiday season at Epcot, and while it is included in your Epcot park ticket, any of the festival foods will cost extra. To budget for this event, we recommend looking at the Festival of Holidays Menus ahead of time. This will help you nail down your favorite foods to try. Plan on between 5-8 dollars for a small plate, and between 9-15 dollars for alcoholic beverages. We recommend adding whatever amount you choose for this event to a Disney Gift Card. They do offer festival-specific gift cards that are wristlets. Which makes adding money and paying for your food at each outdoor kitchen a breeze. This helps you from going over your amount or at least realizing that at some point your gift card will have no more money on it. And if you’re planning on seeing the Candlelight Processional, consider a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. This is one of our favorite events at Disney for Christmas, so be sure not to miss it. 

Souvenirs

Yes, it’s Christmas time and chances are gifts are piled under a tree ( or hidden in a closet) at home but chances are you will still want some souvenirs. Decide what souvenirs you may be hoping for ahead of time. This is a fun conversation that can happen on a road trip to Florida or on an airplane. Typical souvenirs include Stuffed Animals ( $25 dollars), Mugs ( $20) Disney Jersey ($50-70 dollars), Mickey Ears ( $25-30 dollars), and Disney Popcorn Buckets ($10-25 dollars). Check out our favorite FREE Disney Souvenirs if you’re hoping to save some money. 

Christmas Shopping Disney Springs

Whether you’re buying a hoodie at Uniqlo because it suddenly becomes cold in Florida or stocking up on last-minute Christmas gifts so you don’t have to trudge through the snow at home, be sure to set aside Disney Springs money. From the 7-dollar Starbucks coffee at Disney to the gift for grandma, there will undoubtedly be things at Disney Springs you can’t find at home and will need to buy. Again, having a plan here is best. Making a half-day or a day at Disney Springs will include meals, snacks, and potentially gifts, so put aside some funds for this day. Check out everything you can do for Disney Springs at Christmas. 

Tips for Disney World Christmas Crowds

If you’re thinking Christmas at Walt Disney World is going to be all magic and miracles over the holidays at Walt Disney World, let’s set a few things straight. It will, but there are crowds and they can totally kill your happy holiday vibe if you’re not ready for it! Read about our strategies for dealing with Disney Holiday crowds, because you’ll need them for that 60-minute wait for the bus. Being prepared can help you stay realistic with your expectations.

We’ll be honest, we were caught off guard with just how much “crowd” would be showing up during the holidays. If you’re looking for all the Disney Christmas tips you’ll need to get through the holidays, check out our Christmas at Walt Disney World Tips post. Things like sketchy wi-fi, stroller parking, family drama, and how to manage transportation while your credit card is skyrocketing are all in the post and it’s a Must-Read if you are traveling during the season. 

Disney World Christmas Transportation Options

For one thing, it will come as no surprise that the holiday season is the most expensive and most stressful time to travel. That said, here are some strategies that will help with your holiday vacation plans. 

Flying to Walt Disney World During the Holidays

If you’re booking a flight, we recommend booking as soon as you know you are traveling. In the olden days, there was a pretty strict belief that the best time and cheapest time to snag flights was 45 days before your vacation. That doesn’t hold true during the holidays like it may other times of the year. Holiday travel sells out quickly, and the prices only go up the closer you get to the season. That said we recommend a few things if you’re flying during the holidays. 

• Sign up for Airline Loyalty Programs so you can get a first look at deals, offers, and alerts. 
• Upgrade your Credit Card to one with Travel Points
• Check out Google Flights or the Hopper app for a comprehensive view of all flights available during your travel dates
• Airline-wise, we are tried and true Southwest fans. The fact that they don’t charge for luggage is a godsend when we know we’ll be shopping for Christmas gifts you can only get at Walt Disney World parks and will have to transport that home. 
• Buy the Travel Insurance. With the weather, overbooked flights, and a higher chance you’ll lose your luggage, travel insurance is a good purchase during the busy Christmas travel season and you’ll get some peace of mind knowing that you have a safety net. 
• Buy the Early Bird Check-in for at least one person in your travel party

Driving to Walt Disney World for the Holidays

If you’re driving to Walt Disney World during the holiday season be aware of weather conditions that may show up during your journey to Orlando Florida. It’s also important to remember that just as we see higher crowds at the airport, you will also see higher congestion and traffic on Orlando roads. Be aware of your drive route ahead of entering the city and plan ample time to get to your resort, and settled. Here are a few recommendations if you’re bringing a car to Walt Disney World for the holidays. 

• Rent a Car, especially if you’re driving any distance. Unless your car is very new and you don’t mind putting the miles on it. Traveling in Rental Car is a good option to make sure you don’t break down during your vacation, in a car not used to long distances. 
• Sign up for the loyalty programs. Hertz, Enterprise, carrentals.com, and more all have loyalty programs that can help you get discounts and be notified of deals and extra perks. 
• Put your rental car charges on a separate credit card from your other expenses. Rental Car fees can add up and require a significant monetary hold on your credit card until the car is returned. Keeping this charge on a separate card can help you keep track of what you’re actually charged at the end of your trip. And can free up other credit cards for other charges. 
• Check your Car Insurance to make sure Rental Cars are covered on your policy. 
• Bring Snacks, Music, Blankets, and Activities for the Ride

Getting to Walt Disney World from Orlando International Airport

Guests traveling from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort have access to shuttles, Uber and Lyft. Check out all the options for Transportation from Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World.  

Getting Around Walt Disney World During the Holidays

Walt Disney World has many complimentary transportation options across the property. Buses, Boats, Monorails, Skyliner, as well as the typical Uber and Lyft services available. As a result, it’s fairly easy to get to and from anywhere across Walt Disney World property without a car. 

But, keep in mind that as complimentary services go, they are not set to YOUR schedule. And during the holidays they are the busiest.

You may wait longer than 1 hour at bus stops, and be unable to get a spot to the Monorail, and it’s not uncommon for the Disney Skyliner to break down under the constant strain of operations through the busiest time of year. Here are a few things to remember about transportation at Disney World during the Holidays.

• Be prepared to pay for Uber, Lyft or a taxi if you need to be somewhere for a reservation. 
• Consider Walking! Choosing to Stay at a Disney Resort in Walking Distance of the Disney Parks is ideal, but if you can’t swing it, there are shortcuts all over Walt Disney World that can help you avoid transportation issues. 
• Monorail Resorts ( Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian Resort) connect to MagicKingdom via a walking path.
• Boardwalk Resorts ( Boardwalk Inn, Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, Swan and Dolphin)  connect to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via a walking path
• Ferry Resorts ( Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West Resort) connect to Disney Springs via a walking path.