Most people might more readily associate a visit to Walt Disney World with the summer season. With the kids free from school and the weather in far more favorable conditions, millions of families flock to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” each year the high days of summer roll around.
What most people might not know, however, is that the best time to visit Walt Disney World is amidst the holiday season.
While each of Disney’s four parks tend to be at their busiest during the final weeks of December, there’s a serious argument to be made in favor of venturing to Walt Disney World for the holidays. Not only is the winter weather in Florida far more durable than, say, July or August; it also offers visitors access to some of the festive sights and activities you’ll find for the holiday.
From joyful decorations, themed character meet-and-greets, and limited-edition food and merchandise, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when stepping foot in WDW’s magical winter wonderland.
Holiday Festivities Await Around Every Corner
As lifelong fans of the theme park are sure to agree, one area Disney always shines brightest is immersion and ambiance. Just as it feels like you’re starring in your personal Golden Age movie in Hollywood Studios or trekking through an authentic African safari in Animal Kingdom, Disney truly conjures the unique atmosphere of the holidays with their holiday settings.
Like most major holidays, most of the theme parks inside Disney experience a festive makeover for winter. Starting in early November, fans will notice seasonal decorations throughout the parks, including red-and-green lights, colorful wreaths, and towering Christmas trees.
Along with classic holiday music, visitors will also be able to enjoy yuletide parades, displays, shows, and other themed events. Some of the parks’ most iconic attractions even feature a seasonally appropriate transformation, such as the world famous Jungle Cruise, which in turn become the “Jingle Cruise” throughout November and December.
Limited-Time Opportunities, From Late-Night Parties to Rare Character Encounters
Of course, one of the main reasons to head to WDW for the holidays has to do with two special events the parks host for the season. At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, guests can get after-hours access to Magic Kingdom. Along with exclusive merch, food, and beverage items, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy merry experiences unlike any other.
This includes the chance to witness Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade flight by; gawk at dazzling rockets exploding over Cinderella’s Castle for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show; and marvel at the whimsical theatrics of Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show.
Similarly, Disney’s Hollywood Studios leans into the winter season with its own special event. With Disney’s Jollywood Nights, visitors can partake in the same convenient amenities as its Magic Kingdom counterpart. From low attraction wait times to exclusive food items, this limited-time celebration is a must-do for those interested in a Disney-centric holiday.
Of course, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights also hosts exclusive experiences you won’t find anywhere else inside WDW. Among these, fans can expect to jam along to “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along”; a Muppets-style holiday show with Disney Holidays in Hollywood; and the vibrant nighttime spectacular, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! that you simply won’t want to miss.
