Christmas time is always a Magical time of the year for so many, and there is no better place to experience the holiday magic than at Walt Disney World Disney Resort. The sights, the sounds, and the smells – it’s all Amazing! You don’t have to wait until December to experience the Holiday magic at Walt Disney World – the theme parks change overnight after October 31.
Here is a list of the Top 5 Must-Dos if you are visiting Walt Disney World during the Holidays:
#5 Must-Do – Walt Disney World Resorts
Take time to visit the Walt Disney World Resorts – each resort has their own Holiday theme, and Christmas time is the perfect time to go check out that Disney resort you have been wanting to visit. The Grand Floridian Resort is one of my favorites for their Grand Christmas tree and the Grand Floridian culinary team builds a life size gingerbread house that has its own bakeshop. It’s definitely worth taking the time to hop on the monorail to go visit. While you’re on the monorail route stop at the Contemporary Resort which has their signature Christmas decorations including their Cinderella’s Castle gingerbread house. Be sure to visit the Beach Club Resort – it is also a favorite of mine with it’s nautical themed Christmas decor, and life size gingerbread carousel. All moving parts on the Carousel are edible and there are 20 Hidden Mickeys to find. Every Disney resort is sure to provide tons of Christmas delight.
#4 Must-Do – Disney Springs
Visit Disney Springs and do some Christmas shopping while visiting Walt Disney World Resort. You will also enjoy holiday-themed activities and beautiful Christmas decorations, and music. Be sure to stop and grab a Holiday treat as well. Here are two highlights you don’t want to miss at Disney Springs this Holiday season:
- Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth – Discover Christmas around every corner, as you come across a collection of elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout the neighborhoods of Disney Springs.
- Let It Snow! – Flurries are in the forecast for the West Side. In the evenings, delight in a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to your holiday shopping.
#3 Must-Do – Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Disney truly brings the Holiday Magic to each of its four theme parks. You really can’t skip one theme park during the holidays. There is something spectacular at each one that you just can’t miss. Here are some of the highlights for this Holiday season:
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios you will enjoy their Hollywood decorations, magnificent Christmas tree, and the amazing holiday sights and sounds. Be sure and check out the
Sunset Seasons Greetings – A captivating projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel. You can also dine at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine. I bet you can see Minnie Mouse decked out in her holiday best. You can spot Santa during the Santa Claus Motorcade– Santa will travel up Hollywood Blvd. In his candy-apple red convertible, packed with a sack of presents!
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park you will experience beautiful nature with a holiday flare added. The Christmas tree at the entrance is probably my favorite in all of the parks. Make sure you stop to get a picture – it would make a great background for your Christmas cards. You’ll for sure want to check out Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition – the tree shimmers and sparkles each evening, accompanied by heartwarming music. You will also want to be watching for holiday celebrations on the Discovery River. You will see Santa Claus, Donald Duck and friends, Chip & Dale’s festive holiday celebration, and the Discovery Island Drummers as they cruise along providing lots of holiday entertainment.
At Disney’s Epcot you will discover a festival featuring holiday traditions of the 11 World Showcase nations. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is a definite Must-do! You will be in for a real treat of wonderful Holiday sights, sounds and flavors as celebrated by different cultures. You don’t want to miss the special performances by Voices of Liberty. You can also grab your Festival passport and find the 5 official Holiday Cookie Stroll locations. Delicious desserts are offered for purchase and you can stamp your festival passport.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
The Holiday Kitchens have returned – so you can sample lots of food & drink for the season from around the world.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season is back. There are holiday storytellers around World Showcase.
Santa greets children in the American Adventure Pavilion. It’s still socially distanced, but the kids get some one on one time with him.
The Candlelight Processional has returned, running three times each evening. A celebrity narrator shared the story of the birth of Jesus, with a mass choir and a 50 piece orchestra. It is spectacular!
#2 Must-Do – Disney Very Merriest After Hours
Disney has a new Holiday after hours party this year featuring character sightings, themed fireworks, tasty treats and more! This event sounds like just what we need to get us in the Holiday spirit. The Very Merriest After Hours will take place from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM on select nights, from November 8 through December 21, 2021. This is a separate ticketed event.
Highlights include: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show, After-hours access to Magic Kingdom park and less time waiting in line for popular attractions, Holiday-themed attraction overlays, Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., Holiday treats, ice cream, popcorn and bottled beverages—all included with the cost of admission, Themed food and beverages available for purchase, Holiday-Themed Disney PhotoPass photo opportunities (photos available for purchase), Special lighting, music and more.
#1 Must-Do – Disney’s Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom deserves the #1 spot for your Must-Do if you are visiting Walt Disney World Resort during the Holidays. There is something so Magical about walking down Main Street, USA any day of the year, but when you add the Holiday Magic – It’s simply indescribable. If you happen to be so fortunate to visit Walt Disney World for the Holidays this year during the 50th anniversary celebration – then be prepared for a holiday celebration like none other. It will for sure be merry and bright with seasonal decorations and holiday theming throughout the park, and especially on Main Street, USA. You will be able to watch Cinderella’s Castle be transformed with amazing projections. Indulge in Holiday inspired food and beverages available for purchase. Finish your Christmas shopping while browsing the shops, and make sure to pick up that holiday keepsake at the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. You can find the perfect ornament to hang on your Christmas tree to remind you of the lifetime of memories you have made during your Walt Disney World vacation.
A trip to Walt Disney World for Thanksgiving or Christmas would be the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list. Or consider wrapping up a Walt Disney World vacation for 2022 to put under the tree for your family this year. Contact us today for more information.
