Visiting Disney World in December can be a magical experience, with the park’s festive atmosphere, special events, and cooler weather making it an ideal time to visit. Disney World in December offers a unique experience, with the disney world holiday season bringing joy and excitement to visitors of all ages. To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to plan ahead, considering crowd levels, which can be higher during the holiday season, especially during Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s.
Disney World in December is a great time to experience the park’s holiday magic, with disney world holiday season events and festivities taking place throughout the month. With average high temperatures in December at Disney World reaching 74°F and average low temperatures at 52°F, it’s an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of your visit. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the park’s attractions, entertainment, or dining options, Disney World in December has something for everyone.
When planning your trip to Disney World in December, consider the peak season, which runs from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026. With the expected crowd levels during Christmas week being the highest of the year, it’s crucial to book your accommodations and dining reservations in advance. Disney World dining reservations can be booked up to 60 days in advance, and with over 200 dining locations available, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
Key Takeaways
- Disney World in December offers a unique and magical experience, with the disney world holiday season bringing joy and excitement to visitors.
- Crowd levels can be higher during the holiday season, especially during Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s.
- Average high temperatures in December at Disney World reach 74°F, while average low temperatures reach 52°F.
- Disney World dining reservations can be booked up to 60 days in advance, with over 200 dining locations available.
- The peak season runs from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with expected crowd levels during Christmas week being the highest of the year.
- Booking accommodations and dining reservations in advance is crucial to making the most of your trip.
- Disney World in December offers a range of events and festivities, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
Why Visit Disney World in December?
Visiting Disney World in winter is a great idea, especially in December, as the park is filled with holiday magic and special events. This is considered one of the best times to go to Disney World, with festive decor and special events across all theme parks. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs through most of December, featuring 11 holiday traditions from the 11 World Showcase nations.
The holiday season at Disney World offers a unique experience, with decorations, parades, and special events. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party occurs on select dates in December, with early park closures for non-ticket holders, affecting crowd levels. Hollywood Studios’ Jollywood Nights takes place on select nights in November and December, similar to an after-hours event.
Experience the Holiday Magic
December is the peak of the holiday season at Disney World, with New Year’s Eve being one of the most popular nights, featuring fireworks and special events across the parks. The average high temperature in Orlando in December is 73°F, while the average low is 50°F, making it a great time to visit.
Enjoy Special Events and Festivities
The best time to visit Disney World during Christmas is generally recommended as the first two weeks of December. Some of the special events and festivities include:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Jollywood Nights
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
- New Year’s Eve fireworks and special events
Visiting Disney World in December can be a great experience, with many special events and festivities to enjoy. It’s considered one of the best times to go to Disney World, with a unique holiday atmosphere and many fun activities to participate in.
Weather Expectations in December
When planning a trip to Disney World in December, it’s essential to consider the weather. Florida’s winters are mild compared to much of the U.S., but the weather can still be unpredictable. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to the low 70s, making it a great time to enjoy disney world christmas events without the sweltering heat.
To make the most of your trip, it’s crucial to pack layers, as the temperature can drop significantly at night. With disney world holiday tips in mind, you can prepare for occasional rain showers and cooler mornings and evenings. The average temperature fluctuation between day and night is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s essential to be prepared.
- Expected high temperature: 69-72 degrees Fahrenheit
- Expected low temperature: 46-53 degrees Fahrenheit
- Chance of rain: 6% on most days, with higher chances on weekends
By understanding the weather expectations in December, you can plan your trip to Disney World accordingly, making the most of your time and enjoying all the disney world christmas events and disney world holiday tips that the resort has to offer.
Crowd Levels: What to Anticipate
When visiting Disney World during the holidays, it’s essential to anticipate the crowd levels. Disney World in December can be quite busy, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The disney world december weather is usually mild, with average highs in the low 70s, making it an ideal time to visit. However, this pleasant weather also attracts larger crowds.
To make the most of your trip, it’s crucial to plan strategically. Using tools like the Disney World crowd calendar can help you avoid long waits and make the most of your time. The crowd calendar predicts attendance for 2025 and 2026, rating crowd levels from 1 to 5, with 1 being light crowds and 5 being heavy crowds.
Some key strategies to avoid long waits include visiting during off-peak days, arriving early at the parks, and taking advantage of Disney’s FastPass+ system. It’s also a good idea to stay informed about disney world during the holidays, including any special events or festivities that may attract larger crowds.
By being aware of the crowd levels and planning accordingly, you can have a magical and enjoyable time at Disney World, even during the busy holiday season. With some preparation and strategy, you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Holiday Decorations Across the Parks
As the holiday season approaches, Disney World transforms into a winter wonderland, with each park and resort showcasing unique holiday themes. The disney world holiday crowd levels may be high, but the festive atmosphere and decorations make it a must-visit destination. With iconic Christmas trees and lights, the parks are decked out in holiday cheer, making it a great time to explore and enjoy the disney world holiday crowd levels without the peak summer crowds.
The holiday decorations at Disney World are a big part of the experience, with each park having its own themed decor. Some of the highlights include:
- Magic Kingdom’s iconic Christmas tree and lights
- Epcot’s festive decorations and holiday-themed pavilions
- Hollywood Studios’ Tinsel stars and Jingle Cruise
- Animal Kingdom’s festive decorations and animal-themed holiday displays
The holiday season at Disney World officially kicks off on November 12, 2024, with decorations beginning to go up immediately after Halloween. By November 3, 2024, Magic Kingdom is expected to be fully decorated, with the other parks following soon after. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Disney World is a popular destination during the holiday season, with disney world holiday crowd levels attracting visitors from all over the world.
Must-See Holiday Events and Shows
Visiting Disney World in December offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the holiday season. During this time, Disney World hosts various exclusive events, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. These events are a must-see for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
The Candlelight Processional is a special event that takes place at Epcot, featuring a retelling of the Christmas story with celebrity narrators. This event is a great way to experience the holiday season at Disney World, and it’s a perfect example of the kind of unique entertainment that can be found at Disney World in December. The disney world holiday season is a time of great joy and celebration, and events like the Candlelight Processional are a big part of what makes it so special.
In addition to the Candlelight Processional, Disney World also hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event that runs from early November through the end of December. This party features special entertainment, parades, and fireworks, making it a great way to experience the disney world holiday season. With so many great events and shows to choose from, visiting Disney World in December is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and make some magical memories.
Best Activities for Families
When visiting Disney World in winter, there are plenty of activities for families to enjoy together. One of the highlights is the character meet and greets, where kids can meet their favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday attire. Additionally, holiday-themed attractions offer a unique experience, making the most of the winter season at Disney World.
To make the most of your trip, consider the best time to go to Disney World. The week after Thanksgiving is a great time to visit, with lower crowd levels and wait times. You can also take advantage of the special events and festivities, such as the Candlelight Processional at Epcot and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Some of the top activities for families include:
* Character meet and greets
* Holiday-themed attractions
* Special events and festivities
* Decorating the parks and resorts for the holiday season
By planning ahead and taking advantage of the best time to go to Disney World, you can create unforgettable memories with your family. Whether you’re visiting Disney World in winter or any other time of the year, there’s always something magical to experience.
Dining Options for the Festive Season
When visiting Disney World in December, there are numerous dining options to enjoy during the festive season. Disney World offers special holiday menus and dining experiences, including character dining and holiday-themed meals. To make the most of your dining experience, consider making reservations at popular restaurants like Whispering Canyon Cafe, Biergarten, or Liberty Tree Tavern.
Some restaurants offer special menus on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, while others provide festive treats and drinks. For example, Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine is a Christmas-themed character dining experience offered only in November and December. Be sure to check the availability of these special menus and make reservations up to 60 days in advance to ensure a spot.
- Whispering Canyon Cafe: offers a prix-fixe holiday meal for lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- Biergarten: a top pick for Christmas dining in EPCOT, especially for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages
- Liberty Tree Tavern: offers a family-style all-you-can-eat menu based on the first Thanksgiving feast
By following these disney world holiday tips, you can make the most of your dining experience during the festive season and enjoy the various disney world christmas events.
Tips for Park Hopping in December
When visiting Disney World during the holidays, park hopping can be a great way to experience the different parks during the holiday season. With disney world december weather being generally mild, it’s an ideal time to explore multiple parks in one day. Disney World during the holidays offers a unique experience, with each park offering unique holiday decorations and events.
To make the most of your park hopping experience, consider visiting the parks on specific days. For example, Magic Kingdom is often less crowded on days when special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are scheduled. On the other hand, Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be highly productive in the first few hours of the day, allowing you to experience multiple attractions before noon.
Here are some transportation tips to keep in mind during the holidays:
- Guests can utilize bus transportation between theme parks starting at 10:00 a.m. each day.
- Non-bus transportation options like Skyliner, monorail, or boats can be more reliable for travel between parks.
By planning ahead and taking advantage of park hopping, you can experience all that Disney World has to offer during the holiday season, from disney world december weather to special events and festivities.
Shopping for Holiday Merchandise
When visiting Disney World in December, shopping for holiday merchandise can be a fun and festive activity. With disney world holiday crowd levels in mind, it’s essential to plan your shopping trip accordingly. Disney World offers a range of holiday merchandise, including unique souvenirs and decorations.
To make the most of your shopping experience, consider visiting during the off-season or taking advantage of special deals and discounts. Some popular items to look out for include limited-edition ornaments, holiday-themed apparel, and exclusive Disney merchandise.
Some of the best places to find holiday merchandise include the Disney Springs area, which features a variety of shops and boutiques selling unique and exclusive items. You can also find special deals and discounts at select stores throughout the resort, especially during the holiday season.
Some tips for shopping during the holiday season include:
- Arriving early to avoid crowds and long lines
- Taking advantage of special deals and discounts
- Shopping during the off-season or on less busy days
By planning your shopping trip and taking advantage of special deals and discounts, you can make the most of your holiday shopping experience at Disney World, even with disney world holiday crowd levels in mind.
Planning Your Trip: Key Considerations
When planning a trip to Disney World in December, it’s essential to consider the disney world holiday season and its impact on crowd levels and prices. With average high temperatures around 74°F and lows around 52°F, December is a great time to visit Disney World. However, it’s crucial to budget accordingly, as prices for accommodations and theme park tickets tend to be higher during this time.
A typical Disney World vacation in December can cost around $6,785 for a party of four, with potential for higher costs during peak pricing. To save money, consider visiting earlier in the month, when prices are lower. For example, hotel prices at Disney’s All Star Sports start at $175 per night in early December, compared to $269 per night on December 25.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning your trip:
- Budgeting for December travel: Plan ahead and book your accommodations and theme park tickets early to avoid higher prices.
- Booking accommodations early: Take advantage of lower prices by booking your hotel stay earlier in the month.
- Crowd levels: Expect higher crowd levels during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and plan your days accordingly.
By considering these factors and planning ahead, you can have a magical and memorable trip to Disney World in December, during the disney world holiday season.
| Accommodation | Price per Night |
|---|---|
| Disney’s All Star Sports (early December) | $175 |
| Disney’s All Star Sports (December 25) | $269 |
Why December is a Magical Time to Visit
Visiting Disney World in December is a truly magical experience, filled with unforgettable family memories and the spirit of the holiday season. As the parks come alive with festive decorations, special events, and a palpable sense of joy, it’s the perfect time to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Creating Unforgettable Family Memories
During the holiday season, Disney World transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a multitude of opportunities to make cherished memories with your family. From meeting beloved characters adorned in their holiday best to enjoying festive parades and fireworks displays, the visiting disney world in winter allows you to immerse yourselves in the magic of the season.
The Power of the Holiday Spirit at Disney World
The best time to go to disney world in December is when the parks are brimming with the spirit of the holidays. The enchanting atmosphere, filled with twinkling lights, the scent of gingerbread, and the sound of joyful carols, creates a truly unforgettable experience. Embrace the warmth and wonder of the season as you explore the parks, making memories that will last a lifetime.