Disney World at Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. Between the decorations, holiday snacks, special entertainment, Disney Jollywood Nights, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there’s SO much to see and do. And while it’s tempting to squeeze everything into one trip, the holidays at Disney are much more enjoyable when you’re not rushing from one thing to the next.
A little planning helps, especially during one of the busiest times of the year. Here are a few ways to enjoy Christmas at Disney World without packing every minute of your vacation with plans.
Pick a Few Holiday Must-Dos
Before your trip, think about which holiday experiences you really want to enjoy. Maybe it’s attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, exploring the decorations at a new-to-you resort, or eating your way around EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays.
Pick a few favorites and plan around those. You don’t need to visit every resort, try every holiday snack, or catch every seasonal attraction. Keep a little wish list of other things you’d like to do if you have extra time. Picking how you want to end the night and working backwards is a good strategy to pick your daily priorities, while also leaving some flexibility in between.
Plan the Things That Actually Need Planning
Of course, some things need a little planning, like the holiday parties, dining reservations, and special entertainment. Check park hours and entertainment schedules ahead of time, purchase party tickets early (like now… MVMCP is already selling out!), and book any important dining reservations. Christmas week in particular can get VERY busy, so knowing what to expect helps.
Beyond that, leave some decisions for when you’re actually there. You don’t need a detailed schedule for every snack or Christmas tree!
Leave Room for the Unexpected
Some of my favorite Disney moments happen when I don’t have anything planned. Maybe you discover a holiday treat, catch some seasonal entertainment, or decide to spend the afternoon enjoying your resort.
Leave some free time in your schedule, especially during the afternoons. You might want to head back to your hotel, spend extra time shopping, or revisit a favorite attraction. Florida weather and holiday crowds can always change your plans, too!
Don’t Try to See Every Christmas Decoration
Disney’s holiday decorations are practically an attraction of their own, and I could easily spend an entire day visiting resorts just to see their Christmas trees. But you don’t need to see every single one!
If you love the rustic Christmas atmosphere at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (my personal favorite!), make time for its massive lobby Christmas tree and cozy fireplaces. Or visit a few of the Value resorts with their fun themed trees and wreaths!
And of course, don’t forget the parks! I especially love the vintage Christmas decorations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, from the silver tinsel along Hollywood Boulevard to the oversized ornaments at Echo Lake. There’s also the adorable gingerbread Spaceship Earth display at EPCOT’s CommuniCore!
Let the Trip… Be the Trip
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything, especially when holiday experiences are only available for a few weeks. But sometimes the best part of a Disney Christmas vacation is simply being there. Grab a holiday snack, enjoy the decorations and Christmas music, and spend time with the people you’re traveling with.
There’s always going to be something you didn’t get around to doing, and that’s okay. Enjoy your favorite Christmas traditions, make some new ones, and don’t let a packed itinerary get in the way of your vacation!
