I don’t want Halloween season to end, but I can’t help thinking ahead to the upcoming twinkling holiday season at Walt Disney World. After all, it truly is the most magical time to visit. The entire resort is filled with seasonal decor, towering and sparkling trees, and festive food. There’s even a specific place to stay on property that seems to be made just for the winter season. Whether you’re planning your first holiday trip or you return every year, here are five family-friendly holiday traditions you won’t want to miss.
1. Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
No list of Walt Disney World holiday traditions is complete without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom.
This separately -ticketed event is a family favorite thanks to exclusive entertainment, including the “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” holiday fireworks, snowfall on Main Street, and character meet-and-greets in festive costumes. If you don matching holiday sweaters, you’ll have easy holiday family photo opportunities!
One of my favorite highlights of any MVMCP is the unlimited hot cocoa and packaged Cheryl’s Cookies, which are distributed around the park. (Yes, these are included in your party admission!) If your party priorities allow – which they should – see who can collect the most cookies! Bring a designated cookie tote, or ask for a merchandise bag to fill up like we did (classy, I know). Bonus: you can give excess cookie leftovers to family and friends back home as stocking stuffers or holiday hosting gifts. Trust me, they’re DELICIOUS!
2. Visit the Resorts!
A must-do for many families is resort-hopping to see the gingerbread displays and lobby Christmas Trees. The Grand Floridian features a life-sized gingerbread house (but is sadly taking a break this year due to lobby construction), the Beach Club has a spinning gingerbread carousel, and the Contemporary showcases themed displays each year. Best of all, visiting the resorts is free and offers a relaxing way to enjoy holiday magic away from the crowds.
While the Deluxe resorts have their premium Gingerbread displays, each of the Moderate and Value resorts boast unique Christmas trees, garland, and wreaths — all appropriately themed for their resort. And for souvenirs, each resort typically has a limited-edition holiday-themed Disney pin in the lobby gift shop.
Bonus tradition: Stuck on where to go first? Have you ever played Disney Bus Roulette?
3. Ride the Jingle Cruise
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas… No, really! The Jungle Cruise gets a festive holiday makeover each year, transforming into the Jingle Cruise. With seasonal decorations scattered throughout the boathouse and along the rivers, plus holiday-themed jokes from the skippers, this overlay has become a quirky and beloved family tradition. It’s the perfect way to experience a classic attraction with a holiday twist.Tip: Nighttime Jungle Cruise rides are ALWAYS best.
4. Camp (and Decorate!) at Fort Wilderness
One of the most unique and memorable family traditions at Walt Disney World can be found just outside the parks at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
While many families decorate their balconies or windows of their Disney resort room over the holidays, those who stay at Fort Wilderness often make a tradition of decorating their campsites with lights, inflatables, and seasonal décor.
Of course, renting or bringing a golf cart is a must, so you can ride around the loops at night to take in the glowing displays. It’s the closest thing Disney now has to the defunct Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Plus, you can decorate the golf cart itself with lights and tinsel!
Winter evenings at Fort Wilderness are especially magical. Imagine roasting marshmallows during the campfire sing-along, catching a Disney movie under the stars, or cozying up by Bay Lake to watch the classic Electrical Water Pageant as it floats by. Plus, the Florida weather is cooler. It’s the perfect time to gather with family and enjoy the outdoors!
5. Makin’ Memories
One of the simplest yet most meaningful traditions you can start at Walt Disney World is taking a family photo in the same spot during every visit. Whether it’s in front of a festive Cinderella Castle, with the kitschy Hollywood Studios holiday decor, or even by a favorite ride or statue, returning to the same backdrop year after year creates a visual time capsule of your family’s Disney adventures. Maybe you all wear the same shirt or holiday sweater, or change up the apparel theme each year.
It’s a tradition that gets more special as the years go by. There’s no time like the present to start now. Get silly with it!
These traditions, big or small, turn a holiday vacation into cherished family memories year after year. Ready to start yours? What holiday traditions do you have at Walt Disney World?
