It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Walt Disney World brings magic to every vacation, but Disney during the holidays is a sight to behold. From early November until about January, the parks, resorts, common areas and restaurants are transformed into a tasteful glittery wonderland.  It’s a feast for all of the senses!

magic kingdom christmas disney holidaysThe theme parks have special events and activities throughout November and December.  In the Magic Kingdom, you won’t want to miss Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This special, hard-ticketed (translated: extra admission) takes place on selected nights.  The Magic Kingdom closes at 7:00 to all but the lucky ticket holders who get to stay in the Magic Kingdom until midnight!  Watch SNOW fall on Main Street throughout the evening. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.  Find the perfect viewing spot for the excellent Christmas Party parade and fireworks. Ride your favorite rides with short wait times. Oh! I can’t forget the character greetings! Even the Seven Dwarfs come out for this party! Many other characters have meet-and-greets; all will be wearing their Holiday finest. I love this party and always stay until the end of the night!

Did I mention Cinderella Castle?  The entire castle is covered with millions of twinkling lights.  It appears to be covered in ice!  The ice-covered castle is a sight to behold.  New this year, Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff present A Frozen Holiday Wish nightly at 6:15 PM. This new show culminates in Queen Elsa transforming the castle to its ice-covered glory! Perfect!

Walt Disney World during the holidays epcot disney christmasWhen you get to Epcot, you’ll see hundreds of Christmas trees all over the park. World Showcase’s eleven nations sport trees decorated with ornaments from their lands. Take time to listen to Santa Claus counterparts from all over the world.  The park entertainment even takes on a holiday theme!  Epcot’s holiday delight culminates in the Candlelight Processional, held three times nightly at the American Gardens Theater. Celebrity narrators join a full orchestra and choir in this beautiful re-telling of the Christmas story.  If this doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will!

Be sure to plan an evening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when you are mapping out your vacation.  The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is jaw-dropping! Here’s the back story: Mr. Jennings Osborne’s neighbors thought his light display had become too large for the neighborhood.  Disney purchased all of his lights, added more plus an incredible score and added choreography to the whole production.  Every night at dusk, the light show begins.  You won’t be able to take it all in without walking all over the Streets of America!

christmas Walt Disney World magical holidaysYour Disney Resort has treats in store for you too.  My favorite resorts at this time of year—and it is tough to choose—are Wilderness Lodge and the Grand Floridian Resort. Wilderness Lodge puts you in a Pacific Northwest scene, complete with pine trees, an enormous lobby tree and even sleigh rides. The Grand Floridian, one of many resorts showcasing gingerbread creations, actually has a handmade walk-in gingerbread house in the grand lobby.  Resort restaurants have special Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus.  Just be sure to make your dining reservations well in advance of your vacation!

I truly love Walt Disney World during the holidays.  In fact, it is calling me home in a couple of weeks.  Send me a message if I can answer any of your Disney-holiday questions!