It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Disney World!! That’s right, the holidays are already making their way into the theme parks and I couldn’t be more excited. Disney World during the holiday season is even more magical. Here are the best holiday activities at Disney World!
Meet Santa Claus!
The first thing we always get excited about for the holiday season is meeting Santa Claus! Don’t you worry, because Disney World has a few locations where you can meet him (and maybe the Mrs.):
- Magic Kingdom: You can meet Santa Claus in right in Magic Kingdom! Look for him between Town Hall and the Fire Department as soon as you walk onto Main Street USA. Check the times guide for his meet and greet schedule!
- Epcot: This is a very popular location to meet Santa Claus because Mrs. Claus is with him! Head over to the American Adventure Pavilion in World Showcase during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Check the times guide, but they are usually there in the afternoon through evenings.
- Disney Springs: This is the only location on Disney World property where you do not need a park ticket to meet Santa! You won’t want to miss this grand opportunity to meet Santa in his very own Chalet! This meet and greet location has a virtual line system, so you can enjoy Disney Springs while waiting to meet Santa. Simply walk on over to the Christmas Tree Trail (across from Once Upon a Toy), check in at the podium, and give your mobile number to one of Santa’s helpers. You will receive a text message and have 10 minutes to get in line to meet Santa! I recommend getting there early as wait times get long very fast!
- Hollywood Studios: You can meet Santa at Once Upon a Toy on Sunset Boulevard! Be sure to check the times guide to find out when he will be there. Santa will meet and greet guests up until Christmas Eve. He then gets very busy!
See the Festive Decorations!
Seeing the festive decorations is, without a doubt, one of the best holiday activities in all of Disney World! The entire resort is transformed into a wonderland!
You’ll have to scope out all of the decorations in the theme parks. Magic Kingdom, especially, is completed decked out in yuletide cheer! World Showcase in Epcot receives a festive overlay. And even Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom get some seasons greetings!
One of the best locations for soaking up the holiday spirit is Disney Springs. Disney pipes in fun holiday music to enjoy as you stroll along, shop, and dine! I highly recommend the Christmas Tree Trail! My family and I thoroughly enjoyed looking at all of the Christmas trees inspired by popular Disney movies. I even got some ideas for my own Christmas tree!
Finally, you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to see the resorts. The Christmas trees are incredible! Did you know that the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Contemporary Resort both have life-sized gingerbread displays?! The smell alone will get you into the holiday spirit!
Celebrate at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
One of the best holiday activities in all of Disney World is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom. This is a separate ticketed event, but is the ultimate way to celebrate this holiday season. With your ticket, you get to enjoy special holiday offerings including Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration show, Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade, and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show! Plus, holiday treats and drinks are included! You can purchase tickets in advance to save a few bucks!
What are you most looking forward to during the holiday season in Disney World?
Check back next Thursday for Part 2 of our best holiday activities in Disney World! Until then… Cheers!