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Home / Blog / When to Visit / Our Top Tips for a Very Merry Walt Disney World Holiday Trip

Our Top Tips for a Very Merry Walt Disney World Holiday Trip

by Leap on November 16, 2024
62 Orlando Video

Did you know that Undercover Tourist offers exclusive savings on Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation Packages? Bundle your Theme Park tickets, resort hotel stay and an optional dining plan and save BIG — up to 35% off for select stays through Sept. 30, 2025! 

Christmas is our FAVORITE time of year at the parks, but it can also be one of the busiest times to visit Disney World. If you'll be spending your holidays dashing through the crowds at Walt Disney World Resort or any of the Orlando theme parks this year, you'll want to head in fully prepared for all of the holiday merriment. This post will walk you through tips for managing crowds during the holidays at Disney World, but there are a few things you need to prepare for if you are considering visiting this holiday season.

Our Top Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Holidays

1. Book Your Reservations Before You Visit

There are a few reservations you can take care of before your trip arrives. Note that Disney World date-based tickets no longer require theme park reservations — but there are still a select few ticket types that do. You can book your Advance Dining Reservations, which can be done 60 days in advance for all guests (though Disney Resort hotel guests will be able to book for the entirety of their stay). At the 60-day mark, you can also reserve experiences, such as building your own lightsaber at Savi's Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Disney Lightning Lane, a paid, optional skip-the-line option, can now be purchased and planned in advance of your trip, as well. Disney World Resort hotel guests can book up to 7 days in advance of their trip, for the entirety of their trip. Everyone else may book 3 days in advance. Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass can be purchased during these windows in the My Disney Experience app.

2. Have a Plan (But Be Flexible)

Disney at Christmas Tips - Coloring PageWe offer park plans that are great for crowd levels 5, 6, 7 and 8. These levels cover most of the season, so they can help ease the stress of Disney World holiday crowds. If you download our printable plans, you'll find additional park plan maps, plus packing lists for the whole family. For the tadpoles, make sure to print out our packing list coloring page that they can use to help with the planning.

On the handful of days when it is busier than an 8, especially Christmas Day and New Year's Eve in most years, it's better to set a few priorities for each family member. Get to the parks early so you can experience priority attractions with lower waits. You're not going to be able to do and see as much when crowds are at their highest later on in the day. Factor in more time for everything. Be flexible and set realistic expectations for the whole family. Make sure to take some deep breaths, plan some chill time and enjoy quality family bonding time.

3. Read Up on How to Join a Virtual Queue

Newer attractions at Walt Disney World may initially incorporate a virtual queue system instead of a traditional standby queue. Currently, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT and Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom are the only two attractions using a virtual queue, so you would need to join the My Disney Experience app in order to ride. You can also purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass to ride.

Sometimes shops or other experiences may use the same virtual queue system, such as joining the line to meet Santa Claus at Disney Springs.

4. Download Our iPhone App

As mentioned above, our Orlando Planning App offers pre-set and customizable park plans. We've added a map feature so you can easily navigate and see your plans and wait times. It won't drain your precious battery life, and it covers Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld. Best of all, it's FREE. You definitely don't want to leave home without downloading it!

5. Arrive Early and Stay Late

Christmas at Walt Disney World — Main Street, U.S.A. at night with Christmas decorations and tree

The most tested time-saving tip is to arrive early, and this is mostly true with Disney World holiday crowds. Arrive at the Disney World parks about an hour before rope drop and ride your favorites in the first hour or two before the lines get really long. If you are staying on-site, hop to it! The Early Theme Park Entry perk allows Disney hotel guests to take advantage of a 30-minute early entry period to ANY theme park, EVERY day (sometimes, this even gets extended to an hour during the holidays). Additionally, guests of Deluxe, Deluxe Villas and other select hotels can stay later with Extended Evening Hours.

During the very busiest times, park hours are extended. This is a great way to get the most out of your visit. Stay as late as you can. (This was our secret to riding Slinky Dog Dash for the first couple of times!)

6. Avoid Hopping on the Very Busiest Days

Park hopping is not always recommended during the very busiest times — crowd levels 9 and 10 — especially if you're a first-time visitor. If a park reaches capacity, you won’t be allowed re-entry (though this has only happened a few times in the last two years, it is still possible). Plus, moving between parks takes up a lot of time. There will be more people using Disney transportation, so you may have to wait in long lines for the buses, boats and monorails. Use that precious time inside one park for the day! With the theme park reservation system no longer in place, this means that some parks can (and will) reach capacity on the busiest days of the year and may halt letting additional guests in for peak periods, including the fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

7. Know Your Transportation Options and Factor in Extra Time

EPCOT monorail passing by Spaceship Earth

Speaking of Disney transportation, it's important to know all of the transportation options available so you can have a backup plan and not rely solely on one option. The monorail system can take you to Magic Kingdom, the Transportation and Ticket Center, the Magic Kingdom resorts and EPCOT. Disney Skyliner links EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and several resorts, including Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort and Art of Animation Resort. Or, hop on a ferry boat to get from place to place. For a complete breakdown of transportation options by park, use these guides to help navigate your way to and from Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Factor in the extra time needed to use Disney's complimentary transportation since all options will be busy! If you don't mind splurging, using a Minnie Van or a ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, is always an option, as well. (And if you're staying on-site, remember that theme park parking is free for you!). Did you know Undercover Tourist offers ribbeting deals on car rentals as well?

8. Know the Parade and Show Schedules

The special holiday versions of the parades and stage shows draw large crowds, so save a viewing spot at least an hour before showtime. Use our app or grab an official Times Guide at the park entrance. A common mistake (and a sure-fire way to miss a parade or show) is to underestimate the time it takes to get from point A to point B.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is back this year! Party dates tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to snag your discount tickets early! This specialty ticketed event showcases a parade, stage show and fireworks — you'll have to attend the event to get the full holiday extras. Historically, Disney will show some event-exclusive entertainment during Christmas week.

After the last Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of the year, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is usually shown daily at Magic Kingdom for park guests in the afternoon through the end of December. Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will run nightly during this timeframe to regular daytime guests, as well. There will be no showing of Happily Ever After on those nights.

9. Eat Breakfast Before You Arrive, and Bring Snacks and Drinks

We like to fuel up in our hotel room or even splurge on the occasional breakfast buffet before we head into the parks. If you eat a hearty breakfast, you can go lighter — or even skip — lunch. This helps you beat some of the Disney World holiday crowds during mealtime. You can also bring your own snacks and water bottles into the parks, or even a full picnic lunch. The restaurant crowds can be busier than attraction lines when the parks are packed. A picnic lunch in a less busy spot in the park is a great way to regroup and save money.

10. Figure Out Activities to Do in Long Lines

When you're waiting in a long line for a ride, restaurant or bus to take you home, this is the perfect time to play games, such as "I Spy" or the mobile game "Heads Up!" A Frog Family fave is a game of "Guess Who" with Disney and Pixar characters. The free Play Disney Parks app also has some interactive queue games for attractions such as Space Mountain and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, as well as park trivia!

11. Dine During Off-Peak Hours

Turkey leg by Cinderella Castle

If you're going to eat at the restaurants while you're in the parks, save your line time for the fun stuff by eating during off-peak hours and using mobile ordering. Restaurants inside the parks get busy around traditional dining times — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for dinner. Consider having those big meals outside of busy times. Most restaurants begin serving lunch at 11 a.m. and dinner at 4 p.m. Keep your hunger satisfied with a turkey leg or fresh popcorn in between meals.

My Disney Experience can show you table-service restaurants near you that may be accepting walk-ins if you aren't able to snag a reservation. And for select table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels, you might even be able to place a to-go order using My Disney Experience! (Sanaa bread service as a late-night snack? Drool.)

12. Review Your Safety Plan

Crowds + tadpoles (children) = sky-rocketing anxiety levels for parents, especially with the Disney World holiday crowds. Review your protocol for sticky situations, such as “what happens if we get separated,” beforehand. Take a look at Lily’s theme park safety strategies for more tips.

13. Don’t Pass Up a Restroom Break

If you pass a restroom and the line isn’t too long, GO! Even if you think you can wait … GO! You'll thank us later. We also make sure everyone hits the bathroom before we head to the parks in the morning. If you’re planning on lining up super early at the parking lot, you’re looking potentially an hour or more of sitting there, and you know how that goes with littles 😉  Plus, with slower bus service, it could be a long wait there too.

14. Set a Souvenir Budget

It’s easy to get carried away, especially during the holidays. We give Tad and Lily a souvenir allowance to spend as they wish (like building your own droid). My wife and I also surprise them with souvenirs we purchase in advance at a much lower price. And it’s not just the kiddos who hate hearing, “No dear, you can’t have that.” I think I may have the hardest time of any of the Frogs passing up the goodies!

15. Take a Break from the Parks

Holidays at Disney Springs

If you or your little ones are completely frazzled by the afternoon, take a break from the parks completely. One alternative is Disney Springs. During the holidays, there is a dazzling Christmas Tree Trail, snowfall and SANTA!

The Frog Family also really likes strolling along Disney’s BoardWalk Entertainment District. There are shops, restaurants and gingerbread displays to take in at the hotels.

And speaking of gingerbread, one of our favorite Disney at Christmas tips is to take a tour of the Disney World Resorts. You can take in all of the holiday decor and Christmas trees decorated to the nines. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge have gargantuan trees that are absolutely amazing inside their already spectacular lobbies. The other Deluxes (minus Disney's Polynesian) offer oversized gingerbread displays that are works of art in their own right.

16. Watch the Fireworks Outside of the Parks

Along the same lines as the previous tip, consider watching the fireworks from outside the park. By doing this, you can have a less stressful time fighting the Disney World holiday crowds and getting back to your hotel. Many people don't realize it, but you can see Magic Kingdom's fireworks from afar. Magic Kingdom fireworks shows can also be seen from the beaches at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the boat ride between Magic Kingdom and the Bay Lake resorts and the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Guide to Magic Kingdom Fireworks — View from California Grill at the Contemporary Resort

Additionally, the fireworks can be seen from California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort. You need a reservation for this, but it can be for any time in the evening. Just save your receipt, and you can come back up later to watch! I must confess, this is my favorite place to watch the fireworks because you're watching from above. It's one of the only places I know where you really see the whole show. The music is "piped in" at each of these locations, so you're not even missing that element of the show.

17. I Repeat ... Be Flexible

We cannot stress this enough. While I love when a great plan comes together, I also know when it’s OK to alter that plan and change course. Take occasional “temperature” checks of everyone’s energy levels and attitudes. If you have to cut something short or change plans, don’t sweat it. It’s about quality, not quantity. And when you're trying to navigate through those tough Disney World holiday crowds, flexibility is key!

18. Pack Your Patience

If you start to feel overwhelmed, just take a deep breath and maybe a five-minute “time-out.” It’s very important to bounce back from a melt-down … yours or the tadpoles' :)

Whew! There you have it — our top tips for successfully managing Disney World crowds at Christmas. Have a tip for navigating the parks during the busy holiday season? Spread some joy and share it in the comments below! 

Related: Complete Guide to Disney World Holiday Events

Keep hopping!

Keep hopping, Leap!
View Comments

Comments

Jan 13, 2023 at 10:18 a.m.
Zanda Says...

Hi, we are planning a trip January 2024. After reading your posts we are going to try to arrive after 3 Jan. Do you know of any major maintenance planned for Jan 2024? Kind regards!

Reply
Jan 13, 2023 at 1:53 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Zanda!

As far as we know so far, the only major ride under official refurbishment will be Splash Mountain as it transforms into Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which is set close this month and remain closed until late 2024. Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom is also usually under annual refurbishment during the January/February timeframe.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 16, 2021 at 12:41 a.m.
Carmin Lopez Says...

First time doing Disney in Florida and would like to also do Universal Studios.

Need help with a complete package. We also have a 6 year old with Autism and need a hotel that offers a kitchen nearby.

Any suggestions on where to go. Ty

Reply
Dec 17, 2021 at 2:51 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carmin!

Using our Hotels search function, you can filter hotels by a specific amenity (in your case, a kitchen!). You can also filter by "Frog Family Favorite" & "Frog Family Recommended" to find our top picks. Hope this helps!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 16, 2019 at 7:04 p.m.
Steffany M Says...

We’re getting ready to take our very first trip this December. What are some tips for a family that doesn’t like rides? And what attractions would be the best?

Reply
Sep 17, 2019 at 1 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steffany!

We'd recommend using your FastPasses for reserved seating for shows rather than rides - they can still be useful even if rides aren't your thing! Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays is a great option for something non-ride related, and Epcot itself has a lot of non-ride involved fun, including the aquarium by the Nemo ride. We'd also suggest hopping to Animal Kingdom to check out all of the animals and the decorations. Magic Kingdom is going to have the widest array of low-intensity rides, plus even more holiday decor and of course, the iconic castle. Hollywood Studios has the brand-new Galaxy's Edge, which is worth a walk around, though you may want to skip the attractions. If you find yourself with time to spare, be sure to hop over to the resorts to see their decorations, as well. Have a great time!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
May 22, 2019 at 11:34 p.m.
Teal Says...

Planning a girl's trip to Disney in December. Will be going to Disney & one other park. If you could only visit one other park at Christmas time, which one would you pick?

Reply
May 23, 2019 at 7:56 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Teal!

We love Epcot at Christmastime! You can check out Christmas traditions around the world, and take in some special food and drink, too. Enjoy!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Mar 11, 2019 at 7:40 p.m.
Kenny Cordero Says...

Are the holidays decorations and parade and hot chocolate still happen between December 26-December 31?

i am wondering because we want to be there for new years but don't want to miss the Christmas Celebration

Reply
Mar 11, 2019 at 2:55 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kenny!

Dates for this year have not been released just yet, but last year, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (with the hot cocoa, cookies and special parade) was only held through December 21.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 8, 2018 at 3:53 p.m.
Coryn Says...

We might be heading to Orlando the first week of January. Is there any word on a date that the Christmas festivities (decorations and parades) will be done in Disney?

Reply
Oct 9, 2018 at 1:01 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Coryn!

Based on past years, we are fairly certain that all holiday decor will still be up during your trip. Some holiday entertainment (like Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Hollywood Studios) will take place through the first week, while Festival of the Holidays at Epcot will have ended, as well as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 2, 2017 at 5:29 a.m.
Lmer Says...

Leaving in 6 days and can't wait I know it will be crowded but Im going with that in mind and keeping that in perspective

Reply
Nov 22, 2017 at 2:26 a.m.
karen Says...

We are staying off site. is having magic bands a good idea? Thanks,

Karen

Reply
Nov 27, 2017 at 11:09 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Karen,

MagicBands aren't completely necessary, but they can help keep up with tickets if you have a large party and are afraid of losing tickets. They also make great souvenirs, and you can reuse them for your next trip.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 21, 2017 at 1:47 a.m.
Kim207 Says...

Packing your patience is key! We were on a dead run in the morning to see what we could early and not be turned away when the parks reached capacity.

Reply
Nov 20, 2017 at 11:19 p.m.
Dani Says...

I found the UndercoverTourist crowd calendars very helpful when I went to disney last year..

Reply
Nov 16, 2017 at 1:23 a.m.
Monica Says...

I am not able to get tickets for WDW until Dec. 7th. Planning on getting the tickets emailed. Now they are able to be linked with the magic bands right (I purchased those already). With getting the tickets so late, we are planning on visiting Dec. 26-Dec.30th. With having to wait on getting tickets, will I not be able to do fast passes with them? Thanks

Reply
Nov 17, 2017 at 2:13 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Monica,

Yes, you'll have to have the tickets first in order to book FastPass+ reservations. As soon as you receive the tickets, you can then book the FastPass+.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 15, 2017 at 9:41 p.m.
Diana Says...

Hi we will be in Orlando from Dec 28th-Jan 5th. We.will be doing 1 day at magic kingdom during this time. I was hoping to go before Dec 31st. In your experience what would the difference in crowds be comparing Dec 29th or 30th to say after New Years.

Reply
Nov 17, 2017 at 2:03 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Diana,

According to our crowd calendar, you can expect about the same amount of heavy crowds during that time.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 3, 2017 at 7:14 p.m.
Andy Says...

Hi,

We are visiting over New Years and plan to be in the Magic Kingdom on NYE day. Fast Passes have been secured! According to the Disney website, the parade and fireworks schedule for 12/31 (and 12/29) in the Magic Kingdom are "unavailable." Do you know what this means? My hope is they are still working out the schedule given the crowds. My fear is that the park is somehow full and we will miss the shows. Thanks very much.

Reply
Nov 5, 2017 at 3:41 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Andy,

This usually means they are still working on the schedule.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 10, 2017 at 4:25 p.m.
Libby Says...

Do you know if FP+ is being offered during Christmas? We are at the 60 day window and that week is blocked for making reservations. Could be a deal breaker for us if they don’t offer JT

Reply
Oct 10, 2017 at 3:45 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Libby,

Hmm. A 60-day window from today would be around Dec 5th. The Christmas week availability would not open until later this month.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 3, 2017 at 3:05 a.m.
Tania Says...

Good day,

We are planning our first Christmas family trip to WDW from dec 23rd to 30th. We want some advice on which tickets to purchase if we are 8 young adults, a 9 month and a 5 month.

Thank you

Reply
Oct 3, 2017 at 8:13 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tania,

The most popular ticket for families is the Park Hopper with Plus option. It will allow you to hop between parks, and visit other attractions such as the water parks and mini-golf. If that's not for your family, then the Park Hopper will give you lots of flexibility.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 17, 2017 at 4:43 p.m.
valerie Says...

Hello and thank you for all the great information. I tried pulling up 1 day ticket prices for October and couldn't get it to come up. I had been a long time Deluxe Annual Passport Holder and did not renew. It seems to me that any time Deluxe, SOCAL, and SOCAL Select are valid the park is extremely overcrowded. When SOCAL passes are blocked it is much less crowded. I watch the aps with the crowd capacity and wait times and have come to the realization that what used to be the most crowded days (when lower level passes blocked) are now actually the least crowded, best times to go. It is kind of ironic that the passes are blocked due to expected high crowds and yet the fact they are blocked greatly lessens the number of people in the park. I went once on first day lower level passes were allowed to return. It was a Tuesday. I had never, ever seen the park like that. There were plenty of people working, but there was no way to get in to a sit down restaurant and lines at food stands were not less than an hour...some way over that. Navigating in the park was almost impossible. Needless to say, lines for rides were anywhere from 90-300 minutes. So sad. That is when I decided not to renew. I will go on days when lower level passes are blocked and take my chances. Wondering if anyone else noticed this...

Reply
Sep 7, 2017 at 1:15 a.m.
maggie moo Says...

when is the best, least crowded time to see ALL the christmas decorations and shows?

Reply
Sep 7, 2017 at 8:19 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Maggie,

Looking at our Crowd Calendar, we're forecasting average to low crowds in December leading up to the 21st. As for the decorations, are you including the hotels as well? Some of them are not decorated until the first few weeks of December. The theme parks should be all decked out by Thanksgiving Day.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 16, 2017 at 12:02 a.m.
Jo Bergin Dwyer Says...

Hi

We went to dlp Nov 2016 it was the start of Christmas period. I'm just wondering when is the start of Christmas period in Orlando. We cannot go December due my husbands job but can go up to 2nd later week November thanks in advance Jo

Reply
Jan 16, 2017 at 6:34 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jo,

You'll find that some of the Disney World parks and resorts have their holiday decorations up by the second week of November. Still more decorating is in place by the week before Thanksgiving.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 9, 2017 at 5:39 a.m.
Emily Says...

We are hoping to go to Disney starting November 4th through the 11th. Will Christmas items not be out at this time? Wondering if we should push our vacation back by a week but am afraid of crowds and cooler weather.

Reply
Jan 9, 2017 at 2:54 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Emily,

The park usually starts decorating starting November 1st. If you go that early, know that the Small World Holiday and Jingle Cruise holiday overlays may not be up yet. If you can go the week before Thanksgiving week, all of the holiday decorations and installations should be up.

Hoppy Planning!

Leap

Reply
Dec 22, 2016 at 1:43 a.m.
Terri Says...

If you watch the EPCOT illuminations show from the boardwalk bridge, as far as I know, you can't view the full show such as the globe with the fire and the images projected onto it. And the music is not piped in. But yes, the sporadic fireworks of this show are visible from here.

Reply
Dec 22, 2016 at 2:19 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Terri,

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 24, 2016 at 1:29 a.m.
Mrs. B Says...

Also, if I buy passes for our family to Hollywood Studios can we still see the famous castle you see on TV and the fireworks or do I have to buy a separate pass to see that? This will be the first time for my family ever going there. :)

Reply
Oct 11, 2016 at 12:28 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mrs. B,

In order to do this, which is in Magic Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios in one day, you would need to purchase Park Hoppers. You can view all of our Disney World ticket options on this page.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Dec 22, 2016 at 1:49 a.m.
Terri Says...

Another option would be to make dinner reservations at the California grill restaurant in the contemporary perhaps 45 minutes before fireworks time at the magic kingdom and ask for a window seat. Or watch them outside from the bridge between the contemporary hotel and bay lake tower, but they may not let you park there without a dining reservation.

Reply
Sep 24, 2016 at 1:27 a.m.
Mrs. B Says...

Hi, any advise is appreiated we are planning on going to WDW Christmas week just for a day as we will be staying with my in-laws who live there. Trying to find where the Star Wars people dance to music on stage? My 10 yr. old watches them on KidsYoutube and it says Hollywood Studios but when I've looked on here I don't see any show times or know what the shows are called. Anyone know what and when they are?

Thanks!

Reply
Oct 11, 2016 at 12:26 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mrs. B,

I think your tadpole is thinking of March of the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show. There are multiple showtimes daily.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 17, 2016 at 6:48 p.m.
Terri Says...

We are planning to go Dec 16-22 which is right before Christmas and will be our families first time for all of us including parents. Park hoppers or no? What is must have and must do being our first time? We have 3 boys and a girl. Are we crazy going our first time in Dec?

Reply
Oct 3, 2016 at 1:18 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Terri,

You can do it! Have you seen our quick-start guide for Disney World? It offers experiences popular with boys and girls. Unless you feel strongly that you want to hop, we generally don't recommend them for first-timers, who will spend more time taking everything in.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 3, 2016 at 1:12 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Terri,

You can do it! Have you seen our quick-start guide for Disney World? It offers experiences popular with boys and girls. Unless you feel strongly that you want to hop, we generally don't recommend them for first-timers, who will spend more time taking everything in.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 31, 2016 at 6:58 p.m.
BridgetonMotherof2 Says...

Hi,

I am going to Disney World after christmas (27, - jan 2nd) Any advice on what day to go to what park? Will the best New years bash be at Magic Kingdom? When do the Osborn light show end? Do i need to go the first day just in case? Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks

Reply
Aug 29, 2016 at 6:10 p.m.
LuckyDad Says...

I was able to go similar days in 2015/2016. I'd say these were the things that worked out better for me:

1. Have a stroller if the kids are young enough - the stroller allows you to control your kids movements and through a heavy crowd, they won't get bumped as much. You can move much quicker through the park.

2. News Years Party - The Magic Kingdom has two New Years Eve fireworks shows - one on the 30th and one on the 31st. I'd recommend the one on the 30th. It's just a bit less crowded. Not much but enough. It's the same as the one thrown on the 31st.

3. Character Dining (Breakfast mostly) - This isn't for everyone because of the expense but if you can schedule a character dining experience very early in the morning at the park you're visiting that day, it's not a bad idea. You'll be in the park before anyone else, get pictures with characters, have a great breakfast (depending on where you go) and start off the day a bit quieter.

4. Enjoy the resorts - the resorts are nicely decorated and will be less crowded than the parks.

5. Don't plan on seeing everything - I saw the stuff the kids enjoyed and didn't care if I saw the rest which really helped in making sure we stayed relaxed the entire time.

6. Parties - The parties are decent at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Epcot is more geared towards adults as there seems to be a theme of "drinking around the world" for a lot of people that go.

7. Dining - reservations are encouraged as even the quick service dining locations fill up... quick. If that doesn't work, bringing your own meals (pb&j sandwiches, crackers, fruits, meal bars, etc.) can help. You can ask for water at most restaurants. They hand out cups for free.

In any case, I hope you have a great time!

Reply
Sep 1, 2016 at 2:15 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi LuckyDad,

Thanks for sharing—these are great tips!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 14, 2016 at 2:36 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

Check out our Crowd Calendar for specific recommendations:

https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowd-calendar/

The Osborne Lights will not be back at Disney's Hollywood Studios this year, but there are always rumors floating around about a reappearance.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 23, 2015 at 9:19 a.m.
Peggy Says...

Our family solved the souvenir problem...we gave each child a set amount-usually about $20. This was their Disney allotment for souvenirs-their choice, their money. We bought no other souvenirs for them. We told them that they could keep whatever money they did not spend...many trips a few of our children came back with almost all their funds! Plus, we didn't have to hear, "Can you get this for me?" It was more enjoyable for everyone, and we didn't have to say NO constantly.

Reply
Feb 21, 2015 at 11:47 a.m.
Meag Says...

My family and I went Dec 26-Jan 3rd. Everyone in our group was over

17. We wpuld split up in day sometimes (excellent time to use the single rider lines) We had park hoppers ( we didn't have any issues around parks being at capacity - but on NYE we stayed in the MK... Just in case) generally we slept in, used fast passes well, and stayed at the parks REALLY late (sometimes as late as 2am bc of PM EMHs) we all had a great time, went on all the attractions that were important for us.

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Dec 12, 2014 at 9:53 p.m.
Eric Says...

My wife and I will be visiting WDW for four days around New Years (28th, 29th, 31st, and Jan 1st) and understand the chaos the we are signing up for. My question is to hop or not to hop. My first instinct was four parks, four standard tickets. Made sense. But then park hours made me doubt myself. Leave for the day when Animal Kingdom closes or get three or four more hours by heading over to the Magic Kingdom. Also, we'll be early birds and night owls, but probably won't want to stay open to close. I fear leaving our park of choice mid afternoon and being denied reentry that evening and because we have standard tickets, we would have no options to go to try another park. Even with these concerns, our trip advisor swears we're just throwing money away for the hopper option. Your advice is geeatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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Dec 15, 2014 at 7:43 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Eric,

Park hopping is a personal decision, so you have to go with what you think will work best for you. Magic Kingdom is the most likely park to reach capacity and hopping to it or getting back to it after a break might be your biggest bottle neck. Now, if it reaches capacity, you would not be allowed admittance until it is again below capacity. So it doesn't mean you wouldn't get back in for the day, but you might not get back in right when you show up, if that makes sense. With the hopper, you would have the flexibility to move to another park that had not reached capacity.

As to your decision on whether to park hop, you should factor in the length of your stay and whether you are a first-time visitor. If you are first-timer, you don't yet know which parks you will enjoy the most. Since you are there for four days, you would likely visit a different park each day. Having the park hoppers would allow you to revisit your favorite parks in the evenings.

Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide to do.

Best,

Leap

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Dec 3, 2014 at 6:23 p.m.
Burt Ward Says...

My mom was the worst on our trips. I knew we were hosted by a friend in management but the whole trip there she kept saying "What if we are going 1000 miles to find out he wasn't serious about getting in for free." I then just told her, "Well, we can have fun at Downtown Disney and then hit Old Towne in Kissimee." Well she was cynical as we walked up to meet the friend and he pulls out his ID and badges in all 6 of us. Then mom started her, "Well, we are here, now we have to figure out where to go." But the friend didn't just bail out. He guided us to Soaring and took all our park ID's the machine had generated. He then met us at the end of Soaring and gave us the printout for our fast pass reservations at the rest of the rides in Epcott. He then gave us good suggestions on food options and we set about our day. It was fantastic and we had the most fun, even mom came out of her negative shell and had some fun. We ended our day with 10 rounds of Spaceship Earth then the fireworks.

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Nov 30, 2014 at 12:02 p.m.
Marilyn Bergeron Says...

Disneyworld in March...looking forward to my first visit with my adult grandchildren

Reply
Dec 4, 2012 at 3:02 p.m.
Marilyn Says...

Is Disney offering a dinning discount during non peak hours of the day? They offered a discount 2 years ago when we visited Disney for Christmas and we found out about it at Undercover Tourist. Please let me know if this discount will be in effect this year.

Thanks a bunch!

Reply
Dec 4, 2012 at 4:35 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Marilyn,

I have not heard of this discount being in effect right now.

-- Leap

Reply
Dec 3, 2012 at 3:19 p.m.
David Says...

WDW-DINE and dinner reservations online are great! You can plan ahead of your visit and take a break with a nice lunch or dinner. Be on the look out for restaurants that include characters such as the Crystal Palace at MK, and special packages at EPCOT that include VIP acces and seating for the fireworks and the Candlelight Processional! Making reservations also gives you an idea of how the park is going to be like, some restaurants are out of reservations since Midyear.

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Nov 29, 2012 at 7:01 a.m.
Planning for Disney World in December Says...

[...] busiest of the entire year. If you are planning to visit during this time, be sure to check out our top 10 sanity-saving tips. We’d love to hear your own survival strategies (share them in [...]

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Nov 15, 2012 at 12:01 p.m.
Where to Meet Santa at Disney, Universal and SeaWorld Orlando Says...

[...] you haven’t finished making your holiday planning list yet, make sure you check out our top 10 sanity-saving tips for visiting the theme parks during the [...]

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Dec 15, 2014 at 9:29 p.m.
Jeff S. Says...

We have been to Disney once per year for the past 6 years, always during Easter Week which is touted as being just as busy as Christmas week. We have young children and have had great success with getting up early, eating a quick breakfast, and getting to the park well before the opening ceremony. We love the opening ceremonies and always try to get a good viewing spot.

Eric is correct, you can beeline to the top attractions and ride them with no or minimal wait for the first few hours. We generally leave the park around noon and head back to our condo for lunch (saves money and waiting in food lines). We swim and/or sleep and then head back to the parks around 6.

During Spring Break it is hot and the people that are in the park all day are burned to a crisp or heat stroked by 6 and head home. The result is smaller crowds in the evenings.

As to whether this strategy will work during Christmas, my guess is it will depend on the weather. We have a park hopper and like the luxury of being able to switch parks if we feel like it. We only experienced a park being closed due to capacity one time during Easter week. I am curious if anyone knows how common it is during Christmas week? Our Easter week strategy may not be the best for Christmas week, only one way to find out...

Either way, if you relax and enjoy the small things all the parks have to offer you will still have a great time.

Best,

Jeff

Reply
Jan 3, 2015 at 3:18 a.m.
Cory v Says...

Opening ceremony? I would love any info. I didn't know such a thing existed. Thanks!

Reply
Jan 5, 2015 at 8:56 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cory,

It's a real treat and sets the stage for a great day in Magic Kingdom! Here is a video.

Leap

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