A Complete Guide to a Disney Christmas Vacation in 2023
Are you planning a Disney Christmas vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth during the most wonderful time of year? If that’s a yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, I will share with you the best Christmassy things to do during the Christmas season at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! And, don’t worry, the list is separated by theme park, so you can easily reference back to this blog during your specific park day! Save this to your browser favorites or visit my pin to save on Pinterest!
Best Things to Do During Christmas at Disney from a former Cast Member!
During my college experience, I actually worked at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida during the holiday months! I started my time with the Disney College Program as a Lifeguard at Port Orleans Riverside and worked as a cast member from the months of August through January. It was one of the best times of my life and I’m so excited to share with you some of my favorite Christmassy experiences in Walt Disney World!
The Best Walt Disney World “Christmassy” Resorts!
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge fills the resort with beautiful Disney Christmas decorations. With a 45 foot Disney Christmas tree and cozy cabin feels, this resort provides a cozy Christmas stay at Disney!
2. Wilderness Lodge
Similar to Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Wilderness Lodge provides a cabin in the woods Christmas experience because your cabin is actually in the woods! One of the unique things at Wilderness Lodge is the 60 foot Christmas Tree, that’s actually the same size as the Christmas Tree in Magic Kingdom!
3. Polynesian Village Resort
Along the monorail to Magic Kingdom, stop into the Polynesian resort for a South Pacific Christmas theme! The Polynesian Resort combines Disney Christmas decorations with a Hawaiian-style for fun and bright resort decorations.
4. The Grand Floridian
One of the most popular visits and stays during Christmas is the Grand Floridian. This resort provides elegant Christmas decorations with a massive Disney Christmas Tree. This is where you can also find the iconic Gingerbread House!
5. Yacht & Beach Club
At the Yacht & Beach Club, you’ll find a life-size Gingerbread House spinning on a carousel. You can also spot seaside decor throughout the holiday trimmings!
The Best “Christmassy” Things to Do at All 4 Parks!
Magic Kingdom
If you’ve ever been to Disney World, then you’re probably familiar with why Magic Kingdom is one of the most popular parks to visit for first timers. The park’s staple Cinderella Castle creates a magical experience for all ages. Throughout your Magic Kingdom experience, you can navigate your way through the different lands that make Magic Kingdom. From Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square and Main Street USA – you’ll be sure to create a magical experience!
Magic Kingdom Christmas Events
1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Stay for extra magic hours with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This fun experience requires an additional ticket purchase which includes an additional 5 hours at Magic Kingdom! During this time, you can sip some complementary hot chocolate, ice cream, popcorn, and even take your photo with the characters in their Christmas outfits!
2. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade
Starting after December 22nd, you can watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade held periodically throughout Magic Kingdom. However, before December 22nd, the parade is only held during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
3. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Firework Show
It wouldn’t be a Magic Kingdom without some fireworks! Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Firework Show is a unique show to celebrate the most wonderful time of year with Christmas music and fireworks! The show starts after December 22nd for all guests, however, if you purchase tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party, then you can enjoy the show during your extra magic hours!
4. Cinderella’s Castle Holiday Projections
Every 15 minutes, guests can enjoy holiday projects at Cinderella’s Castle! The show begins after sundown and continues every 15 minutes until the park closes. However, it is only offered during the nights that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party is not hosted.
5. Main Street USA Seasonal Decorations
One of my favorite things to do is browse Main Street USA to admire all the decorations and Christmas theme Disney attire at all the merchandise stores! Main Street USA is where you’ll find Disney Christmas decorations, parades, Cinderella’s Castle, Disney Christmas Tree, and plenty of food options!
6. Frozen Holiday Surprise
The Frozen Holiday Surprise is new this year (2023) and offers new illuminating lights for all guests (during the day and during MVMCP).
Magic Kingdom Christmas Rides Overlays
1. Jingle Cruise (aka Jungle Cruise)
The Jungle Cruise takes you on a boat ride through the river in Magic Kingdom where you can see wildlife animals and listen to a humorous tour guide. However, during the holiday seasons, you get to listen to exclusive holiday puns during your boat ride!
2. Space Mountain: Holiday Run
Be prepared to launch on an adventure through the cosmos, filled with interstellar lighting and high-energy holiday tunes.
3. Tomorrowland Speedway
Cruise a festive freeway where you can see Disney Christmas decorations and lights, while listening to a fun holiday soundtrack!
4. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Enjoy a good laugh at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor where you can enjoy some holiday humor!
7. Mad Tea Party
Take a dizzy tea cup ride with the Mad Tea Party where you can listen to one of the four holiday classics played during your spin to fill your cup! Personally, I love this experience with my family!
Magic Kingdom Christmas Snacks
1. Santa Mickey Waffle Sundae @ Sleepy Hollow
The Santa Mickey Waffle Sundae features a red velvet waffle topped with mint-chip ice cream, seasonal sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and peppermint powder.
2. Olaf’s Frozen Hot Chocolate Cake @ Main Street Bakery
A Gluten-friendly chocolate cake layered with chocolate crispy pearls, chocolate panna cotta, and marshmallow fluff.
3. Snowflake Brownie @ Casey’s Corner
A chocolate brownie decorated with sugar snowflakes and icing.
4. An Orange Bird Christmas @ Sunshine Tree Terrace (only during MVMCP)
An orange-scented white chocolate mousse filled with orange curd on a citrus-almond cream cake with buttercream leaves and a white chocolate piece.
5. Christmas Cookie Milkshake @ Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
A cookie butter milkshake topped with whipped cream and a Mickey marshmallow straw.
6. Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll
A Mickey shaped cinnamon roll toppers with red icing to celebrate the Christmas holiday!
Epcot
Disney’s Epcot is a unique park compared to the others with the majority of the park consisting of the World Showcase. Throughout your Epcot adventure, you can “travel around the world” by visiting each country’s pavilion in Epcot. The showcase is a big 1.2 mile loop with 11 country pavilions where you can try the food from the country’s culture. For example, you can try sushi in Japan, escargot in France, or a delicious margarita in Mexico. For those over the age of 21, I highly recommend “drinking around the world” and trying a new drink at each pavilion!
Aside from the World Showcase, Disney has some new rides in Epcot too, such as Guardians of the Galaxy! This is by far my favorite ride in all of Walt Disney World!
Epcot Christmas Events
1. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Surround yourself with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors during the beloved Holiday Kitchens and a scrumptious Holiday Cookie Stroll.
2. Candlelight Processional
Everynight starting after Thanksgiving, you can hear the stirring story of Christmas presented by a celebrity narrator, accompanied with an orchestra and massed choir.
3. Live Music around the World Showcase
During your stroll around the World Showcase, you can watch heartwarming performances, including Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre, and even some holiday storytellers.
Epcot Christmas Ride Overlays
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Holiday Overlay
The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind creates an epic playlist for riders. This year, during the holiday season, the Guardians are trading their classic hits playlist for a mash-up of seasonal jams. Blast off to the tune of an awesome holiday single, bringing joy to Xandar and Terra, too.
2. Living with the Land Holiday Overlay
Enjoy holiday themed vegetation as you cruise through the green houses of Disney’s Living with the Land attraction.
Epcot Christmas Snacks
1. Macaron Christmas Tree @ Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie
A bright green Christmas Tree style macaron with a soft-yet-crunchy texture with delicious filling.
2. Mini Funnel Cake @ Funnel Cake
A mini funnel cake topped with peppermint ice cream, chocolate whipped cream, and crushed peppermint
3. Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini @ Le Marche De Noel Holiday Kitchen
The drink has Grey Goose La Vanille Vodka, vodka, chocolate milk, and whipped cream. It’s delicious!
4. Sushi Tree @ Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen
A sushi roll in the shape of a Christmas Tree with crabmeat and cream cheese topped with tempura, Ikura salmon roe, and spicy mayonnaise.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, also known as DAK, is one of my favorite parks at Disney. As you explore DAK, you’ll find yourself in a wildlife adventure with all the unique wildlife animals and super fun rides! Recently, Animal Kingdom announced the new addition to the park: Pandora – The World of Avatar. I highly recommend visiting Pandora during the nighttime, where you can see the ground and trees GLOWING! It’s surreal.
As you navigate your way through Animal Kingdom, the park consists of 6 lands: Pandora, Asia, Africa, Oasis, Discovery Island and Dinoland USA. You’ll be sure to create a fun experience with the wildlife animals at Animal Kingdom during your Disney Christmas vacation (and don’t worry, the animals are taken care of VERY well)!
Animal Kingdom Christmas Events
1. Pandora World of Avatar
This newer feature provides cheery entertainment and decorations in the newest addition to this park Pandora World of Avatar. (decorations are also displayed all over the park).
2. Merry Menagerie
Artisan-sculpted puppets roam Discovery Island throughout the day! Including reindeer, polar bears, penguins, and seals.
3. Tree of Life Holiday Awakening
The Tree of Life projects a nightly show with snow at its trunk, and tells a series of winter tales throughout the night.
4. Santa Claus Festive Flotilla
See Santa Claus as he sails down the Discovery River to a jolly, world-beat holiday soundtrack.
5. Discovery Islands Drummers Festive Florilla
Feel the beat as a colorful group of percussionists cruise along the Discovery River, entertaining Guests like you on the shore.
Animal Kingdom Christmas Snacks
1. Menagerie Cupcakes @ Flame Tree Barbecue, Restaurantosaurus, and Pizzafari.
The stunning Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse made with peppermint sauce, peppermint candy pieces, and chocolate “dirt” all on top of the peppermint cream cheese mousse.
2. Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse @ Satu’li Canteen
This delicious treat is made with peppermint sauce, peppermint candy pieces, and chocolate “dirt” all on top of the peppermint cream cheese mousse.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is the type of park where it’ll take you into a fantasy world from one of your favorite movies. From Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land, it’ll literally feel like you’re a character from Star Wars or one of Andy’s toys in Toy Story! With all the new additions to Hollywood Studios over the past few years, I highly recommend adding this park to your Disney Christmas vacation!
Hollywood Studios Christmas Events
1. Jollywood Nights
This brand new 2023 event is for all Disney resort guests looking to live up the night in glitz and glamour during extra magic hours. An additional ticket purchase is required, but during your experience you can meet characters and ride some rides with short wait times! It’s like Hollywood glamour meeting holiday cheer!
2. Sunset Seasons Greetings
Projecting right onto the Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard, is a festive yuletide projection taking place every 15 minutes after sunset!
3. Santa Claus Motorcade
The Santa Claus Motorcade takes place on Sunset Boulevard, where you can see Santa driving on his bright red convertible!
Hollywood Studios Christmas Ride Overlays
1. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
All year-round, you can sing-along with all the Frozen top hits, while watching the characters perform. However, during the Christmastime, Olaf makes a guest appearance to celebrate the holidays!
Hollywood Studios Christmas Snacks
1. Minnie’s Holiday Dine @ Hollywood & Vine Restaurant
Celebrate your Christmas season at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine, where you can enjoy festive decor, while meeting Disney characters! This restaurant event is only held during the Christmas holiday season. I highly recommend making a reservation far in advance!
2. Holiday Candy Cane Shake @ Hollywood Scoops on Sunset Boulevard
A peppermint ice cream shake topped with whipped cream, a chocolate cake doughnut, and candy cane sprinkles.
3. Reindeer Mousse @ ABC Commissary
This fun treat is made with spiced cherry-orange dark chocolate mousse, and chocolate cake, placed on top of a gold chocolate cookie base with dark chocolate glaze and milk chocolate buttercream.
Final Thoughts
Disney at Christmas is such a magical experience for the entire family, no matter your age! Which of these fun things to do during your Disney Christmas vacation is at the top of your list? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re interested in exploring other Christmas vacation destinations, be sure to check out my Christmas Vacation Destinations in the United States travel guide!
