How is disney world at christmas

Keep in mind that the processional itself is free to Epcot guests. Buying a dining package simply guarantees a seat. You also need a theme park ticket for this one. While it is a lovely evening, know that this is something that may not thrill some younger children.

The bad news mixed in with all this magic is that it gets painfully busy at Disney during portions of the holidays. Think five-hour waits for rides and parks hitting max capacity. Common sense will tell you when the parks are busiest during the holidays, in other words, over school breaks and on weekends.

December is the most festive time, with the Epcot candlelight processional up and running in late-November. If you have the luxury of choice, visit Disney World the week before Thanksgiving or the first two weeks in December, with weekdays being less busy than weekends.

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OK, I understand the need to have a really special experience on Christmas Day. Would you like some help planning your next trip? Check with my partners over at Destinations to Travel. They will be happy to help you with anything yo u need to plan a Perfect Vacation. Thousands of people every year show up at the Magic Kingdom and are turned away or go away with a bad taste in their mouths because of the crowds.

Animal Kingdom and Epcot have never reached capacity in their history, to the best of our knowledge, so starting your day in Magic Kingdom and hopping in the afternoon to Epcot, for example, should still work. If you do elect to stay in one park all day, bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive the lockers will also sell out, so if you need one, get there early , or bring a backpack that you know you can wear comfortably all day.

Instead, make it your priority to enjoy the atmosphere. If there is a band playing, stop and listen. Wander around and look at the decorations. Enjoy some holiday treats. Wave at the characters. Make dining reservations as soon as possible.

Most of the available reservations will be for very early or late, or at second-tier restaurants in resorts, or both. Epcot has many more restaurants, so there will likely be a few better options there. For other ideas and more detailed recommendations, we highly recommend the Disney Food Blog e-books , especially their Holiday Guide.

Plan to pre-order your quick-service meals using the mobile order system, and be prepared to order early. If you want to eat lunch at noon, order at 10 or even earlier. If you wait until you get hungry to start ordering food, your return time could be 2 hours or more later. Also consider bringing some snacks , like granola bars, string cheese and juice boxes, with you to stave off starvation, or budget for plenty of churros and ice cream which will also have lines, but not as long as the ones for the restaurants.

If you have young children, rent a stroller in advance.