Disney World is renowned for its magical transformation during the holiday season, with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and enchanting parades that fill the parks with festive joy. However, when does this magical Christmas season end at Disney World? This article provides a comprehensive guide to answer this question and offers tips to make the most of your visit during the holiday season.
The official Christmas festivities at Disney World end on December 31. However, the holiday decorations and some events continue into the first week of January. Decorations typically start coming down during the first week of January and are completely gone after the Disney Marathon Weekend, which takes place from January 3 to 7.
Disney World’s Christmas Season: Start and End Dates
Disney World officially kicks off its Christmas celebrations on November 11, 2023. The holiday action begins as early as November 9, 2023, with the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays starts a bit later, on November 24, 2023.
The Christmas festivities run until December 31, 2023. However, the magic doesn’t stop there. Decorations start coming down during the first week of January 2024, and they are typically completely gone after the Disney Marathon Weekend, which takes place from January 3 to 7, 2024.
Christmas Events and Performances
Disney World offers a variety of events and performances during the Christmas season. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a major event taking place on select nights from November 9 to December 22, 2023. This event features enchanting entertainment, favorite attractions, and beloved Disney characters. Some highlights of the event include Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show.
After the last Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on December 22, some of the exclusive entertainment becomes available to all guests without an additional ticket. This includes Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, which typically run nightly until December 29.
Other holiday-themed events and performances at Disney World include A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, a stage show held in Tomorrowland featuring Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, and Mike Wazowski. There’s also the Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam, a dance party in the Storybook Circus area.
Transition from Regular Operations to Christmas Theme
The transformation from regular operations to the Christmas theme at Disney World is a massive undertaking. The process usually begins right after Halloween, with the Magic Kingdom park starting to put up Christmas decorations in early November. The holiday decor installation takes two nights, beginning at the conclusion of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on October 31.
The Walt Disney World Holiday Services team is responsible for providing decor for 780 locations within 41 different properties. They maintain, install, and remove more than 40,000 individual pieces of décor each year. The process of decorating the parks and resorts involves over 160 people working together, and they plan the decorations a year in advance.
Unique Christmas Attractions
During the Christmas season, Disney World offers a variety of unique attractions and experiences. Some of the highlights include:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This special event takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights from November 9 to December 22, 2023, and features festive entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and holiday-themed attractions.
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot: This event features a celebrity narrator telling the Christmas story, accompanied by a choir and a live orchestra.
- Christmas Trees and Decorations: Each park has its own beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and the entire resort is adorned with holiday decorations.
- Jingle Cruise: The Jungle Cruise attraction at Magic Kingdom gets a holiday makeover, transforming into the Jingle Cruise.
- Holiday-themed enhancements: Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor receive special holiday enhancements during the Christmas season.
- Christmas Tree Stroll: This activity involves finding 20 themed trees throughout Disney Springs as part of a scavenger hunt.
- Resort hopping: Many of the Disney World hotels feature unique decorations, gingerbread displays, and other festive offerings during the holiday season.
- Holiday dining: Various restaurants throughout the resort offer special holiday-themed meals and treats.
Each park and resort area offers its own unique holiday magic, making it a truly special time to visit.
Crowd Control and Safety Measures
During the busy Christmas season, Disney World implements various crowd control and safety measures to ensure a pleasant experience for its guests. These include special events and entertainment to spread the crowds across the parks, visible security measures, park capacity control, safety guidelines, and the Disney Genie+ system to help guests navigate the parks and minimize wait times.
Tips for Visiting Disney World During Christmas
Visiting Disney World during the Christmas season can be a magical experience, but it can also be quite crowded. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- Book reservations in advance
- Arrive early
- Be flexible
- Visit Disney World Resorts
- Attend special events
- Choose the best dates
- Utilize Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
- Take breaks
- Enjoy holiday dining
- Dress in layers
- Be prepared for crowds
- Stay late
By following these tips, you can make the most of your Disney World Christmas vacation and create lasting memories with your family and friends.
With all this information at your fingertips, you’re ready to plan a truly magical Disney World Christmas vacation. Just remember, while the official festivities end on December 31, the holiday magic lingers a little longer, giving you plenty of time to soak in the joy and wonder of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
The ticket prices for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party vary depending on the date and can range from $105 to $155 per adult. Please note that these prices are approximate and may change. It’s recommended to check the official Disney World website for the most accurate prices.
Are the holiday decorations and events included in the regular park admission?
Yes, the holiday decorations and most holiday-themed events are included in the regular park admission. However, certain special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party require an additional ticket.
Is Disney World open on Christmas Day?
Yes, Disney World is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day. However, it’s one of the busiest days of the year, so be prepared for large crowds.
Are there any special holiday discounts available?
Disney World sometimes offers special holiday discounts, but these vary from year to year. It’s best to regularly check the official Disney World website or subscribe to their newsletter for any updates on discounts and special offers.
Can I see the Christmas decorations if I visit in early November?
Yes, Disney World starts putting up Christmas decorations in early November, so you should be able to see them if you visit during this time. However, the official Christmas season doesn’t start until November 11, 2023.
