What is there to do at Christmas Time?

[Daisybell911]

I been to the parks quite a few times but this year will be my first year experiencing Christmas time in Disney and I'm so excited! I'll be going for five days at the beginning of the month just to experience the holiday magic. I know about the Christmas party, which I definitely won't miss, but what else is there to do? Do the resorts do special things? What about Disney Springs? Are there foods that are just not to be missed? I'd love to hear any fun things that you can't live without doing during the holidays to make this trip extra special.

Thanks and pixie dust to all!

 

[LadyNia]

There are holiday food booths in Epcot. The candlelight processional and holiday storytellers are also at Epcot.
Last year, my husband and I enjoyed the Jingle Cruise at MK. We loved the holiday overlay of the ride as well as the holiday themed jokes. We rode it twice in the same day!

 

[Daisybell911]

@LadyNia The Jingle Cruise sounds like a hoot! That's one of my favorite rides too. Is that just during the party or during regular park hours?

 

[robinb]

The Jingle Cruise is available all the time once the overlay is put on the ride.

 

[TinkSassy]

Get to the Grand Floridian for the life size Gingerbread house that is so cool! HS has changed a lot since I was there for the holidays but they have the night show Jingle Bell Jingle BAM.

 

[focusondisney]

Disney Studios had a cute light display on the Tower of Terror last year. Plus Jingle Bell Jingle Bam on the Great Movie Ride building. At Disney Springs, they have the Christmas Tree Trail with theme decorated trees. All the deluxe resorts have displays in their lobbies: Beach Club has a gingerbread carousel, Yacht Club has a miniature village & train display, Boardwalk has a gingerbread amusement park display etc. All are worth a look. The bakeries in the park all have themed cupcakes. I don’t stay for Illuminations, but I believe they have a holiday ending to it.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

We always go this time of year, so much to do. My favorite parts are the holiday storytellers in WS, the food booths (like a mini F&W) and checking out the deluxe resort decorations (WL and GF are my favorites). The land pavilion usually has candy and gingerbread versions of the theme park icons which is always great. There’s a gospel Christmas music concert on the fountain of nations stage s couple times a day that’s good. Everything else has pretty much been mentioned. Not a big fan of Jingle bell jingle bam.

 

[gharter]

Lots of fun things around Christmas.
The Jingle Cruise is fun. As always skipper dependant.
Love going to the resorts and seeing the gingerbread houses and decorations.
The parks are beautifully decorated.
EPCOT the candlelight processional and holiday storytellers are good.

I was always disappointed that WDW doesn't do the Nightmare before Christmas overlay for HM and the Christmas overlay for Small World like Disneyland does. Probably don't want to take 2 popluar rides down for the time to do and undo the overlay.

 

[yulilin3]

you can check out this page. They will update each tab when they have a schedule but you can see the general offerings everywhere

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/#/sports,holiday-events,special-events/

 

[Garyjames220]

Sing along to the Christmas songs

 

[McFly913]

Like everyone else said the resorts are decorated wonderful. Go on the monorail loop and resort hop to see some great decorations.

I personally love how the court yard at Rock and Roller Coaster changes to Christmas music. Small differences like that I appreciate.

 

[Moliphino]

Holiday Illuminations is my favorite. If they take away Illuminations before the holidays I may riot.

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

I thought the life size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian as really cool. Also they make a carousel out of chocolate and such at Beach Club. Look into Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party [aka...MVMCP]. They sell a limited number of tickets and the park is open till about midnight. They have special characters that are not usually at the parks and free treats at various quick service restaurants. We did it just to be able to extend our hours at the MK on our short December trip last year.

 

[palavra]

Disney Springs has a Disney themed Christmas tree display that is really well done! There is Christmas music playing, and the whole place is festive.

 

[robinb]

Disney Springs has a Disney themed Christmas tree display that is really well done! There is Christmas music playing, and the whole place is festive.

Two years ago Disney had a really cool Christmas themed drone show called Starbright Holidays. They did not have it last year, but they may bring it back this year.

 

[Daisybell911]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Does anyone know if they do "sleigh"rides? I seem to remember hearing something about it but can't find the info on it.

 

[yulilin3]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Does anyone know if they do "sleigh"rides? I seem to remember hearing something about it but can't find the info on it.

yes at Fort Wilderness

 

[LA Poolboy]

Just a quick add...Wilderness Lodge usually has carolers and bell ringers during different parts of the day. Beautiful.

 

[zebrastreyepz]

Resorts to see, IMO: Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, and check out Hippie Santa over by Swolphin.

Nothing really special at AK except they are doing something with the UP! bird show.

HS is, IMO, cooler than MK for Christmas. Decorations were fabulous, the Tower of Terror projections are great, Santa's Meet and Greet has a great setting, Santa Goofy is there, snow on Sunset Blvd.....we loved it.

EP has all the international storytellers, Candlelight Processional, holiday food and wine booths.

MK has the Christmas Party and Santa and snow on Main Street.

Disney Springs has the Christmas Tree walk.

 

[Drewsdad]

Grand Floridian go to the Ginger Bread house and get a hot cookie.