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How To Plan for the Holidays in Walt Disney World

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If you are heading down to Walt Disney World during the next two months, you will want to be prepared for all the holiday magic when you arrive at a Disney Park. We have a few tips, so you are ready for a fantastic Walt Disney World vacation.

Weather

November and December months in Walt Disney World can bring a variety of weather. With this in mind, you will want to be prepared as you begin to pack.

You will want to bring various clothing options so you are ready for all weather conditions.

You will want to have mittens, hats, and coats because it can get cold during these months, and even if you are from the northern states, Florida’s cold feels different.

As always with Disney World, you will want to be prepared for rain. Bring a raincoat or umbrella, so you aren’t wet and cold.

Special Events

There are a variety of special events going on for the holiday season throughout Walt Disney World.  If this is something that you want to take part in, you will want to get them reserved quickly.

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Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours Event takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom and brings the holiday festivities to the Park. This is a special ticketed event that Guests can choose to purchase to attend the event.

At this After Hours party, Guests are treated to a variety of holiday experiences.

The Christmastime parade is back, featuring the adorable reindeer and even Santa himself. It is the only time currently that you can enjoy an evening parade in Walt Disney World.

Mickey and Minnie’s Very Merry Memories is the new stage show that brings beloved characters together for a fantastic holiday celebration.

Finally, there is a special firework show and characters throughout the Park as well. Guests also have the opportunity to get popcorn, Mickey Bars, and pop.

This is an extremely magical experience, and if you are heading down to the holidays, one to consider booking.

Credit: Disney

Firework Packages are also available in Magic Kingdom for the view of Disney Enchantment. This new nighttime spectacular brings fireworks and projections along with a new musical score to the Theme Park.

There are currently three different options when it comes to these firework packages in the Magic Kingdom. Guests can choose the before or after dessert party or the seats and sweets option to remain seated during the show.

These packages are fun ways to see the show without having to fight the crowds.

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Candlelight Processional is coming back this holiday season in EPCOT. This popular experience will be running from November 26th to December 30th.

A celebrity narrator combined with a fantastic orchestra and a large choir work together to tell the amazing Christmas story.

There are typically a few shows each evening, but we anticipate that all shows will be popular. If this is an experience that you want to have, we highly recommend looking into the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages.

By booking a dining package, you can enjoy lunch or dinner at select EPCOT restaurants and enjoy reserved seating for the show. This is a wonderful way to ensure your spot at the show.

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EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs in EPCOT from November 26th to December 30th of this year. This even brings holiday cheer to the sights and flavors found throughout the Park.

The highlight of Festival of the Holidays is the holiday kitchens. These kitchens bring flavors from cultures near and far with creative dishes and drinks.

If you have little ones with you, make sure you check out the cookie stroll that is returning as well. Guests can try five different cookies throughout World Showcase and receive one additional free if they complete the stroll. This is fun for little ones and delicious as well.

Also fun for the whole family is Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt. Guests can purchase a map for $9.99 and then search for Olaf and the holiday traditions throughout the Park.

This is a great way to keep everyone engaged as you stroll around the countries, and if you complete it, there is a prize at the end.

If you are heading to Disney World during the holiday season, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is an experience you will plan to attend.

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Over at Disney Springs, they are gearing up for the holidays with the return of the Christmas Tree Stroll.  

There are 17 Disney themed trees throughout Disney Springs that Guests can walk around and enjoy. Make sure to grab a map so you don’t miss any of them.

These are stunning and a great holiday addition to Disney Springs.

Visit Disney Resorts

Finally, if you are heading down to Walt Disney World for the holidays, you will want to plan to visit some of the resorts on property to see the holiday decorations.

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has the iconic gingerbread house display back for this season. This new display features colors to celebrate the 50th Anniversary.

Not only stop by to check out the EARidescent touches but also grab a gingerbread treat as well.

Over at the Beach Club, Guests can take a look at the new Little Mermaid inspired gingerbread carousel. There are four horses, each specially representing the Little Mermaid.

There is Princess Ariel herself, Scuttle, Sebastian and Flounder, and finally Prince Eric with Max. These four horses have amazing details that truly bring the movie to life using gingerbread. Don’t skip out and see it for yourself.

These are just a few of the big holiday decorations you will find at a Walt Disney World Resort, but each Resort will have its own trees and decorations. Take time during your vacation to stop and enjoy these special features.

We hope that this helps you prepare for a holiday vacation to Walt Disney World. There is so much magic to experience that you will want to make sure you know all your options before heading down on vacation. 

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.