Disney World in December is especially magical with holiday decorations throughout the parks, daily special events, and an atmosphere of cheer. However, it can also be one of the busiest times due to seasonal guests and holiday celebrations. Visitors should be prepared for potential crowds and festive events.
Christmas decorations can be found throughout the parks, special events are scheduled daily, and the overall atmosphere is one of cheer and joy.
Here are some of the things guests can expect during Disney World’s December celebration.
(The Ultimate Guide to Disney World)
Is December a good time to visit Disney World?
Is it better to go to Disney World in November or December?
One of the most common questions we get here at Disney World Nerds is “when is the best time to visit Disney World?”
The answer to this question is unfortunately not always a simple one, as several factors can influence your decision.
Weather at Disney World in December
In terms of weather, November tends to be slightly cooler than December, with average highs in the mid-70s and lows in the low-60s.
However, temperatures can vary depending on where you travel within the park.
For example, if you’re planning on spending a lot of time at one of the water parks, you’ll want to keep in mind that their hours of operation are reduced during the colder months.
Crowds at Disney World in December
Crowd levels are also typically higher in December, due to the holidays and school breaks.
However, this is also a popular time for families to visit Disney World, so you may find that there are still fewer crowds than during peak periods like spring break or summer vacation.
Disney World in August (GUIDE)
One way to avoid crowds altogether is by staying at an off-site hotel.
That way, you can take advantage of Disney’s complimentary shuttle transportation service and avoid the hassle (and expense) of parking your car at the park.
Special Events at Disney World in December
In terms of special events and holiday decorations, both months are generally excellent times to visit.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of Mickey Mouse in his Santa Claus outfit, you’ll want to come during the second half of December.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, November may be a better option for you.
No matter when you decide to visit Disney World, be sure to bring your patience—and your comfiest walking shoes!—as you explore all that this magical place has to offer.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to visiting Disney World in both November and December.
Ultimately, the best time for you to visit will depend on your personal preferences and travel style.
If you’re looking for warmer weather and smaller crowds, November may be the perfect time for you.
But if you don’t mind braving the cold and you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of Mickey Mouse in his holiday best, then December might just be your ideal month.
Is Disney crowded in December?
Many people love visiting Disney World during the holidays because of the festive atmosphere and special events.
However, it’s important to know that December can also be one of the busiest times of the year at the park.
This is because regular visitors are often joined by seasonal guests, who come to see Disney’s holiday decorations and take part in special events.
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in December, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Factors like weather, school breaks, and park hours can all influence how crowded the parks may be.
However, even if you do encounter larger crowds during your visit, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your time at Disney.
Here’s what you need to know about crowd levels at Disney World in December.
What causes crowds at Disney World in December?
There are a few factors that contribute to larger crowds at Disney World during December.
Firstly, many families take advantage of school vacation days around Christmas and New Year’s to visit the parks.
This means that there will likely be more children than usual during this time.
In addition, winter weather can cause some attractions and shows to close or have modified hours.
For example, outdoor shows and fireworks displays may be canceled due to rainy or windy conditions.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean that the parks will be less crowded overall, it can affect wait times for certain rides and attractions.
Finally, park hours tend to be longer in December than at any other time of year.
This is due to increased demand from both regular visitors and seasonal guests.
While longer park hours may sound great at first, it can lead to more congestion as people try to cram in as much as possible before the parks close for the night.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds at Disney World in December
Despite the potential for larger crowds, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy your time at Disney World during this magical time of year.
Here are a few tips for avoiding crowds:
1. Arrive early
If you want to beat the crowds, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the parks open each morning.
Not only will you avoid the lines that form outside the gates, but you’ll also have a chance to take advantage of some short Genie+ lines for popular rides and attractions.
2. Avoid school vacation days
If possible, try to plan your trip for dates outside of major school vacation periods.
This includes weekends and holidays like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
3. Know which attractions close early
As mentioned earlier, some attractions close early or have modified hours due to inclement weather.
To avoid disappointment, familiarize yourself with these closures ahead of time so you can plan your day accordingly.
4. Make dining reservations
One way to avoid long wait times is by making dining reservations in advance.
This is especially important if you’re hoping to enjoy a meal at one of Disney’s table-service restaurants.
5. Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours
Guests staying at one of Disney’s on-site hotels can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours.
During these hours, select parks either open early or stay open late just for hotel guests.
While this may mean dealing with more people than usual, it also means shorter wait times for popular rides and attractions.
So if you don’t mind braving a few extra crowds, Extra Magic Hours could be a good option for you.
Overall, December can be a great time to visit Disney World.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that this month sees an influx of both regular visitors and seasonal guests.
This can lead to longer wait times for rides and attractions, as well as crowded walkways throughout the parks.
Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy your trip, even if you do encounter larger crowds.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your time at Disney World during this magical time of year.
Is Disney World cold in December?
While Disney World can be quite chilly in December, the weather varies depending on where in Florida you are.
Generally speaking, temperatures are mild throughout the state this time of year. However, it is usually cooler at night compared to during the day.
In addition, Disney World’s parks and attractions may experience rain or windy conditions, which can lead to closures or limited hours for outdoor shows and fireworks displays.
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in December, it’s a good idea to dress in layers and bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.
But with that said, Disney World is still a magical place, regardless of the weather.
So if you’re able to brave a little chill or some rain, be sure to take advantage of everything Disney World has to offer during the holiday season!
Is Disney expensive in December?
While Disney World is known for being a popular and pricey vacation destination, it can be quite affordable in December if you know where to look.
For starters, many of the best value hotels at Disney World offer packages that include discounted park tickets, food vouchers, and more.
And if you’re hoping to save money on meals, consider packing some snacks or bringing along a refillable water bottle to use at Disney’s dining locations.
In addition, Disney offers several other discounts and special deals throughout the year, so be sure to do some research ahead of time to find the best value for your budget.
Overall, while Disney World can seem expensive at first glance, there are plenty of ways to save money and make the most out of your trip.
So if you’re planning a visit to Disney World in December, be sure to do your research and take advantage of all the available discounts and deals!
Is it worth going to Disney World at Christmas?
Absolutely! Disney World is a magical place at any time of year, but it especially shines during the holiday season.
Disney World in January is also fun for New Years and just starting off the new year in a fun way.
At this time, Disney’s parks and attractions are beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, and many areas offer special holiday makeovers as well.
In addition, Disney World hosts a wide range of special events and activities during this time, including parades, fireworks shows, holiday parties, and more.
And if you’re a Disney fan or just looking for an extra-magical experience, Disney World is also home to several Disney character dining options during the holidays.
Can you swim in pools at Disney World in December?
While Disney World’s pools are typically weather-dependent, most of the resort’s water parks and many of its other pools stay open all year round.
However, it is important to note that Disney World may close some or all of its outdoor pools in the event of inclement weather, such as extreme heat or cold, high winds, or heavy rain.
That said, Disney World’s aquatic areas tend to stay open during the winter months, as long as the weather is mild. So if you’re planning a trip to Disney World in December, there is a good chance that you will be able to swim in pools at Disney World during your visit.
Final thoughts on Disney World in December
Disney World is a magical place at any time of year, but it especially shines during the holiday season.
At this time, Disney’s parks and attractions are beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, and many areas offer special holiday makeovers as well.
In addition, Disney World hosts a wide range of special events and activities during this time, including parades, fireworks shows, holiday parties, and more.
And if you’re a Disney fan or just looking for an extra-magical experience, Disney World is also home to several Disney character dining options during the holidays.
Whether you’re looking to swim in Disney World’s pools or hoping to catch one of the resort’s incredible holiday events, December is a fantastic time to visit Disney World.
So if you’re planning a trip for this festive season, be sure to do your research and book your tickets well in advance!
If you have any questions, you can find the Walt Disney World phone number here.
