Is Disney World Florida Open Christmas Day? Hours

Many families dream of spending Christmas at Walt Disney World in Florida. But, is Disney World open on Christmas Day? Yes, it is¹!

The Disney parks come alive during the holidays. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are open on December 25th². They keep their usual hours, with Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios open from 9 AM to 9 PM. Animal Kingdom is open from 9 AM to 6 PM². Blizzard Beach water park is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, but Typhoon Lagoon is closed during the holidays².

Key Takeaways

• Disney World Florida is open on Christmas Day, with all four main parks operating.
• Park hours on December 25th are typically 9 AM to 9 PM for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, and 9 AM to 6 PM for Animal Kingdom.
• Blizzard Beach water park is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Christmas Day, while Typhoon Lagoon remains closed.
• Disney World is one of the busiest destinations during the holiday season, with December being the third busiest month.
• Certain days in December, such as December 25th, can have a crowd level of 10/10 at the parks.

Introduction

Walt Disney World turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays. It offers a magical experience with sparkling decorations and enchanting entertainment. There are many ways to celebrate christmas at walt disney world and feel the holiday spirit.

Whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition, Disney World’s disney world christmas celebrations make memories for all ages.

The holiday season at disney starts on November 12, 2024, and ends on December 31, 2024. Most festivities begin by Veterans Day weekend, about 80% complete³. The celebrations extend into the new year, ending with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in early January 2025³.

Guests can enjoy various disney world christmas celebrations. This includes the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights from November 8 to December 20, 2024⁴. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays also returns, with holiday treats, performances, and the Candlelight Processional from November 29 to December 30, 2024³.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host Disney Jollywood Nights, with over 20 character experiences. This includes Phineas and Ferb, Santa Duffy, and Bo Peep, plus a new skating spectacular called “Glisten.”³ The Magic Kingdom will feature festive entertainment like the Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. You can also enjoy the iconic Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade⁴.

Walt Disney World’s christmas at walt disney world celebrations are perfect for magical moments with loved ones. They fill your heart with the holiday spirit and create lasting memories.

Disney Park Hours During the Holiday Season

Walt Disney World in Florida is a top spot for families during the holidays. It offers magical experiences and festive celebrations. The parks stay open longer to welcome more visitors⁵.

Typical Park Hours on Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, the parks open early and close late. The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are open from 9 AM to 9 PM⁵. Blizzard Beach water park is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, but Typhoon Lagoon is closed⁵.

The holiday season brings longer hours to some parks. The Magic Kingdom is open until midnight during the peak holiday week⁶. Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios close later⁶. EPCOT stays open until 1 AM on New Year’s Eve⁶.

These extended hours let guests enjoy more of the holiday magic. Whether you’re here for Christmas or the new year, the parks promise a memorable celebration⁶.

is disney world florida open christmas day

Yes, Disney World Florida is open on Christmas Day, December 25th⁷. The four Disney theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – are open from 9AM to 9PM⁸. Typhoon Lagoon water park is closed, but Blizzard Beach is open from 10AM to 6PM⁷.

Disney has extended hours at some parks for the holiday season. Magic Kingdom stays open until midnight, and other parks close later⁸. Theme park reservations for Christmas Day and beyond must be made early because they are very popular⁷.

Disney World hotel guests can enter any park 30 minutes early⁸. This can help you avoid big crowds on busy days like Christmas. Genie+ and “Fancy Rides™” are also available to help skip lines at certain attractions⁸.

If you dream of a Disney World Christmas, you’re in luck. The parks are open and ready for magical holiday fun⁷⁸.

Special Christmas Events and Festivities

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. It offers a variety of enchanting events and celebrations for visitors. One of the most popular is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a special event held on select nights at the Magic Kingdom⁹.

This after-hours party features exclusive entertainment. Guests can enjoy a dazzling fireworks display, meet jolly characters, and try delicious holiday treats. The party also showcases beloved Disney characters in their festive best, making it a truly magical atmosphere for guests⁹.

Recent reports show that the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2024 has already sold out. Several more dates are expected to follow suit quickly. Guests planning to attend this popular event should secure their tickets well in advance. This way, they won’t miss out on the enchanting yuletide festivities.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

• Exclusive holiday entertainment and fireworks display
• Character meet-and-greets in their festive attire
• Delectable holiday-themed treats and refreshments
• Limited-time special offerings and attractions

The Disney World Christmas events and Walt Disney World holiday celebrations offer a magical and unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season. They create a truly enchanting experience for visitors.

Disney Resorts and Holiday Decorations

As the holiday season nears, Disney World Resort properties burst with festive decorations¹⁰. The holiday magic starts in early November and lasts until January. Christmas decorations are up until Thanksgiving week¹⁰. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is known for its stunning Christmas decorations¹⁰.

But the joy doesn’t stop at Deluxe Resorts. Art of Animation, Pop Century, and other resorts also decorate for the holidays¹⁰. Guests are encouraged to visit each resort to fully enjoy the holiday spirit¹⁰.

Disney Springs has a Christmas Tree Stroll where you can see beautifully decorated trees¹⁰. Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays offers special experiences like the Candlelight Processional and the Holiday Cookie Stroll¹⁰.

Animal Kingdom may not have as much decoration as other parks. But, it has its own special touches that make the holiday season magical¹⁰. For more holiday fun, try a skyline or monorail bar crawl¹⁰.

When the holiday season arrives, Disney World Resort properties turn into a winter wonderland¹¹. You’ll see towering Christmas trees and miles of garland. The holiday spirit is everywhere, making the Disney World experience unforgettable¹¹.

Crowd Levels and Planning Your Visit

Planning a trip to Disney World during the holiday season needs careful thought about crowd levels¹². December at Walt Disney World is busier than usual because of the holidays¹². The weather can be quite different, ranging from mid-50s to low-70s, with sudden drops or rises¹². Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) also affects park operations in December¹².

Avoiding the Busiest Times

To have a great Disney World holiday visit, plan around the busiest times¹³. In 2024, the best times to visit include January 16-31 and February 1-9, with cooler weather and fewer crowds¹³. May 6-23 and August 5-29 are also good, with hot weather but fewer people¹³.

In 2025, the top times to visit are January 21-31 and February 21-28, with cooler weather and moderate crowds¹³. May 5-22, August 5-31, and September 1-30 are also recommended, with hot weather but fewer crowds¹³. Summer might stay less busy, and October could get busier with school breaks¹³.

2024 brought changes like the end of Park Pass reservations and the return of the Disney Dining Plan¹³.

Visiting during these times can make your Disney World holiday visit more enjoyable. You’ll face fewer crowds and shorter waits for attractions¹². Splash Mountain is closed in December 2024 for a makeover into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure¹². TRON Lightcycle Run opened in April 2024 at Magic Kingdom¹².

By December 2024, new attractions at EPCOT like Moana’s Journey of Water and Luminous: Symphony of Us will be around a year old¹².

¹³ The start of December is the best time to visit Walt Disney World for fewer crowds¹³.

“The key to a successful Disney World holiday visit is to plan ahead and avoid the busiest times. By choosing the right dates, you can enjoy a more magical experience with fewer crowds and shorter wait times.”

Dining and Accommodations During Christmas

Visiting Disney World during the holidays requires planning your meals and where to stay. The resort’s hotels and restaurants are very popular. So, it’s best to book your reservations early to get the best spots¹⁴.

Guests loved Liberty Tree Tavern and Cinderella’s Royal Table for Christmas dining at Magic Kingdom¹⁴. Other great places included Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge, Chef Mickey’s at Contemporary Resort, and California Grill at Contemporary Resort¹⁴.

Other top picks were Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom, 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Victoria and Albert’s at Grand Floridian¹⁴.

People also suggested Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge, California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, and Cinderella’s Royal Table¹⁴. Other favorites were Crystal Palace, Narcoosees at Grand Floridian, and Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge¹⁴.

Additional recommendations included Restaurant Akershus in Norway at EPCOT, Ohana at Polynesian Resort, and Rose & Crown in EPCOT¹⁴. Guests also loved Whispering Canyon Cafe, Tony’s Town Square, and Merry Olde England for Christmas dining¹⁴.

The Disney World resort properties are full of festive cheer. They offer many holiday celebrations, like the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These events make staying at a Disney resort during Christmas truly magical¹⁵.

“The Christmas decorations and overall festive atmosphere at the Disney resorts truly made our family vacation unforgettable. The dining experiences were exceptional, and we felt like we were part of the magic the entire time.”

Tips for Making the Most of Your Christmas Visit

Planning a magical Christmas at Disney World is all about embracing the holiday spirit. Enjoy the sparkling decorations and festive treats. It’s a chance to dive into the yuletide wonder at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”¹⁶

Embracing the Holiday Spirit

Begin by taking in the holiday ambiance at Disney parks and resorts. Marvel at the towering Christmas trees and twinkling lights. These turn the already magical place into a winter wonderland¹⁶.

Enjoy the seasonal entertainment, like stage shows and parades. They add to the magic of the season¹⁶.

Indulge in holiday-themed treats and drinks. Warm gingerbread and hot cocoa are perfect for your adventures¹⁶.

Keep in mind that holiday periods are busier. Visit on less crowded days if you can. Use the mobile order system for quicker dining¹⁶.

Book dining reservations early for popular spots. This way, you can enjoy the season’s food without waiting¹⁶.

By embracing the holiday spirit and planning well, your Disney World Christmas will be unforgettable. It will be filled with memories and magic¹⁶.

Disney World’s Christmas Celebrations Beyond the Parks

Disney World’s theme parks are famous for their holiday fun. But, the magic of Christmas is also found outside the parks. The Disney resort hotels and nearby areas offer many special experiences that fill guests with holiday cheer.

Inside the parks, events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party¹⁷ and Jollywood Nights¹⁷ are full of joy. But, the Disney resorts have their own holiday wonders. Guests can see amazing gingerbread displays, huge Christmas trees, and even meet Santa Claus as they wander the resorts.

The International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot¹⁷ is a highlight. It features holiday treats and shows around the World Showcase, including the Candlelight Processional. The living with the Land attraction at Epcot also gets a festive makeover, with its greenhouses lit up for the holidays¹⁷.

Disney World property is buzzing with holiday fun and events. Guests can enjoy the Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Christmas Tree Stroll and Santa Claus visits at Disney Springs, and many gingerbread houses and displays at the resort hotels¹⁷.

Even though Disney World can get very crowded during Christmas¹⁸, there’s plenty to do. From special meals¹⁸ to beautiful decorations and shows, the Disney World Christmas celebration is unforgettable. It offers guests a magical and memorable holiday vacation.

Conclusion

Disney World turns into a winter wonderland during Christmas, giving visitors a magical time¹⁹. The weather is nice, with highs around 73°F and lows near 50°F in December¹⁹. The four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – are open on December 25th. They also have longer hours during the busy holiday week⁸.

Guests can dive into the holiday spirit at special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party¹⁹. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays showcases global holiday traditions and food⁸. The resort hotels and nearby areas are also decorated, adding to the magic of the Disney World experience.

Planning ahead makes a Disney World Christmas vacation unforgettable¹⁹. It’s important to book park reservations, use the Genie+ system, and try the seasonal treats⁸. With festive celebrations, enchanting attractions, and great hospitality, Disney World is a top holiday spot for all ages.

Source Links

1. The Best Time to Visit Disney World for Christmas – https://theparkprodigy.com/best-time-visit-disney-world-christmas/
2. Disney World Park Hours for December 2024 – https://allears.net/disney-world-park-hours-for-december/
3. Disney World Christmas 2024 Ultimate Guide – https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-christmas-ultimate-guide/
4. Christmas at Disney World: Guide to Holiday Events & Decorations – https://magicguides.com/disney-world-christmas/
5. Walt Disney World operating hours extended during the peak Christmas week 2023 – https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/operating-hours/news/08dec2023-walt-disney-world-operating-hours-extended-during-the-peak-christmas-week.htm
6. Holiday Hours Extensions at Disney World in December 2023 – https://www.disneytouristblog.com/major-holidays-hours-extensions-disney-world-november-december-2023/
7. Is Disney World Open on Christmas Day? – https://www.ocean-florida.co.uk/blog/christmas-guide-for-walt-disney-world/
8. What Should You Expect on Christmas Day in Disney World? – https://allears.net/2021/12/19/what-should-you-expect-on-christmas-day-in-disney-world/
9. Holiday (Christmas) Activities at Disney World – https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/events/holiday-christmas
10. Christmas in Disney World: Resorts Decorations Tour – – https://totravelandbeyond.com/christmas-in-disney-resort-decorations-tour/
11. Disney World Christmas Guide To The Holidays 2024 – Smart Mouse Travel – https://smartmousetravel.com/disney-world-christmas-guide/
12. December 2024 at Disney World: Crowd Calendar & Info – https://www.disneytouristblog.com/december-disney-world/
13. 2024 & 2025 Disney World Crowd Calendar (best times to go) – https://wdwprepschool.com/disney-world-crowd-calendar/
14. Where to Dine Christmas Day – https://allears.net/walt-disney-world/wdw-planning/where-to-dine-christmas-day/
15. The Holiday Season in Walt Disney World — Dining, Special Events, and MORE! | the disney food blog – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/walt-disney-world-christmas-dining-and-events/
16. Visiting Disney World at Christmas – MouseSavers.com – https://www.mousesavers.com/so-you-just-have-to-visit-disney-world-at-christmas/
17. Dates for Christmas events at Walt Disney World released – https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/06/24/dates-for-christmas-events-at-walt-disney-world-released/
18. Christmas Time at Walt Disney World! – https://allears.net/walt-disney-world/wdw-planning/christmas-time-at-walt-disney-world/
19. Disney World in December – Crowds, closures, and special events. – https://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/wdw-december-crowds-closures-special-events