Disney World in December (2024): A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for visiting Disney World in December 2024. We discuss important dates, exciting holiday events, weather forecasts, crowd expectations, and pricing. We also provide helpful tips to ensure your trip is magical during the holiday and Christmas season. Whether you have flexible or fixed travel dates, use this guide to make the most of your December Disney World trip.

The December Advantage: Disney World 2024

Here are some reasons why December 2024 would be ideal for a Disney World visit:

• Weather: The weather is cooler, making park exploration more comfortable. Plus, December is largely free from hurricanes and has less rainfall.
• Crowd Levels: Crowd levels vary, with fewer visitors in the early part of the month and more around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Yet, the festive spirit of the larger crowds adds to the holiday experience.
• Holiday Decorations: The holiday decorations are a sight to behold, with lights, Christmas trees, and festive décor spread throughout the parks and hotels.
• Special Events: Disney World also hosts exclusive ticketed events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, featuring unique entertainment and parades that boost the festive ambiance.
• Pricing: While the latter part of December sees peak pricing, early December could be more affordable, particularly with Value Resorts offering budget-friendly accommodations.

Christmas Parade at Disney World

Overall, visiting Disney World in December presents a mix of pleasant weather, crowd sizes, impressive holiday decorations, special events, and potential cost savings, especially in early December. We examine these aspects further below.

December’s Potential Downsides:

While December is a magical time to visit Disney World, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Crowd Sizes: The latter half of December, particularly Christmas week and New Year’s Eve, often sees massive crowds due to school vacations. This can result in astronomically long wait times for rides and attractions, and popular dining spots can book up quickly.
• Holiday Pricing: December is a peak season, which means higher prices for theme park tickets and accommodations, especially during the last two weeks of the month.
• Ticketed Events: Special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights add festive magic but come at an extra cost. The cost of these ticketed events can be especially high for families.
• Availability: Popular events and dining experiences can sell out quickly in December, so booking well in advance is highly recommended.
• Temperature: While Florida’s December weather is generally pleasant, it can get chilly in the evenings. Therefore, you should pack warmer clothes for those cool nights.

New Year’s Eve crowds at EPCOT

To summarize, Disney World in December offers a unique, festive experience but also brings larger crowds, increased costs, and potential availability issues. But you can successfully navigate these challenges with proper planning.

Key Dates and Events for Disney World in December 2024:

Disney World’s December calendar is filled with festive events and holiday cheer. Here are some noteworthy dates for 2024:

• Christmas Celebrations (All December): By the start of December, Disney World is fully immersed in the holiday spirit. Hotels are decked out, and all parks host festive activities and displays. See our Christmas at Disney World article for more information.
• Special Holiday Events (Until Approximately December 2o): The holiday season features ticketed events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. These specially-ticketed events typically last until a week or so before Christmas.
• Peak Season (December 13, 2024 – January 2, 2025): This period is when the Christmas crowds descend upon the resort, making it the busiest time of the holiday season.
• Christmas Weeks (December 20-30, 2024): Expect even higher crowds during this period, and Magic Kingdom might include some of the entertainment that is otherwise exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The time between Christmas and New Year’s is traditionally the busiest week of the entire year.
• Disney Boys Soccer Showcase (December 27-30, 2024): This event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports may increase crowds at Disney Value Resorts like All-Star Sports.
• New Year’s Eve (December 31): As one of the busiest days at Disney World, park-wide celebrations draw large crowds. We recommend making early reservations for both events and dining.

Crowd levels, resort availability, and the overall Disney experience may be affected by the above events, so plan accordingly.

Will Disney World be Crowded in December?

December at Disney World is a time of changing dynamics, starting off calm but becoming more active as the month progresses. Here’s a quick overview:

• Post-Thanksgiving to Mid-December: There are fewer crowds after Thanksgiving week, creating a peaceful window for visitors. However, crowds are likely to increase after the first week of December when winter breaks begin.
• Mid-December Onwards: By the end of the second week of December, expect higher crowd levels as more families start their holiday vacations. Despite this, early to mid-December can still provide a manageable experience if you plan carefully.
• Peak Holiday Period (December 13, 2024 – January 2, 2025): This period is the peak of the holiday season, attracting the highest crowd levels seen at Disney World throughout the year. Disney World can still be enjoyable during this time, but be aware that strategies such as Lightning Lane and rope drop may be less effective. Waits under 30 minutes will be rare, and you might encounter queues of four, five, or even six hours for the most popular rides.
• Special Events: Nighttime events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights do attract extra visitors, but their impact on daytime crowd sizes is typically minimal. These events have limited ticket availability, which often results in more favorable wait times for attractions compared to daytime hours.

See our Disney World Crowd Calendar and read our tips on avoiding Disney World lines for more information about crowds. Strategic planning with The Vacationeer can further enhance your Disney experience.

Disney World Prices in December

In December, Disney World’s prices can fluctuate from average to peak (highest of the year). The following pricing trends are likely to occur in December 2024.

• Early December: Prices generally start around the average for the year during this period. If you’re lucky, you may stumble upon some small discounts. However, these are relatively rare and should be snapped up quickly if found.
• Mid-December Onwards: As we move further into the month, prices begin to escalate dramatically, peaking during the holiday season at the end of the month. This period sees some of the highest prices throughout the year. Discounts are infrequent and, when available, tend to be minimal.
• Peak Pricing: The latter part of December, particularly the week between Christmas and New Year’s, sees the highest pricing of the year. The demand for vacations spikes during this time, driving up the costs for Disney World.

Ticket Prices

There are admittedly very few bargains to be found on Disney World tickets in December. As this ticket price graph for 2024 shows, the holidays season has some of the highest prices of the entire year.

Keep in mind that these are starting prices, which will increase depending on which park is chosen. Magic Kingdom will almost certainly be higher than the price shown on the graph, perhaps by as much as an additional $30. Adding options such as park hopping can also increase the price significantly.

Looking at specific prices, we see that the lowest price for Disney World tickets in December 2024 is $149, but that only applies to a few weekdays earlier in the month. These starting prices top out at $164 during Christmas week 2024, with Magic Kingdom being even more expensive than that.

The theme park ticket prices on Christmas Day itself range from $164-$189 in 2024. Animal Kingdom is at the lowest end of the range; Magic Kingdom is at the top end; with EPCOT and Hollywood Studios falling somewhere in the middle.

Hotel Prices

Interestingly, hotel prices in December don’t follow exactly the same pricing pattern as theme park tickets. Traveling earlier in the month can mean significant savings.

For example, a standard room at All Star Sports (a value resort) on December 5, 2024 starts at $175 a night, versus $269 a night on December 25, 2024. That’s a savings of roughly 35%. A theme park ticket comparison for the same two dates shows a savings of about 9%.

That said, December hotel prices are still significantly higher than most other times of the year.

Keep in mind the hotel price graphs we’ve shown here are the prices we found for a single type of room, and are a snapshot in time of what the price was on the day that 2024 hotel rates were first released. Rates tend to increase over time, and will also go up depending on the hotel chosen and the type of room you pick.

Planning ahead is the best strategy for effective budget management. The Vacationeer can help locate the best Disney World deals to align with your budget. For a more detailed estimate of your trip costs, try our Disney World Cost Calculator. Remember, early booking can open doors to potential savings!

Overall Pricing

December generally represents some of the highest prices of the year, especially during the middle and end of the month. We estimate that a typical Disney World vacation in 2024 (7 nights for a party of four in a value resort with base theme park tickets and quick service dining) costs about $6,559 — but December’s peak pricing means that you’ll almost certainly pay more than that for a Christmastime visit to Disney World.

Disney World Weather in December: What to Expect

December’s cooler, drier weather is perfect for theme park exploration. Here’s what to expect:

Temperature

• Mild Temperatures: December in Disney World is typically mild, with high temperatures averaging 74°F and lows around 52°F. Coming from Boston, where we are used to snow and ice, my wife Jaimie and I find these temperatures quite pleasant!
• Florida’s ‘Cold’: Although these temperatures might seem mild, Florida’s “cold” can feel sharper due to the humidity and standing around in lines for rides and shows. So, don’t underestimate it!
• Heat Risk: Heat isn’t much of a concern in December, but we always stay prepared just in case.
• Packing Tips: Your Disney World packing list should include an extra layer for the cooler evenings. You might be glad you have some warm clothing available, especially if you’re used to warmer climates.

Rainfall

• Rainfall: December is a dry month, with an average of four days of rainfall and total precipitation of around 2.15 inches. Rain showers are usually brief and infrequent.
• Preparing for Rain: Despite being a dry month, occasional rain spurts are not uncommon. We bring ponchos and the appropriate footwear. This way, we don’t let a downpour spoil our fun at Disney World.
• Hurricane Risk: Florida’s hurricane season ends on November 30th, so December should be safe to travel.

December’s weather at Disney World offers mild temperatures, less rainfall, and a festive atmosphere. It’s a great time to visit, but remember to pack wisely and be prepared for Florida’s version of “cold.”

December 2024 Ride Openings, Closures, Maintenance, & Refurbishments

With the December holiday crowds, Disney World typically avoids major overhauls to ensure rides and attractions are fully operational. It’s unlikely that any new Disney World rides will actually have a grand opening during the holiday rush, but some will have likely already opened earlier during the year and be operational by then.

Although specific refurbishment schedules for late in the year can vary, it’s relatively rare to find any major rides closed at Disney World during this period. Maintenance in December is usually minor, brief, and not heavily impactful on your visit (unless a ride is expected to undergo a wholesale makeover or retheming). Keep an eye out for the following potential disruptions:

Theme Parks and Attractions

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom): Closed starting January 6, 2025 for a refurbishment lasting at least one year. Reopens sometime in 2026 (exact date not yet known).
• Early Park Closures (Hollywood Studios): Hollywood Studios will close to day guests at 7PM on multiple days throughout the month due to Jollywood Nights taking place later in the evening. You’ll need a separate special event ticket to remain in the park after 7PM on these days.
• Early Park Closures (Magic Kingdom): Magic Kingdom will close to day guests at 6PM on multiple days throughout the month due to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party taking place later in the evening. You’ll need a separate Christmas party ticket to remain in the park after 6PM on these days.
• Holiday Decorations: Walt Disney World’s Christmas decorations will remain on full display through December, creating a magical atmosphere that’s worth experiencing at least once.
• Jungle Cruise/Jingle Cruise (Magic Kingdom): The Jungle Cruise’s holiday variant Jingle Cruise opens November 2, 2024 and runs through the holiday season.
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Hollywood Studios): Closed permanently starting October 7, 2024. To be replaced by a Disney villains show which opens in Summer 2025.
• McKim’s Mile House / Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (Magic Kingdom): The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, an opening day attraction, permanently closed in 2024 to make way for McKim’s Mile House, a new lounge. The new space, exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members, is scheduled to open sometime in summer 2025 (exact date unknown).
• Pirate Tavern (Magic Kingdom): A new tavern themed to the Pirate lifestyle is due to open at Magic Kingdom sometime in “late 2025” — exact date not yet known, so it may or may not be available for your December 2025 trip.
• Spaceship Earth Lounge (EPCOT): A new lounge at the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction is expected to be up and running by December 2025, but an exact opening date is unknown.
• Swiss Family Treehouse (Magic Kingdom): Closed for refurbishment from November 18, 2024 through December 19, 2024. Reopening expected December 20, 2024.
• Test Track (EPCOT): Closed starting June 17, 2024 for a major refresh. Exact re-opening date not yet announced, but Disney now says it will be in “late summer 2025.”
• TriceraTop Spin (Animal Kingdom): Closed permanently starting January 13, 2025 as part of the transformation of Dinoland U.S.A into Tropical Americas / Pueblo Esperanza.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Hollywood Studios): This stage show never reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic closure, and is now being re-imagined into a new show. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is now expected to debut in summer 2025 (previously expected in fall 2024).

Resort Hotels and Amenities

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Significant refurbishment work to Guest rooms is scheduled from September 2024 to September 2025. While the resort will remain open, Guests will likely see and hear construction work throughout the Bay Lake Tower building. Guests are advised to allow extra travel time when walking in the area, as alternate paths may be used.
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (Cabins): The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness will be refurbished and become a separate DVC property. The first of the new cabins will have opened on July 1, 2024, but additional work is possible through the remainder of the year. (Note: this refurbishment applies to the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, not the Cabins at Wilderness Lodge/Copper Creek Villas)
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Construction continues on multiple projects around the resort, including a new Disney Vacation Club tower on the site of the former Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. The tower’s grand opening is expected on December 17, 2024, while other work will continue through 2026.
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort: Room refurbishment set to take place from late March 2025 through mid-February 2026. All resort amenities are expected to remain available, but Guests may notice construction during daytime hours.
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter: Some Guest rooms will be under refurbishment from May 2024 through Spring 2025. Most resort amenities will remain available, but construction may be seen/heard.
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: Room refurbishment is set to take place in the Magnolia Bend region of the resort from early April 2025 through the end of January 2026. Guests may see or hear construction work in the area.

Transportation, Water Parks, Golf Courses, and More

• Disney Water Parks: Only one of the two parks (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) typically operates at a time, with the other being closed. See Water Parks section below for further info.

For up-to-date information, we recommend contacting Disney World’s customer service. Alternatively, we highly recommend working with a specialized Disney travel agency like The Vacationeer to ensure that your vacation goes smoothly.

Disney World Water Parks in December 2024: What to Expect

The two Disney World water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, offer guests a unique aquatic experience. Here’s what to expect in December 2024:

• Operating Patterns: Disney alternates its water park operations. For instance, when one park is open, the other typically closes for refurbishments. Here’s a recent operating schedule history:
  • November 13, 2022: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
  • March 19, 2023: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
  • November 6, 2023: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
  • March 17, 2024: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
  • November 4, 2024: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
• Seasonal Themes: Since 2022, Blizzard Beach has featured a festive holiday theme, and this will likely continue in 2024. Based on current schedules, Blizzard Beach usually operates from fall to spring, while Typhoon Lagoon runs from spring to fall.
• December 2024 Forecast: Given these patterns, it’s expected that Blizzard Beach will be the only operational water park in December 2024. This is an estimate based on past years, and actual schedules might differ.

For expert planning and up-to-date information on Disney’s water parks, turn to The Vacationeer. They’d be happy to help you add a water park to your December Disney World itinerary.

December Holiday Events at Disney World: What to Expect

Magic Kingdom Holiday Events (December 2024)

Embrace the festive spirit at Magic Kingdom in December 2024, where enchanting sights and delicious holiday treats await:

• Frozen Holiday Surprise: Don’t miss “Frozen Holiday Surprise,” a dazzling spectacle around Cinderella Castle featuring your favorite Frozen characters, including Elsa, Olaf, Anna, Kristoff, and the adorable Snowgies. Catch it during park hours or at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
• Holiday Décor: Main Street, U.S.A., and the entire park are adorned with joyous holiday decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Jingle Cruise: The iconic Jungle Cruise transforms into a merry adventure during the holiday season.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Ticketed Event): This annual celebration is held at Magic Kingdom on select nights in November and December. A separate ticket is required. Attendees enjoy festive activities, including Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, character meet-and-greets, and complimentary cookies and cocoa. The park comes alive with holiday-themed attractions, beautiful decorations, and a magical “snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A.

Epcot Holiday Events (December 2024)

Get ready to celebrate the holiday season at EPCOT in December 2024 with traditions from around the world and enchanting tales of Christmas:

• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: Typically starting on the day after Thanksgiving and running through December 30, this festival delves into the magic of the season with sights, sounds, and flavors from across the globe. Enjoy treasured recipes at Holiday Kitchens and listen to Holiday Storytellers sharing traditions from various cultures. My wife and I love this festive event!
• Candlelight Processional: Experience the heartfelt story of Christmas told by a celebrity narrator, backed by a beautiful orchestra and choir. The event is held three times each night at American Gardens Theatre.
• Meet Santa Claus at the Odyssey Pavilion: Join Santa in his snow-covered sleigh and create a festive holiday memory. Santa’s visits typically start on the day after Thanksgiving and run until December 24, when he is otherwise occupied. After that point, you might have a chance to greet Santa Goofy or Santa Stitch.
• Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses: Explore greenhouses twinkling with dazzling lights in this festive holiday twist on the already-intriguing greenhouse boat ride.
• More Holiday Entertainment: Watch Holiday Storytellers bring to life international traditions and folklore related to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, and more. Stories are told through music and dance, with performers donning traditional costumes. Typically runs from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Holiday Events (December 2024)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will dazzle visitors with its holiday magic and natural wonders throughout December:

• Festive Décor: Enjoy the festive trimmings and touches that bring the holiday spirit to life throughout the park.
• Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition: Come see the iconic Tree of Life glisten with festive lights every evening at dusk, accompanied by a heartwarming musical score that adds to the enchantment of the season.
• Merry Menagerie: Discovery Island springs to life with meticulously crafted puppets of arctic animals such as penguins, foxes, reindeer, and polar bears. This interactive spectacle celebrates the magic of nature and the holiday season while enchanting guests young and old alike.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Holiday Events (December 2024)

Hollywood Studios will transform into a festive wonderland during December 2024, with special attractions and entertainment:

• Disney Jollywood Nights (Ticketed Event): Jollywood Nights is a newer holiday party that takes place on select nights. This ticketed event features glitzy décor, live bands, a variety show, and much more.
• Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine: Enjoy a holiday-themed meal with Minnie Mouse and friends. We highly recommend making your reservations asap to ensure your spot.
• Toy Story Land Characters in Holiday Attire: See beloved Pixar characters decked out in festive outfits, adding a dash of holiday charm to your park visit.
• Sunset Seasons Greetings: The Hollywood Tower Hotel dazzles each night as holiday-themed projections transform its facade into a stunning visual spectacle.

Holiday Decorations Beyond the Theme Parks

Celebrate the festive season with gorgeous holiday decorations at several Walt Disney World locations beyond the theme parks.

• Blizzard Beach Water Park: Blizzard Beach steps into the holiday spirit with a unique tropical celebration. Enjoy holiday music, festive inner tubes, and the chance to meet Santa in tropical attire.
• Walt Disney World Hotels: All resort hotels at Walt Disney World are adorned with unique decorations, including beautifully decorated trees and elaborate gingerbread structures. Grand Floridian features a gigantic gingerbread house big enough for Cast Members to walk in, Beach Club presents a gingerbread carousel, and BoardWalk showcases a gingerbread façade of the boardwalk. Select hotels also offer unique holiday merchandise, including ornaments and themed mugs.
• Disney Springs: Embrace the festive spirit at Disney Springs, with extensive Christmas decorations throughout. Several establishments showcase themed trees and basic decorations. For shopping enthusiasts, Disney Springs offers a wide variety of holiday merchandise. The highlight is the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, with around 25 Disney-themed trees, truly making Disney Springs a holiday shopping haven.

Very Merry Christmas vs Jollywood Nights: Which is Better?

If you’re researching dates and prices for Disney World’s holiday events, you might also be wondering about the differences between Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place at Magic Kingdom from 7:00 PM to midnight on select nights. Adult tickets range from $169 to $219, plus tax. Ticket holders have the advantage of entering the park as early as 4:00 PM, a perk that extends the fun well before the event begins.

In contrast, Disney Jollywood Nights is a newer festive experience at Hollywood Studios. The event runs from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM on selected nights. Ticket prices range from $159 to $179, plus tax. Attendees of Jollywood Nights can arrive as early as 6:00 PM. Although it is not an adult-exclusive event, the vibe of Jollywood Nights is more of a “Christmas meets Dapper Day” event that seems to cater slightly more to adults than kids.

Both events offer a $10 discount for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members on certain nights. Tickets are limited and may sell out.

In our past experiences, Jaimie and I have found the magic of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to be well worth the ticket price. Jollywood Nights was certainly “in its first year” when we saw it in 2023 but we still felt we got our money’s worth out of it. We hope it gets even better in 2024!

If we had to pick between the two, we feel that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has a slight edge — but they’re two very different events, each with their own unique charms.

Visiting Disney World During Christmas Week

Christmas week at Walt Disney World is similar to the rest of the holiday season but with a significant uptick in crowds throughout the park and extra festivities at Magic Kingdom. Activities usually reserved for the ticketed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – including the delightful parade, enchanting shows, and dazzling fireworks – are free for guests during the day. This bonus festive cheer heightens the holiday experience for everyone at Magic Kingdom at this busy time of the year.

Generally, this enhanced holiday experience lasts about a week, running from around Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve, though the exact timing may vary slightly.

Ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World

New Year’s Eve is a busy day at Walt Disney World. The parks, particularly Magic Kingdom and Epcot, are packed with visitors looking to welcome the new year in a magical way. Epcot, known for its international drinks and entertainment, is especially popular with adults visiting Disney World for a night of partying.

Magic Kingdom traditionally shows its New Year’s Eve fireworks display twice nightly on December 30 and December 31 — a great way to ring in the New Year a day early at Magic Kingdom then head to another park on December 31.

EPCOT’s New Years Countdown happens only on December 31, and it’s arguably the best at Disney World. Ahead of the fireworks, experience some truly amazing dance parties, including a laser-light dance party at the Italy pavilion and a fire-breathing dragon dance party at the China pavilion. Just before midnight, there’s a brief pyrotechnic display behind each World Showcase pavilion before an earth-shaking fireworks and laser finale over the center of the Lagoon.

If you’ve never experienced a Disney New Year’s Eve fireworks display, you’re in for some legitimate shock and awe. You can feel the percussion of the explosive finale in the very middle of your chest.

Hollywood Studios has held special fireworks displays for New Year’s Eve in the past, but that’s been absent for some time now. The park still usually remain open until around midnight, but don’t expect much out of the ordinary.

Animal Kingdom also celebrates New Year’s Eve in a more laid-back fashion. There are NO fireworks at Animal Kingdom (it’s sleepytime for the animals, after all). The park will likely be closed for the night well before midnight, but you might still find some special musical entertainment ahead of time.

Just keep in mind New Year’s Eve at Disney World is one of the busiest times at Disney World with wait times for the most popular rides possibly reaching as high as four or five hours. Parks fill up quickly, Lightning Lane passes are at their highest prices are harder to get, and wait times can be long. Despite the crowds, I think the festive atmosphere makes it worth a visit.

My co-worker Jackie, who has braved many New Year’s Eve events at Disney, summarizes it best: “You don’t go to Times Square on New Year’s Eve to see Times Square — you go for the party atmosphere. It’s the same for Disney World. If you go there on New Year’s eve just to ride the rides, you’re probably going to hate it because of the crowds and lines. But if you go there to experience an amazing party, you will find exactly that.”

Is December the Best Month to Visit Disney World?

December in Disney World offers two distinct experiences. Jaimie and I personally love the first half of the month for its charming holiday atmosphere combined with manageable crowd sizes. The weather is comfortable, and the park has festive decorations and special events for the holidays. Ticket prices remain relatively moderate during this period, making it an excellent time for those seeking value and festive fun.

For families with school-aged children, or those who thrive in high-energy environments, the second half of December, especially Christmas week leading up to New Year’s, can be an exciting time to visit. Yes, the parks are crowded, and yes, it’s peak pricing, but the electrifying vibe, complete with holiday parades, shows, and fireworks, can make the experience worth it.

Holiday events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or the newer Jollywood Nights are an additional expense. Still, they offer a unique festive experience that truly gets you into the holiday spirit. It’s worth noting that these are ticketed events and often sell out, so planning in advance is crucial.

Is December the best time to visit Disney World? It’s certainly one of the most festive and vibrant months. Jaimie and I love it, but generally, we lean towards quieter months like October. Ultimately, the best month for your visit depends on your personal preferences and schedule. To help plan your Disney vacation or book events, consider contacting The Vacationeer.

Comparing Disney World in December to Neighboring Months

The month you visit Disney World can significantly shape your experience. To help make that decision, it’s useful to compare December with its neighboring months, November and January:

• November vs. December: November at Disney World bridges the gap between fall and winter. The weather is typically mild, and the park’s Christmas events start to take off. However, as we transition into December, the holiday atmosphere intensifies with grander festive decorations and more extensive holiday events. While November might seem premature for the holiday season for some, others may welcome the early start to the festivities. It’s important to note that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving in November can attract more crowds, but generally, November sees more manageable crowd levels and pricing than December. On the other hand, December is characterized by heavier crowds and peak prices, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• December vs. January: December in Disney World is all about holiday celebrations, high-energy events, and significant crowds. As the New Year begins, January brings a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. The weather is cooler, the holiday decorations come down, and the park sees fewer crowds. If you prefer milder weather and less hustle and bustle, January might be the perfect month for your visit. However, you would miss out on the holiday events that make December unique.

Overall, while December offers a spirited holiday atmosphere, November and January provide quieter, potentially more affordable alternatives. It all comes down to your personal preferences and what you’re schedule allows.

Our month-by-month Disney World guides are useful resources for planning your vacation. They’re designed to provide you with detailed information on events, pricing trends, crowd sizes, weather, and new attractions for each month.

Discover the best month for your Disney vacation with our comprehensive guides to the other months of the year:

• Disney World in January
• Disney World in February
• Disney World in March
• Disney World in April
• Disney World in May
• Disney World in June
• Disney World in July
• Disney World in August
• Disney World in September
• Disney World in October
• Disney World in November

Whether you’re a Disney first-timer or a seasoned enthusiast, our guides will help you plan a Disney vacation that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences.