So, you want to visit Disney World during Christmas – when it comes to decorations, festivities, and special shows, there’s no place else in the world that does it like Disney does. Mickey and his crew of characters dial it up and go all-out to make your holiday season visit the most memorable you’ve ever had.
As wonderful as that sounds, you’re probably wondering what the extra cost for all this fun is when you spend Christmas in sunny Orlando, Florida rather than stay home for a white Christmas.
The cost of visiting Disney World at any time of year is not a fixed-price affair. Prices can fluctuate wildly depending on the time of year you visit, and Christmas is, by far, the largest of these price changes, although it’s certainly not unaffordable by any means.
Ticket Prices for Disney World During Christmas 2026
Single-day ticket pricing for the Christmas season can be as high as $209 in 2026. The exact prices will vary based on which day you visit and which park you pick.
One-day tickets in December 2026 have a starting price of $174-$184, with the cheaper dates falling in the first two weeks of the month.
The starting price usually applies only to Animal Kingdom theme park; Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom typically cost more than the starting price. Magic Kingdom is almost always the most expensive and may be as much as $30 above the starting price in some cases.
If you’re looking to visit on Christmas day itself, here’s what you’ll pay (pricing accurate as of June 2026, subject to change):
Christmas Day 2026 Ticket Prices
- Animal Kingdom: $184
- EPCOT: $199
- Hollywood Studios: $204
- Magic Kingdom: $209
These prices are for one-day/one-park tickets for an adult ages 10+. You might get a bit more value for the money spent by purchasing multi-day tickets or adding the Park Hopper option.
Christmas Party Tickets
It’s very important to note that on many days in November and December, the Magic Kingdom closes at 6:00 PM; you’ll have to leave at this time unless you have a separate ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which runs from 7:00 PM to midnight. And here’s a special tip: your Christmas party ticket also lets you enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM (three hours before the party) without having to buy a separate theme park ticket. We recommend entering early and focusing on rides during this three-hour bonus time so you can enjoy the nearly-nonstop entertainment during the party itself.
NOTE: 2026 Christmas Party ticket pricing has not yet been announced. 2025 Christmas Party ticket prices ranged from $169-$229 per person, depending on the date chosen.
Disney Hotel Costs During Christmas
The holiday season is also the most expensive time of year to stay in a Disney World Hotel.
Here are some selected examples from a recent check, which are always subject to change.
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026:
- All-Star Sports (Value Resort): Starting at $176
- Port Orleans French Quarter (Moderate Resort): Starting at $376
- BoardWalk Inn (Deluxe Resort): Starting at $738
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026:
- All-Star Sports (Value Resort): Starting at $259
- Port Orleans French Quarter (Moderate Resort): Starting at $411
- BoardWalk Inn (Deluxe Resort): Starting at $994
- Friday, December 25, 2026 (Christmas):
- All-Star Sports (Value Resort): Starting at $269
- Port Orleans French Quarter (Moderate Resort): Starting at $423
- BoardWalk Inn (Deluxe Resort): Starting at $1,037
Rates are generally lower at the beginning of the month but increase rapidly by mid-month. Rates will also increase depending on the type of resort and room you pick. You’ll pay more for a better view or premium location, and rates can rise as the date approaches. Those who book early usually get the best prices.
For help sorting out all the room options and prices, contact your Disney travel agent.
Why Should I Visit Disney During Christmas?
Despite its added cost, there are tons of unique experiences that are found only during the Christmas season. At Disney World, the Christmas season runs from November through the end of the year. Throughout this time, guests can experience Disney in a whole new way.
In the Magic Kingdom, things get extra festive once the sun goes down if you’ve purchased tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Guests will be able to watch the Magic Kingdom transform itself with Christmas lights as well as special holiday-themed projections onto Cinderella Castle – there will be festive sights and sounds in every direction. There’s also a special nightly parade that travels down Main Street for which you should arrive early if you want the best viewing spots. To top off the night, there’s a special holiday-themed fireworks display that is very different from the standard fireworks seen during other times of the year at Disney World.
Additionally, there are many special holiday shows, performances, costumes, and festivities to be found at Christmastime in the parks. Resorts hotels boast giant Christmas trees and in some cases even have large gingerbread displays. There are even limited-time holiday treats sold at various quick-dine and full-service restaurants throughout Disney World and its resorts. With all this fun to be found, the additional cost of a holiday vacation is small compared with the unique experiences that can only be had by visiting Disney World during the Christmas season.
Due to the popularity of the holiday season, it’s recommended that you make your bookings as far in advance as possible to secure resort reservations and tickets to the parks you want. Reservations for some dates, such as Christmas Day, sell out far in advance, and you should plan accordingly. To save the most money, consider visiting during the first week of December. You’ll still get all of the decor and excitement at a lower price.
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