Dreaming of a Holiday trip to the most Magical Place on Earth but wondering when is the best time to visit Disney World in December? We’ll break down all the details of crowd level, hours, weather, Disney holiday events, and the advantages of visiting Disney World in December!
Walt Disney World has a magical vibe during the holidays- especially in December! You can have the best of both worlds- low crowds and maximum holiday cheer if choose the best times to visit Disney World in December.
The Insider’s Guide to the Best Time to Visit Disney World in December
In this post, you will learn the best weeks to visit the most magical place on earth and Disney World’s other parks, the special events at Disney World in December, and how to get the most out of your holiday visit.
This blog is all about the Best Times to visit Disney World in December.
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Disney World Crowd levels in December
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in December, you might be wondering when is the best time to visit to avoid large crowds. Well, look no further! We’ve got the inside scoop on the crowd levels during this magical month. December at Disney World is a popular time for families to visit due to the holiday festivities and decor, and school breaks. However, there are certain days and weeks that tend to be less crowded than others. The first two weeks of December are typically the least crowded time to go in December BUT they will still be more crowded than non-holiday times!
Weekdays vs Weekends
If you’re looking for even lower crowd levels, weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Keep in mind that special events, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, can also affect crowd levels.
So, if you’re looking for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, plan your visit accordingly and consult a handy Crowd Calendar for Disney World in December. I like Touringplans.com, for crowd calendars and to help you optimize your plans (less walking, less waiting, more magic).
Pro Tip: Visit Magic Kingdom on a party day
Magic Kingdom closes early on “party days” meaning Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party if you are visiting Disney in December. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a popular ticketed event that includes a festive parade, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets. You may be thinking now why would I visit Magic Kingdom on a day that it closes early?
Well, here’s an insider tip- you will battle way fewer people on a party day at the parks. People want to make the most of their holiday visit so they will often choose to go to the parks all day, and they don’t want to waste their time at a park that closes at 6 p.m. But hear me out the Magic Kingdom typically opens on December days at 8:00 a.m.
If you combine that with early entry (available to you if you stay at a Disney resort hotel or a good neighbor hotel) you will have 10.5 hours in the Magic Kingdom! And the crowd levels are significantly lower than on other non-party days in December.
If you are attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party you can get into Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m., so even if you don’t have a Magic Kingdom park ticket for daytime hours you can still make use of this tip and the lower crowds that day, though the crowd does start to get bigger from the party.
The dates for the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are:
- November – 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29
- December – 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 20
Weather at Disney World in December
December is an exciting time to visit Disney World, but it is important to be prepared for the weather and climate. During this month, the weather in Orlando can be quite unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. I highly recommend you pack layers, as the mornings and evenings can be cooler, while the afternoons can get quite warm.
In terms of rain, December is considered part of the dry season, with minimal rainfall. However, it’s always a good idea to carry an umbrella or poncho, as sudden showers can occur. I included some of my favorites below!
Overall, the climate in December is mild, making it a pleasant time to explore the parks and enjoy the holiday festivities. So, remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and dress accordingly to make the most of your Disney World experience in December.
Special Events at Disney World in December
December at Disney World is a glorious time filled with a plethora of events, decorations (at both the parks and the Disney resort hotels), and entertainment options. From the enchanting Candlelight Processional at Epcot to the dazzling (and brand new) Jollywood party at Hollywood Studios, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can experience snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., and enjoy a special fireworks display and parade, as well as meet unique characters you don’t normally see. And there are cookies…so many cookies!
For those seeking a unique dining experience, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays offers an array of international cuisines and festive treats. Epcot also offers the Candlelight Processionals, a lovely retelling of the original Christmas story, complete with Celebrity Narrators and beautiful music from the orchestra and chorus!
And if you’re a fan of the iconic Toy Story characters, be sure to catch the Toy Story Land holiday decorations at Hollywood Studios.
Seasonal Decorations
Disney World is known for elaborate and immersive holiday decorations. The parks, resorts, and Disney Springs are decked out with lights, garlands, Christmas trees, and other festive decorations.
Don’t miss checking out the Disney resort hotels, either. You can make a whole day or evening of this if you have time! My favorites are:
The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House and Giant Tree
The Grand Floridian is a deluxe Disney resort hotel and they definitely play up that deluxe part during the holiday season. Every year they construct a giant Ginger Bread house, made up of a whopping:
- 1050 pounds of honey (wow, they better watch out when Winne the Pooh visits)
- 700 pounds of chocolate
- 35 pounds of a variety of spices
- 600 pounds of powdered sugar
- 800 pounds of flour
And so much cheer! The bakers are true artists and you have to see it to believe it! Look closely, and you can see characters craftily designed into this amazing wonder, too.
To top that they have a giant Christmas Tree in the lobby that makes a great backdrop for family photos.
Beach Club Resort Carousel
Speaking of gingerbread masterpieces- be sure to check out the Carousel at the Beach Club Resort (made of… you guessed it gingerbread)! Take your time and really enjoy this masterpiece as there are multiple characters represented on the Carousel. In addition there are many more gingerbread creations at the Boardwalk Inn Resort close by.
Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins
Fort Wilderness is a haul if you aren’t staying there. But if you have time visiting this lovely area during Christmas/Holiday time at Walt Disney World is simply charming! The campers decorate their campsites and RV’s and really get into it, and there are lots of lights and an overall festive atmosphere! We went there often when I was a kid and it holds such a special place in my heart!
In conclusion, the best time to visit Disney World in December is really when it works for your family as any time in Walt Disney World can be magical when you are with the right people enjoying a spectacular view and basking in all the holiday cheer! But visiting in the first two weeks of December can make your visit less stressful. Also using a good crowd calendar, packing the right clothes for the weather, knowing the park hours, and visiting on the right days can make a big difference!
This blog was all about the best time to visit Disney World in December.
You may also like:
What to Pack for Disney in December
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dessert Party: Is it worth it?
Ultimate Guide: What to Wear to Disney World in November
Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
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