November 1 is here so I give full permission to start talking Christmas! On that topic, Christmas at Disney is on my Disney bucket list. Here’s everything you need to know before you take the plunge during the most magical (but most busy!) time of the year at Disney.?
I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m scared to full-on Christmas at Disney. We’ve done a few days around the holiday, but haven’t made the plunge to spend Christmas week at the parks.
But I’ll also confess that it’s a dream of mine to pull off and one that someday soon is going to happen! And in case they are reading my blog, no, kids, not this year soon, but soon-ish? It’s one of those bucket list items for Disney fans that I feel I need to accomplish someday.
What I do know about it: it takes a lot of planning and patience to make it magical.
Photo: Murtagh Photography http://www.murtaghphotography.com/
I crowd-sourced some of my favorite Disney loving bloggers for tips and experiences that shouldn’t be missed. If you’ve never visited their sites before, you are in for a treat! As a group, we are in agreement: Christmas at Disney is simply the most magical time to visit.
But a visit during the Christmas holidays is not that simple to pull off.
Don?t be fooled by the splendor. Sure, the resorts are decked out, and snow falls on Main Street, which is really cool. But prices and crowd levels are the highest all year. Stress is not something you want to find in your stocking!
The good news: You can still have an enjoyable time if you follow these tips we wrapped up and tied with a pretty bow to plan your visit.
Page Contents
Christmas at Disney
The parks sparkle and shine with their glittery holiday colors and decorations.
Halloween items come down practically overnight on November 1, and Christmas wastes no time moving in!
Photo: Murtagh Photography http://www.murtaghphotography.com/
By November 7th, the Christmas Holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort, and you can count on Disneyland to be dressed and ready to go soon after (traditionally November 11th).
We come bearing gifts: Here are some of our best tips for celebrating Christmas at Disney, shared by some bloggers who are Disney experts!
Disneyland at Christmas
You want to know before you go, right?
Then be sure to read these tips offered by our Disneyland loving?bloggers.
I?ve got a few essential tips you?ll need if you brave the crowds deep in the heart of the holidays.
My best tip: get a locker at the Main Street location to stash your extras.
Weather can fluctuate, and you don?t want to be left out in the cold!
Tips for Disneyland at Christmas
photo: Saving up for Disney
Julie gives you a few more suggestions. 11, to be exact!
For those who are used to Disneyland travel, you may want to pay attention to number 4.
It?s a change from your usual visits, most likely! Check out Julie?s advice here:
11 Tips for Navigating the Crowds at Disneyland
photo: Trips with Tykes
Disneyland does things right, in my opinion, when it comes to special rides.
I?m particularly fond of the Halloween/Christmas mashup that happens to the Haunted Mansion every year.
But just as good are the treatments that both it?s a small world and the Jungle Cruise undergo.
Leslie has the rundown on all the Christmas specific overlays you won?t want to miss!
**There’s a rumor that Jingle Cruise will not be returning in 2017. Just a heads up!**
photo: This Fairy Tale Life
And Mindy at This Fairy Tale Life talks about take a trip on the?World Famous Jingle Cruise.?
The first year it was a little weak, but I am happy to report that last year they beefed up the jokes and the tinsel.
I loved the fruitcakes floating in the water, personally.
Say goodbye to the folks on the dock; you won’t ever see them again!
Photo: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort
Characters? Who needs to meet Mickey and Minnie in holiday garb?
(Raising hand and waving wildly)
Check it out: Jessica has a list of where you can find your favorites at Disneyland.
Holidays at Disneyland: Christmas Thanksgiving, and New Year
photo: Patrick Magsaysay
And don’t forget the fun over at Disney California Adventure. The special treats during the holidays include a favorite show of mine:??Viva Navidad!
Dawn tells us all about it over on I Am a Mommy Nerd.
Walt Disney World at Christmas
photo: Mom’s Magical Miles
Walt Disney World holds a special party just to celebrate the season.
Mickey?s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates
- November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
- December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21
Amy went- and (gasp)- left the kids behind. Here are her thoughts on the party as an adult only adventure!
Christmas Time is Here! Mickey?s Very Merry Christmas Party
The Candlelight Processional in Epcot is a must-see holiday experience. Photo Courtesy of WDW News.
Karyn covered a lot of ground at Walt Disney World during the holiday season.
She?s picked her favorite experiences at Walt Disney World that you don?t want to miss.
The Candlelight Processional is on my personal Disney Bucket list: preferably with Neil Patrick Harris as the narrator.
Swoon!
How to Christmas at Walt Disney World
photo: Lola Lambchops
What are the best parts of Mickey?s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Dancing queen Tania lays it all out for you.
There are cookies, cocoa, and dance parties galore!
You won?t want to miss her showing off her sweet moves.
Top Four Reasons to Love Mickey?s Very Merry Christmas Party
photo: Disney Gals
Last year, Gayle was at the opening party.
She’s got some great info, including a list of characters you don’t want to miss during?Mickey?s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade.
Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
photo: As the Bunny Hops
One of my favorite holiday experiences at Walt Disney World was the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Sadly, this attraction left Walt Disney World last year.
The hope is that it will always come back, so we’re including it in the “don’t miss” list- just in case!
Amy took some amazing pictures that really put you at the moment!
Farewell to Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
photo credit: Disney in Your Day
And we know even with crowds and craziness, everyone seems to have Disney at Christmas on their bucket list.
Becky had it on hers and she crossed it off a few years ago!
Bucket List: Disney at Christmas
photo: Disney Parks Blog
Christmas extends beyond the parks, too!
Gingerbread creations in the resorts?
Oh yes, please!
The resorts are decked out and so is Disney Springs. Check out some suggestions you shouldn’t miss from Lisa.
Beyond the Parks- Holiday Edition
photo: Rolling with the Magic
Looking for someplace to stay?
Melissa visited the Boardwalk Inn one year during the holiday season.
You’ve got to see some of these decorations!
Christmastime at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Christmas on the Disney Cruise Line
photo: Delightful Life
What about taking a Disney Cruise at Christmas?
I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound like a bad option at all.
Maybe it would even solve some of those crowd and crazy concerns if you take the parks out of the picture.
Check it out here: Jennifer reviews the Merrytime Christmas Cruise
Christmas is a fantastic time to enjoy the parks and all that Disney has to offer.
With special events, characters, and parties, this trip will be one present your family will not want to return!
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
laxmi mishra
Sunday 10th of November 2019
Hi, I have been planning to book Disneyland Park trip this christmas Day. I am travelling from Sweden with my falmily and a friend. Please can you tell, what time is the best to reach there? I assume very early like if the park opens at 8, we should reach by 7? or even early. I will also purchase the MAx pass and weher possible the fast pass. and please anymore tips I am happpy to know. I have read you blog its very helpful. any more information is much appreciated. thank you.
Patty
Sunday 10th of November 2019
I hope you have a GREAT time at Disneyland! I'd show up about an hour early to get through security and to be one of the first inside the park. It's so magical this time of year! Max Pass is a definite MUST have during this time; it will save you many steps- so be sure to just keep on top of the program (as you use one FastPass or as a window of time opens, book another!) Have a great time!
T.M. Brown
Thursday 13th of October 2016
Okay - this just revved up the excitement for our trip this year!!!
Julie Bigboy
Thursday 13th of October 2016
I just love the decorations in Cars Land, they are so clever!
Amanda Mann
Thursday 13th of October 2016
Christmas at Disney is my favorite time of year!!!
Lindsay Loves Running
Wednesday 12th of October 2016
I'm a little embarrassed to say this being the HUGE Disney fan than I am, but I've never been to either park during the "Christmas" season. I've also never been for Halloween. I know, I know! This is great information though and good tips! Eventually I'll get my act together :)