Walt Disney World can become very crowded during the holidays and Christmas season. Finding the right time to visit the parks can really improve your visit and lower your stress levels. While going to Walt Disney World during the holidays is always an amazing time, this guide will help you find the best time to visit Disney World during Christmas.

The busiest days at Disney World during the holidays are the following:

  • The Week of Thanksgiving
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Black Friday
  • The Week of Christmas
  • Christmas Day
  • The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • New Year’s Eve
  • New Year’s Day

Tips & Best Days to Visit Disney World during Christmas and the Holidays:

As you approach the holidays at Walt Disney World, crowds are going to be an issue no matter what you do. Here are a few tips as well as the best days in our experience to enjoy Disney during the busy season.

Tip #1: Check Crowd Calendars

Our first tip is to check multiple Disney World crowd calendars. These calendars will help you determine which parks will be the best parks to visit and the best times to visit.

Tip #2: Visit on Less Busy Weeks

Disney starts to put their Christmas decorations up in November. Normally by mid-November most the decorations have gone up around the parks. Visiting the parks in November on weekdays can land you some less busy days. As long as you avoid the week of Thanksgiving, you can find some lower, more manageable crowds.

If you want to enjoy some turkey before jumping into the Christmas spirit, you can also wait for the first 2 weeks of December, visiting on weekdays (Monday-Thursday) for lower crowds during Christmas at Disney.

Tip #3: Use Special Events to Your Advantage

Magic Kingdom is home to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. On these nights, the Magic Kingdom will close at 6 pm to regular guests and only those who have purchased a ticket for the party get to stay till past midnight. Since many that come to Walt Disney World during Christmas will attend these parties, they will choose to visit a different park in the morning and arrive at Magic Kingdom later in the day. On Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights, the mornings will often be less busy than other mornings at the Magic Kingdom.

The same goes for other special events and shows. At Epcot, the Candlelight Processional is a big hit with some nights being more popular than others. In addition, Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays often draws crowds on the weekends and in evenings due to the different alcoholic drinks available. While we encourage you to check out these events, planing around some of the more popular shows can give you a less crowded day at Epcot.

Tip #4: Avoid The Parks

This one sounds odd, but, avoiding the parks during a busy time can be a welcome break from the crowds. There are many things to do around the Disney Resorts during Christmas. Many have unique Christmas displays, special snacks, seasonal drinks and more. Take some time to visit these displays.

Taking time to shop at Disney Springs and visit the Christmas Tree Trail can also be a welcome break from the parks. In the evenings, Disney Springs can become extremely busy, however, in the mornings you will often find very few crowds.

Check out our 50 Disney World Tips to make the most of your next trip to Walt Disney World.

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