Disney World has given an update on Santa Claus meeting guests at this specific park. Here’s everything you need to know.
Disney World Gives Millions Official Update on Santa Claus at Park
The holidays at Walt Disney World bring no shortage of magic, but few traditions carry as much weight as meeting Santa Claus at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays. For many families, it’s a highlight that rivals the rides and fireworks—a once-a-year moment filled with nostalgia, excitement, and the joy of the season.
But in 2025, that tradition is shifting. Disney has quietly confirmed that Santa is moving to a new location inside the park, marking the end of his run at the Odyssey Pavilion. The move comes as EPCOT continues to reimagine its festival spaces, and it could have a big impact on how guests plan their visits this year.
Here’s everything you need to know about Santa’s new home, his updated schedule, and how to make sure you get the most magical photo possible.
Santa Moves to CommuniCore Hall
For 2025, Santa Claus will greet guests inside CommuniCore Hall, the newly completed festival hub at EPCOT. He will appear from November 28 through December 24, with meet-and-greet times scheduled at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.
This is Santa’s third location change in recent years. For decades, he welcomed families outside The American Adventure before moving to the Odyssey Pavilion in 2022. CommuniCore Hall now provides a central, indoor location designed to handle the large crowds that flock to EPCOT during the holidays.
Best Times to Visit Santa in 2025
Crowds are inevitable during the Festival of the Holidays, but timing your visit wisely can save you valuable park hours:
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Arrive before the first set: Santa’s opening time at 11 a.m. is often the least crowded.
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Midday is underrated: Lines are lighter around 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. compared to evening slots.
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Plan ahead with the app: Always double-check the My Disney Experience app for the latest schedule adjustments.
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Think weekdays, not weekends: Weekdays in late November or early December typically see smaller crowds than weekends closer to Christmas.
Extra Tips and Hidden Perks
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Comfort factor: CommuniCore Hall offers air-conditioning and nearby seating, a major upgrade from past outdoor setups.
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Special décor: Look out for new backdrops—Disney often updates Santa’s surroundings to match the festival’s overall design.
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Use PhotoPass: If you purchased Memory Maker, professional Santa photos are included in your package.
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Snack and stroll: Grab something from the Holiday Cookie Stroll before or after your meet-and-greet—it’s right nearby.
Why the Change Matters
Santa’s move may sound small, but for EPCOT regulars, it’s a meaningful update. These meet-and-greets aren’t just photo ops—they’re part of family traditions that span decades. Some guests take an annual Santa picture in the same pose, creating a timeline of their children’s growth alongside Disney’s changing backdrops.
The transition to CommuniCore Hall ties into EPCOT’s larger transformation as the park continues to invest in festival infrastructure. Online, fans are already buzzing about how the new setup could improve the guest experience. Expect plenty of fresh social media content showcasing Santa in his updated holiday home.
Final Word
If Santa Claus is on your EPCOT holiday checklist, make sure to mark November 28 through December 24, 2025 on your calendar. His new home inside CommuniCore Hall will likely make for a more streamlined experience—if you plan ahead.
Whether it’s your child’s first Disney holiday or your family’s fifteenth, meeting Santa at EPCOT remains a core part of the park’s seasonal magic. This year, it just comes with a brand-new backdrop.
