Everyone dreams of a Disney Christmas. The lights, the music, the cozy feeling of walking through a decorated lobby with a warm drink. But the holidays are also when Walt Disney World is at its busiest, and with big crowds come tighter rules. Some of them can change how you plan your days, your meals, and even where you stand to watch the fireworks.
The season is still a couple of months away, which gives you time to prepare. Here are five holiday rules and restrictions that could affect your trip.
None of them are dealbreakers, but each one is the kind of detail that's far easier to handle at home than when you're standing in a long line with tired kids.
Resort Decor Isn't Open to Everyone
If one of your favorite holiday traditions is touring the resorts to admire the decorations, plan a little differently this year. In a post about the season, Disney said, “For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor.” That suggests visitors who aren't staying or dining at a resort may not be able to see it.
Gingerbread lovers also have a loss to process. Disney confirmed that the large gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa isn't coming back. The hotel will instead have a few small gingerbread displays made by Disney's culinary team. The castle at the Contemporary and the carousel at the Beach Club are expected to return.
The Party Tickets Are Separate
Holiday evenings at Disney World often mean a special event, and those events cost extra. Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney's Hollywood Studios hosts Jollywood Nights. Both are separately ticketed, and on those nights the parks close early to the general public.
So if you want a whole day at the park plus the party, you'll need a regular ticket and a party ticket. There are workarounds. Buy a day ticket for a park without a party that night, or buy a Park Hopper and spend your first half at the party park before heading elsewhere in the evening. Or skip the day ticket entirely and just buy the party ticket for the evening. Whichever route you choose, it helps to decide before you buy, since your ticket choice shapes how your whole day is structured.
Getting Back From Disney Springs Just Got Trickier
Last year, transportation at Disney Springs was restricted during peak seasons. Now it's a permanent rule. Buses and boats at Disney Springs require a valid hotel or dining reservation to board, and any dining reservation has to be within two hours of the reservation time.
That means you can't park at Disney Springs and catch a bus to a resort. If you're staying off property this holiday season, work out your transportation ahead of time so you're not stranded after dinner.
Mobile Ordering Could Be Limited
During peak times, My Disney Experience restricts Mobile Ordering at some locations to guests staying at that resort. Disney hasn't confirmed this for the holidays, but it's quite possible it will return. It has happened at Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian Resort, Capt. Cook's at the Polynesian Village, Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort, and Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge.
Don't worry too much if it does. You should still be able to walk up to the quick service counter and order in person, so nobody will go hungry.
A Prime Fireworks Viewing Spot May Be Off Limits
The beach at the Polynesian Village Resort is a favorite place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The view is excellent, and the soundtrack is piped in so you can follow along. Many guests either ride the monorail or walk over from the Grand Floridian to watch from there.
During the holidays, you may not be able to join them unless you're staying at the Polynesian. In the past, Cast Members have been stationed in the walkways to keep non-guests out. Disney hasn't confirmed this for the season, but it's smart to have a backup viewing spot in case it applies.
Planning With the Rules in Mind
None of these rules should stop you from having a great holiday trip, but a bit of preparation helps. Decide early whether you want to attend a party and buy your tickets with that in mind. If you're not staying on property, plan your transportation and your dining so you're covered. Expect some resort perks to be reserved for guests, and keep a plan B for meals and fireworks.
Because details can change as the season gets closer, check Disney's official holiday pages before you travel.
Are you planning a Disney holiday trip this year? Tell us in the comments which rule caught you by surprise, and share your best tips for a smooth holiday visit.
