Are you planning to celebrate Christmas Day at Disney World? Unfortunately, there’s some news that may dampen your holiday spirit.
Disney World serves as a year-round attraction for millions, drawing families and thrill-seekers to its enchanting experiences and attractions. However, Christmas Day ranks among the busiest times at the resort, particularly at the iconic Magic Kingdom.
As the world’s most-visited theme park, Magic Kingdom goes all out for the holiday season. Throughout November and December, the park hosts select nights for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event packed with festive fun. The enchantment continues during the day as the park transforms into a holiday wonderland adorned with dazzling decorations, special merchandise, and seasonal treats that spread cheer.
Crowds can become overwhelming in December, especially as schools break for the holidays. As Christmas approaches, lines lengthen, and the atmosphere buzzes with excitement. During the weeks of Christmas and New Year, Magic Kingdom features Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade as a daytime attraction, a special experience typically reserved for party attendees.
While guests no longer need to make park reservations with dated tickets, Annual Passholders must still book most visits, excluding “Good to Go” days. Securing a spot for Christmas Day is particularly competitive, with reservations filling up quickly.
Currently, Magic Kingdom is fully booked for December 25.
However, there’s still hope for those wanting to experience the holiday magic. Although Christmas Day is fully booked for Annual Passholders, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom still have reservations available. Guests staying at Disney resorts or holding standard theme park tickets can also claim their spot at Magic Kingdom.
It’s worth noting that additional reservations may open as the date approaches. Annual Passholders may also have the opportunity to park hop on Christmas Day, allowing them to enjoy popular attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (if operational), Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and TRON Lightcycle / Run after 2 p.m.
As a reminder, New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024) is also fully booked for Magic Kingdom, often leading to larger crowds as guests gather for the midnight fireworks.
Even if you’re not visiting the parks, there’s plenty to do at Walt Disney World Resort during Christmas. The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll showcases elaborately decorated trees inspired by beloved Disney stories, while Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa features an impressively detailed gingerbread house each year, along with the largest indoor Christmas trees found anywhere at the resort.
Are you planning to visit Disney World on Christmas Day?
