Here’s Why We Plan on Visiting Walt Disney World This Winter

Now that Halloween is in the rear view mirror, it is time for us to start getting excited for the winter holiday season.  As the days get shorter, we spend our time at home decorating for the holidays, preparing to welcome friends and family for feasts of both food and fun, and enjoying the joy of the season.  Unsurprisingly, that is the same thing that the Walt Disney World Resort is doing.  So, as the holidays approach, here are the reasons why we are planning a trip to Disney World this winter!

  

1. Cooler Temperatures

After a brutal summer and fall, temperatures in Florida have finally relented and are no longer considered oppressive.  The cooler temperatures make walking around the parks much more enjoyable since you aren’t seeking out air-conditioning or shade.  Also, with less humidity in the air, wearing masks in the park won’t be so uncomfortable.  You may need to put on a pair of sneakers as opposed to flip flops or opt for a long-sleeve t-shirt as opposed to a tank top, but overall, the cooler temperatures are a cause of celebration.

2. Holiday Decorations

The best time of the year at Disney is always the two months or so that the parks and resorts are decked out in their holiday best.  Each of the theme parks has its own Christmas tree decorated with park appropriate ornaments.  We love grabbing a photo in front of these trees and checking out the decorations.  Additionally, each park has special holiday additions that really express the holiday spirit — be it the wreaths along Main Street, U.S.A., the giant glass ornaments floating in Echo Lake at Hollywood Studios, or the cultural touches inside each pavilion in Epcot.  In addition to the parks, the resorts also get involved in decorating, too.  Sadly, this year, not every resort is open and resort hopping to see them all has to be planned in advance, but the resorts strive to make families feel like they are celebrating at home with their decorations.

3. Special Entertainment

Usually guests have to either visit during the very busy week of Christmas or opt to go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to catch the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.  However, this year, with Covid restrictions and things looking a little different than normal, guests can experience certain elements of that beloved parade during the cavalcades during the day — two of everyone’s favorites are prominently featured.  In addition to the Disney characters and princesses, guests can expect to see the toy soldiers, as well as the most famous denizen of the North Pole, Santa Claus, along with all of his reindeer!  Holiday entertainment varies by the park, so be sure to check out the offerings in the My Disney Experience app prior to your visit!

 

4. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

The newest addition to the slate of yearlong festival entertainment, the International Festival of the Holidays is quickly becoming our favorite.  In addition to the portions of the other festivals that we love — outdoor kitchens, as well as a scavenger hunt — this festival invites guests to learn more about the holiday festivities in each of the countries of World Showcase.  Adults will enjoy sampling savory and delicious food offerings, while kids will enjoy seeking out Chip ‘n Dale hidden in each of the pavilions.  Everyone will be a fan of the delicious cookies and treats served throughout World Showcase!

5. Holiday Merchandise

Regardless of the park that we choose to visit, we love seeking out fun holiday merchandise.  What makes the winter such a great time is that this merchandise can be a t-shirt, sweatshirt, ornament, or even something much more original like a popcorn bucket.  Searching for this merchandise requires more than just going into the gift shops, but also checking out the various snack carts and kiosks, as well!

6. Christmas Tree Trail

Disney Springs isn’t left out of the holiday fun as they invite guests to check out the Christmas Tree Trail.  Throughout Disney Springs, guests will find specially decorated Christmas trees.  As opposed to previous years, the trees will be spread throughout Disney Springs to aid in social distancing.  The trees are intricately decorated in elaborate Disney fashion.  You’ll want to make sure you snap some photos so you can get some ideas for your holiday decorations at home!

7. Fort Wilderness Campsite Decorations

Regardless of the season, the campers who park their RVs at Fort Wilderness take great care in decorating their camp sights for the upcoming holidays.  If you have a free afternoon, you may want to head over to the resort for a leisurely walk or golf cart ride around to see the campsites and the holiday decorations.  In addition to lights, guests can also expect to see plenty of their favorite Disney characters, as well as inflatables and even music to celebrate the season!

Winter is a great time to visit Disney World — between the holiday celebrations, special events, and cooler temperatures, guests are sure to have an amazing time!  Are you planning on visiting this winter?