Just THREE days to Christmas, and you’ve been seeing us have lots of fun lately at Disney! Christmas in Disney World 2021 is no different from the other pre-pandemic years. As reported by Fox 59, Disney World Orlando and Anaheim are on the top list of most traveled locations this season!
As per AAA, around 109 million Americans will travel to Disney parks during Christmas and New Year! This is 34% more than what it was in 2020.
Table of Contents
Christmas in Disney World Florida
If you are all geared up to celebrate Christmas in Disney World, we got some things for you to do! Our guide will help you make the most of your time and utilize your Disney hours wisely.
Disney World Christmas time
You will be delighted to know that the Disney World Christmas hours are extended. On December 24 and 25, Magic Kingdom opens at 9 am and closes at an extended time of 10 pm.
EPCOT will remain open between 10 am and 10 pm, while Animal Kingdom will be from 8 am to 8 pm. Hollywood Studios to stay open from 9 am to 9 pm.
Disney World Christmas activities will be exclusive in each park. All of them will have a holiday theme and give you plenty of options to choose from.
Dodging crowds to celebrate Christmas in Disney World 2021
One inevitable part of celebrating Christmas in Disney World is coming across a massive crowd. We cannot help but admit that the crowds in Disney are getting greater by the day.
If you are worried about the quick spread of omicron in Florida, you need to be extra cautious about your visit. Here are some tips to dodge the crowds and make the most of your time celebrating Christmas in Disney World.
The park is always the most crowded on Christmas in Magic Kingdom. The park reservations for Christmas in Disney World 2021 have been sold out. Thus, you cannot enter if you are not an annual pass holder with the add-on Incredi Pass!
Hollywood Studios passes have also been sold out. However, some passes are left for EPCOT and Animal Kingdom.
You need to grab the passes soon before they all run out!
Dealing with holiday crowds
1. Use Mobile Order for meals
One tip to escape holiday crowds is to make advance dining reservations to enjoy a Christmas meal when you want.
You can dine at the Liberty Tree Tavern if you visit the Magic Kingdom. This place serves meals inspired by the holidays all through the year.
It could be tough to get reservations in other places as most to require bookings starting 60 days in advance.
In this case, you can use Mobile Order to not wait for a long time for both lunch and dinner meals.
By ordering your meals before you visit the park, you will get the option to choose a time frame. It will allow you to choose what you want to eat and where.
Do not wait for your hunger pangs to drive you, as you might not get any restaurants available near you during mealtime!
2. Rides and attractions
If Disney World Christmas 2021 is your first time here, you have really few options for rides. All attractions will have long waiting lines, so it might not be worth your time unless you want to avail them.
Yes! There is a special park entry for guests little at select Disney hotels and resorts. So, if you are one of the people vacaying in Orlando, you will get 30 to 60 minutes more time compared to the rest.
So, utilize that time to hop from one ride to another so that you don’t need to wait long hours later! Note that every ride will not be open during the early entry hours.
If you are in Magic Kingdom, come to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland to experience these attractions before others do.
3. Genie+ and Fancy Rides
This year, Walt Disney World Christmas can be best enjoyed with the Genie+ facility. The cost of availing of this is $15 per person and allows you to book spots at the Lightning Lanes. So, you get to skip the line with ease.
Apart from Genie+, you can also avail Fancy Rides, part of Individual Attraction Selection. Every theme park gives you two rides that aren’t a park on the Genie+ list. You can pay an additional fee to skip lines on those attractions and avail of them quickly!
You need to book Fancy Rides as soon as possible. Guests usually begin at 7 am on the day they wish to visit. However, you can book sooner than that. These sell out faster, especially when booking a ride as popular as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance!
Celebrating Christmas in Disney World 2021
If you have been following our page and Instagram handle, you will know that there is so much to look forward to at Disney right now!
For example, if you visit EPCOT, you will want to be a part of the International Festival of the Holidays. There are some amazing foods to taste here and stories to listen to about the traditions of different countries.
Looking for the perfect Walt Disney World Christmas Day parade? Well, if you miss out on this one, you can always take a glance at the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT.
Celebrity narrators tell you amazing stories backed by choir and orchestra performing Christmas carols.
To experience Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, you must be at the Magic Kingdom on December 24 and 25, between 12 pm to 3:45 pm.
Some more attractions would include festive holiday overlays. You can experience Living With the Land at EPCOT and Jingle Cruise at Magic Kingdom!
When at Hollywood Studios, don’t miss out on the holiday projections on the Tower of Terror.
It is spectacular to click the perfect Disney World Christmas pictures during the evening. The exclusive Sunset Seasons Greetings show is what you have to know!
Who does not want to meet Santa Claus on Christmas? You can meet him and take pictures at different locations, including Disney Springs.
When in Animal Kingdom, do not miss Merry Menagerie when entering the park! If you are here in the evening, the Tree of Life will be the center of attraction.
Disney World Christmas food
When being a part of the Disney World Christmas party 2021, you cannot miss out on the food. There are innumerable holiday treats waiting for you.
From Reindeer Mousse at Trolley Car, Hollywood Studios to Christmas Cookie Sundaes at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom. From Tiffin’s Apple-brined Pork T-Bone at Animal Kingdom to exclusive delights at EPCOT.
Final thoughts
Disney World Christmas decorations are the most intriguing attraction during this time. Thus, even if you don’t want to wait in lines for rides, simply strolling through the parks will give you joy.
Disney World Christmas lights are exclusive and need you to stay over until sunset. You will get some amazing images to capture because of the festive vibe.
Make sure you spot some of the amazing Disney World Christmas tree collection present in every corner of each park. They come in all shapes and sizes and make your Instagram worth sharing the festive spirit.
Finally, don’t miss out on the Disney World Christmas store to shop some amazing goodies that are specifically holiday-oriented!
