Christmas is my favorite time of year! (Although if you ask our son, he will tell you that Disney Halloween is first and Christmas is a close second.) The jubilant decorations at Walt Disney World go up overnight, changing an already magical landscape into a winter wonderland. This article features our favorite attractions and how they are decked for the holidays in Walt Disney World.
One of the most fun things about the holidays at Walt Disney World is the themed ambience in every area. For example, at the Caribbean resort, the steel drum-inspired Christmas music humming from the speakers in the landscaping really set a festive holiday mood. Try to notice the holiday music in each different themed area you experience.
The Holidays in Walt Disney World
While most of this article focuses on holiday decorations and celebrations at Walt Disney World, we want to address sensory considerations. For autistic and neurodivergent folks, visiting during this season has a few unique perks and many drawbacks.
While many children experience routine disruptions during the winter break, going away from home disrupts their daily schedule. The holiday season is the absolute busiest time to visit Walt Disney World. In fact, some parks may reach capacity on holidays. Even if crowd capacity isn’t reached, your sensory capacity likely will be!
Familiarize yourself with the map so you can get your child there quickly and safely. I prepare with lots of holiday and attraction discussions and videos to soothe the transitions.
Epcot
Upon entering, Disney sells you unique and festive celebrations at the International Festival of the Holidays. There are holiday kitchens and themed celebrations throughout the World Showcase.
For example, Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree is a scavenger hunt with stickers and maps. Around the World Showcase, 11 Chip & Dale figurines are looking for swag for their tree.
The giant Christmas tree is stationed at the entrance to the World Showcase at the head of the promenade. It always gives me a warm glow as I get excited about the holiday festivities in the World Showcase.
Living with the Land
This ride completely decks out the greenhouse for the holidays. From lights to ornaments to snowmen, they do a fabulous job!
The Snowman family makes an interesting contrast with the sand in the hydroponic garden.
This round wire topiary makes the perfect base for a hidden Mickey topped with reindeer ears.
A Koi pond is wrapped with garland and ornaments.
We were overjoyed to see that twinkling snowflakes, large glass ornaments, and stocking stuffers filled the scientist’s lab.
Trees with icicle ornaments.
Check out all of the gorgeous holiday lights: icicle and otherwise.
United Kingdom
The bell’s toll summons you to the rose garden in the United Kingdom. Father Christmas tells his story while adorned with a crown of holly, a green suit, and fur. His beard is white as snow, and he carries a staff in one hand and a bell in the other. He explains the story of Christmas and how he rings one toll each year since the birth of Jesus Christ.
While this outdoor beer stand is a permanent fixture outside the Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom, it is dressed up for the holidays with garlands. The pub is across the “street” from the tea shop and Christopher Robin’s bedroom.
Japan
The Japanese Shi Washu Holiday Kitchen features the amazing Chirashi Sushi Tree (which I ate three times). Chirashi (chirashizushi) means scattered rice covered with fish, veggies, and other sauces or ingredients.
The tree features sushi-grade tuna, salmon, Ikura, and Yellowtail with vegetables on a sticky rice bed. While heavy on the sticky rice, it was fantastic. However, the flavor does not stack up to how gorgeous it is!
Unsure about Ikura? It’s salmon roe, or orange egg masses, with a juicy texture that pops with every bite and a rich flavor that melts in your mouth. They sound super creepy, but I swear they’re pretty delicious, even for those who aren’t very adventurous when it comes to sushi.
The Magic Kingdom for the Holidays
Our favorite decorations are in the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World truly goes all out, even the popcorn courts are decked with holiday decor. They don’t just add poinsettias to the planters. Instead, they fill them with hundreds of poinsettias.
Main Street USA during the Holidays
Walking down the middle of Main Street is a magical experience. Every inch of every building has some festive greenery, bows, or lights. If you spend time on Main Street USA during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you will experience snowfall (soap suds). While magical, keep in mind this ‘snow’ is actually a soap-based foam. It can be a sensory trigger for some children due to the texture or scent
It is truly a sight to behold if you’ve never seen a Walt Disney World Christmas tree! Each theme park and resort features unique giant trees that reach 70 feet. The ornaments, garlands, lights, and stars differ depending on the tree’s theme, which varies by location.
The lamp posts along Main Street have a jolly Mickey Wreath. My children insisted on taking photos with these non-hidden Mickeys!
The Jingle Cruise Overlay
Our all-time favorite Magic Kingdom holiday decorations come from the Jungle Cruise’s overlay, now known as the “Jingle Cruise.” I eagerly look for the baubles in the queue as we wait! The khaki decor has a holiday theme, down to the prominently displayed “Here We Go A-Wassailing” sign.
The khaki sign says “Jungle all the way” and there is also a sign that says “Yuletide Terminal.” 
Even the hut on the river has a holiday twist with its garlands, lights, and Christmas tree. This waterfront home has never looked better!
The Queue at the Jingle Cruise
Netting filled with holiday ornaments dangles from the rafters as you pass through the attraction queue at the Jingle Cruise. One of the fish traps is covered in lights and tinsel, resembling a chandelier.
The “ticket purchases” window to the Jungle Cruise features pine boughs and colorful Christmas lights. There is even a white mini Christmas tree and other trinkets inside the ticket booth. Although, who supports white Christmas trees when you have evergreen and palm trees to choose from?
There is also a lovely tree made from wooden dowels. If you cannot use a live tree, you could always craft a tree at home, Jingle Cruise-style. It’s my favorite tree, and I swear I will recreate it in one year.
Red poinsettias are also in buckets in the queue.
Below is another Christmas tree on display in the line for the Jingle Cruise. There are even gifts underneath.
I may not be a world traveler, but I learned some new things. Like, as you traverse the world’s rainforests, giraffes pull Santa’s canoe sleigh with sparkling presents.
Even the hat rack gets red bows and candy canes! My favorite part of Walt Disney World has always been the attention to detail. For our son with autism, our struggle with Jungle Cruise is that even the Lightning Lane (that you use for the DAS) can endure quite the wait. We play games where we count Christmas trees (or bows, or whatever your family likes!) It helps to keep his focus off the crowds and the wait.
The boats’ holiday update includes the Fruitcake Zelda, formerly known as Zambezi Zelda, or the Nile Nellie’s transformation to Noel Nellie.
The Skippers
As always, the skippers are the best part of any Jungle Cruise, with or without the overlay. Their Jingle Cruise jokes do not disappoint- they are hilarious, as usual! See below for the video version of this transcript!
- Inspiration Falls- legend has it that if you stare into it long enough, even the coldest Scrooges will feel inspired to sing Christmas Carols. [Singing] Jingle Cruise Jingle Cruise Jingle all the way… I got like two, and honestly, that’s all the confidence I need. Sweet guys, let’s keep going.
- Into the Congo River- it’s the most dangerous river in all of Central Africa, so hang on tight, guys, ’cause we’re honestly going to see how far we can go together today.
- Oh, but it does look like the Pygmies did dash out for some last-minute holiday shopping. I think I can see what they’ll be getting for Christmas- Canoe? Sweet spears, am I right?
- Oh, but it does look like someone is being gifted a dead tree for Christmas. That is nice, it is all wrapped up with a boa on top, how romantic is that?
Hollywood Studios
As you stroll down Sunset Boulevard, look up! All of the buildings have gorgeous decorations hanging from them. I love how each theme park has its own decorations that match the overall ambiance. While the Magic Kingdom is warm and nostalgic, Hollywood Studios is glitz and Old Hollywood glamor throughout Echo Lake and Sunset Boulevard. The metallic tinsel is the unique touch for the park that represents “Tinseltown.”
Many traditional Disney characters have bright costumes during the holiday season. Dale is rocking a cute Christmas scarf and green Santa hat.
Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Decorations
Even the resorts have amazing holiday decorations! Our favorite Christmas displays in Walt Disney World are in the deluxe resorts. The Contemporary Resort keeps its large tree outside. However, Disney adorns the lobby with smaller trees.
The Grand Floridian has a beautiful gingerbread house. Disney’s Beach Club features a gorgeous Gingerbread Carousel.
Pop Century and Art of Animation place Christmas trees in their large atriums, stretching to the very top. These impressive centerpieces stop the show as you pass through to get a meal or shop for wares.
Our Dream 5-Day Sensory-Friendly Disney World Holiday Itinerary
Christmas and New Year are magical times at Disney World. The whole resort transforms into a wintry fairyland. Our Dream 5-Day Sensory-Friendly Holiday Itinerary was a memorable family experience, and I want to help your family experience it too!
Pro Tip: If you want a Deluxe Christmas feel today, book a Club Level room at a Deluxe Resort. They often have extra holiday treats and a dedicated concierge who can help coordinate those “special deliveries” to your room!
Check out our tips and tricks to replicate this itinerary now that it is no longer being offered!
- Book an on-property Disney resort, preferably on the Skyliner or monorail, to maximize your time immersed in the holiday magic. There are discounts for Disney+ subscribers, Florida residents, and Disney Annual Passholders.
- Order your Disney World theme park tickets from Undercover Tourist– they’re discounted and refundable. If you have annual passes or certain theme park tickets, make theme park reservations for the days you will attend the parks as early as possible.
- Book Walt Disney World dining as soon as you read this, preferably 60 days before.
- Order your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets while they’re still available. Order from Undercover Tourist for the best possible deal!
- Skip down to Day 5 for options, and order your Christmas delivery to snag a spot!
Day 1: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom Park (7p to 12a)
You can enter Magic Kingdom at 4 pm with the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket. I recommend flying in early, getting your luggage to the room, and exploring your resort until 4 pm. Keep your eyes peeled because there is a separate entrance for Party guests.
The MVMCP’s official hours are from 7p to midnight, but they often open the first treat station at 4 pm as you enter Magic Kingdom. There are delicious drinks, treats, cookies, and special character interactions. You have the opportunity to ride the headlining rides and see all of the holiday decorations and special character interactions that are unique to this party. Our family went wild over the snowfall each evening on Main Street.
The Disability Access Service (DAS) is available for rides and character meet-and-greets during parties. With the DAS, you can wait elsewhere for big-ticket attractions. Note: DAS now requires a virtual pre-arrival interview via the Disney website. See how the DAS benefits those with autism and how to use it effectively.
Every single party snack station provides a gluten-free alternative. For our gluten-devouring friends, there were snowman soft pretzels and a variety of cookies. Our children loved Sno-cones. The drinks include eggnog, chilled apple cider (in a plastic wine glass), and hot chocolate.
See our gluten-free dining guide to all Disney World Resorts.
Day 2: Pandora at Night
The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park
Truly, we prefer other Disney activities on holidays, like attending church in a Disney resort ballroom (traditionally at the Contemporary and, more recently, Coronado Springs), swimming, and eating a festive Christmas dinner.
Check out the decorations at the Animal Kingdom, and enjoy all this theme park has to offer. I recommend hanging out in Pandora the last hour or two before Animal Kingdom closes.
Hitting Pandora at night when everything is aglow is life-changing because the landscape and rides are unique and bioluminescent. Flight of Passage is amazing, and the attention queue often drops towards the end of the night. As long as you get in before the park closes, you are golden.
Day 3: Disney Character Party at Hollywood Studios
Holiday Character Experience at Disney’s Holiday Studios featuring DJ GOOFY
The OG package featured a dance party with holiday versions of the Fab 5. A close dupe is to visit Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios. You will receive a seasonal meal and a character meet-and-greet.
After that, stroll through DHS to immerse yourself in the magic. DHS ups the ante on their old Hollywood glitz and glamour by using tinsel on their wreaths. Hollywood Studios decorates Echo Lake, by Gertie, with a giant Santa Hat and oversized ornaments. DHS decorates Toy Story Land in incredibly unique ways that feel like Andy had a hand in hanging the Christmas lights.
This dance party was a great time and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Picture dancing with Pluto and Santa Goofy. There were reindeer, elves, and other characters to “party” with. My kids had a great time and spent the afternoon dancing.
Day 4: Christmas Eve Dinner at Epcot
While you can no longer book the specific “Ultimate Christmas” buffet we experienced, Christmas Eve at EPCOT is still the place to be. Today, you can replicate this festive feeling by visiting the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. If you’re into the Candlelight Processional, snag a dining package and check out the incredible celebrity performances that capture holiday magic worldwide. This traditional event has been occurring at Disney Parks since 1958!
Our Memory: On our favorite trip, we attended a private dinner in the World Showplace. It was a brightly lit building with cartoon characters and snowflakes dancing across white canvases. While it was busy, we had a lot of space away from our neighbors—a huge sensory win!
The festive holiday dinner was held in the World Showplace in Epcot (between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions). A brightly lit building welcomed us to the feast, with bright cartoon characters and snowflakes dancing across white canvases.
The Menu & Sensory Lessons. Even though that specific menu has changed, our experience taught us a lot about dining during the holidays.
- Gluten-Free wins: Disney is still the king of allergies. Whether at a buffet or a Festival Kitchen, always ask for the chef!
- Safe Foods: If the holiday spices are too much for your child, standard “safe” foods like chicken tenders are almost always available if you ask, even if they aren’t on the holiday menu.
Each table featured a festive centerpiece of floating candles, red table cloths, fancy water goblets, and heavy silver table numbers. Non-alcoholic options, beer, wine, and a specialty cocktail were available. The holiday specialty cocktail was the “Christmas Colada,” an overly sweet, creamy pina colada mix blended with cranberry juice, Sprite, and Amsterdam Vodka.
Day 5: A Special Christmas Delivery to your Hotel
Christmas Day presents were delivered to our door on Christmas morning.
One of our favorite memories was waking up to a “Santa Sack” at our door. While Disney no longer offers the specific gift bag we received, you can absolutely recreate this magic yourself!
Many parents now ship a box of gifts to their resort a few days early (label it with your “Check-in Date” and “Guest Name”) and set it up in the room themselves to save money and ensure the sensory toys are exactly what their child likes!
Use local services to have a custom basket delivered.
- Disney Floral & Gifts traditionally delivers overpriced gifts.
- Mouse to your House delivers magical gift baskets.
- Orlando Gift Baskets delivers more traditional baskets, including a made-in-Florida option.
- Former CMs create beautiful and tasty treats for your family, such as @sabrinasdelicacies and @confectionatelyconfections or the Facebook group EAR FOR EACH OTHER
Is Walt Disney World busy on Christmas?
Yes, Christmas in the Disney theme parks is busy and often hits capacity early in the day. The app should alert you, but it’s important to know this is likely to happen and plan accordingly.
While all parks were particularly packed during this busy time, visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season is a must-do. Our family will always treasure the twinkling of castle lights as we strolled down Main Street, admiring the gargantuan Christmas trees at each park and the spectacular decor at each resort.
Day Six: Disney Departure Day
Our last day. Nothing was scheduled for this day, but we left for the airport approximately 3 hours before our flight’s departure. In our case, that was 4 a.m. Pro Tip: Don’t ever depart before 7 o’clock unless you (and your children) are morning people.
A Note on Crowds, Neuodiversity, and Inclusion
While I loved the idea of the experience, we had a rough time. Our table was next to the kids’ buffet. It’s hard to pin my son with autism down in a chair. He stood within a three-foot radius of our space (not interfering with anyone else, as we were on the outskirts of the meal). Loud music was playing, and he was giggling and stimming.
A woman approached me to say my son was ruining her night. She thought his behavior was obscene. I am not an unrealistic mother who thinks her children behave flawlessly- my children behave poorly at times.
This was NOT one of them. Apparently, it disturbed her to listen to him hysterically giggling while getting chicken fingers off the buffet table.
When I explained he had autism, she told me, “Those kinds of people shouldn’t be allowed in public.” Kinds of people? My child, one of the most incredible humans that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, is being dismissed for being joyful in public?
It was Christmas Eve in Walt Disney World. I will never get over how cruel that behavior was.
Despite our rough experience, my children were in love with Disney during the holidays. Every single event was more magical than the last. I was concerned that the crowds would ruin it for them, but we worried less about attractions and rides. Instead, we focused on the festivities and admired all the decorations. On our way out, we had an exclusive view of Epcot and the fireworks.
What are your favorite experiences during the holidays at Walt Disney World? Drop them in the comments!
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Love this! I would love to go someday! Thanks for sharing! 😉
Great post and perspective, I’d love to see Disneyworld decked out for Christmas! Halloween was awesome, I can only imagine Christmas being spectacular!
I so love Disney World at Christmas! It is somehow even more magical than usual. I love how everywhere is totally decked out with holiday decor and the lights show they projected on the castle before fireworks was so amazing when I was there a few years back! 🙂
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