How to Plan a Trip to Disney World in December

Christmas in Disney World. Is there anything better? If you love Christmas, then Disney World can be a true delight, but there are some things (heavy crowds) to consider. Let me tell you how to plan a trip to Disney World in December that won’t make you want to rip your hair out from the major Christmas crowd.

Plan Your Week Wisely

As far as crowds go, December is very divided. The week immediately after Thanksgiving is moderately crowded, while the second and third weeks of the month show very low crowds. However, the major crowd is the week of Christmas to the week of New Year’s Eve.

The beauty of going early in December is that you’ll really be able to soak in all the holiday decorations and events without feeling the rush and bustle of the crowds or waiting in humungous lines. If you’re trying to take your kids while they’re on vacation, however, you’ll be there during the most busy time of the year. I have to say, there is something sort of magical and fun about actually being in Disney World on Christmas day.

Check a crowd calendar for the most accurate results, and be sure to plan the week or weeks you go in accordance to what’s most important to you – low crowds and easier navigation, or making sure your kids don’t miss school and being in WDW on the holiday itself.

Events

I have a more comprehensive list of holiday events at Walt Disney World in my 2015 Disney Christmas Guide, but below is a quick rundown of the events available during December. Again, the biggest factor in not getting super frustrated with crowds is monitoring the time of month you go, and also try to arrive at the parks as early in the day as you can.

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Frozen Castle Lighting
• Holiday Wishes
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade
• Celebrate the Magic
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
• Holidays Around the World
• Candlight Processional
• Holiday Resort Decorations

Weather

The weather in Orlando totally fluctuates in the winter. It can be as low as the mid 40s or as high as the mid 80s. The average high is 73 degrees F and average low is 52 degrees F. I like to pack layers and assume it will be warm during the day, with a need for a light coat at night. I wouldn’t plan on swimming much, though the pools area all heated. Blizzard Beach is closed in December.

Chances for rain are low, as December is not in the monsoon season, but just check the weather to give you a better idea of what to expect on your vacation.

 

Have an awesome holiday season in the parks and let me know what your December strategies are for Disney World! Be sure to follow @everafterreport on Instagram!