9 Mistakes to Avoid During Christmas at Disney World

Thinking the Holidays Are Only Celebrated in Magic Kingdom

Christmas at Disney World turns an already magical place into something even more stunning. If you have celebrated fall and Halloween at Disney World before, this is a common mistake. During the fall season, the only places that show festive decorations are the Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs.

When you travel during Christmas at Disney World, all four parks have their own celebrations and experiences to enjoy. The Magic Kingdom has Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starting November 8, 2024 and ending December 20, 2024. Epcot has the Festival of the Holidays beginning November 29, 2024 through December 30, 2024. Hollywood Studios is celebrating this year with Jollywood Nights! It is only on select nights and is a special ticketed event. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also have holiday decor and activities going on, including the Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition edition.

There are activities, entertainment, decorations, and more at each theme park.

Disney Springs also gets in the holiday season with decorations and fun activities too. Not to mention resort hopping during the holidays is arguably the best no-cost festive activity you can do during Christmas at Disney World.

Only Visiting Your Own Resort

We just talked about how the holidays stretch beyond the Magic Kingdom. That magic stretches into the resorts. This is especially true for a few resorts.

The Grand Floridian builds a life-size gingerbread house. The lobby smells like gingerbread, the holidays, and happiness.

While the Grand Floridian is the most popular gingerbread house, it isn’t the only resort that uses it as a decoration. In 2024, you can find gingerbread house displays at the following Disney Resorts:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

If you are visiting Epcot for the Festival of the Holidays, take a break and head to the boardwalk area to check out those three resort’s decorations. Besides the gingerbread decorations, the lobbies of all three are festive and stunning.

Fort Wilderness and Animal Kingdom Lodge are full of rustic and cozy beauty. That sounds odd, but that is honestly the best way I know to describe it. The decorations are true to the holidays and the theming of the resorts. I highly suggest booking a dining reservation at any of these resorts to make sure you visit them during your stay. You will not be disappointed.

Skipping Character Meet and Greets in Holiday Gear

I am a firm believer that every trip should include a character meal, even an adults-only trip. Hollywood and Vine has a seasonal character breakfast. During Christmas at Disney World, Minnie Mouse and his friends are dressed in their best festive attire. This is also one of the locations you can book a Fantasmic! dining package.

If you are interested in booking this, book it 60 days before your vacation. Due to its popularity for the holidays, it can be difficult to get.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also has lots of characters in holiday gear. Some of which you can only meet at the party.

Characters in various parks, like the Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, are usually dressed for the season. Disney typically announces closer to the season where these special meet and greets are so we will update when those are officially announced.

Missing the Christmas Tree Trail

The Christmas Tree Trail is located in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs. You can explore the shops and restaurants while looking for the beautifully decorated trees.

If a trail of festive and beautiful Christmas trees wasn’t enough holiday spirit for you, you will also find falling snow, holiday music, and special treats throughout the trail. 

The trees themselves are themed with Disney magic. Previously you would find Toy Story, Haunted Mansion, Tangled, Fantasia, and more! The festive and free event is beautiful at night and during the day. Whenever it fits into your vacation, you will be glad you stopped by. 

Not Enjoying Holiday Treats

Disney recently released a line of shirts that read “I’m just here for the __________.” Ones like “I’m just here for the rides,” “I’m just here for the photos,” and my personal favorite, “I’m just here for the food.” Instagram definitely has played a large part in making Disney snacks such a huge deal, but they are also incredibly tasty.

True, not everything you eat is going to be delicious and amazing, however, Disney knows how to do “theme park food.” That has to go in quotes because I cannot stress how much Disney has pushed the boundaries of what people think of as theme park food.

The holiday treats are no different. When you think of holiday cooking you think of home cooking, warmth, and joy. Disney puts so much thought and effort into the specialty dishes that they craft for each season.

You will find special treats and plates throughout each park and even Disney Springs. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has special treats just for party go-ers too. Festival of the Holidays at Epcot also features a holiday cookie crawl. Who doesn’t love holiday cookies? I am very excited to see what new items they add to the Animal Kingdom this year too.

Wherever you go at Disney, they add holiday cheer everywhere, and that includes the food.

Not Booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package

The Candlelight Processional is happening! I think skipping the Candlelight Processional is the #1 mistake you can make during Christmas at Disney World. However, more so than that, it is highly suggested to book a dining package to make sure you have a seat.

The Candlelight Processional is one of the most popular “attractions” during Festival of the Holidays in Epcot. On nights with extremely popular speakers like Neil Patrick Harris or Whoopi Goldberg, it can be incredibly difficult to get a seat without the dining package, unless you are willing to wait an hour in advance.

There are a lot of options to pick from. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner at any participating restaurant. You also can then pick which of the three shows you want to attend, based on availability.

This costs two table service credits if you are on the dining plan. If you are paying out of pocket, the price ranges depending on the restaurant and meal. We break it down for you in our complete guide to the Festival of the Holidays.

Not Packing For Cold Weather

We all know Florida is insanely hot the majority of the year. However, during the holiday season, the temperature obviously drops. You should prepare to bring heavier layers or you’ll end up buying things in the shop.

I am from Philly so I am used to colder weather. We thought we had packed appropriately for the weather considering what the forecast said. However, I didn’t take into account the fact that we would be outside the majority of the day and when we were inside the rides still seemed to be air-conditioned. Layers are your friend. 

If you don’t want to give up dressing in your Disney gear, I highly suggest Target or Amazon before your trip. They both have sweaters, jackets, hats, and more. Shop Disney also has great options. but the prices are higher.

Waiting to Book Dining Reservations

This is one of my most common mistakes to avoid in general and mistakes for dining. However, I have to repeat it here. The holidays are extremely busy. If you want to get one of the most difficult advanced dining reservations at Disney World, you have to do so 60 days in advance (or try every day until the last possible second).

If you have specific restaurants you want to visit on your trip, do not wait to book the reservation. Keep your mind open for times and dates if you are not willing to select a different restaurant.

Insisting on Sticking to a Plan

Not being flexible is a mistake that should be avoided on any Disney trip. It is especially important during busy seasons like the holidays. There will be larger crowds, longer lines, and more chaos than normal. 

Even if you have visited Disney previously the holidays are unlike really anything else. It isn’t just that it is more crowded, but the holidays can be extremely stressful for people. Even groups that are on vacation “relaxing” in the happiest place on earth. 

It is important to remember that not getting that dining reservation, being unable to get the Lightning Lane option you want, and waiting for what seems like years for a bus to show up…these things are going to happen. You really need to adapt to the “accept what you cannot change” mentality. 

There are so many hidden and unscheduled entertainment activities that happen at Disney World throughout the year. The holiday season is no different. There are lots of fun surprises in each park to take in that have nothing to do with the typical attractions. Don’t be so busy rushing between scheduled activities that you pass the magic around you without looking around.