What I Wish I’d Known Before Going to Disney World in December

Thanks to the combination of Holiday celebrations and school breaks, December is one of the busiest months of the year at Walt Disney World. If you’re planning on being one of the millions visiting the “Most Magical Place on Earth” this coming December, there are certain things you’ll NEED to know.

The holidays are underway!

In the 30+ years I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World, December might be my favorite time of the year to visit, thanks to the copious amounts of holiday decorations, snacks, and general feelings of jolliness that permeate the resort. However, to make the best of visiting during the month, there are certain things to keep in mind.

Discounts

If you’re planning a relatively last-minute trip to Disney World in December 2025, you can save BIG. Disney is currently offering up to 20% on rooms at select Disney hotels for stays most nights from November 23rd through December 25th.

Christmas tree at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Early Closures

Two of Disney World’s most popular holiday events are the after-hours, uncharge parties held at the Magic Kingdom (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) and Hollywood Studios (Jollywood Nights). However, if you’re planning to visit and not attend one of these parties — like say, going a day when tickets are sold out, be aware that the parks close early to regular guests on party night.

Mickey and Minnie in Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

• The Magic Kingdom will close to day guests at 6 PM on December 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 19th, and 21st.
• Meanwhile, Hollywood Studios will close to day guests at 5:30 for December 1st, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th, and 22nd.

Powerline Max!

Light Up the Night

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Walt Disney World over the New Year’s holiday, there are SEVERAL fireworks options… and not all of them are at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day!

Happy New Year!

• The Fantasy in the Sky fireworks will take place at the  Magic Kingdom on both December 30th and 31st at both 7:30 PM and 11:50 PM.
• EPCOT will stage  Luminous: The Symphony of Us at 6:30 PM on December 31st, then Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration will be staged at 11:54 PM.
• A special New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show will take place at Hollywood Studios on December 31st at 11:57 PM.

New Year’s Eve at EPCOT

Hotel Restrictions

Speaking of fireworks, if you plan to head to one of Walt Disney World’s hotels to partake in the revelry, be wary of some restrictions. These include certain resorts limiting parking to registered guests only, and others even restricting certain areas. For example, in the past, the Polynesian has allowed only hotel guests to watch the Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s fireworks from the hotel’s beach.

Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display 2025

SNACKS!

Of course, holiday snacks are also a MAJOR draw for Disney World guests in December. Whether you are attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, or EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, there are a slew of seasonal delights to sample.

Some of our favorites this year include the Holiday Pot Roast Mini Corn Dogs at Casey’s Corner…

Have a bite!

… the Pomegranate Yule Float at Aloha Aisle…

Pomegranate Yule Float

… the Sweet Chili Cheer Chicken Slider at Backlot Express…

Sweet Chili Cheer Chicken Slider

… and the Bing Bong Candy Lemonade at Market.

Bing Bong Candy Lemonade

Lightning Lane Prices

One final thing to keep in mind? Lightning Lane prices. The large crowds drawn to the parks in the month lead to higher than average prices and quicker sellouts (especially of in-demand attractions) for both Multi Pass and Single Pass Lightning Lanes.

Soarin’ Lightning Lane

Anyone heading to Disney World in December needs to keep these things in mind to make the most of their Holiday visit. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips.

“I Don’t Know Why I Didn’t Do This Sooner” – Experts Share Their Life-Changing Disney World Tips

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