Every year, the Disney theme parks deck the parks with holiday cheer. Some attractions get holiday makeovers, the parks and resorts offer special events, decorations, food, and a certain fellow from the North Pole likes to vacation in the parks, too. The Parenting Panel this week takes turns offering their unique perspectives, some visiting Disneyland and some Walt Disney World, and one looking at the Disney trip planning perspective, no matter where. This week we asked our Parenting Panel: Do you visit the Disney theme parks over the holidays? Do you plan your trips early in the season or during the height of the holidays themselves?
MousePlanet columnist Chris Barry, his wife, Diane, Samantha (15), and twins Casey and Alex (12), live on Long Island and are all major Disney and Walt Disney World fans. Chris writes:
I have only been to the Walt Disney World Resort twice during the Christmas season and never during the actual holiday break. The first time was with my wife and kids and another family in 2005. We played hooky and put in a long weekend to catch all of the holiday festivities. The second time was during MouseFest in 2008. I traveled down by myself to participate in several MousePlanet events and meet and greets with readers. Both times were special trips in their own way, but both trips had the same timing, early December. I can’t compare anything to being there for the actual holiday, but I can say this; I thought this was an excellent time to go.
There are several reasons for this. The first and foremost is crowd level. While it certainly seems that there are no more true slow seasons at Disney, you can’t possibly compare the crowd levels on the first weekend in December to the actual holiday week. It was busy, but it was comfortably busy. We were able to see everything that we wanted to as two traveling families on the first trip. On the solo trip too, I saw plenty of holiday stuff in between MouseFest events. From just after Thanksgiving until mid-December is considered one of Walt Disney World’s slowest seasons, and, yet, the holiday decorations and events are pretty much in full swing.
The next big reason is price. Simply stated, early December is cheaper than later December. Considering the level of service, and what you get for your money, I firmly believe that Disney can be an out and out bargain when it comes to a vacation. That bargain can be shot to pieces if you travel during the peak holiday season. We’re talking hundreds and hundreds of dollars saved on your room and airfare costs.
The next big reason is a much more personal one and a much more regional one. I grew up in New York and the holiday season has always been…cold. To me, Christmas, while not always white, is always cold. I’m not sure I could handle a hot Christmas. As curious as I am what it would be like to wake up on Christmas morning and get the Magic Kingdom as my first present, I’m just not sure it would feel like Christmas to me. Those of you that live in warmer climates may have no clue how I feel, but it’s a pretty palpable feeling. I need pine trees not palm trees around me during the Christmas season.
Simply stated, I find no real reason to brave Walt Disney World during the actual holiday week. Don’t get me wrong, the treatment that the parks and resorts get during late November and December is pure magic and should definitely be seen. It’s spectacular. However, I would much rather go down there a few weeks early, see all the wonder that is the holiday season at Disney, but do it for less money and with less crowds. It’s a great way to jump start the season and get in the holiday spirit and still be home for the holidays.
Elizabeth, who posts on our MousePad message board as eabaldwin, has been a Disneyland Annual Passholder since 2010. She and her husband have three little ones: two daughters and a son. Elizabeth writes:
The Disneyland Resort is a magical place for me to begin with, but add in my favorite time of year, and it gets even better. I have many wonderful memories of Disneyland (and Walt Disney World) from my childhood. It wasn’t until I had children of my own, that I was able to visit Disneyland during the holidays when we went for Thanksgiving one year. It is amazing! The special events and the seasonal decorations make the parks even more extraordinary.
In the past, we have really enjoyed the Jingle Jangle Jamboree that they have done in the Big Thunder Ranch. Santa is usually back there, as well as many Disney characters wearing winter/holiday attire. Our daughter had some really great interactions one year, playing games with Mickey. The games were not the most exciting, but it did make for a different experience.
The parade is really great and it is fun to see one with a holiday theme. The decorations have the attention to detail that one would expect to see in a Disney park. I love how they are designed to fit in each land, and vary based on what land you are in. The lights at night are so beautiful and we enjoy the attractions that take on a new look during the holidays, like “it’s a small world” and Sleeping Beauty Castle, which is decorated with “snow,” icicles, and lights. There’s a great, huge tree at the end of Main Street USA where we love to take a picture each year. We enjoyed the
JungleJingle Cruise, as well.My preferred time to go would be that week after Thanksgiving. I have also been after New Year’s, when most schools are back in session. It is just before the decorations start coming down, usually. I’m not a huge fan of crowds. I have never been good at sharing, and I prefer to go to the parks when I have to share with as few people as possible. While it seems that there is never a time when the parks aren’t crowded, those weeks seem to be less busy than other times during the holidays. It was easy to go then, when kids weren’t in school. If we wanted to go at that time, I would take my kids out of school. (I’m a former teacher, and I would still do it!) I did enjoy going to Disneyland for Thanksgiving, but it is pretty crowded that day, as well. I think that really, any time is a great time to go, you just might have to adjust your mindset to deal with the crowds.
Another thing that I like about going around the holidays is that the weather is cooler. While it’s not North Pole weather in Southern California, the weather is much better than it is in the summer time. It feels a little more holiday-ish to walk around the parks wearing jeans and a sweatshirt!
Chris Salata, also known as GusMan, is a Disney-inspired author and photographer, and loves to help people get the most out of their Disney vacation. Chris writes:
I was looking at a photo book of our winter trips the other day and thought about how those trips were some of our most memorable as a family. I remember when central Florida had a surprise cold snap and I had to buy a Mickey hat-and-gloves set for my son, who was less than 1 year old. I was reminded of how awesome the parks were decorated for the holidays. Of course, I relived memories of how my daughter was a part of the Christmas Day parade taping back in 2012. I can say for sure that they were some of the best times we had at the parks.
For us, our winter trips were earlier in the season. Sometime between Thanksgiving and mid-December for the sake of the crowds. It seemed to be a very good time to go while still being able to enjoy the decorations in all the splendor. The seasonal music in the background pretty much let you know that while you arrived at Walt Disney World, this was no ordinary time to visit.
While we don't usually make plans for a December trip anymore, mainly because of school attendance concerns for my kids, I still recommend it for those families that can make it happen. With that said, here are some of our favorite things to do while there for the holidays:
- Take time to visit each park. I know that this may be an obvious thing to do, but make it a point to spend a bit more time at each one to see the different decorations that are very unique to each park. The different decorated trees are a sight to be seen. If you think they look great in the sunlight — wait till you see them lit up.
- Tour the Deluxe resorts and see how they celebrate. My family likes to visit the different “Monorail resorts” as a part of our own little traditions. At Christmastime, each one comes to life with their own decorations that are quite spectacular. Do take time to stop and see the gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Not only is it made from real gingerbread but they sell it there, too! Don't forget about the Disney's Boardwalk and Disney's Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts as well. It may also be a time to make an excuse to have a meal at the Disney's Wilderness Lodge or Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodges, as well as they have some of the biggest trees around.
- Do consider going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It might be an extra cost event, but if you have never been, give it a try. My tip is to make sure you see the Christmas parade, as well as take part in all the party-specific events and gatherings. That is what makes that party special.
- Do consider going to the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. If you do, though, you might have to wait in line a while for a seat if you do not get one of the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. This is an event that you really have to plan for and it is a big draw for the holiday season.
- Take lots of pictures! This is a great time to practice your night photography and get some of the greatest shots in your collection. (Tip: Many night shots are much better without a flash.) Keep in mind, since the parks are decorated throughout, you do not have to limit yourself to just the main park icon.
I know it seems odd to talk about a winter trip in the middle of summer, but this is the best time to start making those plans. The weekends tend to be a bit busier than the weekdays, and the closer you get to Christmas, the busier it will be. Also, it must be mentioned that the week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest of them all, but not totally impossible to enjoy. Just go in with a plan and be a part of spirit of the season mixed in with the Magic of Disney.
Lisa is a married, stay-at-home mom of Joey (5) and Matthew (2). She has been a Disneyland annual passholder since 2002, and has made several trips to Walt Disney World, as well. Lisa writes:
My husband and I have always enjoyed the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort. But, now that we have kids, seeing everything and making the most of it all takes a bit more planning.
My favorite part of the holidays at Disneyland is the fireworks show, so we plan to make a special trip every year to go see it. Because our kids are still young, we take advantage of the early show time, which they do during the week for the first few weeks of the holiday season. My husband will get out of work a few hours early so we can get to the park, have dinner, see the lights and the parade before the fireworks. Nothing beats standing on Main Street with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee with your Mickey Santa hat on to see the holiday fireworks with your loved ones. And, since we see the early show (usually starts at 8 p.m. instead of the typical 9:25 p.m. start time), we still get the kids to sleep at a decent hour.
Since we are passholders, and are lucky enough to go often, we get to do the other special holiday things throughout the whole season. I love to watch the decorations go up little by little, with each trip we take. My kids love the ride overlays on Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world,” so we try to ride those on days that the lines aren’t too long.
Most of our trips for the holiday stuff tend to be early in the season, to avoid the crowds. The crowds can get a little overwhelming as it gets close to Christmas, which makes it harder to navigate with a stroller, wait in lines with little ones, and find a good spot for the parade or fireworks. But, the crowds shouldn’t deter anyone from spending the holiday season at the Happiest Place on Earth…it truly is magical!
Mary Kraemer is an avid Disney fan and a co-owner at EscapadeAdventures, who loves to travel with her husband and children to Disney destinations as often as possible. Mary writes:
I’m in the unique position to see both sides of this question because Disney travel is a significant part of my business.
Many people make their decision about visiting Disney in December based on their schedule, with discount availability a close second. If you have kids in school (and are not comfortable with taking them out of school—which can be doubly complicated by end of semester activities and testing), then your schedule is determined by the available days during winter break. Some companies have a holiday closure between Christmas and New Year's, and this can also be the deciding factor for travel dates.
There’s no doubt that visiting a Disney destination outside of the weeks around Christmas and New Year;s is less crowded, but especially for the Walt Disney World Resort, there are usually come discount offers that can save a lot of money. Depending on the offer, however, it’s possible to take advantage the savings, even if your travel dates are constrained by work or school commitments.
For example, if a discounted package (room and tickets) offer is available until December 19, it’s possible to check in on the 19 and still have the discount benefits extended through your entire stay (this does not work with room-only discounts). Most people will see this “end date,” and think that it doesn’t cover their vacation, but it just might be a great holiday bonus.
Planning ahead is really important, and I can’t stress this enough, particularly for Disney Cruise Line (DCL). I understand that December seems like it’s a long way from now, but when I’m looking for staterooms on holiday sailings, availability is limited and there are no discounts. For DCL, the best pricing and availability happens when new itineraries are released, so I’ve been booking holiday sailings in 2016 already. Considering that many extended families like to travel together over the holidays, the sooner you book gives you the best choice of staterooms.
Walt Disney World also has opened 2016 for booking, so it’s not too soon to book a reservation for the holidays there. As a matter of fact, if you have a specific resort where you’d really like to stay, now is a good time to make sure you have the room you want. If a new offer is released later, and it covers your travel dates, your reservation can be modified to take advantage of that offer’s pricing or amenities.
So, the question is not whether it’s too soon to plan for the holidays in 2015… but whether you’re ready for the holidays in 2016.
It's your turn—keep the discussion flowing!
Visit the Parenting in the Parks forum on our MousePad discussion board, and share your opinions about this topic or many others, or send your suggestions via e-mail. Reader-submitted tips might be used in a future article, and you might be selected to participate in an upcoming panel discussion!
