Disney World Holiday Tips for the First Time Visitor
Even if you have been to Walt Disney World in the past, your first visit during the holiday season is totally different. These Disney World holiday tips will help make your disney vacation even more magical.
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Walt Disney World is both a once in a lifetime experience and a yearly tradition. it is such a vast and exciting place that you can return year after year and never tire of the surroundings and attractions.during the holidays the enchanted destination takes on even more beauty and magic through festive decor and seasonal entertainment. If you have never been to Walt Disney World during this time of year before here are some of the top Disney World holiday tips for your first visit.
Meet Santa at Disney Springs
You can meet Santa in the Disney parks, but there is one place you can go see him without paying for park admission. Days of Christmas is one of three year-round Christmas stores at Walt Disney World. You can reserve a spot in the virtual queue and take in the festive sights and sounds of Disney Springs before you are called back to the line. Disney Springs offers a stunning self-guided Christmas Tree Trail, window displays and Dickens Carolers. Buy the Memory Maker Package for PhotoPass photos of your experience. You can even get photos with a special backdrop in the Town Center, perfect for Christmas cards.
Have a Holiday Feast at Liberty Tree Tavern
There are plenty of unique seasonal menus all around the parks and resorts. Specials will include anything from cocktails to desserts. Epcot hosts the International Festival of the Holidays, which features a broad spectrum of holiday eats from all around the globe. However, for a traditional holiday feast, you need to look no further than Liberty Tree Tavern. This family-style restaurant in the heart of Liberty Square includes a Thanksgiving-style feast no matter when you visit. Call 180 days before your check-in date to secure reservations.
Start Late in the Day
Although the beautiful holiday decor is up all throughout the season, the best way to experience the holidays is at night. Of all Disney World Holiday tips, this is the most important. The entertainment takes place after dark in the Disney Parks. If you want to see Jingle Bell Jingle Bam! and Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or the new show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will want to save your energy and stay in the parks until close. Plan in advance for nighttime events at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot as well.
Tour the Resorts
The Deluxe resorts in Walt Disney World are always decked out for the winter season. Resort hopping is never more fun than when you can see how these differently themed hotels prepare their lobbies for the holidays. One fun Cluster is the hotels at Crescent Lake, just a few minutes stroll from the International Gateway at Epcot. Also, the Monorail provides convenient access to the Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and Contemporary resorts.
Event Tickets
Finally, one of the cornerstones of a Walt Disney World holiday is the special events in Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an after-hours event that costs an extra ticket. The prices go up as you get closer to Christmas day. Likewise, the crowds tend to be lighter on weeknights further out from the holiday. Attendance is limited either way and it is very easy to get on the attractions and view the exclusive entertainment. Be aware of party nights if you plan to visit the Magic Kingdom during the day because the park will close early.
At Epcot, the Festival of the Holidays is part of your park admission, In the evenings, the Candlelight Processional takes place at the American Gardens Theater. The show is free, but you can secure a seat by purchasing a dining package.