We go every year during Christmas week. It's really amazing (despite how crowded it is)
Resorts
Do the monorail tour:
- Contemporary decorates. It's nice, but frankly a bit underwhelming. They have a mural that usually has a theme. It used to be a Mary Blair mural. In past years it's been Mary Blair-inspired and they've really pushed the Frozen theme.
- Poly doesn't really decorate, but you can't just pass it by. They have a nice Christmas tree and it's worth stopping for a Dole Whip, alone.
- GF is the "grand finale". Everything about the resort is perfect. To me, I always feel like Kevin McCallister in Home Alone. There's a HUGE Christmas tree and a life-size gingerbread house in the lobby.
The Wilderness Lodge is my favorite. It literally feels as though you stepped into a Christmas card. We often grab a drink and relax around the fireplace. It feels like a ski resort minus the cold temps (usually) and snow. It's a nice break from the crowds.
Epcot Resorts:
- Beach Club is our "home" resort. We've stayed there the past few years. It has a gingerbread carousel that usually has a different theme each year.
- Yacht Club is more refined. It has a Christmas tree and train set.
- Boardwalk normally has a fun theme. They did away with the gingerbread Boardwalk shop in past years, but it's still worth a stop.
- Swan and Dolphin are easily overlooked. Swan, I believe, has a towering white poinsettia Christmas tree with a working train set. The area between the two resorts features illuminated pine trees that "dance" to Christmas music.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is second to only the Wilderness Lodge. It has a very similar theme and feel to it.
Fort Wilderness does a carriage ride around the camp grounds. The campers decorate their site during the holidays and it's really cool.
Disney Springs
Santa will be at Disney Springs during the holiday season. You can "reserve" your spot while you shop and they'll text you when your time is up. Do keep in mind that it'll be crowded on weekends, so try and go mid-week (especially with all the new food spots).
Epcot
Epcot has the Candlelight Processional. It's an amazing experience. It's well past your 180-day window, so I doubt many dining packages are available, but I recommend looking into it. If not, just arrive early and at least watch it.
Epcot also has the International Festival of the Holidays. Last year they decreased the size of the portions (a good thing) and made it more like the other festivals. Totally worth checking out. Do it on a day that you don't have a meal scheduled.
Magic Kingdom
Obviously there's just something magical about MK during the holidays.
- Do MVMCP. I know it's an added expense, but it's worth it. We did the Halloween Party and don't regret a minute of it. You're there...may as well check it out.
- Plan a night to stay an hour past close (or if they have late extra magic hours). If the park closes at 12, arrive at 10:30 or 11, get in some rides, then just walk around. Wait till 12:30-ish and snap some photos of a near-empty Main Street, some unobstructed Castle photos, and more. The park is amazing late at night.
Hollywood Studios
- Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM is solid. It was better last year and hopefully they continue to improve
- Sunset Seasons was very cool. I'm surprised how many people didn't stop to watch. Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the shows.
- Enjoy the different holiday snacks
- Stop and smell the evergreen. Seriously. You're in Disney during the holidays. 7 Dwarfs Mine Train could wait. Stop and enjoy the decorations for a moment.
- Take lots of photos and get the PhotoPass. How often will you be in Disney for the holidays?
