As Walt Disney World's holiday offerings debut this week, data from Google Flights reveals Orlando, Florida, as the most sought-after domestic travel destination this Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Families find themselves with added flexibility during the holidays, with kids out of school and parents more capable of taking time off work. In addition, many wish to see the theme parks decked out for the holidays.
However, the park's seasonal attractions -- after-hour parties, festive decorations, and exclusive entertainment -- translate to heavy crowds, and travelers must prepare for long lines if their plans include Walt Disney World.
A trip to Walt Disney World during the holiday season involves different priorities than a vacation at any other time. Disney experts advise families to check out the limited-time events and share how to dodge the worst of Walt Disney World's winter crowds.
Prioritize Seasonal Events
Some Walt Disney World-hosted limited-time events require special admission beyond standard theme park tickets. A ticket to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, held on select nights at Magic Kingdom, includes fireworks, a parade, and, most important to some, shorter lines for rides and attractions.
Theme park journalist Megan duBois insists Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a must-see for travelers. "If I could plan my perfect weekend getaway to the parks, I'd head to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on the first night. The party is a full-blown holiday celebration complete with hot chocolate and cookies."
A first-night visit to the Christmas Party sets the tone for the rest of a holiday season visit at Walt Disney World.
Last year, Walt Disney World debuted Disney Jollywood Nights, an adult-centered party at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This hard-ticket event evokes the glitz and glam of Hollywood, with seasonal food and specialty cocktails available for purchase. "It looks like this year's event will be even better with an ice skating show, more characters, and great food," duBois adds.
Not all of Walt Disney World's seasonal events require separate admission. Every November, EPCOT begins its annual Festival of the Holidays. Park admission includes many of the festival's offerings, including the nightly Candlelight Processional.
duBois emphasizes guests make it a priority to attend. "A celebrity narrator leads this nightly program and tells the Biblical story of Christmas, along with a full choir and orchestra. The show is incredibly moving and not to be missed."
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Many families visit Walt Disney World during the holiday season, bringing some of the year's busiest days and longest lines. Kimberly Fidler, Vice President of Marketing for Get Away Today, urges families to strategize their hotel selection when booking a trip.
"Stay on-site if you will be doing one of the special evening events-which I highly recommend," says Fidler. She recommends selecting a hotel closest to the special event for easy access to resort transportation. The after-hour parties conclude around midnight, so returning to the hotel following the party allows for a fuller night's sleep before returning the following day.
Staying at a Walt Disney World hotel also allows you to book Lightning Lane return times in advance. When purchased, Walt Disney World's Lightning Lane Multi Pass service enables users to schedule return times to a ride's expedited queue. Lightning Lane saves valuable vacation time, especially during the busy holiday season.
Fidler also recommends families consider adding the Park Hopper option to their tickets to combat unpredictable crowds. Park Hopping allows ticket-holders to visit multiple theme parks in one day. "By having a Park Hopper, you'll have the most flexibility," Fidler adds.
Sightsee Outside Disney World's Parks
Enjoying some of the festive decorations at Walt Disney World does not require a theme park ticket. The resorts at Walt Disney World serve as must-see attractions in their own right, with brilliant lobby displays fans look forward to annually.
Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and best-selling author of Disneyland Secrets, names the resort displays as a personal highlight of each Christmas visit to Walt Disney World. "I love the gingerbread houses and the soaring trees in lobbies all across the property," Doyle shares.
"All of the decorations at each property are themed to the style of that hotel." Hotels with must-see gingerbread displays include Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney's Beach Club Resort.
Walt Disney World's shopping and dining district, Disney Springs, features decorations without the park admission paywall. Christmas trees, holiday shopping, and seasonal restaurant menu items await visitors wishing to enjoy a Walt Disney World holiday without paying top dollar for park admission and special event tickets.