A Complete Guide to Walt Disney World in December

Visiting Disney World in December this year? This is one of my favorite times of the year to visit to soak up all of the holiday magic. I bet that’s why you’re going then, too, right?

Check out these tips for visiting Walt Disney World in December, from weather and what to pack to special events and attraction closures.

All dates and information subject to change throughout the year. This post will be updated frequently, but for the most up to date information on what’s closed and what’s reopened, check out my post about Disney World closures and what’s new.

Weather in Orlando in December

December is one of the coldest months of the year in the Orlando area with an average high of 72℉ and average low of 54℉.

It’s also less rainy in December, with an average precipitation rate of 2.63 inches.

I love visiting Walt Disney World this time of year due to the much cooler temps and less rain!

Weather data courtesy of US Climate Data.

What to Pack for Disney World in December

Given that temperatures have dropped considerably compared to Spring through Fall, packing some warm layers is definitely a must-do.

Now, that’s not to say that you should ditch the shorts and swimwear, but chances are high that there will be a few chilly days or nights. Or worse – a cold snap!

The last time I went to Disney World in December, I wore jeans every day and most nights I was fine with a t-shirt or long sleeves. I only needed a fleece jacket once and it was during the evening.

Then again, I’ve seen folks need sweatshirts or fleece jackets during the day for their entire trip.

It’s best to stay prepared and pack the extra layers, even if they do take up extra room in your suitcase.

Aside from making sure you pack for both ends of the temperature spectrum, get into the holiday spirit with some festive gear!

Maybe an ugly Christmas sweater for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party or plaid Minnie ears. Or how about a Mickey Santa hat?

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Find everything you need for your Christmas vacation at Disney World, including outfit ideas for Jollywood Nights, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Dapper Day Holiday Outing.

Plus, find all the basics you’ll need for any Disney World trip. Just add to cart and go!

1. Park Happy Feet
2. Disney World Essentials
3. Jollywood Nights Outfit Ideas
4. Dapper Day Holiday Outing Outfit Ideas
5. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Outfit Ideas

For more tips, check out my guide on things to pack for Walt Disney World, which includes a FREE packing list that you can download and print at home.

December events & holidays at Disney World

If you’re going to Walt Disney World resort this time of year, there are tons of events you’ll want to add to your itinerary.

Plus, the theme parks and resorts are decked out in festive decorations for the winter holidays. It is definitely a sight to see!

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays runs all month and is definitely worth checking out, as well.

The festival includes lots of delicious holiday-themed food, including Christmas cookies, from around the world, as well as festive performances, sharing of holiday traditions, gift shopping, and of course – fun rides!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also runs on select evenings at Magic Kingdom.

This event requires a separate ticket and gives access to a limited number of guests to the Magic Kingdom at night.

It includes a special parade, a selection of free snacks and hot cocoa, several exclusive shows, a super fun parade, and lots of character meet-and-greets.

Hollywood Studios’ newest after hours event, Jollywood Nights, debuted in 2023, and will return in 2024 for select nights in November and December.

This separately ticketed event includes exclusive holiday-themed entertainment, rare character meet-and-greets, and special holiday treats. It is geared toward adults, but kids are allowed – and guests are encouraged to dress up in their finest. How fun!

On December 20, 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King, a live-action prequel about Mufasa and Scar’s younger years, is scheduled to release in theaters.

It was previously scheduled to release on July 5, but was moved back after the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) strike ended.

There will likely be some kind of promo, such as a sand sculpture or photo ops, likely at Animal Kingdom and possibly at Disney Springs. Disney hasn’t confirmed this, but this is typical for big theatrical releases.

The parks are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24 & 25), as well as New Year’s Eve (December 31) and New Year’s Day (January 1). What a fun way to celebrate the holidays!

Lastly, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is hosting another extravagant New Year’s event this year.

The theme is Tiana’s New Year’s Adventure, complete with a Louisiana-inspired menu, dancing, characters from The Princess & the Frog, and of course, the best view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

The party takes place on December 31, 2024, from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM, but you can check in starting at 7 PM.

Tickets cost a whopping $799 per person, including tax and tip, and can be purchased by calling (407) 824-2013.

Disney World crowds in December

Overall, the first half of the month is pretty average crowd-wise, but the second half of the month is quite packed.

In fact, Christmas week is THE absolute busiest week of the year at Disney World, with Christmas on one end and New Year’s Eve on the other.

The Christmas crowds are seriously no joke. My family and I visited during the last half of December one year and we had to get an escort one time to make it through the sea of people before our Fastpass expired (RIP Fastpasses!).

And I don’t say that to scare you! I definitely would go back again for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But I totally get that for some people, it just isn’t worth it, even for some extra magical holiday fun.

If you can’t stand the crowds, but want to see the Christmas decorations or attend one of the holiday events, go in the first half of the month or even in November.

Lastly, if you are going to visit during the last two weeks, book as early as you can.

Snag the resort you want to stay at and check off the advanced dining reservations once they open up 60 days ahead of the start of your trip.

Reservations for the parks get snatched up pretty quickly, especially for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

So if you want to visit a specific park on one of those dates, make your reservation as soon as possible.

For more tips on Disney World during the Christmas season, check out my holiday guides for Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs.

December ride and attraction closures at Disney World

Although December is the busiest time of the year at Disney World, it is not immune to ride and attraction closures. Keep reading to see what’s closed at each park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• It’s Tough to Be a Bug! and DinoLand USA are closing permanently soon to make way for new attractions. Triceratop Spin and the carnival games will close in January. The closing date for Dinosaur and It’s Tough to Be a Bug! hasn’t been announced yet. Be sure to make time to experience these attractions one last time before they go away forever.

Epcot

• Test Track is closed for a big overhaul and expected to reopen some time in 2025.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy closed permanently earlier in the Fall to make way for a villains show.

Magic Kingdom

• The Liberty Belle boat ride, Tom Sawyer Island, and Rivers of America will permanently close to make way for new attractions. It is unknown when the closure will occur, but it is not impossible for it to happen during December. That said, my gut says it will be January 2026 at the earliest, so be sure to experience them if you’re visiting in December before they go away forever.

Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon will be closed, while Blizzard Beach will be open. That said, Disney will close Blizzard Beach for safety reasons if the temperatures get too low.

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World in December?

We hope this guide has helped you plan your Disney World vacation.

Remember, it’s important to stay flexible and be willing to change plans as closures are announced throughout the year or even evolve throughout the day due to weather or maintenance issues.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out or leave a comment below.

This post was originally published January 19, 2023. It was last updated November 11, 2024.