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Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicThe holidays are one of the most magical times to visit Walt Disney World, and also one of the most crowded. That combination means Disney tends to tighten up access, add separate tickets, and limit certain perks during the season. If your trip is a couple of months away, now is the perfect time to learn what’s changing so you can plan around it.
Here are five rules and restrictions worth knowing before you go, from resort decorations to fireworks views.
The Decorations Come With a Catch
If you’re counting on wandering through resort lobbies to see holiday decor, read this first. In a post about the season, Disney said, “For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor.” In other words, if you’re not staying at a resort or dining there, you may not get to see the decorations.
There’s a bigger change for gingerbread fans too. Disney has confirmed that the large gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will not return. In its place, the hotel will feature a few small gingerbread displays made by Disney’s culinary team. The displays at other resorts, including the castle at the Contemporary and the carousel at the Beach Club, are expected to return.
Two Tickets, Maybe: The Christmas Party Math
Here’s a rule that surprises a lot of first-timers. Disney World hosts two holiday parties, and both are separately ticketed events. Magic Kingdom holds Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios holds Jollywood Nights. On party days, the parks close early to the general public.
That means if you want a full day in the park and the party, you’ll need a regular day ticket and a party ticket. You do have options. You can buy a day ticket for a park that isn’t hosting a party that night, or buy a Park Hopper ticket and spend the first half of your day in the party park, then move to another park in the evening. You also don’t have to buy both. If you only want the party, you can buy just the party ticket and arrive at night.
The Disney Springs Bus Stop Has Gatekeepers Now
Transportation was limited at Disney Springs during peak seasons last year, and now the rule is permanent. Buses and boats at Disney Springs require guests to show a valid hotel or dining reservation to board. The dining reservation must also be within two hours of the reservation time.
Mobile Ordering Might Play Favorites
During peak seasons, the My Disney Experience app limits Mobile Ordering at certain locations to guests staying at that resort. That hasn’t been confirmed for the holidays, but it’s entirely possible it will return. It has happened before at Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian Resort, Capt. Cook’s at the Polynesian Village, Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort, and Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge.
The good news is that you should still be able to walk up and order in person at the quick service restaurant. It may take a little longer, but you won’t go hungry.
The Polynesian Beach Fireworks Spot May Close to Outsiders
Finally, you may not be able to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort unless you’re staying there. The beach offers a fantastic view of the show each night, and the soundtrack is even piped in so you know where you are in the show. Plenty of guests either hop on the monorail or walk over from the Grand Floridian to watch from there.
In the past, Cast Members have been stationed in the walkways to make sure no one is where they shouldn’t be. This one hasn’t been confirmed for the holidays either, so it’s worth having a backup viewing spot in mind.
Your Holiday Game Plan
None of these rules should keep you from enjoying a Disney holiday trip, but they do reward a little planning. Decide early whether you want a party ticket, and book accordingly. If you’re staying off property, map out your transportation. Keep in mind that some resort perks may be reserved for guests, and have a plan B for dining and fireworks.
Checking Disney’s official holiday pages before you travel is the best way to catch any updates, since details can change as the season approaches.
Planning a holiday trip to Disney World this year? Tell us in the comments which rule surprised you the most, and share any tips for making a busy holiday visit go smoothly.
