Welcome to Believe Vacations’ Weekly Post where today, we showcase the pros and cons for planning a Disney trip in December 2021. For this article, we will share important changes, openings/closings, events, tips and suggestions for planning a trip for your family that month. We will try to consider as many areas as we can so let’s see what the most wonderful month of the year will bring us…
December 2021 Basics
Reservations – For these articles, we need to first consider if there are openings and availability for the parks. As of the publish date of this article, the only unavailable day is Christmas Day at the Magic Kingdom. All other dates and all other parks have availability but we can not stress enough to get those reservations in ASAP! (see Crowd information below).
Weather – December at Disney World can get cool in the mornings and evenings. We highly recommend dressing in layers. But make sure you still pack that swimsuit for the heated pools at the resorts.
Crowds – From the travel to the resorts, to the parks and the attractions, December is a tale of two halves. The first two weeks are truly magical in terms of lower temperatures, lower crowds, and lower rooms prices than most weeks of the year. Once Christmas Break hits, you’ll be thankful you have a Believe Vacations Agent to assist you. You’ll want to find reasonable rates and available parks and our agents will assist as much as we can. Dining reservations will be hard to come by and wait times may be longer. Listen to the advice you receive from our experts and you’ll be playing chess while the others play checkers!
Magic Kingdom
Disney Very Merriest After Hours – Celebrate the holidays in the very merriest way at a new event featuring Character sightings, themed fireworks, tasty treats and more!
Castle Projections – Watch in awe as Cinderella Castle is transformed with cheerful projections.
Seasonal Décor – Explore holly, jolly trimmings and theming throughout Main Street, U.S.A.
Limited-Time Treats – Indulge in holiday-inspired food and beverages available for purchase at select locations.
Jingle Cruise – A timeless Magic Kingdom favorite gets a holiday makeover with puns that’ll have you Ho-Ho-Hoing!
EPCOT
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth – Surround yourself with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors during a beloved extravaganza boasting themed Holiday Kitchens and a scrumptious Holiday Cookie Stroll.
Inspirational Music – Be sure to catch special performances by Voices of Liberty.
Hollywood Studios
Sunset Seasons Greetings – Behold a captivating projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine– Don’t miss Minnie’s merry mealtime at this popular restaurant.
Santa Claus Motorcade– Catch the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade, where old St. Nick will travel up Hollywood Blvd. In his candy-apple red convertible, packed with a sack of presents!
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – Look forward to an unforgettable finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf.
Animal Kingdom
Santa Claus Festive Flotilla – See Santa Claus as he sails down the Discovery River to a jolly, world-beat holiday soundtrack.
Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla – Spot Donald Duck and friends taking their holiday celebration to the water, waving to everyone as they traverse the Discovery River.
Chip & Dale’s Festive Flotilla– Groove with Chip ‘n’ Dale as they bring their own style of festive flair to the park’s waterways, jingling through the jungle to the rhythm of the holidays.
Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla – Feel the beat as a colorful group of percussionists cruise along the Discovery River, entertaining Guests like you on the shore.
Holiday-themed décor and Tree of Life Awakenings – The beloved tree shimmers and sparkles each evening, accompanied by a heartwarming musical score.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth – Discover Christmas around every corner, as you come across a collection of elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout the neighborhoods of Disney Springs.
Let It Snow! – Flurries are in the forecast for the West Side. In the evenings, delight in a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to your holiday shopping.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Holiday Takeover– Head to this restaurant-meets-lounge for a fun holiday take on its eye-catching décor and more.
Resorts
Seasonal Décor – Delight in holiday decorations, including iconic trees and gingerbread displays adorning the lobbies and Guest areas at select resorts.
Delicious Treats – Nosh on gingerbread goodies and savor specialty menu items at select restaurants
New Year’s Eve – Ring in 2022 with parties and celebrations at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
50th Anniversary Celebration – October 1, 2021 is the official kickoff and it will continue for the next 18 months. Exact details of the celebration are few at the moment but expect new decorations, new looks for Minnie and Mickey and spectacles we’ve never seen before.
