I am not sure what I loved most in Disney at Christmas. The snow on Main Street, USA? The Christmas Lights? All of the sweet treats? Goodness, I can’t choose! I know I am a bit late with writing this post, but I am hoping that I can make it up to you by posting for Christmas in July! I started my detailed planning in August for my November trip, so I am hoping that this post is well received!
I know a few of our readers are preparing for a Christmas Disney trip and since Ashley and I are veterans (more her than me, but she taught me well) and I have the experience with taking toddlers, I think this post could be a great resource for those of you actively planning or dreaming about a Disney Christmas. Before I dive into the specifics of this trip, I want to remind you that we have written other blog posts that we think would be worth your while for planning any future trips!
Magical Long Weekend Trip to Disney (on a Budget!)
What You Must Do 60+ Days Before Your Disney Trip
The Must-do’s
When going to Disney at Christmas there are a few extra special moments to enjoy while there, but some of them you absolutely have to book 6 weeks in advance!
The very first of the priority list should be Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! It does cost extra but those who don’t feel like doing the park that day can purchase a ticket for the Christmas party and enter at 4p.m. We chose to do Magic Kingdom earlier that day and then go back later for the Christmas party. You not only get to see all of the characters and Cast Members in Christmas attire, a special firework Christmas Show put on by Minnie herself, and a totally awesome Christmas Parade, but you also get complimentary Hot Cocoa and cookies throughout the park and, even better, an opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap! Ideally, you could probably skip doing the park that morning and enjoy a pool day because there are festivities going on all night long and most of the rides are open– with no lines!! We unfortunately had a run-in with a rare November Hurricane (thanks, Nicole) and it put a damper on our plans! We did however, manage to do everything we absolutely wanted. Which brings me to my next must-do!
Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary. Some may agree while others disagree, but I find that it is worth it to splurge on a nice family-style dinner and allow the OG characters to come to you! My kids went nuts over this and enjoyed their dinner while the gang walked around table to table! Because Ava has some sensory issues, this was perfect over waiting in line. I highly suggest getting this booking at the 6 week mark as well. I am a planner and there was no way I was missing Mickey and the gang! There are opportunities to book last minute, but a lot of times you are at the mercy of others and I like to dress for dinner!
Get Genie+: It was so worth it and honestly they have worked out the kinks and everything ran smoothly for us. We ended up breaking up into groups– the ones who wanted to go back to the hotel and the ones who wanted to ride. When they took the kids and went back the the hotel the rest of us were able to ride a ton of rides thanks to Genie+!
Stop at as Many “Christmas Card” Photo booths as you can: These adorable booths were set up all over the place! I took advantage of getting in as many as I could! With just a scan of your magic band (and having Genie+ or even just the photo pass) they are all yours! Don’t forget to get your photo in front of the extra large Christmas tree on Main Street, USA!
Essentials for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
I did a ton of research on the things I needed for the Christmas Party. Aside from the basics I did stumble upon a few things that made my life soooooo much easier.
Battery operated Christmas Lights: These are to string around the stroller! Not only is it festive but it also helps to find where you placed your stroller(s). Everything is dimly lit so we found ourselves in the dark – a lot. Also, I learned that Cast members will often re-adjust your stroller in the designated areas to keep everything flowing easily. I bought these and they worked perfectly! We got a TON of comments and it was so easy for us to find one another!
Family Matching Christmas gear: You will see people dressed to impress at the party while others are wearing their favorite Christmas Pjs! Both were cute choices! We chose to go casual and wear matching sweatshirts! It was a tad warm that night but I was comfortable in leggings and my sweatshirt because of the light breeze!
Accessories: I got the most adorable bum bag (or if you’re a 90’s baby a “fanny pack”) from our favorite shop Best Day Ever Shop and the most adorable peppermint ears! You can’t do Christmas at Disney without a pair of Christmas ears! I also purchased a super cute Skin for my magic band from Etsy! Ashley and I always opt for the skins because you can get a basic color magic band and decorate it yourself cheaper than buying a fancy band from Disney! I must say I have quite the collection going!
Things That Made My Life Easier
There were a few things that we did that were different on this trip than we have in the past. One thing that was different was door dashing snacks and drinks from Walmart that the kids would like. I knew we were doing this prior to going on our trip so I purchased these reusable snack bags! I filled them up and was able to wipe them clean every day and reuse them again!
Pre-planned family outfits: A lot of people do this and it can be a lot of extra work but it made our mornings run smoothly. I knew what everyone was wearing, when they were wearing it, and I had few alternatives for the kids in case of accidents,
Two separate Umbrella Strollers: We, of course, got matching Mickey and Minnie Umbrella Strollers. We did this simply in case we would get separated at any point, a little one needed a potty break, or someone needed a cool down. So happy we did! It was a lot easier than walking through the crowd with a super wide stroller. Most Umbrella strollers don’t come with cup holders so I purchased this one! It held my phone and everything so it was extra nice having that! I got one for each!
Battery operated fans: This was essential for us and the kids during the day. It was hot and to keep them happy (especially when they would fall asleep) we would have these fans on! Speaking of fans I got these little ones for Ash and I a few years ago and we take them on every trip! So lightweight and can fit snug in your bag; it doubles as a phone charger so that’s a plus!
Extra Storage for the Stroller: This net organizer is perfect for packing extra items, souvenirs, or anything you just don’t feel like carrying! Just velcro right to your stroller and go!
Footwear: Let me just tell you I walked miles at Disney and my feet never hurt thanks to these shoes. If you don’t own a pair for just an ordinary day YOU ARE MISSING OUT!
Get an Ear Case: I unfortunately lost/misplaced two of my favorite pair of Ears *cue tears* which led me to finding a way to have all of my Ears in one place! I purchased this bag which comfortably fit my ears and my magic bands; It also prevented smashing and fit nice and snug at the bottom of my suitcase!
Take a Laundry Steamer: This literally got used every day by everyone and was totally worth to pack it. It is an essential item Ash and I take on all of our trips because it always gets used!
Decorated for Christmas before I left: okay, this one is a tad personal and I actually got scolded for decorating so early but by the time I got back I was in the Christmas spirit and it was so fun coming home to a Christmas tree! I didn’t go too crazy but it made my life way easier and it gave me something to look forward to! Pro Tip: always have something to look forward to because post-Disney blues are a real thing.
Things I Will Do Next Time
Thanks to hurricane Nicole we lost 3 days of our trip and we missed out on some of the things I really wanted to see like the big Christmas tree and life-sized Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian. I hear both are beautiful and its a must see if you have a little extra time!
I also really wanted to go to Disney Springs to see the Christmas tree walk! They also have “Christmas Card” photo booths sitting up around there that link right to your Disney Pass.
If you have the extra time I hear both stops are worth it! Everything about Disney at Christmas is magical and I truly don’t believe one trip there will be enough to see literally everything they have to offer!
I hope this helped! Merry Christmas in July!
xo,
Er
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