What Will Disney Be Like in December 2023?
Do you know what makes the holidays even better? The answer is, “When you spend them at Disney!”
What will Disney be like in December 2023? In a word, it’ll be festive. Let’s talk about why.
About December Visits
I’m the kind of person who sometimes watches a Hallmark Christmas movie in June. So, you can imagine how passionate I am about the holidays.
Disney cast members clearly feel the same way as me because they decorate every part of the Walt Disney campus each year.
Technically, Disney does this at the start of November. But that means cast members have perfected the decorations by December.
When you visit, you’ll discover a stunning array of festivities, holiday treats, and seasonal merchandise.
Each of the four theme parks, Disney Springs, and all official Disney resorts will deck the halls.
As the Christmas carol goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and who are we to argue with Andy Williams on the point?
Florida Weather in December
Why do people love Disney in the winter? Well, no matter how the weather is where you live, it’s probably better in Orlando.
The average high temperature in Central Florida in December is 71 degrees. There’s little variance as well.
According to Weather Spark, the high temperature rarely drops below 60 degrees or rises above 82 degrees. So, it’s almost never too hot.
Then again, in December, you’re more worried about the cold. And that’s where Orlando really shines!
The average low temperature here is 53 degrees, which means you’re more than 20 degrees above the point where water freezes.
On some days, you may need a long jacket or a layered look, particularly at night.
Weather Spark indicates that the average low temperature rarely exceeds 68 degrees. However, it could dip as low as 40 degrees.
For most of us, 40 degrees in December is what we’d describe as a warm day, though.
When you spend a few days at Walt Disney World in December, you’re guaranteeing that you won’t worry about snow.
Well, you won’t face any of the real stuff. Disney sometimes adds a bit of magic with artificial snow in some places. But that’s it!
What to Expect at Disney in December
The first thing we should discuss is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
This paid event has become an anchor part of Disney’s December social calendar.
Guests relish the opportunity to spend time at Magic Kingdom in December when it’s closed to regular guests.
You’ll spend upwards of $200 per guest for the privilege. Then again, you’ll never forget the experience.
Plus, we’re talking about December. During the gift-giving season, you shouldn’t forget your own needs!
Of course, Disney veterans know a trick! Some of the best parts of the after-hours party, like the fireworks and parade, become free during Christmas Week!
So, you can save money AND spend the official holiday at Walt Disney World if so inclined!
Something else noteworthy comes free with park admission as well.
Each year, guests spend December enjoying the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
By now, you likely know how EPCOT festivals work. The park hosts several food booths selling exclusive thematic cuisine for the event.
During the holidays, that means Christmas concoctions from all around the world!
Even better, various storytellers at the World Showcase’s pavilions will explain how their countries celebrate the holidays.
Then, there’s the third thing that brings me joy during the holidays.
Disney decorates its official resorts to show their Christmas spirit.
The most famous example occurs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where cast members build a full-sized Gingerbread House.
Then, they proceed to sell holiday treats from inside the Gingerbread House!
You’ll find similar structures at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
At Beach Club, cast members construct a moving gingerbread carousel out of candy! It’s incredible!
You can tell by my gushing that it’s all amazing.
Other Central Florida Happenings in December
Obviously, Disney isn’t the place in Central Florida that celebrates the holidays.
The most popular event these days occurs at Island H2O Water Park at Margaritaville Resort.
The Night of a Million Lights is a charitable event that Give Kids the World Village hosts.
You’ll witness millions of lights here, some of which are rumored to have come from the former The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
So, Disney fans have good reason to visit. Please be aware that it’s a paid event, which is obvious since the money goes to charity.
Give Kids the World Village hasn’t announced 2023 pricing yet, but tickets cost $15-$40 last year.
Importantly, USA Today named this event the “Number One Thing To Do In December In Orlando.”
Something else you can do in December is watch an Orlando Magic game.
The team pleasantly surprised last season and returns an exciting young squad led by reigning Rookie of the Year, Paulo Banchero.
You can also drive to Miami or Jacksonville to watch an NFL game if that’s your preference.
The Universal of Central Florida will have completed its regular season by this point, but the area usually hosts one or two bowl games in December as well.
You can also try your luck at the two other local theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.
Both of them decorate for the holidays, but nobody can even approach Disney in this category.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is quite lovely during the holiday season, though.
Final Thoughts
The only downside with a holiday visit to Walt Disney World is that many other guests travel at that same time.
While the crowds are usually manageable and sometimes even trivial in early December, the time from December 20th through January 4th is hectic.
Historically, those are the busiest/most crowded days on the Walt Disney World annual calendar.
Still, you won’t mind the crowds much since you’re spending Christmas at Disney! You’re living the dream!
PS: For the first time ever, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host its own after-hours ticketed event as well!
You can be among the first to celebrate Disney Jollywood Nights. How great is that?!
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Feature Photo: Disney