What Will Disney Be Like in December 2024?
The holidays are nearly here!
Well, according to Disney, that’s true, as the company announces its grand holiday plans many months ahead of time.
Of course, park officials do that for a reason, as the holidays are when everyone wants to be at the parks.
So, what will Disney be like in December 2024? In a word, festive! Let’s talk about the holiday fun.
Visiting Disney in December
The first thing that you should know about a December Disney vacation is that timing matters.
For instance, let’s say that you’re visiting in early December.
That’s less than a week after Thanksgiving, which falls on November 28th this year.
Oddly, you may discover a lull at the parks. Historically, tourists flock to Disney World during Thanksgiving Week.
Generally, by the following Monday, most of them have left, leaving the parks surprisingly empty.
That trend typically continues through December 18th or so, depending on the calendar configuration.
Looking at the 2024 calendar, I would anticipate that the crowds increase around December 20th, the Friday before Christmas Week.
Should you visit before then, you may discover a relatively uncrowded Disney campus.
However, from December 20th forward, all bets are off. You’ve unofficially entered the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Technically, this year’s Twelve Days start on December 25th and last through January 5th.
So, we may get an extended duration of holiday tourism this year, making early January more crowded than normal.
New Year’s Week technically ends on January 5th, which is later than usual.
Also, Hanukkah starts on December 25th this year and lasts through January 2nd.
Given all the holiday factors in play, you can tell when the parks are most likely to be crowded as opposed to empty.
As such, you should consider an early December visit unless it’s your family’s holiday tradition to be at Disney World.
December 1st through December 15th crowds will seem minuscule compared to those during Christmas week.
Then again, you don’t have to cook and clean for guests when you’re at Disney for the holidays. So, that may be preferable.
Let’s Talk about the Weather
In terms of weather, December is quite possibly THE best month to visit Walt Disney World.
Very few American states remain consistently warm throughout December, and don’t even get me started on Canada.
When the winter season arrives, you’ll be begging to go anywhere that doesn’t involve the layered look.
A place where you can throw on a bathing suit and swim comfortably will sound like paradise in December.
Even better, when you’re not swimming at your hotel, you can ride Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Frozen Ever After.
Nothing’s beating that, and you’ll enjoy it more because, at worst, you’ll need a light jacket on most dates.
According to WeatherSpark, the average high temperature is likely to range between 59 and 82 degrees.
Meanwhile, the average low temperature hovers from 39 to 68 degrees.
I realize that the 39-degree thought probably made you a little nervous.
Well, I’m happy to tell you that the average low temperature is 53 degrees, and you’ll probably be comfortably nestled in your hotel bed then.
Even if you’re not, the hot cocoa at Disney World rivals anything you’ve had in your life.
Generally, the weather will be in the mid- to upper-60s during your park visit and sometimes even warmer.
You may forget that it’s December during your vacation!
What Will You Find at Disney in December?
During the month of December, you’ll discover a ridiculously large number of holiday-related amenities.
Some of them will require special tickets, while others are included with standard admission.
In fact, some Disney Springs options like the Christmas Tree Stroll are free of charge.
The newest activity is Disney Jollywood Nights, which provides adults with after-hours access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
During this paid event, you can ride all the park’s most popular attractions or simply drink and dance to your heart’s content.
Disney added this event as a counterpart to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the family holiday tradition for many years now.
At this party, you’ll discover holiday ride overlays at places like Jungle Cruise and Tomorrowland Speedway.
Also, Cast Members hand out hot cocoa and holiday snacks to keep you content during your visit.
You’ll pay to attend both Christmas parties, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Meanwhile, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return, as will the Candlelight Processional.
The latter performance uses celebrator narrators to retell the Nativity Story.
At the Festival of the Holidays, various pavilions host storytellers who recount the details of their countries’ holiday traditions.
Importantly, these are just the best-known of the various holiday activities on the Disney World campus.
You’ll find plenty of other options at the parks and even the resorts.
Many hotels host gingerbread houses and other gingerbread structures, all of which are worth your time.
You’ll also find various holiday desserts on sale at some of these places like Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Visiting these pop-up shows is another holiday tradition to many.
What Else Can You Do in Orlando in December?
I think you’ve gotten the point that you don’t need to leave the Disney Bubble during a December vacation.
In truth, I’d recommend that you don’t because there’s more to do than you’ll have time to experience during your visit.
Still, those of you who prefer to roam should consider a visit to Universal Orlando Resort.
This theme park elevates The Grinch during the holidays, offering a character interaction and several other Grinch-related activities.
Sports lovers will find several bowl games available in Florida.
So, if you’re traveling for one, you can easily fit Disney into your schedule.
Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa Bay will also host NFL games throughout the month.
Thanks to the Brightline high-speed rail system in Florida, you can navigate between these events and Disney if so inclined.
Still, I’d suggest just hanging out at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom most of the time. That’s where all the best eggnog is.
Final Thoughts
Members of my family swear by December vacations.
Specifically, my brother and sister-in-law love to visit in early December.
Judging by the crowds, they’re in the minority, though. As a rule, people rush to Disney in time for the Twelve Days of Christmas.
That means that the second half of the month will be mobbed, but don’t worry! Disney knows the deal by now and plans for it!
You’ll discover a plethora of holiday features, activities, and amenities that will delight you.
No place on this planet can match the holiday spirit of Walt Disney World, and you’ll be glad you spend your vacation there!
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