Christmas is our favourite time of yr at Walt Disney Global, and throughout the vacation season, there’s a week-long window that we in reality love. This submit discusses why we advise visiting after Thanksgiving however ahead of the height weeks of wintry weather damage, with a rundown of what makes this time of yr particular–and other from the busier weeks. (Up to date July 12, 2025.)
That is rarely a secret. Lengthy-time readers of the weblog may know that our #1 favourite week of the yr at Walt Disney Global is the only after Thanksgiving. We’ve really useful it numerous instances during the last decade-plus, and it’s been our go-to for ages. Again after we lived within the Midwest, our annual Christmas go back and forth normally began the Sunday after the vacation. (Even if we have been nonetheless at school, we used to skip a pair days to make it an extended weekend go back and forth!)
I don’t stay monitor, but when I needed to bet at which week of the yr we have now spent probably the most mins in Walt Disney Global since 2007, it will be this one. Almost definitely by way of a beautiful extensive margin. We completely love the week after Thanksgiving. There are occasions after we’ve ‘prolonged’ our method and skilled the primary two weeks of December, and feature been pleasantly stunned with each. Neither of those weeks are even remotely on par with Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Yr’s Eve, and even the primary week of January.
It’s additionally price noting that regardless of how time and again we’ve shared this “superb saved secret,” it has remained reliably uncrowded. To make sure, overdue November into early December is busier now than it used to be a decade or extra in the past. However that’s true of just about all dates of the yr. Walt Disney Global annual attendance has higher, and park growth has now not saved tempo. So crowds are worse, around the board, than they have been in 2010!
Accordingly, the ones of you with time machines on your ownership won’t even wish to trouble with this submit, and as a substitute dial in any random date in 2002 for decrease crowds. Everybody else will have to proceed studying, as the vacation season has curler coaster crowds with each in reality top highs and occasional lows!
Actually, our lists of the 10 Highest and 10 Worst Weeks to Discuss with Walt Disney Global in 2025 & 2026 comprise a number of weeks in November and December–on each the most productive & worst lists, too! It’s in truth lovely wild how the parks cross from chaotic to quiet (reasonably talking) virtually in a single day from one week to the following.
Despite the fact that this submit makes a speciality of the nice, we have now in depth enjoy with the unhealthy. Again after we lived in Florida, we’d incessantly have circle of relatives seek advice from for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and (naturally) we’d take them to the parks throughout the ones top weeks. And we ourselves did each and every unmarried New Yr’s Eve (and December 30) within the parks for a number of consecutive years. (Truthfully, we nonetheless love NYE at WDW, and suggest it in spite of the crowds–it’s an enjoy price having!)
As vacationers, we seek advice from no less than two times every yr in November and December. The primary of the ones weeks is sort of at all times Jersey Week/Veterans Day, which is when the primary Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration and Disney Jollywood Nights happen (November 7-8, 2025) and the remainder of the vacation season kicks off (later this yr than standard–November 14, 2025). With out fail, that could be a busy week–and offers a pleasing distinction to our favourite circle of relatives go back and forth time after Thanksgiving.
Right here’s what we adore about this time-frame throughout the vacation season at Walt Disney Global, and why you will have to seek advice from throughout such a weeks if you happen to’re already making plans a 2025 or 2026 holiday throughout Christmas-time…
“Entire” Christmas
Even with out the Dream Lighting fixtures and different issues which were misplaced during the last decade-plus, the vacation season is a ways and away our favourite time at Walt Disney Global. We’ve long gone into this at duration in plenty of different posts, together with our Final Information to Christmas at Walt Disney Global, so we received’t belabor the purpose.
Relating to Christmas, we adore a couple of other home windows. The primary is the very starting, ahead of any vacation crowds arrive. The issue with this week in 2025 is that simplest decorations can be up with the events beginning on the tail finish of that week, as crowds get started expanding. However once more, common Christmas leisure like Merry Menagerie, meet & greets, and extra is not going to get started till November 14, 2025.
The second one is after the week of Veterans’ Day, however ahead of Thanksgiving. This week is far better, and after the vacation season formally begins on November 14. Even so, it’s now not totally Christmas throughout them. Many lodges nonetheless aren’t decked out for the vacations, and EPCOT continues to be “celebrating” Meals & Wine Competition. This leaves the 2 weeks after Thanksgiving because the candy spot to seek advice from Walt Disney Global for a whole Christmas.
Hotel Environment
Two of the closing 3 years, I’ve stayed at All Famous person Sports activities throughout this week. Remaining yr used to be a circle of relatives go back and forth, and we did a break up keep between the DVC Cabins at Castle Desert and Port Orleans French Quarter. All of those remains had been incredible, however the only price drawing consideration to is All Famous person Sports activities.
This one is notable for the reason that starting of December was once purple flag dates at All Famous person Sports activities because of formative years carrying occasions. We made the error of staying on the All Stars as soon as throughout Pop Warner, and temporarily mentioned by no means once more. Neatly, the ‘previous days’ are over and now ESPN Vast Global of Sports activities does now not host primary formative years occasions throughout the vacations.
In each and every means, my expectancies have been exceeded. The grounds have been having a look nice, the meals court docket used to be by no means overly-crowded, and there have been by no means rowdy teams of youngsters taking part in at the soccer box. Bus carrier used to be urged, pickup instances have been correct, and it used to be simplest shared on one overdue night time getting back from Magic Kingdom. Regardless of leaving overdue, I at all times made Early Access with time to spare.
Throughout one keep at All Famous person Sports activities, I spoke with a supervisor who presented fascinating insights about lodge occupancy and development closures, which showed what I suspected in accordance with the low selection of folks out and about on the lodge. It used to be a identical tale at virtually each and every lodge I visited.
Admittedly, I intentionally didn’t do Grand Floridian or Desert Hotel throughout their ‘top’ hours when crowds have a tendency to the worst, however even the preferred Crescent Lake lodges have been lovely quiet throughout the times that I visited. As with the parks, it is a a ways cry from the scene throughout the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYE.
Decrease Costs & Higher Offers
With decrease occupancy than the height weeks of the vacation season, it will have to come as no marvel that there are higher offers available between the height weeks of the vacations slightly than throughout them.
We’re generally doing on-site remains two times throughout the vacation season at Walt Disney Global: as soon as throughout Jersey Week and the Veterans Day vacation weekend, and once more throughout this favourite week. In pricing out November 6-11, 2025 vs. November 30 to December 5, 2025, I’m seeing large worth variations.
There are some lodges that aren’t discounted in any respect throughout the primary set of dates. Against this, I see a number of availability throughout the second one set of dates, together with Deluxe Accommodations which might be over $100 off consistent with night time. (Despite the fact that we haven’t booked it but, Animal Kingdom Hotel at $146 off consistent with night time could be very tempting!) See All Present Reductions at Walt Disney Global for a take a look at the quite a lot of particular gives.
No longer simplest that, however the lodge rack charges and different costs are decrease initially than throughout Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Yr’s weeks. Should you take a look at the Most cost-effective Occasions to Cross to Walt Disney Global, you’ll see that those two weeks are the most productive of the vacation season. Nonetheless now not as little as the actual low season, however lovely shut!
Decrease Crowds & Wait Occasions
As measured by way of moderate wait instances, the weeks of Veterans Day/Jersey Week and Thanksgiving are two of the busiest weeks of the yr, at the back of simplest Presidents’ Day, Spring Wreck, once in a while Columbus Day, and the weeks of Christmas and New Yr’s Eve.
Relating to either one of those November weeks, the week-to-week drop within the following week is lovely pronounced. Specifically, crowds plummet at the Sunday after Thanksgiving and staying there for the whole lot of the following week. The week following Thanksgiving averaged a 34 minute wait time (2/10 at the crowd calendar), as in comparison to 49 mins throughout the week of Thanksgiving (10/10 at the crowd calendar). That 15 minute distinction would possibly appear insignificant, nevertheless it’s in truth large–and in reality provides up over the process an afternoon.
The next week used to be busier than early December, averaging a 40 minute wait and 5/10 crowd degree. That’s nonetheless somewhat busy as in comparison to September or Would possibly, however very manageable for the vacation season. It’s additionally skewed by way of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration dates–you’ll want to do a lot better by way of merely opting for the Highest Days of the Week to Discuss with Every Park at Walt Disney Global.
Should you’re making plans a Walt Disney Global go back and forth for 2025 or 2026, you clearly can’t rely on the ones actual numbers protecting up. Then again, that’s lovely in step with what we’ve observed in standard years for the decade or so. Most often, crowds fall off a cliff the Sunday after Thanksgiving, plateau for per week or so, after which steadily upward push within the lead-up to Christmas.
Our expectation is in truth somewhat decrease crowd ranges for the second one week of December 2025, and about the similar numbers for the week in an instant after Thanksgiving. The root for that is that wait instances had been down year-over-year at Walt Disney Global because of “revenge go back and forth” hard itself. Nonetheless, it’s exhausting to look early December bettering that a lot. It used to be already in reality just right closing yr, and is a well-liked time for annual guests.
Without reference to what else occurs, all bets are off as soon as wintry weather breaks get started. The duration between Christmas and New Yr’s Eve being one of the vital worst weeks of the yr, and issues now not in reality letting up till faculties return into consultation and Marathon Weekend concludes.
Eating Availability
We have been ready to consume in all places we needed (with the necessary caveat that many of the puts we choose aren’t probably the most highly-coveted Advance Eating Reservations), and incessantly discovered same-day ADRs or availability by the use of walk-up waitlist.
This incorporated actually no look ahead to Nomad Living room and Steakhouse 71, in addition to discovering same-day ADRs for numerous eating places. Even Fantasmic and Candlelight Processional eating applications had pop-up availability!
For the reason that we each choose extra spontaneity, this positive beats visiting throughout the height vacation weeks. Visitors doing journeys then needed to be up early to make ADRs 60+ days upfront, and a few most likely nonetheless didn’t get the whole thing they sought after. Waits for Cellular Order and Stroll-Up Waitlist also are a lot worse when it’s busier.
Lightning Lane Pricing & Availability
Throughout my seek advice from closing yr for Veterans Day, I bought Lightning Lane Multi-Cross on a number of other events. I used to be doing this “for analysis,” nevertheless it used to be however very helpful in serving to bypass heavy crowds.
Throughout our circle of relatives seek advice from in early December, we didn’t trouble with Lightning Lanes in any respect. There have been a few instances we got here to feel sorry about this, equivalent to seeking to see Dwelling with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses on the finish of the night time with an overly-tired infant, however by way of and big, it simply used to be now not important. It used to be additionally inexpensive and had higher availability, so no less than if we did wish to use it, lets’ve scored extra journey reservations at a lower price.
Suffice to mention, that’s a stark distinction to the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Yr’s Eve, when Lightning Lane availability used to be or can be a lot more restricted because of higher “festival” because of extra folks purchasing the paid FastPass carrier. Worse crowds simplest compound that, with upper wait instances and extra congestion in between Lightning Lane go back instances.
December Climate
Something I’ve discovered over the previous couple of years is that I used to be now not “constructed” for Florida warmth and humidity. To make sure, we had traveled to Walt Disney Global in each and every month and week of the yr up to now, so we knew what we have been getting ourselves into. However, lots of our transplant pals reassured us that it’s now not so unhealthy and also you get used to it. That by no means took place for us, and we discovered ourselves spending a ways an excessive amount of time indoors 8 months of the yr.
Whilst some folks seek advice from Florida for the unending summer season sunshine and heat temperatures, that’s undoubtedly now not the case for us. Our ‘candy spot’ for Florida climate is from round November till February. I can take having to put on a coat over sweating via my blouse any day of the week. You’ll be able to at all times upload layers, however there are simplest such a lot of you’ll subtract ahead of safety says, “sir, you’ll’t take off your blouse right here and this Omit Piggy fountain isn’t a water play house.” (Buzzkills.)
Whilst it’s now not at all times highest, we’ve discovered that 90% of the time, the elements in overdue November and early December is no less than temperate. Up to I like overdue August and September for low crowds, I’ll fortuitously take care of somewhat increased attendance for a lot better climate. It’s a very easy industry off for us.
Vacation Finery
I’m really not what you’d name a trendy guy in any conventional sense of the time period. GQ is probably not ringing me anytime quickly, asking the place I am getting my moisture wicking polos, quick-drying shorts, or bucket hats. In the summertime, my outfit rotation is lovely easy and restricted. Not like Sarah, who at all times appears to be like just right regardless of the season or climate, I seem like a doofus who simply emerged from the sauna throughout Florida’s 3 seasons of summer season.
Then again, roughly 75% of my cloth cabinet is sweaters and flannel shirts. It’s gotten to the purpose that I’ve been “banned” from purchasing extra blue plaid, as ‘that appears like a half-dozen shirts you already personal and will’t put on 10 months of the yr.’ It will have to cross with out announcing, however the ones aren’t the optimum outfits for Florida.
It’s an offshoot of climate, however one of the vital issues I really like about this time of yr at Walt Disney Global is that I don’t have to decorate in utilitarian clothes that appears like I’m about to move fishing. I will be able to bust out my bold sweater assortment or huge array of blue plaid shirts. Within the grand scheme of items, it’s minor, nevertheless it’s great to have pictures folks the place we each glance presentable and feature amusing outfits.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration
For years, we’ve finished the primary Mickey’s No longer So Horrifying Halloween Celebration in early August and the primary Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration in early November. Whilst I will be able to cross from 0 to 60 on the subject of coming into the vacation spirit, the similar isn’t true of everybody else.
No longer simplest is the elements (normally) higher for the December events, however the power is sort of at all times higher. Far more visitors are wearing unsightly Christmas sweaters, truthful isle onesies, vacation Spirit Jerseys, and so on. Simply because the MNSSHP is healthier in October, so too is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration nearer to Christmas. The development itself is the same, and but, higher.
It’s difficult to provide an explanation for how, however if you happen to’ve finished the primary night time of MVMCP and likewise one of the vital December dates, you realize. (We have now additionally been rained out means too time and again on the first MVMCP prior to now, and that will’ve took place once more had we attended this yr. Knock on picket, however that hasn’t took place to us in ages throughout the December dates of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration.)
Disney Jollywood Nights
It’s an overly identical tale with the Christmas celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is retiring for its 3rd yr in 2025. Disney Jollywood Nights is a vacation exhausting price ticket tournament providing a extra delicate vacation vibe, points of interest of glowing décor, sounds of contemporary beats over vintage vacation songs, tastes of craft cocktails and decadent dishes. It’s nostalgic and it’s glitz and glam galore.
To that time, Nineteen Fifties vacation apparel is really useful for this seasonal soirée and a large a part of the development would be the glamorous vibe and surroundings. Clearly, you’ll want to collect an outfit with layers that will paintings for doubtlessly scorching or chilly climate in mid-November. Or you’ll want to cross later within the month or early December when temperatures usually are cooler.
Candlelight Processional
I’m a sucker for Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. The pageantry of all of it, stunning tune, and energy put into the spectacle by way of such a lot of professional and passionate Forged Contributors. Suffice to mention, Candlelight Processional is one thing particular. From the choir to the orchestra to the conductor to the ASL interpreter, I like looking at those gifted performers give it their all. It’s a perfect custom–one began by way of Walt Disney at Disneyland and imported to EPCOT a lot later–and one thing I’m hoping by no means ends.
I’m now not in particular ‘large’ on celebrities, so the narrator issues much less to me. (If anything else, I desire one of the much less widespread ones as they draw smaller crowds in their enthusiasts.) With that mentioned, there are some I experience greater than others. I don’t wish to ‘title names’ and disparage somebody (or alienate their enthusiasts), however I’m now not in particular willing at the narrators who incessantly seem throughout this window. In all probability it’s simply my belief, however it kind of feels like Walt Disney Global books the most productive narrators in mid-to-late December.
The upside to that is low crowds for Candlelight Processional. I controlled to snag seats two times without a eating package deal and no wait in line. Certain, I used to be against the again, however I’ve observed it sufficient that I’m completely happy with simplest an ok view. No longer having to shop for a eating package deal (to not point out the strain of seeking to rating ADRs) or wait in an extended line is a greater than truthful tradeoff, from my standpoint.
It’s now not simply Candlelight Processional, although that’s what we’re emphasizing. Right here’s a rundown of the 2025 EPCOT Competition of the Vacations, from the Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth to the Vacation Storytellers round Global Exhibit to the festive meals cubicles. It’s all incredible, and we choose this tournament to the flagship Meals & Wine Competition!
In the end, it will have to be simple to look why that is our favourite week (or weeks?) of the yr at Walt Disney Global. Although wait instances for sure headliners are nonetheless top, the decrease congestion ranges as in comparison to Thanksgiving week makes a large distinction in relation to total convenience degree–and the easier climate additionally is helping! Remaining yr, the one time and position we ever noticed crowding used to be within the hub and Major Boulevard throughout Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration, however that’s about par for the path.
Should you’re recently making plans a go back and forth, our advice could be to seek advice from from November 30 via December 7, 2025. Should you’re making plans for subsequent yr, the superb dates are November 29 to December 6, 2026. That’ll virtually indisputably be the candy spot for the most productive of crowds, wait instances, climate, seasonal spirit, and so on. In recent times, Saturday hasn’t been busy both, so you’ll want to fly out on Black Friday and do your first park day on Saturday.
If we had to select a next-best set of dates from a qualitative standpoint, it’d be tricky to make a decision between December 8-14, 2025 and November 15-21, 2025 (modify the ones at some point previous for 2026 suggestions). The massive tradeoffs could be somewhat upper crowds vs. whole Christmas and doubtlessly higher climate. We’d make a selection the December dates, most commonly as a result of we’re large enthusiasts of the EPCOT Competition of the Vacations, which doesn’t get started till after Thanksgiving. Regardless, some attainable go back and forth dates to believe in your long run journeys to Walt Disney Global!
Making plans a Walt Disney Global go back and forth? Know about motels on our Walt Disney Global Accommodations Opinions web page. For the place to consume, learn our Walt Disney Global Eating place Opinions. To economize on tickets or decide which kind to shop for, learn our Pointers for Saving Cash on Walt Disney Global Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at suave pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney Global Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most productive position to start out is our Walt Disney Global Commute Making plans Information for the whole thing you want to understand!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Should you’ve finished Walt Disney Global post-Thanksgiving, what used to be your enjoy? Should you’ve visited this similar week in prior years, how do you suppose this yr compares? Ideas about the rest lined right here? Should you’re a widespread customer throughout this time-frame, what’s your tackle crowds, wait instances, seasonal spirit, climate, and many others? Agree or disagree with our overview of those two weeks as the most productive time throughout the vacation season? Any questions we will be able to allow you to resolution? Listening to your comments is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas under within the feedback!
Christmas is our favourite time of yr at Walt Disney Global, and throughout the vacation season, there’s a week-long window that we in reality love. This submit discusses why we advise visiting after Thanksgiving however ahead of the height weeks of wintry weather damage, with a rundown of what makes this time of yr particular–and other from the busier weeks. (Up to date July 12, 2025.)
That is rarely a secret. Lengthy-time readers of the weblog may know that our #1 favourite week of the yr at Walt Disney Global is the only after Thanksgiving. We’ve really useful it numerous instances during the last decade-plus, and it’s been our go-to for ages. Again after we lived within the Midwest, our annual Christmas go back and forth normally began the Sunday after the vacation. (Even if we have been nonetheless at school, we used to skip a pair days to make it an extended weekend go back and forth!)
I don’t stay monitor, but when I needed to bet at which week of the yr we have now spent probably the most mins in Walt Disney Global since 2007, it will be this one. Almost definitely by way of a beautiful extensive margin. We completely love the week after Thanksgiving. There are occasions after we’ve ‘prolonged’ our method and skilled the primary two weeks of December, and feature been pleasantly stunned with each. Neither of those weeks are even remotely on par with Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Yr’s Eve, and even the primary week of January.
It’s additionally price noting that regardless of how time and again we’ve shared this “superb saved secret,” it has remained reliably uncrowded. To make sure, overdue November into early December is busier now than it used to be a decade or extra in the past. However that’s true of just about all dates of the yr. Walt Disney Global annual attendance has higher, and park growth has now not saved tempo. So crowds are worse, around the board, than they have been in 2010!
Accordingly, the ones of you with time machines on your ownership won’t even wish to trouble with this submit, and as a substitute dial in any random date in 2002 for decrease crowds. Everybody else will have to proceed studying, as the vacation season has curler coaster crowds with each in reality top highs and occasional lows!
Actually, our lists of the 10 Highest and 10 Worst Weeks to Discuss with Walt Disney Global in 2025 & 2026 comprise a number of weeks in November and December–on each the most productive & worst lists, too! It’s in truth lovely wild how the parks cross from chaotic to quiet (reasonably talking) virtually in a single day from one week to the following.
Despite the fact that this submit makes a speciality of the nice, we have now in depth enjoy with the unhealthy. Again after we lived in Florida, we’d incessantly have circle of relatives seek advice from for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and (naturally) we’d take them to the parks throughout the ones top weeks. And we ourselves did each and every unmarried New Yr’s Eve (and December 30) within the parks for a number of consecutive years. (Truthfully, we nonetheless love NYE at WDW, and suggest it in spite of the crowds–it’s an enjoy price having!)
As vacationers, we seek advice from no less than two times every yr in November and December. The primary of the ones weeks is sort of at all times Jersey Week/Veterans Day, which is when the primary Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration and Disney Jollywood Nights happen (November 7-8, 2025) and the remainder of the vacation season kicks off (later this yr than standard–November 14, 2025). With out fail, that could be a busy week–and offers a pleasing distinction to our favourite circle of relatives go back and forth time after Thanksgiving.
Right here’s what we adore about this time-frame throughout the vacation season at Walt Disney Global, and why you will have to seek advice from throughout such a weeks if you happen to’re already making plans a 2025 or 2026 holiday throughout Christmas-time…
“Entire” Christmas
Even with out the Dream Lighting fixtures and different issues which were misplaced during the last decade-plus, the vacation season is a ways and away our favourite time at Walt Disney Global. We’ve long gone into this at duration in plenty of different posts, together with our Final Information to Christmas at Walt Disney Global, so we received’t belabor the purpose.
Relating to Christmas, we adore a couple of other home windows. The primary is the very starting, ahead of any vacation crowds arrive. The issue with this week in 2025 is that simplest decorations can be up with the events beginning on the tail finish of that week, as crowds get started expanding. However once more, common Christmas leisure like Merry Menagerie, meet & greets, and extra is not going to get started till November 14, 2025.
The second one is after the week of Veterans’ Day, however ahead of Thanksgiving. This week is far better, and after the vacation season formally begins on November 14. Even so, it’s now not totally Christmas throughout them. Many lodges nonetheless aren’t decked out for the vacations, and EPCOT continues to be “celebrating” Meals & Wine Competition. This leaves the 2 weeks after Thanksgiving because the candy spot to seek advice from Walt Disney Global for a whole Christmas.
Hotel Environment
Two of the closing 3 years, I’ve stayed at All Famous person Sports activities throughout this week. Remaining yr used to be a circle of relatives go back and forth, and we did a break up keep between the DVC Cabins at Castle Desert and Port Orleans French Quarter. All of those remains had been incredible, however the only price drawing consideration to is All Famous person Sports activities.
This one is notable for the reason that starting of December was once purple flag dates at All Famous person Sports activities because of formative years carrying occasions. We made the error of staying on the All Stars as soon as throughout Pop Warner, and temporarily mentioned by no means once more. Neatly, the ‘previous days’ are over and now ESPN Vast Global of Sports activities does now not host primary formative years occasions throughout the vacations.
In each and every means, my expectancies have been exceeded. The grounds have been having a look nice, the meals court docket used to be by no means overly-crowded, and there have been by no means rowdy teams of youngsters taking part in at the soccer box. Bus carrier used to be urged, pickup instances have been correct, and it used to be simplest shared on one overdue night time getting back from Magic Kingdom. Regardless of leaving overdue, I at all times made Early Access with time to spare.
Throughout one keep at All Famous person Sports activities, I spoke with a supervisor who presented fascinating insights about lodge occupancy and development closures, which showed what I suspected in accordance with the low selection of folks out and about on the lodge. It used to be a identical tale at virtually each and every lodge I visited.
Admittedly, I intentionally didn’t do Grand Floridian or Desert Hotel throughout their ‘top’ hours when crowds have a tendency to the worst, however even the preferred Crescent Lake lodges have been lovely quiet throughout the times that I visited. As with the parks, it is a a ways cry from the scene throughout the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYE.
Decrease Costs & Higher Offers
With decrease occupancy than the height weeks of the vacation season, it will have to come as no marvel that there are higher offers available between the height weeks of the vacations slightly than throughout them.
We’re generally doing on-site remains two times throughout the vacation season at Walt Disney Global: as soon as throughout Jersey Week and the Veterans Day vacation weekend, and once more throughout this favourite week. In pricing out November 6-11, 2025 vs. November 30 to December 5, 2025, I’m seeing large worth variations.
There are some lodges that aren’t discounted in any respect throughout the primary set of dates. Against this, I see a number of availability throughout the second one set of dates, together with Deluxe Accommodations which might be over $100 off consistent with night time. (Despite the fact that we haven’t booked it but, Animal Kingdom Hotel at $146 off consistent with night time could be very tempting!) See All Present Reductions at Walt Disney Global for a take a look at the quite a lot of particular gives.
No longer simplest that, however the lodge rack charges and different costs are decrease initially than throughout Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Yr’s weeks. Should you take a look at the Most cost-effective Occasions to Cross to Walt Disney Global, you’ll see that those two weeks are the most productive of the vacation season. Nonetheless now not as little as the actual low season, however lovely shut!
Decrease Crowds & Wait Occasions
As measured by way of moderate wait instances, the weeks of Veterans Day/Jersey Week and Thanksgiving are two of the busiest weeks of the yr, at the back of simplest Presidents’ Day, Spring Wreck, once in a while Columbus Day, and the weeks of Christmas and New Yr’s Eve.
Relating to either one of those November weeks, the week-to-week drop within the following week is lovely pronounced. Specifically, crowds plummet at the Sunday after Thanksgiving and staying there for the whole lot of the following week. The week following Thanksgiving averaged a 34 minute wait time (2/10 at the crowd calendar), as in comparison to 49 mins throughout the week of Thanksgiving (10/10 at the crowd calendar). That 15 minute distinction would possibly appear insignificant, nevertheless it’s in truth large–and in reality provides up over the process an afternoon.
The next week used to be busier than early December, averaging a 40 minute wait and 5/10 crowd degree. That’s nonetheless somewhat busy as in comparison to September or Would possibly, however very manageable for the vacation season. It’s additionally skewed by way of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration dates–you’ll want to do a lot better by way of merely opting for the Highest Days of the Week to Discuss with Every Park at Walt Disney Global.
Should you’re making plans a Walt Disney Global go back and forth for 2025 or 2026, you clearly can’t rely on the ones actual numbers protecting up. Then again, that’s lovely in step with what we’ve observed in standard years for the decade or so. Most often, crowds fall off a cliff the Sunday after Thanksgiving, plateau for per week or so, after which steadily upward push within the lead-up to Christmas.
Our expectation is in truth somewhat decrease crowd ranges for the second one week of December 2025, and about the similar numbers for the week in an instant after Thanksgiving. The root for that is that wait instances had been down year-over-year at Walt Disney Global because of “revenge go back and forth” hard itself. Nonetheless, it’s exhausting to look early December bettering that a lot. It used to be already in reality just right closing yr, and is a well-liked time for annual guests.
Without reference to what else occurs, all bets are off as soon as wintry weather breaks get started. The duration between Christmas and New Yr’s Eve being one of the vital worst weeks of the yr, and issues now not in reality letting up till faculties return into consultation and Marathon Weekend concludes.
Eating Availability
We have been ready to consume in all places we needed (with the necessary caveat that many of the puts we choose aren’t probably the most highly-coveted Advance Eating Reservations), and incessantly discovered same-day ADRs or availability by the use of walk-up waitlist.
This incorporated actually no look ahead to Nomad Living room and Steakhouse 71, in addition to discovering same-day ADRs for numerous eating places. Even Fantasmic and Candlelight Processional eating applications had pop-up availability!
For the reason that we each choose extra spontaneity, this positive beats visiting throughout the height vacation weeks. Visitors doing journeys then needed to be up early to make ADRs 60+ days upfront, and a few most likely nonetheless didn’t get the whole thing they sought after. Waits for Cellular Order and Stroll-Up Waitlist also are a lot worse when it’s busier.
Lightning Lane Pricing & Availability
Throughout my seek advice from closing yr for Veterans Day, I bought Lightning Lane Multi-Cross on a number of other events. I used to be doing this “for analysis,” nevertheless it used to be however very helpful in serving to bypass heavy crowds.
Throughout our circle of relatives seek advice from in early December, we didn’t trouble with Lightning Lanes in any respect. There have been a few instances we got here to feel sorry about this, equivalent to seeking to see Dwelling with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses on the finish of the night time with an overly-tired infant, however by way of and big, it simply used to be now not important. It used to be additionally inexpensive and had higher availability, so no less than if we did wish to use it, lets’ve scored extra journey reservations at a lower price.
Suffice to mention, that’s a stark distinction to the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Yr’s Eve, when Lightning Lane availability used to be or can be a lot more restricted because of higher “festival” because of extra folks purchasing the paid FastPass carrier. Worse crowds simplest compound that, with upper wait instances and extra congestion in between Lightning Lane go back instances.
December Climate
Something I’ve discovered over the previous couple of years is that I used to be now not “constructed” for Florida warmth and humidity. To make sure, we had traveled to Walt Disney Global in each and every month and week of the yr up to now, so we knew what we have been getting ourselves into. However, lots of our transplant pals reassured us that it’s now not so unhealthy and also you get used to it. That by no means took place for us, and we discovered ourselves spending a ways an excessive amount of time indoors 8 months of the yr.
Whilst some folks seek advice from Florida for the unending summer season sunshine and heat temperatures, that’s undoubtedly now not the case for us. Our ‘candy spot’ for Florida climate is from round November till February. I can take having to put on a coat over sweating via my blouse any day of the week. You’ll be able to at all times upload layers, however there are simplest such a lot of you’ll subtract ahead of safety says, “sir, you’ll’t take off your blouse right here and this Omit Piggy fountain isn’t a water play house.” (Buzzkills.)
Whilst it’s now not at all times highest, we’ve discovered that 90% of the time, the elements in overdue November and early December is no less than temperate. Up to I like overdue August and September for low crowds, I’ll fortuitously take care of somewhat increased attendance for a lot better climate. It’s a very easy industry off for us.
Vacation Finery
I’m really not what you’d name a trendy guy in any conventional sense of the time period. GQ is probably not ringing me anytime quickly, asking the place I am getting my moisture wicking polos, quick-drying shorts, or bucket hats. In the summertime, my outfit rotation is lovely easy and restricted. Not like Sarah, who at all times appears to be like just right regardless of the season or climate, I seem like a doofus who simply emerged from the sauna throughout Florida’s 3 seasons of summer season.
Then again, roughly 75% of my cloth cabinet is sweaters and flannel shirts. It’s gotten to the purpose that I’ve been “banned” from purchasing extra blue plaid, as ‘that appears like a half-dozen shirts you already personal and will’t put on 10 months of the yr.’ It will have to cross with out announcing, however the ones aren’t the optimum outfits for Florida.
It’s an offshoot of climate, however one of the vital issues I really like about this time of yr at Walt Disney Global is that I don’t have to decorate in utilitarian clothes that appears like I’m about to move fishing. I will be able to bust out my bold sweater assortment or huge array of blue plaid shirts. Within the grand scheme of items, it’s minor, nevertheless it’s great to have pictures folks the place we each glance presentable and feature amusing outfits.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration
For years, we’ve finished the primary Mickey’s No longer So Horrifying Halloween Celebration in early August and the primary Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration in early November. Whilst I will be able to cross from 0 to 60 on the subject of coming into the vacation spirit, the similar isn’t true of everybody else.
No longer simplest is the elements (normally) higher for the December events, however the power is sort of at all times higher. Far more visitors are wearing unsightly Christmas sweaters, truthful isle onesies, vacation Spirit Jerseys, and so on. Simply because the MNSSHP is healthier in October, so too is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration nearer to Christmas. The development itself is the same, and but, higher.
It’s difficult to provide an explanation for how, however if you happen to’ve finished the primary night time of MVMCP and likewise one of the vital December dates, you realize. (We have now additionally been rained out means too time and again on the first MVMCP prior to now, and that will’ve took place once more had we attended this yr. Knock on picket, however that hasn’t took place to us in ages throughout the December dates of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration.)
Disney Jollywood Nights
It’s an overly identical tale with the Christmas celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is retiring for its 3rd yr in 2025. Disney Jollywood Nights is a vacation exhausting price ticket tournament providing a extra delicate vacation vibe, points of interest of glowing décor, sounds of contemporary beats over vintage vacation songs, tastes of craft cocktails and decadent dishes. It’s nostalgic and it’s glitz and glam galore.
To that time, Nineteen Fifties vacation apparel is really useful for this seasonal soirée and a large a part of the development would be the glamorous vibe and surroundings. Clearly, you’ll want to collect an outfit with layers that will paintings for doubtlessly scorching or chilly climate in mid-November. Or you’ll want to cross later within the month or early December when temperatures usually are cooler.
Candlelight Processional
I’m a sucker for Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. The pageantry of all of it, stunning tune, and energy put into the spectacle by way of such a lot of professional and passionate Forged Contributors. Suffice to mention, Candlelight Processional is one thing particular. From the choir to the orchestra to the conductor to the ASL interpreter, I like looking at those gifted performers give it their all. It’s a perfect custom–one began by way of Walt Disney at Disneyland and imported to EPCOT a lot later–and one thing I’m hoping by no means ends.
I’m now not in particular ‘large’ on celebrities, so the narrator issues much less to me. (If anything else, I desire one of the much less widespread ones as they draw smaller crowds in their enthusiasts.) With that mentioned, there are some I experience greater than others. I don’t wish to ‘title names’ and disparage somebody (or alienate their enthusiasts), however I’m now not in particular willing at the narrators who incessantly seem throughout this window. In all probability it’s simply my belief, however it kind of feels like Walt Disney Global books the most productive narrators in mid-to-late December.
The upside to that is low crowds for Candlelight Processional. I controlled to snag seats two times without a eating package deal and no wait in line. Certain, I used to be against the again, however I’ve observed it sufficient that I’m completely happy with simplest an ok view. No longer having to shop for a eating package deal (to not point out the strain of seeking to rating ADRs) or wait in an extended line is a greater than truthful tradeoff, from my standpoint.
It’s now not simply Candlelight Processional, although that’s what we’re emphasizing. Right here’s a rundown of the 2025 EPCOT Competition of the Vacations, from the Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth to the Vacation Storytellers round Global Exhibit to the festive meals cubicles. It’s all incredible, and we choose this tournament to the flagship Meals & Wine Competition!
In the end, it will have to be simple to look why that is our favourite week (or weeks?) of the yr at Walt Disney Global. Although wait instances for sure headliners are nonetheless top, the decrease congestion ranges as in comparison to Thanksgiving week makes a large distinction in relation to total convenience degree–and the easier climate additionally is helping! Remaining yr, the one time and position we ever noticed crowding used to be within the hub and Major Boulevard throughout Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration, however that’s about par for the path.
Should you’re recently making plans a go back and forth, our advice could be to seek advice from from November 30 via December 7, 2025. Should you’re making plans for subsequent yr, the superb dates are November 29 to December 6, 2026. That’ll virtually indisputably be the candy spot for the most productive of crowds, wait instances, climate, seasonal spirit, and so on. In recent times, Saturday hasn’t been busy both, so you’ll want to fly out on Black Friday and do your first park day on Saturday.
If we had to select a next-best set of dates from a qualitative standpoint, it’d be tricky to make a decision between December 8-14, 2025 and November 15-21, 2025 (modify the ones at some point previous for 2026 suggestions). The massive tradeoffs could be somewhat upper crowds vs. whole Christmas and doubtlessly higher climate. We’d make a selection the December dates, most commonly as a result of we’re large enthusiasts of the EPCOT Competition of the Vacations, which doesn’t get started till after Thanksgiving. Regardless, some attainable go back and forth dates to believe in your long run journeys to Walt Disney Global!
Making plans a Walt Disney Global go back and forth? Know about motels on our Walt Disney Global Accommodations Opinions web page. For the place to consume, learn our Walt Disney Global Eating place Opinions. To economize on tickets or decide which kind to shop for, learn our Pointers for Saving Cash on Walt Disney Global Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at suave pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney Global Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most productive position to start out is our Walt Disney Global Commute Making plans Information for the whole thing you want to understand!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Should you’ve finished Walt Disney Global post-Thanksgiving, what used to be your enjoy? Should you’ve visited this similar week in prior years, how do you suppose this yr compares? Ideas about the rest lined right here? Should you’re a widespread customer throughout this time-frame, what’s your tackle crowds, wait instances, seasonal spirit, climate, and many others? Agree or disagree with our overview of those two weeks as the most productive time throughout the vacation season? Any questions we will be able to allow you to resolution? Listening to your comments is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas under within the feedback!
