December in Disney World is one of the BEST and WORST times to visit the parks, depending on who you talk to. Why all the controversy? Well, it’s Disney’s biggest holiday season and there’s both a lot to do and a lot of crowds to navigate. Whether you already have your holiday trip booked or you’re trying to decide if you’re really built for the busiest time of the year, here’s everything you need to know about crowds, weather, pricing, and what’s new for December 2025 in Disney World!

Disney World Events in December

December is easily one of the most event-packed months of the year. And, the best part? It’s all holiday-centered! Every single theme park and Disney Resort (and even Disney Springs!) has something festive going on, so it’s one of those seasons where you’ll truly want to try to do it all – even if it means you’re constantly busy. From special events at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to the chance to celebrate the holidays around the world at EPCOT, to a unique Christmas Tree scavenger hunt at Disney Springs, and so much more, December at Disney World is wall-to-wall celebration.

Just keep in mind that some of the biggest seasonal celebrations, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios require a separate event ticket in addition to regular park admission.

Here’s a look at what you can look forward to during your visit in December 2025:

• Christmas at Disney World: November 14th-December 31st, 2025
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: December 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 19th, and 21st, 2025
• Disney Jollywood Nights: December 1st, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th, and 22nd, 2025
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: November 28th-December 30th, 2025
• HBCU Hoops Invitational: December 4th-7th, 2025
• Holiday FestiBall: December 23rd-23rd, 2025
• Christmas Eve: December 24th, 2025
• Christmas Day: December 25th, 2025
• Disney Young Legends Soccer Tournament: December 28th-30th, 2025
• New Year’s Eve: December 31st, 2025

Be sure to check Disney’s theme park hours to see how/if any of these events will impact your park day plans.

December in Disney World Crowds

December is, without question, the busiest month of the year at Disney World. Christmas week and New Year’s Eve draw shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and some parks even reach capacity on those holidays. If you’re visiting this month, bring extra patience and expect a slower pace. The best way to take on the crowds is to arrive early, book a few must-do attractions through Disney’s Lightning Lane services to skip the lines, then let the rest be more about celebrating the holiday in Disney World and less about doing absolutely everything there is to do in Disney World. It’s more than okay to savor the season instead of trying to conquer every attraction. In fact, you’ll probably have a much better vacation doing so!

Should You Purchase Lightning Lane Services?

With the heavy crowds that come with December, this is one of those months where Disney’s Lightning Lane services can be worth the cost. If your trip is on the shorter side and you want to hit as many attractions as possible, purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Passes can make a big difference in how much you accomplish each day. On the other hand, if you’re visiting for a longer stretch and don’t mind waiting in lines, you can usually experience most of what you want without paying extra – just be ready for longer waits.

Keep in mind that Lightning Lane availability is limited, and during peak holiday weeks (especially Christmas week and New Year’s Eve), the most popular rides can sell out early. Make sure you’re ready to book as soon as your early booking window opens so you don’t miss your chance at skipping the longest lines in Disney World.

Disney World Weather in December

December in Orlando is pleasantly cool by Florida standards with mild afternoons and crisp mornings. Average highs hover in the low-to-mid 70s, while evenings can slip into the low 50s (and the occasional cold front can dip lower). Humidity is lighter than summer and rain is sporadic, but you’ll still want a plan for a quick sprinkle. Honestly, it’s fantastic park weather as long as you’re ready for temperature swings from rope drop to fireworks.

When packing, think layers. Be sure to still pack lightweight clothes for the daytime, but bring a light jacket, sweatshirt, or long pants for the mornings and evenings. You’ll also want comfortable walking shoes and a small rain jacket or poncho just in case you find yourself in the middle of a winter sprinkle.

Disney World Water Parks in December

If you’re planning to visit Disney’s water parks during your December visit, keep in mind that Blizzard Beach is closed for its annual refurbishment all month. This means that Typhoon Lagoon is your only water park open, and while the weather in December can be warm enough to enjoy a water day, it’s always good to keep an eye on the forecast. If temperatures dip too low, Disney may close Typhoon Lagoon for the day.

And, don’t forget that you can enter both water parks for FREE on the day you check-in if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel!

December in Disney World Prices

December is Disney World’s most expensive stretch of the year. When you visit, you should expect peak pricing across the board on park tickets, Disney hotels, special event tickets, and Lightning Lane services. If you’re set on spending the holidays in Disney World (which I’m a firm believer that you should at least once!), budget accordingly, price out multiple resorts, and lock in reservations early.

December 2025 Park Ticket Prices

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for a park ticket in December:

• Magic Kingdom: $179-$199
• EPCOT: $169-$194
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $179-$194
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $159-$174
• Park Hopper: $247-$266
• Park Hopper Plus: $269-$288

December 2025 Disney World Resort Hotel Prices

Here’s an overview of the average price ranges for Disney World hotels in December 2025:

• Value Resorts: $200–$350 per night
• Moderate Resorts: $360–$580 per night
• Deluxe Resorts: $720–$1,200+ per night

Be sure to check Disney’s website for exact pricing and availability for your travel dates.

December Deals and Discounts

December may be one of the most expensive times to go to Disney World, but there are still a few ways to save! All month, Disney is running special deals for Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, Military Members, and, well…everyone else on select nights!

Here’s a look at all the ways to save in December:

All Guests:

• Save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels most Sunday to Thursday nights from October 12 to November 20, 2025; and most nights from November 23 to December 25, 2025. Learn more about the deal here.

Florida Residents:

• Get specially priced 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket for admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park only for visits between October 5th through December 23rd, 2025. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
• Save on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most nights from November 16th to November 29th, 2025; and December 12th to December 25th, 2025. Get the details here.

Annual Passholders:

• Save up to 30% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most Sunday to Thursday nights from October 12th to November 20th, 2025; and most nights from November 23rd to December 25th, 2025. Get the deal here.

Military Members:

• Save on park tickets: Specially priced 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day Disney Military Salute Tickets can be purchased throughout 2025. Learn more here.
• Save on rooms at select Disney Resorts from January 1st through December 19th, 2025. Learn more here.

December Refurbishments and Closures

Disney World is always changing and some of those changes will impact attractions in December 2025. While nothing new is closing for refurbishment this month, there are a few continued closures to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip.

Here’s the full list of closures to plan for in December 2025:

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed all month, opening in 2026
• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin: Closed all month, opening in 2026
• Frontierland Train Station: Closed all month for refurbishment
• Tom Sawyer Island: Permanently closed
• Liberty Square River Boat: Permanently closed

EPCOT

No closures or refurbishments are currently scheduled for EPCOT in December 2025.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Animation Courtyard: Closed all month for refurbishment
• Disney Jr. Play and Dance!: Closed all month for refurbishment
• Muppet*Vision 3D: Permanently closed
• PizzeRizzo: Permanently closed
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy: Permanently Closed
• Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano: Permanently Closed

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Kali River Rapids: Closed all month for refurbishment, reopening in December 2025 (TBD)
• Harambe Market: Closed all month for refurbishment, reopening in early 2026
• It’s Tough To Be A Bug: Permanently Closed
• Trilo-Bites: Permanently Closed
• Dino-Bite Snacks: Permanently Closed
• The Boneyard: Permanently Closed
• TriceraTop Spin: Permanently Closed
• Fossil Fun Games: Permanently Closed
• Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures: Permanently Closed

Disney Water Parks

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park: Closed all month for refurbishment

Disney Resorts

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9AM)
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9AM)

What’s New at Disney World In December

There are a lot of new things to do in Disney World in December, especially when it comes to celebrating the holidays! Over at EPCOT, the International Festival of the Holidays features revamped Holiday Kitchens, new bites and sips, and the ever-popular Cookie Stroll. And, the can’t-miss Candlelight Processional show every evening has a rotating slate of new and returning celebrity narrators that you truly won’t want to miss when you’re visiting. It’s still one of the most moving traditions at Disney World and a worthy reason to plan an EPCOT night around showtimes (dining packages help if it’s a must-do)!

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be sure to stop by the brand new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show. This 4D attraction starring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde moved into the Tree of Life Theater last month, replacing It’s Tough To Be A Bug. It’s fast, funny, and a great thing to do when your feet are tired and you just want to sit for a little bit.

And for those attending the separately ticketed holiday parties, both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights are rolling out new entertainment, treats, and surprises for 2025. You can check out the full list of returning favorites and new additions in this year’s event guides. You can check out the full list of returning favorites and new additions in this year’s event guides here.

To learn more about what else is in store for 2025, click here!

Comments

Are you vacationing at Disney World in December? Let us know what you’re most looking forward to in the comments!