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Parks & Travel

How to Plan a Winter Vacation to Disney Parks

Updated November 13, 2025

Winter vacation is the new summer vacation! Whether it’s to partake in the holiday spirit, celebrate a semester’s end or just get a well-earned break from shoveling snow, the season brings plenty of reasons to visit Walt Disney World® Resort and the Disneyland® Resort. Check out the cool events happening across the parks, followed by our tips for visiting all winter long. Use your Disney® Visa® Credit Card to take advantage of special vacation financing on qualifying Disney vacation packages when planning your trip!1

Disney Holiday Tree of Life

Winter Events at the Disney Parks

Walt Disney World® Resort

Holiday Debuts You Don’t Want to Miss at Magic Kingdom® Park

At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately-ticketed event on select nights in November and December, cruise through a light-filled freeway on the Tomorrowland Speedway, and take in some laughs during a special new show at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor—all before you zoom through dazzling lights and holiday tunes at Space Mountain, and spin your teacup to holiday combos of lights and music in Fantasyland. End your day by watching the night sky light up to the tune of favorite carols during Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.

Experience the best of winter at Epcot®

Although Frozen Ever After is available to enjoy all year long, the enchanting boat ride filled with songs everyone knows by heart feels particularly perfect during the winter months. Grab some Frozen-inspired accessories to wear on the attraction and save 10% on purchases of $50 or more at select locations when you use your Disney Visa Card.23 Another adventure you don’t want to miss is the Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. This holiday special runs from November 29 – December 30 and features live musical productions, seasonal food and beverage specialties, and time-honored traditions brought to life!

Tree of Life Awakenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

You’ve never seen a tree quite like this during the holidays! Each night, the Tree of Life dazzles and shimmers through projections featuring several wintry tales, including baby animals experiencing snow for the first time. Before visiting the tree, head to Discovery Island to see a gathering of winter animal puppets and don’t forget to admire the new holiday decor in every land of the Park.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

Santa’s gone missing! Join the fun as stars of ABC’s Prep & Landing search for Santa—to rescue him and save Christmas—all while music, lasers, fireworks, scenes from classic Disney movies and even a little bit of “snow” decorate the night sky like ornaments. Mark your calendars—this nighttime spectacular runs from November 8 – January 5!

Disney Holiday Sleeping Beauty Castle

The Disneyland® Resort

From November 8, 2019 to January 6, 2020

The Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle at Disneyland® Park

‘Tis the season to deck out your home with holiday trimmings—and Sleeping Beauty is no exception! Icicles, wreaths and thousands of shimmering lights give this castle a seasonal makeover and provide Guests with a wintry welcome as they enter the Park.

Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure® Park

Get a taste of the wonderful diversity found in Southern California during Festival of Holidays! This heartwarming celebration features live entertainment, food and honored traditions from Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day.

Tasty Tidings around Festive Foods Marketplace at Disney California Adventure® Park

Let your sweet tooth celebrate, too! As part of Festival of Holidays, the multicultural cuisine brings traditional holiday dishes from around the world together into one tantalizing snow globe of deliciousness. Don’t forget to bring your Disney Rewards Redemption Card with you to redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward the purchase of your tasty tidings!4

A Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland® Park

Wave hello to a dazzling lineup of beloved Characters, from Frozen friends to Toy Story playtime pals, parading down Main Street, U.S.A. on their floats. It all culminates in a jolly and joyous appearance from Ol’ Saint Nick himself!

Meet Disney Princesses at Disneyland® Park

Winter is a good time to connect with friends—even fantastical ones! See some favorite regal moments reenacted before your eyes in Fantasyland, and enjoy photos, smiles and hugs with Princesses at Royal Hall.

Disney Holiday Grande Floridian Hotel Decorations

Tips for Winter Vacations to Disney Parks

Tip 1: Book Accommodations at a Festive Resort

At the Disney Resort Hotels and the Disneyland® Resort Hotels, the halls are all decked out with stunning displays. But, for Guests of Walt Disney World® Resort two of the most popular sights tend to be the life-sized gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the oh-so enormous Christmas tree at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Tip 2: Reserve Tickets and Dining as Soon As Possible

Make sure you maximize your stay and get the most options to choose from by reserving tickets on the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort websites as far in advance as you can. Advance reservations may vary, so be sure to make dinner reservations, purchase special event tickets, and get your parking pass ahead of time. The sooner you secure these tickets and options ahead of time, the sooner you can fully plan to make the winter season all the more pleasing! Plus, Cardmembers get 10% off at select dining locations at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort.5

Tip 3: Arrive at Disney Parks Early

The early bird gets the winter treats! Arriving as soon as the Parks open can help you enjoy some of the most popular attractions or hit up Instagram-worthy hot spots like Main Street U.S.A, Cinderella Castle or Sleeping Beauty Castle, early in the day. Also, Disneyland® Resort Hotel Guests get Extra Magic Hour, an early admission option that allows access to select attractions, stores, entertainment and dining locations in Disneyland® Park or Disney California Adventure® Park for one full hour before they open to the general public on select days. Visiting Walt Disney World® Resort and staying at a Disney Resort Hotel? With Extra Magic Hours, you can delight in select attractions and experiences while you spend extra time in one of the theme parks each day—either before it opens or after it closes!

*Must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card to enjoy Extra Magic Hour(s).

Tip 4: Pack Warm Winter Clothing

Even though the weather in Orlando and Anaheim is warmer than most of the country, it is still winter after all! Make sure to stay warm in the early morning and evenings by packing a jacket, hat and gloves. Stock up on festive gear at shopDisney.com or shop for some spirited winter gear at the Parks! Cardmembers, warm up to your shopping by using your Disney Visa Credit Card to save 10% off select merchandise at Disney store or shopDisney.com or 10% off purchases of $50 or more at select locations around the Parks.6

Cardmembers, remember to book your travel with your Disney Visa Credit Card for special vacation financing!1 Learn all about the flurry winter festivities at Walt Disney World® Resort and the Disneyland® Resort and turn your winter into a wonder!

Parks, attractions and Resort offerings subject to availability, restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.

Related Posts

NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more

1Special Vacation Financing

Get special vacation financing on select Disney Resort packages, all Adventures by Disney® packages, National Geographic Expeditions, all AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i vacation packages, and all Disney Cruise Line packages (collectively, Disney Vacation Packages). Disney Vacation Packages must be booked by you through the Walt Disney Travel Company, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc., online at Disney sites or through other eligible travel agents or sites, and charged to your Disney Visa Credit Card prior to commencement of your vacation. Other restrictions and exclusions apply. New Applicants: Please refer to the applicable Pricing & Terms for pricing details: Disney Inspire Visa Card pricing↗; Disney Premier Visa Card pricing↗; Disney Visa Card pricing↗. If you received an offer in the mail, please refer to the Pricing & Terms included with that offer. You will receive complete terms and conditions for this offer once you become a cardmember. Existing Cardmembers: For complete details please refer to your Cardmember Agreement.

2Disney Theme Park & Resort Perks

Offers and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase to receive special offers. Merchandise discount may not be available for certain items and at certain locations including Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort. To receive a merchandise discount, you must mention the specific offer. For entry into the Disney, Heroic Encounter or Star Wars Cardmember Photo Opportunities, you must present your valid Disney Visa Card. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Minimum purchase and/or separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Offers are for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold. Chase is not responsible or liable for fulfillment of these Disney Theme Park and Resort perks.

3Merchandise Savings at Disney Theme Parks & Resorts

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase and mention this offer. Discount is not valid on previous purchases or on purchases of the following: ticket media, Disney Gift Cards, Theme Park admission, arcades, tobacco, alcohol, outdoor vending (e.g., in-Park balloon vendors, glow vendors), Add-a-Dollar (Disney Conservation Fund), postage stamps, rentals (e.g., strollers, ECVs), personalization, Lightning Lane Single Pass, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Disney PhotoPass® purchases (e.g., purchases through any application, website or onsite sales location), Disney PhotoPass+, Disney PhotoPass+ One Day and Disney PhotoPass+ One Week, Memory Maker and Memory Maker One Day, Capture Your Moment and other photo sessions requiring reservations, select print packages, original or consignment art, select limited editions, select collectibles, select specialized toys, select specialty items (including, without limitation, one-of-a-kind art, Disney-branded original art, celebrity memorabilia, framed Disney Dollars, Artist Sketch Program, framed Disney Gift Cards, framed ticket media, Walt Disney Classics Collection, handmade products (physically touched by an artist/vendor) and artist-signed Vinylmation), purchase-with-purchase offers, select reusable shopping bags, newspapers/periodicals, books, sundries, pantry/prepared foods, kitchen products, digital/video/disposable cameras, consumer electronics (including, without limitation, DVDs, CDs, and software media), Guerlain treatments and cosmetics, Lladró®, Swarovski® Crystal, Tiffany & Co.® Jewelry, Bvlgari®, handmade items, special orders, live auction artwork, select product launches, select premium branded items, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (at Walt Disney World® Resort and onboard Disney Cruise Line), Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, and Droid Depot packages, phone, internet, email or mail order purchases, shipping or taxes. Discount is not available at the following locations at the Disneyland® Resort: Games of Pixar Pier, Silhouette Studio, Portrait Artists, face painting locations, letter brush art locations, any other locations that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Disneyland® Resort except for Arribas Brothers Crystal Shops (Crystal Arts and Cristal d’Orleans), or at any Downtown Disney® District location other than Curl Surf, World of Disney® Store, Disney Home, WonderGround Gallery, Marceline’s Confectionery, Disney’s Pin Traders, The Disney Dress Shop, Avengers Reserve, Disney Storyland Boutique, Disney Wonderful World of Sweets and Star Wars™ Trading Post. Discount is not available at the following locations at Walt Disney World® Resort: games, Cast Connection, Disney’s Character Premiere, Disney’s Character Warehouse or Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World® Resort, except for ALOHA Collection, Arribas Brothers locations (Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Crystal Arts stores and kiosks), Balocoloc Venetian Masks at La Gemma Elegante, Basin®, Basin White®, The Boathouse, Chapel Hats, Columbia Sportswear Company, Crown & Crest, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, Frontera Cucina, Joffrey’s coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s, Just Fun Socks, Levi’s®, Luxury of Time, M&M Store, Sanuk, Shop for Ireland at Raglan Road™, Sperry, Stance, and Sugarboo & Co. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise.

4Disney Rewards Dollars

Disney Rewards Dollars are subject to the Disney Rewards Dollars Terms and Conditions for Disney Visa Credit Cards available at DisneyRewards.com/Terms.

5Dining Savings at Disney Parks & Resorts

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible food and beverages, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, select new food and beverage offerings, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card at time of purchase for full amount of purchase. Discount valid at the following Walt Disney World® Resort restaurant locations: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas: Boma – Flavors of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place (see restrictions), and Sanaa; Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Beaches and Cream and Cape May Cafe; Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas: Flying Fish (see restrictions); Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Sebastian’s Bistro; Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Steakhouse 71; Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Three Bridges Bar & Grill and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood; Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Citricos (see restrictions), Grand Floridian Cafe, and Narcoossee’s (see restrictions); Disney’s Old Key West Resort: Olivia’s Cafe; Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Kona Cafe; Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: Boatwrights Dining Hall; Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: The Turf Club Bar and Grill; Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Whispering Canyon Cafe; Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Ale & Compass Restaurant and Yachtsman Steakhouse; Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: Tiffins; Disney’s Hollywood Studios®: Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and The Hollywood Brown Derby (see restrictions); EPCOT®: Biergarten Restaurant (see restrictions), Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Rose & Crown Dining Room, and Spice Road Table; Magic Kingdom® Park: Crystal Palace, Diamond Horseshoe, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Plaza Restaurant, and Tony's Town Square Restaurant. For locations where it is noted to see restrictions, the discount does not apply to the following dates: 11/27/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/28/2025, 12/29/2025, 12/30/2025, 12/31/2025, 1/1/2026, 1/2/2026, 2/13/2026, 2/14/2026, 2/15/2026, 4/3/2026, 4/4/2026 and 4/5/2026. Discount valid at the following Disneyland® Resort restaurant locations, subject to location availability: Disneyland® Park: Cafe Orleans, Carnation Café, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Plaza Inn, River Belle Terrace, Royal Street Veranda, and Troubadour Tavern; Disney California Adventure® Park: Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Paradise Garden Grill, Sonoma Terrace, Studio Catering Co., and Wine Country Trattoria; Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa: GCH Craftsman Bar and Storytellers Café; Disneyland® Hotel: Goofy’s Kitchen and Palm Breeze Bar. Discount valid at the following Disney’s Vero Beach Resort restaurant location: Wind & Waves Grill. Subject to restaurant availability, operating hours and closures. Reservations may be required. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold.

6Merchandise Savings at Disney Store

10% Off Purchases for Disney Visa Cardmembers Promotion Restrictions: Valid on select, in-stock merchandise purchased at Disney Store and Disney Outlet Store locations in the U.S., and at DisneyStore.com (online or via phone orders). Not valid on purchases made at Disney Parks and Resorts locations or on Disney Store merchandise purchased from other retailers or using third party websites. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as the form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase and mention this offer in-store or enter the promo code DRVCMEMBER online, prior to checkout, into the "Add Promotion Code" area and click the "Apply" button. Offer excludes sales tax, shipping & handling charges, gift wrap & gift box charges, personalization charges, Disney Theme Park Tickets, Disney Gift Cards, Disney+ Gift Cards, art & collectibles, books, electronic toys, limited edition & special edition merchandise, items related to a charitable promotion, items from the following brands and collections: Barefoot Dreams, BaubleBar, Bluey, Columbia, CRISLU, D23 Merchandise, Define Me, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings Rings, Doorables, Harveys, Hasbro Marvel Legends & Star Wars: The Black Series, Hasbro Youth Toys, Havaianas, Hot Toys, Janie & Jack, LEGO, Lilly Pulitzer, Lionel, Lorcana, Mattel, Milk Snob, Monica + Andy, PANDORA, Pandora® Jewelry, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Pleasing, Project Orange, Robosen, Royal Selangor, RSVLTS, Sigma Beauty, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Legacy Lightsaber Hilts, select Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge merchandise, Steiff, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Vera Bradley. Additional exclusions may apply. Visit DisneyStore.com/DRVCPerkDetails for the most current list of exclusions and any updates to these offer terms. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, except available shipping offers. No adjustments to prior purchases. Valid packing slip or receipt required for returns or exchanges, which will be subject to discount taken at the time of purchase. Offer subject to restrictions and to change without notice. Promotion may not be redeemed for cash, sold, or altered. Internet distribution is strictly prohibited. Use of offer or Promotion Code DRVCMEMBER constitutes acceptance of these offer terms. Void where prohibited. Chase is not responsible or liable for fulfillment of this offer.

7$300 Disney Gift Card eGift with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Upon approval of your Disney Inspire Visa Card application, you will be sent your Disney Gift Card eGift via email within hours to any valid email address. The Disney Gift Card eGift can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store locations in the U.S., DisneyStore.com, and Adventures by Disney®. Disney Gift Card eGifts are redeemable for goods and services at participating Disney locations. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not refundable or redeemable for cash unless required by law. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not for resale. Disney Gift Card eGifts are issued by, and represents a legal obligation solely of, Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Lost, damaged or stolen Disney Gift Card eGifts may be replaced only if original email and complete card number are provided. For Disney Gift Card eGift balance inquiries, call 1-877-650-4327 or visit DisneyGiftCard.com. For complete terms and conditions (including arbitration agreement), visit DisneyGiftCard.com. The value of this offer or program may result in miscellaneous income received from Chase and we may be required to send you, and file with the IRS, a Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information) or Form 1042-S (Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding) for the year in which you participate and are awarded the benefits of the offer/program. You are responsible for any tax liability related to participating in the offer/program. Please consult your own tax advisor if you have any questions about how this could affect your taxes. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. If your account is not open for at least 6 months, Chase and Disney reserve the right to cancel the Disney Gift Card eGift.

8$300 Statement Credit with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Offers may vary and may not be available through all application methods when applying for the Disney Visa Credit Cards. In some instances, an application may require additional time to process. To qualify and receive your $300 statement credit, you must make Purchases totaling $1,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. After qualifying, please allow up to 8 weeks for your credit to appear in your statement.

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