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

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!

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.

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.