Parks & Travel

5-Step Guide to Planning a Disney Resort Stay for the Holidays

The holiday season provides a time to reflect on what matters: our loved ones, the moments we share and the memories we make. And family vacations at Disney Resorts provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate together in world-class comfort. As you plan for a special holiday season, follow these steps to help enhance the experience even further, getting the most value from your Disney® Visa® Credit Card along the way.

1. Find the perfect lodging.

A vacation at a Disney Resort is a gift in itself. There are different hotel rooms, suites and villas for every preference and style—with unique amenities, dining and recreation opportunities, including pools. And they’re all near the parks, with convenient transportation to get there! Plus, Disney Resort hotel lobbies will have festive holiday decor. Check out some of the most popular lodging options at Walt Disney World® Resort:

Cardmembers, as you plan your getaway, remember that you can take advantage of special vacation financing to book select vacation packages with your Disney Visa Card!1

2. Plan ahead for festive surprises.

‘Tis the season for special treats! Pack a few fun extras in your bag—maybe some stuffed stockings or delightful decorations—to liven up your resort stay. Those little touches are sure to make your family smile, and you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward them when you shop at Disney store or shopDisney.com.2

3. Don’t forget to make reservations for merry meals.

It’s always a good call to book ahead and reserve meals at Disney Resorts restaurants, especially during the holiday season. Check out our Disney Rewards dining guide for inspiration, and here’s a sampling of some of the most popular dining destinations:

  • Sanaa – African cuisine with Indian flavors and a breathtaking view of the Sunset Savanna are all part of the experience at this dining destination at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.
  • Whispering Canyon Cafe – Hearty skillets and down-home tastes combine with lively entertainment and colorful personalities at this one-of-a-kind eatery at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!
  • The Wave… of American Flavors – A whole ocean of Americana options and dazzling style awaits at the signature restaurant of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Cardmembers, you can savor special savings when you dine using your Disney Visa Card for 10% off at these select locations and more!34

4. Staying in a deluxe villa? Get ready to cook up family fun.

If you’re getting cozy in one of the Disney Resort deluxe villas, the accommodations include a kitchen—the perfect opportunity to cook and make precious memories together! Why not bake some cookies or warm up with our themed hot cocoa DIY? And remember to use your Disney Visa Card to earn Disney Rewards Dollars when you make grocery store purchases.2

5. Prepare for a magical time at the Parks.

Staying close to the Parks is one of the best parts of a Disney Resort hotel stay. Along with all the incredible sights and beloved attractions you treasure year-round, the activities, treats and décor for the holidays give each of the Parks a special atmosphere to enjoy.

This year, you’ll need to make your Parks reservations in advance, so plan ahead and save your spot! Check for the latest updates on Resort services and Parks information at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Make your list and check it twice to start prepping for some unforgettable cheer to end the year. Cardmembers: Whether you’re relaxing in a Disney Resort or another hotel, or having a festive day at the Parks, make the most of your experience with your vacation perks. Happy holidays!


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.

2Existing Cardmembers Disney 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.

3Disney 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.

4Dining Savings at Walt Disney World® Resort

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 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. 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.

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