Last Minute Tips for Visiting Disney World in December

December is such an amazing time to visit Walt Disney World.  The theme parks and resorts are all decked out in their full Christmas glory and there is special holiday entertainment in each park.  We’ve compiled a few tips to help you have a Better Mouse Trip.

1.  Have a good theme park touring plan.   Touring plans will literally cut hours out of the time you spend in line each day.  Since your trip is coming up quickly, we recommend www.touringplans.com – the subscription is only $10.95 and you can print their excellent touring plans at home or use their smart phone app.   We provide a subscription for free when you book your Disney vacation through Build A Better Mouse Trip.
2. Arrive at the Theme Parks at least 15 minutes prior to park opening!  The parks are at their least crowded in the first hour or two of the day.   It is so much better to arrive early and take a mid-day break than to arrive late and get in line behind everyone else.
3. Avoid early Character Breakfasts – I don’t want you in a restaurant when the crowds are low, just to leave and get in line when the crowds are building.   Get a late (brunch) seating or, better yet, book Character lunches or Dinners – you’ll enjoy the lower morning crowds in the parks and then sit down to eat when you’re ready for a break.
4. Magic Kingdom opens to everyone (not just Disney resort guests) at 8:00AM on Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16 – 31. Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens to everyone at 8:00AM on December 18 – 31. These early mornings mean Disney expects crowds so get there when the park opens and enjoy short lines, then take a mid-day break when the crowds build.
5. Avoid Extra Magic Hours like the plague during peak travel times (when schools are out for Christmas) – the Extra Magic Hour park will be the most crowded park of the day and that morning extra magic hour means getting up painfully early.   Go to a less crowded park.   The only exception & only if you have Park Hopper Tickets – adults and teens with park hopper tickets can enjoy the evening extra magic hours but know that they’ll be crowded and know that you’ll be tired the next day.
6. Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade at the Magic Kingdom will have 2 parades on December 3, 10, 17, 19 – 31.  If you can stay up later, the second parade is always a lot less crowded than the first one.
7. Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have 2 performances on December 1 – 6, 9 – 25.  They’ll have 3 performances on December 26 – 31.   The latest performance will always be the least crowded.   December 18 – 31 only, Disney has a great new Fantasmic Dining Experience picnic meal option.  See: http://bit.ly/tw4zRJ
8. Avoid Magic Kingdom and Epcot on Christmas & New Year’s Eve.  These parks will be crazy busy those days.  Animal Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be less crowded.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
9. Go to Quick-service restaurants at non-standard times – During Christmas break, try to eat lunch around 11:00AM and dinner around 4:00 – 4:30PM; you’ll enjoy shorter lines at the counter and have an easier time finding a table.
10. Book your December Disney vacation through Build A Better Mouse Trip – we’re experts at planning great trips on short notice and will help with your itinerary, dining and touring plans to help you have a great vacation.

FYI: 

• Our December newsletter – with more Disney World crowd warnings, ride closures, special events, and info: http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/monthly-newsletters.php#december
• All of the Disney World Resort Hotels now have nightly outdoor movies.  You can see the movie schedules here: http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php

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