The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, and if your holiday season calls for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, planDisney is here to help you make the most of this extra magical season!

For Andrea, the jolliness begins at home as her family packs up their holiday themed Disney shirts, Mickey ear Santa caps, and everyone’s favorite illuminating Disney holiday necklaces. 

planDisney Tip: Andrea also recommends setting aside some room in a larger-than-you-need suitcase to transport a small pre-lit artificial tree or two, some additional pre-lit battery operated holiday décor, and any non-breakable Mickey Christmas decor that packs easily. By decorating your home away from home, it will feel just as festive when you return from a day of holiday park fun!

When Jessica creates her holiday itinerary she plans her day in the parks around all the can’t-miss treats that appear around this festive time of year.

“Magic Kingdom Park is my favorite place to kick-off the festive season, and I like to start my day in Adventureland with a ride on the world-famous Jungle Cruise, which becomes the “Jingle” Cruise during the holidays. After marveling at The Back Side of Water, it’s time for An Orange Bird Christmas from Sunshine Tree Terrace, my favorite exclusive treat that celebrates the sweet citrus flavors of the holiday season.”

But she’s not done there, after catching a character cavalcade through Frontierland, she reminds guests to make sure to grab the sweet spiced Let It Snow Chocolate Taco at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. And when the sun goes down, cap off your unforgettable day with the Twice Upon a Cupcake from the Main Street Bakery, which has a Hidden Mickey baked inside. According to Jessica, “it’s the perfect treat to enjoy when you’re watching the gorgeous projections on Cinderella Castle!”

Anne Marie adds that while in Magic Kingdom Park don’t miss the holiday cavalcades. In her own words, “I think I actually prefer this format better than the full Christmas parade, and I am still humming the Very Merry Christmastime parade tune! I just love how the holiday cavalcade runs during regular park hours, and more guests are able to see Santa and his dancing reindeer, the iconic toy soldiers, and of course Mickey and Minnie in their Christmas finery!”

Like Jessica, Sarah agrees food is an essential part of the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort, but her must-do tip involves a trip to EPCOT. As she and her family enjoy the decorated garland, twinkling lights and amazing wreaths, they do so while sampling the delectable cookies found on the Holiday Cookie Stroll during the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. 

planDisney Tip: Once you sample five different holiday cookies, and get your Festival Passport stamped at each location, you will be rewarded with an adorable Peppermint Minnie Cookie for finishing the challenge! It’s a great wallet-friendly activity that keeps the whole family entertained while we stroll the festival booths. 

Headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Betsy says be sure to take a moment and relax on the patio of the Nomad Lounge where you can enjoy the holiday-themed character floats. In the evening, she recommends a stroll around the park and be sure to watch the Tree of Life come alive with holiday tunes, lights, and projections.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one park Lauren enjoys even more at the holidays. She recommends dining reservation at Hollywood & Vine to eat dinner with Minnie in her holiday finest! And Andrea adds that you can’t leave this park without seeing The Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel. For her, it’s a holiday must-do!

Don’t forget Disney Springs when making your itinerary! Shopping and dining are magical, but don’t forget Santa’s Winter Watercade, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, and the Holiday Scavenger Hunt. Lauren recommends making sure to stop by for holiday inspired drinks at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs. She says the holiday décor only elevates this to a Christmas must-do!

Got more questions about planning your holiday itinerary? Open that laptop, pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa and visit planDisneypanel.com for a personalized answer to all your Disney vacation planning questions. Happy Holidays!