How To Enjoy the Holidays in Disney World WITHOUT a Park Ticket

The holidays have taken over Disney World. Everything in the parks has been made merry and festive.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Holiday snacks are everywhere (and no, we’re not complaining). Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights have both kicked off. The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays has started. We also just learned about some more holiday fun at Disney World — the kind of fun that does NOT require a park ticket.

These holiday happenings can be found at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts. This year, for the first time ever, you can visit an Elf Outpost. Santa’s elves have set up shop at the resorts and they’ll give you a tour, including a toy workshop with crafts and toys you can buy. There’s also a bakery where you can indulge in some free cookie decorating.

©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Another new holiday experience will be available this year, too. During Tales From the North Pole, Santa’s elves will treat you to milk and cookies, as well as a special reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” You’ll even get your own book to take home. Note that this experience does cost an additional fee.

The resorts will also be hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet and Greets, but they’ll be wearing their Florida vacation clothes. They’ll be meeting in a special tiki hut on select nights in November and December. This is a unique photo op that includes reindeer, palm trees, flamingos, and more.

©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

You’ll want to be sure to visit the lobby of the Swan Resort to check out the life-size chocolate holiday Santa scene. The display features Santa sitting in his chair, a 7-foot-tall chocolate nutcracker, a chocolate Christmas tree, and more. Note, though: don’t even THINK about eating the display because it’s 4 million calories (it’s also not available for eating).

Chocolate Santa

There will also be a dancing lights show that will transform the outdoor causeway every night into a holiday spectacle. The show will happen regularly from sunset through 10PM.

Kids worried about how Santa might find them while they’re on vacation can pick up Magic Keys that they can hang on their room door from the concierge desk. These are available through December 24th.

©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Finally, if you need to book a second room during your Disney World trip at the Swan and Dolphin, you can get up to 25 percent off with code SANTA.

Stay tuned to DFB for more!

The HUGE Mistake We See Tons of People Make During the Holidays in Disney World

DON’T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

Holidays at Disney World: DFB’s Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.

It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including:

  • The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season
  • How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!)
  • ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM.
  • And, of course, we’ll tell you where to eat!

Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB’s Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT.

Will you be staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!

The post How To Enjoy the Holidays in Disney World WITHOUT a Park Ticket first appeared on the disney food blog.