Of course, Christmas at Disney World is busy. Expect crowds, longer wait times, and packed evenings—especially Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s. But don’t stress. With a few simple planning tips, you can enjoy the magic and stay ahead of the rush.

Whether you’re planning a trip in 2025 or looking ahead, the holidays at Disney World are truly unforgettable and one of those bucket-list experiences that feel straight out of a holiday movie. This post is updated yearly!

The holidays at Disney World are special! Every square inch of the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs is transformed. This year, the celebration begins at the start of November and continues through New Year’s Day. Highlights include the Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Holidays at Disney World – FAQ

Christmas at Disney is the most popular time of the year. Millions of people visit, and planning your trip can feel overwhelming. We’ll dive into important details and dates below, but here’s a summary of the most frequently asked questions. Be sure to scroll through all of Disney planning posts for our favorite food, ways to save money, and more!

When Does Disney World Decorate For Christmas?

• The festivities kick off this year on November 14th, 2025. Expect Disney World to begin decorating for Christmas on this date, with completion at all four parks and resorts by the end of the month. Magic Kingdom decorations typically start even earlier!

Is Disney World Open On Christmas Day?

• It sure is! Check out the Disney park calendar for updated opening and closing times for each park!

What Time Are The Fireworks at Magic Kingdom

• Disney has confirmed changes to this year’s holiday fireworks schedule. Here’s what we know:
  • Now through December 20th: Happily Ever After Fireworks at 9:00 PM (for ALL guests – excluding MVMCP nights)
  • November 7th – December 21st: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 10:00 PM (limited to MVMCP guests)
  • December 22nd – December 29th: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 8:30 PM (for ALL Magic Kingdom guests)
  • December 30th and December 31st: Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks (for ALL Magic Kingdom guests)
  • January 1st, 2026: Happily Ever After returns at 9:00 PM for all!

If you are curious about the weather, crowd levels, and other logistics this time of year, refer back to our December post.

Related: Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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Magic Kingdom Holiday Happenings

There’s nothing quite like Magic Kingdom at Christmas! From the moment you set foot on Main Street USA, you are immersed in the magic of Christmas!

• Jungle Cruise gets a Christmas makeover and is transformed into the Jingle Cruise, decked out in holiday decor! 
• Cinderella Castle will display very merry projections with special Frozen guests, Main Street is gussied up with trimmings, and several of the rides get a dash of the Christmas spirit with Yuletide overlays (like the fan-favorite “Jingle Cruise!”)
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Dates: November 7th to December 21st, 2025 ) – The aptly named “holly, jolly event” is returning this year! Celebrate the most magical time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth! Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, photo opportunities with characters dressed in their finest holiday attire, a festive parade, and a fireworks display.

Christmas at EPCOT

Throughout the World Showcase, enjoy festive performances and storytellers sharing their country’s traditions. There will also be an overlay at EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with holly jolly tunes! Other attractions will also receive holiday makeovers, such as Living with the Land.

• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays ( Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025 ) – Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays! Enjoy savory and sweet treats, storytelling from special visitors, and the ever-popular Candlelight Processional.
• Candlelight Processional (Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025 ) – Every night, a celebrity narrator, along with a 50-piece live orchestra and choir, visits the World Showcase to retell the biblical story of Christmas. This event is performed at three different times: 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM. As a huge fan favorite, plan to arrive early or consider booking a dining package to secure a prime spot!

Related: Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition

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Hollywood Studios Holiday Happenings

Holidays happenings start on November 14th and run through December 30, 2025, at Hollywood studios. Characters make an appearance around the park in holiday attire, and there are several shows and events to get you in the Christmas spirit!

• Sunset Seasons Greetings returns as The Hollywood Tower Hotel is transformed nightly with holiday projections. It’s AMAZING!  , and turns the spooky hotel into a merry image!
• Keep your eye out for Santa Claus, as he is often spotted riding down Hollywood Boulevard in his red convertible. Disney characters will also get into the holiday spirit, like Andy’s toys in Toy Story Land and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, who gives a special cheery finale at the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
• If you want to have a merriful meal, try Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine! Characters don their Christmas outfits, seasonal tunes are played, and the restaurant features a special Yuletide menu. As always, we recommend making a reservation, as this is a popular dining location during the holidays.

Holiday Happenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom parks transform during the holiday season, which runs from November 14th through December 30, 2025. With festive Tree of Life awakenings at night and Merry Menagerie appearance on Discovery Island, the holiday spirit is all around the park!

• Animal Kingdom brings the merriness with winter white decorations and glowing luminaries throughout the park. Guests can also meet Santa Claus at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party located on the patio at Restaurantosaurus! At night, The Tree of Life’s Awakenings projection show gets a makeover with a shimmering holiday edition.
• Be sure to include the Merry Menagerie in your itinerary! This charming event features beautiful artisan puppets of arctic critters strolling throughout Discovery Island. Check the My Disney Experience app, pick up a Times Guide, or ask a Cast Member for the exact times.

Christmas at Disney Springs

It is a holiday party at Disney Springs during Christmastime! Festivities include live performances, DJs spinning merry tracks, toy soldiers on slits, and snowflake skaters. It even SNOWS in the evenings! Plus, guests can meet Santa at Pin Trader’s and send letters to Santa at Once Upon a Toy.

• The ever-popular Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is returning this year from November 13th, 2025, through January 4th, 2026! Pick up a map and look for the incredibly themed Christmas trees throughout the different areas of Disney Springs. Once you spot one, be sure to mark it on your map with a coordinating sticker. Once completed, head to the redemption location for your free reward! Click here for updates on map locations.
• The overlays don’t stop at the parks! Head to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to see its transformation and indulge in the holiday menu. Other Disney Springs restaurants will also feature specialty items and decor.

Holidays at Disney World Resorts

One of our favorite (and free!) holiday traditions is strolling the Walt Disney World Resort hotels to marvel at their impressive decorations. You’ll find grand holiday trimmings, incredible Christmas trees, gingerbread creations, ornaments, bows, ribbons—you name it!

• Don’t forget about Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin! Santa claimed it as his “favorite resort” last year, and they even had the world’s LARGEST chocolate Santa! 
• Head off the beaten path to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds to find incredible Disney World Christmas decorations designed by GUESTS! Campers put on quite the holiday spectacle with decorated golf carts, RVs, and campsites. While you are there, stop by Tri-Circle-D Ranch and visit the horse stables!

Important! As Disney World continues to crack down on parking at Disney resorts, you may experience issues getting in. We have a dedicated post to parking around Disney property, which we keep updated as Disney changes its rules.

Related: Monorail Resort Hopping: Lounges, Food & More

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From Cuban sandwiches to a Reuben sandwich piled high with corned beef, these are our favorite sandwiches at Disney World from our most recent trip in 2025. The Pepito de Ternera steak sandwich at Pepe by José Andrés in Disney Springs was life-changing and is now a Disney must on every trip!

You may also like our top five salads and this round-up of totchos (aka crispy deliciousness). They’re a good balance of healthy and indulgent meals. If you are traveling on a budget, these cheap Disney quick-service meals are for you, as well as the most inexpensive way to do Disney!

Over the years, we’ve eaten countless sandwiches at Disney World, with a lot of hits and misses. In this post, I’m sharing our absolute favorites. The ones we’re still thinking about and can’t wait to have again. Searching for the best Disney World food is my favorite part of planning a trip, so grab your pen and paper and jot down the ones you want to try!

There is fantastic food to be had at quick-service restaurants, so please don’t be mistaken into thinking you have to go to expensive table-service restaurants to find it. I’ve already posted many of our favorite dishes from quick-service restaurants and kiosks, but in this post, sandwiches get all the attention. We were truly blown away by some of the sandwiches on this list!

Best Disney World Food – Sandwich Edition

Since Disney is constantly changing things, it’s impossible to keep up with current offerings and menu changes, so I’ve included links to each eatery so you can confirm the menu item is still available. I can’t stress enough how important it is to check the menus online (or in the My Disney Experience app) before your trip. Even as I was making this list, I had to cross two sandwiches off because they are no longer available.

Pepito de Ternera $18.00

Pepe by José Andrés

• Location: Disney Springs > West Side
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner (days vary)
• Pepe by José Andrés Menu

I’m starting the series with the Pepito de Ternera at Pepe by José Andrés. This is the sandwich I have not stopped thinking about. It begins with Pan de Cristal bread (also known as “glass bread”), a thin, airy, and chewy bread with a light, crispy exterior. The filling is shaved ribeye steak with caramelized onions, cheese, roasted green peppers, and a mayonnaise mustard sauce. This sandwich is decadent, well-balanced, and an absolute flavor bomb. If you add any sandwich on this list to your must-try list, this one needs to be on it!

Ronto Morning Wrap $12.99

Ronto Roasters

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch
• Ronto Roasters Menu

The breakfast wrap at Ronto Roasters is unique, flavorful, and a great way to start the day. The pita bread is soft and tender, stuffed with an egg patty, a generous-sized sausage link, and an excessive amount of cheese. The egg patty is tender and fluffy without being overcooked. The sausage is savory and juicy, with the perfect snap. The cheese is just meh, but the creamy peppercorn sauce was a flavor bomb. Ask for extra on the side!

Ronto Wrap $13.99

Ronto Roasters

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch
• Ronto Roasters Menu

As delicious as the breakfast version is, the lunch version of the Ronto Wrap is even better! I’m a sucker for slaw on a sandwich. It adds flavor and crunch, helping cut through the fattiness of the sausage. Again, we’re starting with warm, chewy pita bread, then filling it with a tangy slaw, grilled pork sausage, and the same peppercorn sauce served on the breakfast version. This is savory, flavorful, and filling!

Holiday Turkey $9.49

Earl of Sandwich

• Location: Disney Springs > Marketplace
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Earl of Sandwich Menu

If we’re talking about the best food in Disney World, thousands would agree that the Holiday Turkey sandwich deserves mention. It tastes like Thanksgiving leftovers but better. All of the sandwiches at Earl’s start with their famous bread, which is soft and fluffy with a tender crust. The filling includes roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise. It’s savory, saucy, and delicious. A side of tomato soup is a must!

Cuban Sandwich $12.99

Backlot Express

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Echo Lake
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch
• Backlot Express Menu

If you’re obsessed with Cuban sandwiches like me, you’ll appreciate that they’re having a moment at Disney World. This was very good, and although there was a little too much cheese for my liking, I would order it again. The pork was tender, smoky, and plentiful, with just the right amount of ham, pickle, and Dijon. I love that it comes with plantain chips, which are a nice change from the standard Disney served everywhere else.

Croissant Salé $9.75

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Location: EPCOT > World Showcase > France
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu

Some of the best food at Disney World can be found at quick-service restaurants, and Les Halles is one of the best! The menu is extensive, and there’s something for everyone. It’s also one of the few places in the World Showcase where you can get breakfast before 9 AM. The Croissant Salé at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is perfect and straightforward with a soft, flaky croissant, buttery eggs, thinly sliced crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s warm, savory, and a must for us on every trip. 

Everything Bagel Sandwich $9.29

BoardWalk Deli

• Location: Disney Boardwalk
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• BoardWalk Deli Menu

The Everything Bagel sandwich at Boardwalk Deli is a basic bagel breakfast sandwich, which isn’t a bad thing. For just $8.99, an everything bagel is filled with cage-free eggs, a sausage patty, cheddar cheese, and an everything bagel, plus an additional side. The sides change, but the day we went, our choices were a side of bacon, an apple, a banana, or an orange. Fresh fruit as a side can be enjoyed later in the day or taken back to your room. This is filling and flavorful!

Warm Corned Beef Reuben $15.19

BoardWalk Deli

• Location: Disney Boardwalk
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• BoardWalk Deli Menu

If you want a great Reuben sandwich that can easily be shared between two people, head to Disney’s Boardwalk Deli! Marbled rye bread is filled with a generous amount of savory, succulent corned beef, sauerkraut, and a zippy thousand island dressing. It’s big, messy, and wonderful! At $10.69, this is one of the best values on Disney property, and you get a side. The sandwich is 90% pure protein from the corned beef, making it filling and very satiating.

BBQ Brisket Melt $13.99

Woody’s Lunch Box

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Toy Story Land
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Woody’s Lunch Box Menu

I was so excited to try the BBQ Brisket Melt at Woody’s Lunchbox. It has been on my radar for several years, and it didn’t disappoint. The beef was tender and flavorful with the perfect amount of barbecue sauce. I don’t love barbecue sauce, so I was worried there would be too much. There wasn’t. The sandwich is grilled with both cheddar and Monterey Jack on sourdough bread. I loved the textures of the chewy beef, crispy bread, and gooey cheese. So good! This was in January, so we chose tomato soup for dipping. You’ll want to add this to your list of the best food at Disney World to try!

Sausage, Egg & Cheddar Sandwich $8.99

Earl of Sandwich

• Location: Disney Springs > Marketplace
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Earl of Sandwich Menu

There aren’t many breakfast spots at Disney Springs, so I was excited to learn that Earl of Sandwich had some new breakfast options, including sandwiches, potato bowls, and burritos. This was the sausage, egg, and cheddar breakfast sandwich. One of the things I love about Earl’s is that you can customize most of their menu items, so we added tomato, avocado, and red onion. I’m a savory breakfast girl, so this hit the spot. Mobile ordering is not available in the My Disney Experience app, but it is available on their website, which is what we used.

Breakfast Cuban $9.49

Spyglass Grill

• Location: Caribbean Beach Resort
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Spyglass Grill Menu

The breakfast Cuban at Spyglass Grill was a pleasant surprise on the last day of our trip. The sandwich consists of slow-roasted pork, ham, eggs, and Swiss cheese, grilled on what appeared to be ciabatta, served with breakfast potatoes, for $8.99. There are not enough good things to say about the sandwich! It was well-balanced, flavorful, and perfectly pressed. My only complaint was the potatoes, which seemed old and had an old, chewy texture. The same sandwich is served on the lunch and dinner menu, minus the egg.

Turkey and Brie Croissant $14.00

Amorette’s Patisserie

• Location: Disney Springs > Town Center
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch, Dinner
• Amorette’s Patisserie Menu

As soon as I saw the new croissant sandwiches at Amorette’s, I couldn’t wait to try them! The sandwich starts with a croissant bun and features three different fillings. We chose the roasted turkey breast, brie, pepper bacon, arugula, spiced walnuts, and garlic-herb cheese spread. My husband wasn’t thrilled about the walnuts, but wow, what a unique little addition. I LOVED them! The croissant itself is tender, flaky, and not at all dry. I highly recommend! My only note is that I would have liked more garlic-herb spread and would ask for that next time. The other two options are ham and cheese or chicken salad.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best Disney World food – sandwich edition! If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

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The holiday season at Disney World is busy with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Jolly Nights, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, and so much more. In this post, we’re sharing everything you need to know, along with our own tips. We’ve learned a lot over the years we’ve visited!

 Depending on your dates, our tips for visiting in November and New Year’s at Disney may be helpful!

Disney knows how to celebrate the holidays, but you might not realize that you don’t have to go during Christmas time to enjoy all the festivities! As we discussed in this post, Disney celebrates the holiday season from early November through the end of the year!

In this post, we’ll discuss what you can expect at Disney World in December, as well as the sweet spot when you can take advantage of all the Christmas festivities with fewer crowds! From the decorations and events to seasonal food and resort happenings, it’s truly magical and worth experiencing at least once.

Disney World in December

Since the weather is one of the best things about visiting in December, let’s start there! Good news – hurricane season is officially over, which means less rain and humidity! I grew up in Florida, and there are very few months when the weather is as perfect as it is in December. There will be a chill in the air in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures averaging from highs in the 70s°F to lows in the 50s°F.

Bring a light jacket and plan to wear layers. If it’s a sunny day, you may still feel warm in the afternoon, but it’s nothing like the intense heat I call the death rays of summer. That said, Central Florida weather can be unpredictable. For years, we visited during December and saw temperatures as low as the 40s° and as high as the mid-80s°. Check the weather right up until the day before you leave to avoid frantically buying a new wardrobe because the weather changed, and yes, that’s happened to us! 

Related Planning Posts

We have dozens of posts to help with your Disney trip planning. The list below serves as a great starting point, featuring some of our Disney must-dos, favorite Disney snacks, budget-friendly options, and best times to visit.

• Best Salads At Disney 2025
• Drury Hotel Disney Springs Full Review
• Renting A Pontoon Boat At Disney World
• Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps
• Polite Pig Disney Springs Review
• Disney Springs Happy Hours
• Resort Hopping At Disney World

December Crowds

While there are some pockets of slower times, overall, we expect elevated crowds across Disney World in December. It shouldn’t be surprising that crowds will reach their highest peak the week of Christmas and New Year’s Day. After all, this is notoriously Disney’s most attended time of year! 

If you are looking for the lowest crowds, try the first week of December. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas break is lovely because most families do not take time off work or school. You can enjoy Christmas magic at Disney before the crowds arrive.

Once the second half of the month hits, expect crowds to skyrocket. Although this may seem stressful (and it can be!), with the right mindset, it can be a truly enjoyable experience. Both guests and Cast Members are in the holiday spirit and tend to be more tolerant of longer wait times and crowded spaces. 

December Events at Walt Disney World

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Dates: November 7th to December 21st, 2025
The aptly named “holly, jolly event” is returning this year! Celebrate the most magical time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth! Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, photo opportunities with characters dressed in their finest holiday attire, and a festive parade and fireworks display. This is one of the most popular events at Disney World in December!

Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
Dates: November 8th to December 22nd, 2025
Jollywood Nights is returning for a second year! Step into a shimmering holiday scene with glitz and glamour! This holiday extravaganza is a separately ticketed event held on select nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Enjoy exclusive entertainment, food offerings, specially-curated holiday beverages, and the return of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit this link.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025
Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays! Enjoy savory and sweet treats (like my personal favorite, the Holiday Cookie Stroll), storytelling from special guests, and the ever-popular Candlelight Processional. 

New Year Celebrations
Dates: December 30th and 31st, 2025
Celebrate 2025 with memory-making fireworks displays at both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT! Although subject to change, Magic Kingdom typically hosts two nights of its celebratory show “Fantasy in the Sky.” As for EPCOT, expect several dance parties throughout the World Showcase on New Year’s Eve, December 31st. Then, it is time to count down to the New Year with “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration.” Hollywood Studios also gets into the festivities with a DJ dance party that has guests grooving into the New Year! 

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• Disney Junior Soccer Showcase (November 28th – December 30th, 2025)
• Disney Boy Soccer Showcase (December 28th – December 30th, 2025)

Tips For Visiting Disney World In December

• Don’t miss the Christmas tree stroll at Disney Springs, which runs from November 13th, 2025, through January 4th, 2026. This Christmas-themed scavenger hunt is one of our favorite events! Guests search for extravagantly decorated Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs using a free map provided at various locations. Click here for updates on map locations.
• In years past, during the week of Christmas, Walt Disney World theme parks would reach capacity by early morning. Remember this when trying to enter a park mid-morning/late afternoon. Also, capacity limits may affect your ability to hop freely between parks. Historically, Magic Kingdom is the first park to reach capacity (max 90,000 people), with Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom following (each with a max of 60,000 people). If you want to hop this week, we suggest guests head to EPCOT, which has the highest capacity (max 110,000 people).
• If the escalated crowd levels concern you, you can always stay and enjoy the amenities offered at your Walt Disney World resort. In fact, resort hopping is one of our favorite ways to enjoy a non-park day. Most offer excellent restaurants and fun activities unique to that particular resort. We have offered guided art projects (for an additional fee), hosted pool games for kids, featured trivia and karaoke at the bars, and shown movies “under the stars.” Ask a Cast Member at your resort for more details! 
• Don’t let December’s cooler weather scare you away from swimming – ALL of the pools at Walt Disney World resorts and parks are heated to 82 degrees! The hotels offer many jacuzzis and hot tubs for soaking in on those chilly December nights. If your family wants to swim for several hours, plan pool time during the middle of the day, as mornings and evenings will be significantly cooler.

I hope these tips for visiting Disney World in December were helpful. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

From the breathtaking Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., to festive parades and cocoa under the fireworks, and the charm of Disney resort Christmas decorations, every inch of the parks and resorts is transformed.

Whether you’re planning to spend Christmas Day at Walt Disney World or visit earlier in the season, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate — from the dazzling Disney Christmas Party and events to exclusive holiday treats or Christmas shopping at Disney Springs, holiday magic is all around you.

Disney World at Christmas

What’s new for 2025?

• While not brand new, Disney Jollywood Night returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for its second year! This holiday extravaganza is a separately ticketed event held on select nights from November 8th to December 22nd. Enjoy exclusive entertainment, food offerings, specially-curated holiday beverages, and the return of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. This year’s event features three new entertainment offerings: Juggling Elves, The Holiday Spirit Band, and Season Jukebox! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
• Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom returns! This is a live show performed by Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and snowgies to celebrate the lighting and decorating of Cinderella Castle. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates?

• It wouldn’t be Christmas at Disney World without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event at Magic Kingdom during select nights, starting November 7th and ending on December 21st, 2025. With admission, guests are treated to a night of Yuletide shows and dance parties, meet-and-greets with favorite Disney characters in their best holiday outfits, event-exclusive parades and fireworks shows, and unlimited cookies and hot chocolate. And, of course, you can still enjoy all the rides! 

When does Disney World decorate for Christmas?

• In years past, festivities at Magic Kingdom began around November 1st, with the park fully decorated within a few days. The decorations at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are usually completed by November 6th. Epcot and the resorts are decorated throughout the month of November. The official kick-off date of the Christmas season at Disney World this year is November 14th.
• The Christmas decorations at Magic Kingdom always go up first because of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which starts on November 7th this year (2025). Cast members transform the park into a winter wonderland overnight, and a fantastic video of the process is available to watch here.

When does Disney take down Christmas decorations?

• Typically, Disney takes down Christmas decorations the week following the New Year. Expect all holiday decorations to be removed by Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, which will be hosted next year from January 7 to 11, 2026.

What are the busiest times at Disney World during the holidays?

• Bookmark the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. (and for the slowest times at Disney World, click here)

Best time to visit Disney World during the holidays?

• In years past, the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas was considered the slowest time to visit Disney World. The first two weeks of December are especially nice because they are between two holidays. Typically, families decide to go during Thanksgiving or their child’s school winter break. Bonus. The weather is perfect!

Does Disney World have a Christmas parade?

Two Walt Disney World Christmas parades come to mind:

• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, which takes place during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, is the most guaranteed way to see a Christmas-themed parade. Showtimes are 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade is filmed in the parks in mid-November. Watch it on Christmas Day on ABC.

Pro tip. If rain is near, no worries! When the weather proves to be too much for the parade floats, the Rainy Day Character Cavalcade is performed instead.

Are there Disney Christmas shows?

Absolutely—Disney knows how to keep you entertained! Though not all of their shows are Christmas-themed, you won’t want to miss out!

• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show at Magic Kingdom is part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, running on select nights from November 7th through December 21st, 2025. Check the current Disney fireworks schedule here or in the My Disney Experience app.
• The Dapper Dans switch it up at Magic Kingdom by singing holiday tunes, and The Main Street Trolley Show becomes Christmas-themed! Additionally, if you attend Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there will be many entertainment and shows throughout the event.
• When visiting EPCOT, check out the storytellers and Candlelight Processional at the International Festival of the Holidays.
• Hollywood Studios’ First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will feature a special holiday finale from everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf!
• Last, keep your eye out for cavalcades, which are surprise mini-parades. Many have ended, but I expect to see a few pop up around the parks during the holidays!

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Where can we find Santa Claus at Disney World?

Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus travels to all four theme parks and Disney Springs during the Christmas season at Walt Disney World. You can find him at:

• Breakfast with Santa at Maria & Enzo’s with a dining reservation.
• Gazebo behind Liberty Square’s Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom.
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom.
• EPCOT CommuniCore Hall during the Festival of the Holidays.
• Disney’s Pin Traders at Disney Springs. Join the virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app.
• The 76th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party at Animal Kingdom’s Restaurantosaurus.

Pro tip. If Santa isn’t available, his buddy Santa Goofy often greets guests. Lastly, if you are staying at the Swan and Dolphin, be sure to visit Santa, as it is his “favorite resort!”

Does it snow during Christmas at Disney World?

• YES, it sure does! Disney is known to bring magic, but who else could make it “snow” in the middle of Florida? Guests can dance in snow flurries at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show at Hollywood Studios, and the evenings at Disney Springs. If you become snowflake-obsessed and want to spend another day in the Florida “snow,” venture over to the Disney-created community of Celebration and visit their annual event, Now Snowing.

Where can I find gingerbread at Disney World?

You must be talking about Disney’s world-famous gingerbread creations! While this is always subject to change, you can marvel at these masterpieces at these locations:

• The life-size gingerbread house at The Grand Floridian.
• The working gingerbread carousel at The Beach Club Resort.
• Gingerbread lighthouse within the Yacht Club’s lobby.
• The Contemporary features a stunning gingerbread display of Cinderella Castle on its fourth floor.
• Gingerbread African animals are displayed within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
• Sometimes, the Boardwalk Inn and Wilderness Lodge have gingerbread creations – be on the lookout!
• EPCOT’s American Adventure Gingerbread Display features iconic American monuments (and maybe some EPCOT ones, too!) within the American Adventure Rotunda.

I hope these tips for visiting Disney World at Christmas were helpful. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

Two popular Disney events are back in full swing: the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, a food lover’s dream! The start of the Fall season also brings some of my favorite things to eat at Walt Disney World. It’s genuinely one of the best months to visit!

In this post, we discuss visiting Disney World in September, covering everything you need to know and more. If you’re planning a Disney vacation, grab a notebook and pen, and let’s dive in!

Historically, September is a great time to visit Disney, as crowds are typically lower due to children being back in school. We find September to be a more relaxed and enjoyable time to visit.  (and y’all know we love a slow and peaceful vacation at Disney) The weather can still be an issue, which I will address below.

If you want to save money at Disney World, expect lower prices on hotels and park tickets. September prices are typically below average, especially toward the last half of the month. We have several posts on how to save at Disney here.

We can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Disney World In September

Let’s start with the weather. It’s hot and even more humid. Temperatures can still reach the 90s at Disney World in September, and rainfall is frequent, which intensifies the already high humidity. September is also peak hurricane season in Florida, so I recommend closely monitoring the weather. If you need to cancel, the Disney cancellation and refund policy is worth bookmarking. 

Now for the good news! Although afternoon temperatures can reach 85°— 90°, the evening and morning hours are significantly cooler. Don’t let September weather discourage you. One thing to remember about rain at Walt Disney World is that most showers are brief, sometimes lasting only a few minutes. Hopefully, you brought a good-quality poncho or have an umbrella, but if not, pop into a shop to stay dry!

Disney World Crowds In September

Shhh, we will let you in on a little secret: September is a great time for low crowds at Walt Disney World! Why? Well, the kiddos are back in school! In fact, because September at Disney World is considered one of the slowest months of the year, it has been nicknamed “Cast Member Month” by Disney employees.

You’ll a peak in guest attendance around Labor Day weekend, runs from Friday, August 29th through Monday September 1st. Most guests will leave by September 2nd-3rd, leaving very low crowds for the next few weeks. 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party occurs several times in September. MNSSHP is a ticketed event available only on select days, making it easy to plan around those dates. In our experience, the closer it gets to Halloween, the higher the crowds will be. Overall, super low crowds make September a great time to visit Walt Disney World!

Related Planning Posts

As fun as Disney Trip Planning can be, it can also be overwhelming. We have dozens of posts to help, but the list below is a good starting point. Enjoy reading our simple trip planning strategy, why we consider renting a pontoon boat and resort hopping a Disney must, as well as some of our favorite foods at Disney World that we’ve enjoyed recently.

• Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps
• Disney Boat Rentals | A Disney Must Do
• Healthy Food At Disney World | Best Salads
• Polite Pig Disney Springs Food Review
• Resort Hopping At Disney World
• Crystal Palace At Magic Kingdom Review
• Slowest Times At Disney World

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Events At Disney World In September

With returning festival favorites like the Food & Wine Festival and everyone’s favorite, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney After Hours, and Disney H2O Glow, September is packed full of Disney fun!

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Dates: August 28th to November 22nd, 2025
This multicultural event is a food lover’s dream and one of the longest-running festivals of the year! Enjoy cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and samples of food and drink from all over the world! The Eat to the Beat concert series occurs nightly from August 28th to November 17th at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. Click here for more details on dates and performers!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)
Dates: Select nights from August 15th to October 31st, 2024
This hugely popular event takes place over the three months leading up to Halloween. Wear your best costume and enjoy themed food at select restaurants, Trick-or-Treat stations, dance parties, the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade, event-exclusive merch, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, which might be the best fireworks show at Disney! You can find more information here.

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Dates: Select nights from May 23rd to September 15th, 2025
This separately ticketed three-hour event over at Typhoon Lagoon that limits Attendance, essentially allowing those who purchase tickets to enjoy low wait times for the water rides, special appearances by characters, dance parties with your favorite Toy Story pals, and enjoy ice cream, popcorn, and drinks all included with the cost of your ticket!

Disney After Hours
Dates: Select nights from May 23rd to September 15th, 2025
Enjoy three hours of extra fun at A select Disney theme park! This separately ticketed event takes place on select nights at select Disney World parks in September (through the 15th). Enjoy shorter wait times on your favorite attractions, popcorn, ice cream, and select bottled beverages at no additional cost with your ticket. You can find updated prices and availability here.

Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed or under refurbishment in September 2025.

Animal Kingdom

• DINOSAUR (closed until 2026)
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• The Boneyard (permanently closing September 2, 2025)

EPCOT

• Spaceship Earth: (closed until TBD later in 2025)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Disney Jr. Play and Dance! (closed until TBD)
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (closed – opening later in 2026)

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (closed until 2026)
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger (closed until 2026)
• Liberty Square Riverboat (permanently closed)
• Tom Sawyer Island (permanently closed)

Tips For Visiting Disney World In September

• Get to the parks early! Lower crowds in September mean you can see and do so much more. This is a great time to tour the parks at a slow and relaxed pace, which is why September is one of our favorite months to visit. 
• If you’re cold-natured like me, I recommend bringing a light cardigan. It can get chilly at night when the sun goes down, and indoor rides and restaurants can be downright cold!
• When deciding what to wear, I suggest keeping an eye on the extended forecast and packing accordingly. As discussed above, it can still be hot during the day, cool at night, humid, and rainy – so pack those Disney outfits accordingly.
• As mentioned above, Disney World in September can still be hot. Bring all your essentials for hot weather. We have a short list below of the things we never leave home without.
  • sunscreen
  • portable fans
  • electrolyte packets
  • ponchos
  • stroller covers
  • small umbrellas
• When deciding what to wear, I suggest keeping an eye on the extended forecast and packing accordingly. As discussed above, it can still be hot during the day, cool at night, humid, and rainy – so pack those Disney outfits accordingly.

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• EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival is hugely popular, especially for locals and annual passholders. Expect crowds to peak during the evenings and weekends. For a more enjoyable visit, consider attending the festival on a weekday as soon as it opens.
• On MNSSHP nights, Magic Kingdom closes early to the general public. If you don’t have a ticket, you won’t be able to stay in the park after 5 or 6 p.m. You can find all the dates and times here and plan accordingly. If you choose not to attend the party, this is a perfect opportunity to spend the evening at another park or do some resort hopping. 
• Most MNSSHP partygoers won’t enter the park until their party ticket allows them to, which saves the cost of a full-day ticket. As a result, you can expect lower crowds in the morning. This would be a good day to enjoy the park earlier!

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In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in May, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. After several months of lots and lots of crowds, expect to finally see some reprieve in May at Disney World. Along with fewer crowds, the weather is pretty beautiful this time of year. May is one of our favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. We have you covered on what to do, see, and more while visiting Disney in May!

As always, we can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Weather At Disney World in May

Although the crowds are dropping, expect the heat to rise at Disney World in May. That said, temperatures won’t be as brutal as summer. Averages range from a high of 88°F and lows of 66°F. Plus, hurricane season won’t start until June 1st, so the rain and humidity should be minimal for Florida standards.

May’s weather makes packing clothes easy. Just throw in your summer clothes, and you are good to go! You may want to add a light jacket if you are cold-natured (especially in those heavily air-conditioned queues!) and/or a raincoat just in case!

May Crowds at Disney World

Overall, the crowds at Walt Disney World in May are average or below average – hooray! This is because Spring Break is officially over and school is still in session. Parents want their kiddos to finish their school year strong and be part of the festivities, skipping the trip to Disney World until the summer months. This is GREAT news for those visiting Walt Disney World in May.

The busiest time of the month will definitely be Memorial Day weekend, from May 22nd to May 27th this year. Because Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off for summer vacation, expect an increase in crowds at the Walt Disney World resort, and expect it to continue to grow in the summer months. We would plan your Disney trip before Memorial Day to avoid the elevated crowds if you can.

One caveat to note. This year, the much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe opens on May 22nd, 2025, the Thursday before Memorial Day. This may impact park crowds in a positive way for Disney goers, with more visitors heading to Universal. Time will tell how Epic crowds influence Walt Disney World.

Another thing to consider is that EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival is still taking place. You can expect EPCOT to be more crowded on the weekends, as locals love to spend their days off at the festival. Also, several sporting events are taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. This may impact theme park visitors, guests at Disney Springs (especially in the evenings), and/or room availability at the value resorts.

Below are the weekly highlights for Disney World in May:

• March 5 – June 2, 2025: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• May 22 – May 27, 2025: Memorial Day weekend
• May 22, 2025 – Universal Epic Universe opens
• May 27, 2025 – The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After debut.

Events At Walt Disney World

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 5th – June 2nd, 2025
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt.

Cool Kid Summer
Dates: May 27th – September 20th, 2025
Disney World celebrates summer with family-friendly events, like “kid zones” in the parks, dance parties, games in the resorts, and more! Plus, Disney offers many discounts this summer—read below in the “Tips” section for more details.

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• The Summit Championship (May 1st – May 4th, 2025)
• The D2 Summit (May 9th – May 11th, 2025)
• Special Olympics Florida Summer Games (May 16th – May 17th, 2025)
• AAU Basketball Memorial Day Classic (May 24th – May 26th, 2025)
• Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament (May 24th – May 26th, 2025)

Find more details about these events here.

Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed during May:

In The Parks:

• Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain (returning in 2026)
• Magic Kingdom – Astro Orbiter (returning summer 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents (returning sometime late 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – children’s playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant (returning spring 2025)
• EPCOT – Test Track (returning date TBA; sometime in 2025)
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach (closing for a brief refurbishment and reopening May 21st, 2025)

At The Resorts:

• Yacht and Beach Club – Stormalong Bay (returning June 2025)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (undergoing refurbishment until June 16th, 2025. FYI: Although reservations cannot be made during this time, one course will remain open so guests can visit via walk-ups.)

Disney Springs:

• Starbucks: West Side Disney Springs (March 3rd, 2025 – TBA)
• Recent Permanent Closures in 2025
• Hollywood Studios – Mama Melrose (permanently closing May 10th, 2025)
• Animal Kingdom – Work on Dinoland USA continues (retheming to Tropical Americas Pueblo Esperanza, opening 2027)
• Animal Kingdom – TriceraTop Spin (permanently closed)
• Animal Kingdom – It’s Tough To Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• BoardWalk – Jellyrolls (permanently closed)

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In May

For the first time in many years, both of Disney World’s water parks will be open this May and into summer! As a reminder, Typhoon Lagoon will already be in operation and Blizzard Beach will open on May 21st, 2025. Both water parks will remain open until September 8th, 2025, when either temporarily closes. Which park is yet to be determined.

To combat the projected Epic crowds, Disney has been offering various discounts! These include discounted 3-day park tickets, 50% off select children’s tickets, free dining, and more! See them all here!

To put on your radar. Expect Magic Kingdom’s brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, to debut late this summer 2025! Until then, those visiting Walt Disney World in May can enjoy TWO new shows at Hollywood Studios: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Both shows premiere on May 27th, 2025.

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but sadly, that’s not always the case, especially when traveling with kids. Both my kids were under five when we took them to Disney for the first time, and I was wiped out when we got home. We had a great time, but I certainly didn’t feel like I had been on a relaxing vacation when we got home – ha! In this post, we’re sharing what we’ve learned in our 30+ years of traveling with kids and now as adults with our kids and grandkids. Peaceful vacations can be a reality with the right mindset and strategies!

When someone tells me they hate Disney World, the first thing I ask is when they went. It was usually in the summer when the heat and humidity were horrendous or during a major holiday when the parks were packed wall-to-wall with people. But that’s true for all tourist destinations. Gatlinburg, for example, is a nightmare during the holidays. It can take hours to get down the parkway, and restaurant reservations are impossible – not my idea of a peaceful vacation. The time of year you visit any vacation destination will significantly impact your overall experience. To have a relaxing Disney Trip, you first need to know when to go! Let’s dive in.

Peaceful Vacations At Disney

As we discuss finding more peaceful moments, remember there are no rules. Do what feels relaxing to you. For my husband and me, that’s spending a couple of hours at Nomad Lounge or Geyser Point, strolling around our resort, hanging out at Baseline Taphouse, sharing a pretzel and a beer, or riding the friendship boats. For others, that might look like sleeping in or spending the day hanging out by the pool. There is no right or wrong, but don’t go home without doing at least some relaxing things you wanted to do. This is your vacation, after all!

Most of these tips can be applied to any vacation destination, not just Disney.

When You Visit Matters

When Disney World is packed with people, it’s simply not enjoyable, in my opinion. There will be long lines for rides, restaurants, and even Disney transportation. Rather than repeating myself, I recently posted the best times to visit Disney World. I know many people are unaffected by crowds, but in the spirit of peaceful vacations, crowds and long lines should be avoided, if possible.

Most families with school-aged children can only visit during holidays or when school is out, which are the most crowded times. If that is your situation, don’t be discouraged. We have visited Disney many times when the crowd levels are high, and you can still have an enjoyable vacation by following some of the tips below.

Don’t Over-Plan

We’ve been going to Disney World since my kids were toddlers. They are adults now, and we travel with our children and young grandchildren, so I can relate to visiting Disney World at every stage of life. This is the advice I would give to anyone going to Disney World looking to have a relaxing and peaceful vacation.

• Your overall experience will be profoundly affected by how much you try to fit in. If you hit the ground running first thing in the morning and go-go-go all day long, especially if you have young kids, that’s a recipe for being stressed out and exhausted by mid-afternoon. Disney veterans call it the 3 o’clock meltdown.

Instead of doing that, cut some things out of your plan. This is hard, but you will not be able to do it all, at least not without feeling rushed and stressed. Trust me on this. We’ve gone more times than I can count, and we still can’t fit everything in. Everything at Disney World takes more time than you think it will. Embrace that you won’t get it all done, and look forward to doing new things on your next trip!

By slowing down, you change the whole dynamic of your trip. Instead of feeling rushed and chaotic, you can relax and enjoy the little moments that too many people miss. There is pure joy in those moments, like watching your kids run around the hub green in front of the castle, or riding the monorail and exploring resorts. That’s what vacation is all about! Life is already rushed and chaotic enough. Your vacation shouldn’t be.

Time Is Money

Time is money at Disney World. Waiting in long lines, Disney transportation, and getting from point A to point B will take longer than you think. If you have to wait an hour or more for just 3 to 4 rides, that’s 3 to 4 hours of your day waiting in line. Depending on how many days you have at Disney World, this could consume precious hours, possibly making you feel rushed and stressed. 

Take Advantage Of Rideshare

• You will never find us riding a bus. A peaceful vacation is not being crammed onto a bus like cattle and stuck on it for 45 minutes to an hour. Nope! We are huge fans of rideshare. The picture above was from last year. We had just arrived at Magic Kingdom in our Disney Minnie Van, no ticket and transfer center, no monorail or ferry, and no stress. Just a peaceful trip to the front of the park and $45 WELL spent! You do not have to take a Minnie Van. Regular Lyft options are available, but Minnie Vans are perfect if you have a child in a car seat. They come fully equipped, and the drive does everything for you!
• The first thing people say is, “It’s too expensive,” but hear me out. Rideshare saves time and stress. I added up all of our rideshare receipts from our last 14-day trip, and the total was $228, including tips (and I’m a very generous tipper). That averages out to $17 a day. That’s the cost of a beer in most places, a Mickey pretzel, or a turkey leg. The price is a non-issue as far as I’m concerned, especially if less stress getting to and from the parks matters to you.
• Disney World encourages rideshare, so multiple vehicles are usually lined up outside virtually every parking resort. You rarely have to wait more than five minutes, and you’re taken directly to your destination. Instead of being crammed into a bus or monorail with long lines that take forever, you’re starting and ending your day relaxing while also saving a ton of time. If you prioritize rideshare, you will have a much more relaxing trip!

Purchase Lightning Lane

Who wants to spend half their day waiting in long lines? Not me! Purchasing Lightning Lanes passes is another way to save valuable time, have a more relaxing vacation, and ensure you can ride your favorite rides!

• When you purchase a Lightning Lane pass, you essentially book a time to return to the ride. It allows you to skip the standby line, which can sometimes be a very long wait. You can read how the Lightning Lane system works here, but I highly recommend budgeting for it. It can save hours, not to mention the stress of not having to wait in long lines, especially in the heat and/or if you have young kids.
• Some people like to ride as many rides as possible at the beginning of the day and then have a slow and relaxing afternoon. While others want to space their ride times out, which is what I like to do. Booking ride times an hour to an hour and a half apart gives us plenty of time to leisurely make our way to the next ride without feeling rushed. This is when you can stop and enjoy a Micey pretzel, or let the kids play. The overall trend here is no rushing because rushing = stress! 
• Depending on who you’re traveling with, sometimes Lightning Lane isn’t necessary for all four parks. If you have kids, for example, you will need it at Magic Kingdom, especially if it’s a busier time of year. But if you’re visiting with low crowds, you may not need it at Animal Kingdom. We purchase it for every park. At this point, we are so spoiled by not waiting in lines that it’s just something we budget for every trip, and the time and stress it saves us is well worth the expense! Having said that. We save a TON of money in other ways. You can read my Cheapest Way To Do Disney post for some ideas.

Peaceful Vacations Are Slow Vacations

It’s OK to go slow and take a break. As discussed above, you won’t be able to do it all anyway, so embrace going slow. Slowing down also means you won’t miss the little details. Most people have blinders on when they arrive at the park. They hurry to get to that first ride and blow past everything around them. Disney spends millions of dollars on the details, so slow down and pay attention to the magic around you.

Sometimes, you may need to feed your kids, take a break from all the stimulation, or escape the heat. Even on the most crowded days, there are quiet spots all over Disney property. Some are more secluded, while others have beautiful views, like the stadium in Animal Kingdom. Although it’s not shaded, it is almost always empty. We like to grab a drink or a coffee and hang out here for a while. If you want more peaceful moments like this, be intentional about making them! Here are some of our favorite spots.

Animal Kingdom

• Harambe Market or Flame Tree BBQ has tons of seating before the lunch crowds set in.
• Discovery River Amphitheater (no shade but beautiful views and ample seating)
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek (especially in the morning)
• The not-so-secret little pathway that runs parallel to the main walkway from Africa to Asia. 

Magic Kingdom

• Center Street near Uptown Jewelers on Main Street offers seating perfect for people-watching.
• The courtyard behind the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square.
• Ride the train and stay on it. It’s a beautiful, breezy ride that keeps the kids happy!
• Hall of Presidents is quiet, has air-conditioning, and is a great place to cool off and decompress.

Hollywood Studios

• Backlot Express, before opening, has tons of seating, which is mostly shaded.
• The tables and chairs in front of ABC Commissary are perfect for sitting and people-watching.
• Sunset Boulevard is a vibe. Most eateries are closed in the morning, with plenty of open seating.
• There is a seating area outside the Tower of Terror exit that most people miss. It’s secluded and quiet!

Epcot

• The Morocco Pavilion (pictured above) has secluded seating areas and the Fez House.
• Waterfront seating in front of the France Pavilion. It’s not shaded but typically empty and peaceful.
• Japan Pavilion offers serene gardens and ample seating. We love sitting in the bamboo trees.
• Connections Eatery is pretty empty before lunch. There is TONS of air-conditioned seating.

• Disney Springs

• The walking path along the water on the West Side is our favorite place to relax at Disney Springs!
• Terralina Crafted has an outdoor bar we LOVE. It’s relaxing, covered, and the drinks are great!
• The tables behind The Art Corner on the Marketplace side are a little hidden and quieter.
• In my opinion, nothing beats sitting at the Dockside bar behind The Boathouse. Hanging out here is a whole vibe. It’s casual, the servers are incredible, it’s breezy even on hot days, and you can watch the Amphicar Water Taxis go by as you relax and enjoy the company around you. It’s our favorite way to start and end a vacation in a relaxing and peaceful way!

Pro tip. Several restaurants around Disney property have seating that can be accessed even when the restaurant isn’t open. For example, the Rose and Crown dining room in the UK at Epcot has ample indoor and outdoor seating that you can enjoy when the restaurant is closed. We often get fish and chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop and eat inside Rose and Crown, which is air-conditioned. Another favorite is Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom. It’s enormous, and most of it is covered. Before it opens at 11 AM, it is virtually empty and relaxing!

Do The Opposite Of Everyone Else

One of the most enjoyable times to explore the World Showcase at Epcot is first thing in the morning. Most people have one thing on their mind, and that’s to get to their first ride. This is when you want to go! On our last trip, we arrived through the international Gateway (the back entrance) as soon as it opened. As you can see in the photo above, it was practically empty. We slowly strolled around, exploring the countries while drinking our coffee, and it was one of the most enjoyable mornings of our trip!

This tip can be applied to every park. While they might not be as empty as the World Showcase, if you do the opposite of what most people do, which is hurrying to get to the rides, you can usually find these little peaceful moments on your vacation.

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I hope this post has given you some helpful ideas for a peaceful vacation. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

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More Posts You May Enjoy

• Disney World Baby Care Center Guide
• Healthy Eating at Disney World + The Best Salads!
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How to Save Money When Traveling
• Disney World Food Prices + Ways You Can Save

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In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in April, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. Expect a lot of fellow Disney goers this month. They, too, want to celebrate Easter in the parks, enjoy their spring break, attend EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival, and participate in a runDisney race! Plus, the weather this time of year is perfection! 

As always, we can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Weather At Disney World in April

You’ll be braving the spring break crowds during your visit to Disney World in April, but at least you will do it in beautiful weather! With lows in the 60s and highs in the mid-80s, this is one of the most comfortable times of the year. Compared to the winter months, April’s weather is much more consistent, meaning far fewer cold snaps or heat waves. 

Along with even-keeled temperatures, April is one of Disney World’s sunniest months! There are fewer rain storms than the rest of the year – and when they occur, they are typically short-lived and scattered. Plus, visitors are still in the clear for hurricane season, which doesn’t begin until June 1st. 

April Crowds at Disney World

There are many reasons to visit Walt Disney World in April: the beautiful weather, exciting events, and Easter weekend! And it shows with the many people visiting this time of year. In other words, the crowds are high! 

Besides the reasons mentioned above, guests love visiting because it is still spring break for many school districts nationwide. This break is typically designed around Easter weekend, so expect an uptick in crowds the week before and after April 20th, 2025. There will be some festive Easter happenings at the Walt Disney World resort, which we will discuss more below. 

Like in March, several competitive youth sports championships are occurring in the Orlando area. These athletes (and their parents, siblings, coaches, friends…you get the idea) love to celebrate by bouncing around the Disney parks, resorts, and restaurants. On top of that, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend occurs April 3rd to 6th, adding to the athletic crowd vibes. 

Another event this time of year is EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. With its festive florals, exclusive eats, and springtime topiaries, it certainly brings in the crowds. As with all the EPCOT events, this is a local fan favorite. Expect weekends at EPCOT to be elevated.

Lastly, remember the After Hours events at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT when planning your park days. (More details about these events can be found below under the tips section!) Those nights can spike evening crowds at the aforementioned theme parks as guests begin making their way into the event, overlapping regular park visitors. This can be a surprise for guests that are unaware.

Below are the weekly highlights for Disney World in April:

• March 5 – June 2, 2025: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• April 3-6, 2025: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
• April 20: Easter 
• April 22: Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Events At Walt Disney World In April

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 5th – June 2nd, 2025
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime time foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt!  

runDisney Springtime Surprise
Dates: April 3rd – 6th, 2025
If you have ever wanted to feel like a Disney World hero, this is your chance to do so! Celebrating heroes from Disney, Marvel, and Pixar stories, runners can partake in a 5K, 10K, 10-Milers, or all three! As with other runDisney events, guests can expect meet-and-greets with unique characters, exclusive medals and merchandise, and an expo at ESPN’s World Wide of Sports.

Easter at Walt Disney World
Dates: week before and after April 20th, 2025
Visitors can celebrate Easter in and out of the parks with seasonal offerings, themed merchandise, and pop-up events. Our favorite activities include perusing the incredibly decorated chocolate eggs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and going on an Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt at EPCOT. Plus, guests can visit Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny at the Liberty Square Gazebo inside Magic Kingdom, as well as see a mini Easter-themed parade before Festival of Fantasy!

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• Disney Spring Training (March 10th – April 20th, 2025)
• runDisney Health & Fitness Expo (April 3rd – April 5th, 2025)
• The Cheerleading Worlds (April 25th – April 28th, 2025)
• Junior World & World Cheerleading Championships (April 26th – April 28th, 2025)

Find more details about these events here. 

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April Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed during April:

In The Parks:

• Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain (returning in 2026)
• Magic Kingdom – Astro Orbiter (returning summer 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents (returning sometime in 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – children’s playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant (returning spring 2025)
• EPCOT – Test Track (returning date TBA; sometime in 2025)
• Animal Kingdom – Work on Dinoland USA continues (retheming to Tropical Americas Pueblo Esperanza, opening 2027)
• Animal Kingdom – It’s Tough To Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (typically closes for a seasonal refurbishment, alternating with Blizzard Beach in April or May. Check the My Disney Experience or Disney Parks Blog for updates!)

At The Resorts:

• Yacht and Beach Club – Stormalong Bay (returning June 2025)
• BoardWalk – Jellyrolls (Permanently closing April 19th)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (April 28th – June 16th, 2025. FYI: Although reservations cannot be made during this time, one course will remain open so guests can visit via walk-ups.) 

Disney Springs:

• Starbucks: West Side Disney Springs (March 3rd – TBA)

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In April

• Night owls rejoice – the specialty event “Disney After Hours” is right up your alley! This separate ticketed event allows guests into the theme parks for three hours after the traditional park closing. (From 10 PM to 1 AM.) Visitors can expect much shorter wait times and crowds, along with select treats and drinks included with admission! Due note that not all attractions will be included in this event and/or can become unavailable without notice. Lastly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not participate per animal safety guidelines.
• Easter isn’t the only holiday happening this month! Be sure to celebrate Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22nd, 2025. (FYI: this is also the park’s birthday! Earth Day, birthday!) Visitors can enjoy celebratory activities, treats, entertainment, photo-ops, and more! Picking a (free!) park map is a fun way to commemorate this day!
• Have you ever heard of Dapper Days at Disney? It is an unofficial Disney event where guests don their best dress and vintage styles while visiting the theme parks. It is in the same realm as Disney bounding. The original idea for this event pays homage to early Disney parks concept art, with visitors wearing 1950s/1960s silhouettes, suits, hats, etc. This month, guests can join in on Dapper Days on April 26th at EPCOT and April 27th at Magic Kingdom. 

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Walt Disney World In April To Pinterest

What are the best totchos at Disney? We sampled dozens of variations on our last trip. Here are the ones that we’re still talking about!

I wasn’t a totcho lover before I noticed them popping up all over Disney menus. Curiosity finally got the best of me, and we set out to try as many variations as possible on our last trip. As I discussed many times in my posts about saving money at Disney, sharing meals is one of our favorite ways to save money, and you’ll be happy to know that many of these were very generous in size and very shareable!

My daughter made an excellent point about sharing meals. I often talk about how much money it saves, but it also helps you feel better. Eating a heavy meal before spending a day at the parks, especially when it’s hot, sets you up for a disappointing day. You’ll be ready for a nap, and that’s not the energy you need for a busy day at the parks! If you’re looking for a substantial meal, that’s a great way to end the day. 

By no means am I saying totchos are a healthy choice, but sharing them – not overeating – is a great way to indulge a bit without feeling yucky. We’ll usually share fresh fruit to round out the meal. Since most kids’ meals come with a mandarin orange, I typically have one or two in my bag, so we’re not even paying for the fruit. These little choices save money, help you feel better, and have more energy throughout the day.

Related: Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World

Best Totchos At Disney World

This list is very small compared to the dozens of totcho variations on Disney property. Our next trip is nine months away, and I’m already compiling another list to try! If you have a favorite, comment below so I can add it to my list. I’ll tell you one thing. This has inspired me to make my own totcho creations at home. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, where I share cooking videos almost daily in my stories. Let’s drive in! 

Loaded Totcho Bowl $10.99

Roaring Fork

• Location: Wilderness Lodge
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Roaring Fork Menu

This was the most basic combination we tried on our last trip, and I don’t mean basic in a bad way. There’s nothing not to love about potato barrels, scrambled eggs, cheddar, sausage gravy, bacon, and green onion. This is the version you will find on most menus. We loved it!

This bowl is enormous and the largest one on this list. At just $10.99, this is an incredible value! The sausage gravy was plentiful without being too much, the sharp cheddar added a nice flavor, and I loved the scallions. In fact, after this bowl, I started asking for extra scallions whenever I could. I love the pop of freshness that they had.

When I first saw the bowl, I thought the bacon would be an issue. As I get older, thick-cut bacon hurts my sensitive teeth. Sometimes, it simply doesn’t get crispy. Instead, it’s hard to chew, at least for me. There’s a LOT of bacon on top of this bowl, so I was pleasantly surprised by how light and crispy it was. We thoroughly enjoyed this bowl. It was absolutely delicious, hearty, and shareable!

Breakfast Bowl $10.79

The Lunching Pad

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Tomorrowland
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• The Lunching Pad Menu

After seeing several Disney foodies rave about this bowl and declare it the best totchos at Disney, I couldn’t wait to try it. Once again, we start with the base of super crispy and perfectly salted tater tots. If nothing else, Disney knows how to do tater tots. Whether in a taco bowl or as a side dish instead of fries, they’re always fried to crispy perfection and never undercooked.

This bowl is unique because it’s topped with a cheese omelet instead of scrambled eggs. Then, it’s bathed in chili con carne queso and a dollop of sour cream. The combination of flavors was genuinely delicious. The chili con carne was giving pico de gallo vibes, so I appreciated the pop of freshness. We also enjoyed the creaminess that the sour cream added, and the only thing we would change is that we wish there were more of it.

I first noticed its smaller size, but don’t let that fool you. This one is very filling, flavorful, and unique!

Related: Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition

Breakfast Totchos $10.99

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast
• Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery Menu

We’ve already reviewed this one on the site, and it remains a favorite, especially if you’re a fan of cheese curds. While this one isn’t as shareable on its own, we will also do this with a honey croissant and African coffee, all from Kusafiri.

Crispy tots are topped with scrambled eggs, cheese sauce, crispy bacon, scallions, and cheese curds. There’s a lot of cheese going on in this one between the cheese sauce and curds, so if you’re a cheese lover, you’ll love it! While I’m not usually a fan of cheese curds, I enjoyed the texture they added to this bowl, especially when you get a bite of everything together. They’re also high in protein, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Pro tip. As you stroll through the parks and resorts, you’ll notice that many restaurants have beautiful, ample seating that is practically empty before they open. I was blind to this for years until I wasn’t, and now we can almost always find quiet and peaceful seating away from the crowds by taking advantage of open seating areas and restaurants that haven’t opened for service. Kusarifi has very little seating, so we always head to the covered seating right next door outside Tusker House. My other favorite areas at Magic Kingdom are Harambe Market, which is always empty in the morning, Flame Tree BBQ (tons of seating towards the back), and the outdoor amphitheater across from Everest. This used to be the viewing area for the Rivers of Light show, but it hasn’t been used for years. It’s one of our favorite spots to relax!

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Kilimanjaro Bowl $10.79

The Mara

• Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• The Mara Menu

Like the Wilderness Lodge bowl, it starts with a ‘mountain’ of potato barrels topped with scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, cheddar, bacon, and chives. But the chakalaka makes this one unique, and it’s a total flavor bomb!

What is chakalaka? It’s a spicy South African condiment typically made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, vegetables, and beans. Disney’s version was tomato-heavy and so flavorful! We asked for an extra side, and they were happy to oblige. Trust me when I say you will want more!

It’s hard to pick a favorite out of all these bowls. If a dish makes it to the blog, we loved it. If I were forced to choose a favorite, the Killamanjaro Bowl is the best totchos at Disney! I love big flavors and a good sauce, and the chermoula sets this one apart. It adds brightness, complexity, and a little heat. It was delicious! As for value, it’s similar in size to the bowl at Wilderness Lodge – very large and shareable at just $10.99.

“Totchos” $10.49

Woody’s Lunch Box

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Toy Story Land
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Woody’s Lunch Box Menu

Woody’s has a breakfast totcho bowl and a lunch totcho bowl. Since we had already tried so many breakfast bowls, we opted for the lunch version, and I’m happy we did. Crispy tots are topped with beef and bean chili, shredded cheese, signature queso with tomatoes, and finished with corn chips, sour cream, and green onions.

This one is savory, hearty, and full of flavor. I loved the textures with the addition of crunchy corn chips and creamy beans. The only thing I would change is the way it is served. I’m very particular about food being challenging to eat, and this is served in a small bowl, which doesn’t allow for an even distribution of the ingredients. It was awkward to eat, but still delicious!

Breakfast Bowl with Bacon or Sausage $13.49

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes Menu

This is another one I’ve already reviewed on the site, and it’s one of my all-time favorite breakfasts at Disney World! While it’s not a totcho bowl, it’s similar enough, and I thought I’d throw in a healthier option. Instead of fried tater tots, the base is made from breakfast potatoes, and they’re topped with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, peppers, onions, and a choice of bacon or sausage. This bowl is huge, flavorful, and filling! 

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best totchos at Disney World! If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

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We talk a lot about saving money at Disney World on the blog, so while we don’t recommend doing many character meals because of the cost, it’s fun to do at least once! Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom is the only character meal on Disney property where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and his friends from Hundred Acre Wood. This is also the best place to meet Piglet, as he rarely appears elsewhere!

Crystal Palace is located in Magic Kingdom Park at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., between Casey’s Corner and the entrance to Adventure Land. The decor is inspired by a Victorian greenhouse. It’s light and bright, with windows and greenery throughout. When you first walk in, there’s a large atrium with a breathtaking glass ceiling. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a seat by the window with a view of the castle.

From a food standpoint, you don’t go to character meals for fantastic food. You go for the experiences and to meet the characters. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the food, which is served buffet-style and features American classics like roasted pork, shrimp, various sides, and a fantastic salad bar! 

The Disney website states, “Please plan to stay in The Crystal Palace for 90 minutes in order to engage with all available Characters“, so plan to be there for a while. As you dine, the characters make their way around the restaurant, stopping for photos and autographs. If you don’t have an autograph book, don’t worry! You receive a cute autograph card to take with you.

Overall, we enjoyed our visit, but there were a few issues. So, let’s dive into our experience at Crystal Palace and discuss the pros and cons!

Crystal Palace At Magic Kingdom

We visited for lunch, which is the same food that’s served at dinner. Breakfast is hugely popular as it’s the only place on Disney property where you’ll find the churro Mickey waffles. Because of its popularity, I highly recommend making your dining reservation as soon as possible.

Crystal Palace Pricing

• Breakfast – $52 per adult and $33 per child (3-9), plus tax and gratuity.
• Lunch – $62 per adult and $42 per child (3-9), plus tax and gratuity.
• Dinner – $62 per adult and $42 per child (3-9), plus tax and gratuity.

Hours at Crystal Palace

• Breakfast – 8:00 AM to 10:45 AM
• Lunch – 11:00 AM to 2:55 PM
• Dinner – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Pro tip. If you make your reservation during the crossover between breakfast and lunch, many guests have reported being able to enjoy dishes off both menus.

Crystal Palace Menus

• Crystal Palace Breakfast Menu
• Crystal Palace Lunch Menu
• Crystal Palace Dinner Menu

Pro tip. Menu options and pricing often change at Disney World, so we encourage you to check the menu links above before making your reservations.

Let’s start with the good—the food at Crystal Palace.

As I said, you don’t go to a character meal expecting the best food. You’re there for the character experience, but the food here was a pleasant surprise. There are two buffets, both serving the same things. 

• There was a fantastic selection of savory dishes and plenty of protein. Crystal Palace is a carnivore’s dream, with a carving station serving prime rib and roasted pork, shrimp creole, roasted chicken, sausages, and more.
• Side dishes included broccoli, green beans with bacon and onions, roasted carrots, mashed potatoes, rice, and roasted potatoes. The soup was red curry lentil the day we were there, and it was delicious!
• The salad bar was excellent, but not your standard lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. In addition to the standard salad bar fare, you’ll find peel-and-eat shrimp, charcuterie, fresh blue cheese crumbles, and dressings. They also have fresh fruit salad, pasta salad, and a Mediterranean couscous salad.
• My family was very excited about the bread, which included a variety of rolls, crackers, and butter. If you love pretzel rolls, you can enjoy as many as you want here, and this isn’t something you typically see offered at a bread station.

• The children’s buffet was simple but did the job. You can choose from chicken strips, macaroni and cheese miniature beef quesadillas, and cheese pizza bread.
• Most of the desserts are the small, premade desserts you see at so many Disney World buffets. They can be fun, but they’re not great. I’m not a dessert person, so that didn’t affect me one way or the other. The kids will enjoy them, and that’s all that matters. There’s also a soft-serve ice cream station and cookies!
• Typical beverages like soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, and milk are included with your meal. Crystal Palace is one of the few restaurants at Magic Kingdom where you can purchase alcohol. You can choose from a small selection of beer or cider, wine, and specialty cocktails.

The service.

• Our server was incredibly friendly and helpful. She did an excellent job of refilling everything and clearing our plates as quickly as we emptied them. If I have exceptional service, I’m willing to overlook mishaps and have nothing but good things to say about ours. They also do a great job of keeping the buffet filled. We never waited for anything and saw them refilling the bars constantly.

Now, let’s get into the cons.

• The entire experience feels chaotic. The tables in Crystal Palace are very close together, so it was hard to get out of our chairs sometimes, especially when a character was nearby. People are not supposed to get out of their chairs to meet the characters, but they do, making an already cramped and chaotic situation even more so.
• They only make one loop, so you may not meet some of the characters. If you happen to be at the buffet when they pass your table, you could miss them. If I’m paying upwards of $200 for a meal, my kids should be able to meet every character—and there are other locations where they do.
• It’s very cramped. As I said above, there was very little space between the tables, so it felt cramped. If there’s a character nearby, you will have adults on all sides of you with their children trying to meet the characters. At one point, I felt like our table was surrounded by adults, hovering right over us while we ate. Again, they aren’t supposed to do this, but they do.

Final Thoughts

• We enjoyed our experience at Crystal Palace and even overlooked the chaos, which is to be expected with excited kids everywhere, including yours. However, the tables are just too close together. Simply spacing them out would improve the experience overall.
• We loved the food, but we all agreed that a buffet is too much food before walking around the park all day. We prefer larger meals towards the end of the day.
• They need to work on the character rotation to ensure that all children are guaranteed to interact with each character at least once.
• Crystal Palace is the prettiest restaurant in the Magic Kingdom! The decor is stunning, and I love a light, bright atmosphere. It’s beautiful!
• Lastly, this is the only place on Disney property where you can meet all the characters from Hundred Acre Wood, something to keep in mind when choosing a character meal location.

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save This Crystal Palace Review To Pinterest

As we discussed in our post detailing the best times to visit Disney World, January is busy, but still one of our favorite times to visit. Before finalizing your Disney itinerary, read that post for essential dates and vacation tips!

In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in January, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels – plus personal tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years. In recent years, January has become a popular time to visit Disney. With the tail end of holidays wrapping up, the Walt Disney World Marathon taking place, and the kick-off of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts, a LOT is happening!

Another reason guests are drawn to vacation at Disney World in January is the historically low hotel and park ticket prices. For example, one-day park tickets start at around $139 in January, compared to $164 in July. Check out our money-saving posts for more ways to save at Disney World.

Related: Disney Boat Rentals | A Must Do!!

Walt Disney World In January – Weather

If you are looking for cooler temperatures while visiting Disney World in January, this is the month to go. It can get downright chilly in January, with temperatures typically ranging from the low 40s to the high 70s.

One of our favorite things about this month’s weather is the lack of rain. With hurricane season officially over, rainy days decrease dramatically. Expect mostly sunny days, welcomed by January’s amazing temperatures.

Our most recent vacation to Disney World was in January, and dressing in layers was vital! The bright Florida sun warmed us up during the day, but once it set, things got chilly. Being able to put on or take off a layer made sure we all stayed comfortable.

However, a word of caution: I remember having to wear gloves and a cardigan with my thick winter coat when working at Animal Kingdom in the early morning and evening. Bearing this in mind, be sure to pack some winter gear just in case. And don’t wait to purchase these items when you are down in Orlando. Often, stores do not have a large selection of winter wear, and what they do have will sell out quickly during a cold snap.

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Disney Crowds in January

• There is so much FUN at Walt Disney World in January. Because of this, expect crowd levels to range from moderate to heavy. The month begins with the holiday happenings…well, still happening! Christmas and the New Year are, without a doubt, Disney World’s busiest time of year, and vacationers linger into the first of January. Crowds will be merry but high. For those who don’t love longer wait times, you have been warned.
• Shortly after all that, Disney kicks off a new year of marathons with the aptly named Walt Disney World Marathon! It is hard to say exactly what to expect. Some years, the crowd counts decrease, while last year, they actually increased.
• Typically, crowds begin to trickle down in mid-January. However, this year may prove otherwise for various reasons.
  • The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts begins on the 17th—and one thing about locals—they love an EPCOT festival. They will enjoy the festivities after work, when playing hooky, and on the weekends!
  • Lastly, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a four-day weekend, with locals and out-of-town visitors celebrating in the parks. We’ve only been once and were shocked by the crowds!
• With no holidays occurring and the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts starting two weeks into the month, the last week in January is predicted to be the least crowded, despite overlapping cheer and dance competitions. 

Related: Monorail Resort Hopping At Disney World

Weekly Highlights

• January 1 – 4, 2026: Between Christmas and New Year’s, this week is extremely popular.
• January 7 – 11: The runDisney Marathon takes place, drawing large crowds.
• January 12 – 15: Slight break in crowds before the holiday weekend (but moderate crowds).
• January 16 – 19: MLK Day is on January 19, 2026, making this weekend popular and busy.
• January 23 – 26: USA Field Hockey Sunshine Showcase – popular weekend with moderate crowds.
• January 30 – February 1st: The National School Spirit Championships – a popular weekend with moderate crowds.

We’ve been visiting Disney World in late January for years now. Although the crowds are moderate, the fantastic weather makes up for it. For a quicker review of Disney crowds, month by month, check out this post.

Events At Disney World In January

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Dates: January 7th to 11th, 2026
Celebrate Disney nostalgia with Mickey and his pals during the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend! Running events include a 5K, 10K, Half, and Full marathon races, plus Goofy and Dopey’s challenges.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Dates: January 16th – February 23rd, 2026
Art lovers rejoice! From Disney Broadway performances to art-themed culinary delights, guests will be immersed in all things art. This includes visual, musical, culinary, and more! Visitors can even partake in the artistry with a paint-by-numbers mural, Animation Academy drawing lessons, larger-than-life photo-ops of famous artwork, and more!

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports
runDisney Marathon (January 7-11, 2026)
Disney Girls Soccer Showcase (January 16-19, 2026)
College Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships (January 16-19, 2026)
USA Field Hockey Sunshine Showcase (January 22-24, 2026)
Sand Dollar Whitlow Invitational (January 23-25, 2026)
National School Spirit Championship DII (January 30-February 1, 2026)

Related: Best Sandwiches at Disney World

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In January

• If you vacation at Disney World during the Walt Disney World Marathon, be mindful of possible early morning road delays. Races take place on various roads around Walt Disney World and in theme park parking lots, resulting in altered bus times, road closures, and alternative routes. Our preferred advice is to sleep in on those days and have a slow morning. However, if you’re an early bird, you may want to give yourself some extra travel time.
• Because temperatures vary widely in January at Disney World, check the extended Orlando weather forecast when packing. That will give you a better idea of what to bring. A chilly week on the lower side with 30-50 degrees temps? You will want to bring gloves, hats, scarves, and sweaters. It gets cold while walking around the parks in those temps!

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We often recommend sharing meals at Disney here on the site. It saves money and leaves more room in your belly to try all of the fantastic Snacks At Walt Disney World. In fact, I’d be fine snacking my way through the parks and the resorts and never having a fancy meal!

You might be surprised by some of the snacks at Walt Disney World. We’re not just talking ice cream bars and popcorn. The list below includes a few that cut from our last trip. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list because we update the site often and post a new round-up of our favorite foods after every trip!

It’s no secret that our vibe is slow and relaxed when we go to Disney. You will never find us rope-dropping, and we will always buy lightning lanes because I don’t like long lines. One of our favorite things is leisurely snacking and drinking our way around Epcot. We like to take it all in and explore the countries. No matter how often we go, we always find something new!

Snacks At Walt Disney World For $5 Or Less

Below are a few favorites from our last trip in January 2024. Check out our recent food posts before your next trip, and get ready to be hungry. With so many delicious snacks at Disney World, it’s hard to fit them all in, but I hope you find some deliciousness on this list that you’re excited to try!

OK. SOME of these are a little over five dollars, but don’t get mad at me. They were just too good not to share!

Honey Pistachio Croissant $4.49

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Tamu Tamu Menu

I’m still thinking about this croissant from our last trip! The croissant itself is flaky and buttery, with just enough honey drizzle to add some sweetness without being too much. The pistachios add a nutty, crunchy texture and flavor. This is a perfect example of how a simple dish with few ingredients can be perfect!

Crispy Chicken Dumplings $6.99

Mr. Kamal’s

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Mr. Kamal’s Menu

While in Animal Kingdom, stop by Mr. Kamal’s kiosk in the Asia section. It’s where you can find one of the newer snacks at Walt Disney World—these little gems of crispy, savory deliciousness! The chicken dumplings are perfectly fried without being greasy and have good seasoning. The filling is tender, flavorful, and plentiful, and the Ponzu dipping sauce is sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced!

Pongu Lumpia $3.79

Pongu Pongu

• Location: Animal Kingdom > The World of Avatar
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Pongu Pongu Menu

Here’s the deal. We have mixed feelings about this. However, so many people love this snack that it’s worth trying, especially for $3.79! It is a spring roll wrapper with cream cheese and pineapple that is lightly fried. The exterior has a crunchy sugar coating, which adds a bit of sweetness and crunch. Ours was uncooked, so this has potential, but we found it soggy and unenjoyable to eat. We plan on trying this again, but it’s worth trying since so many people seem to love it.

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Mickey Brownie $5.79

Boardwalk Deli

• Location: Disney’s BoardWalk
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Boardwalk Deli Menu

When my daughter was little, Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies were one of her favorite things. When we heard that the Mickey brownie at the Boardwalk Deli tasted just like a Cosmic Brownie, we had to try it! First of all, how cute is it? So cute! Sadly, it does not taste like a cosmic brownie. It is, however, a delicious brownie! It’s moist, rich, and chocolatey, and there’s nothing to love about that!

Mocha Kona Muffin $4.29

Kona Island

• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Kona Island Menu

Visiting Disney resorts is a great way to spend a non-park day while scoping them out for a future trip and enjoying fantastic food. Kona Island at the Polynesian resort is where you can find this mocha Kona muffin, and it’s so darn good! The cupcake is moist and tender, with a rich chocolate flavor. The crumble topping is plentiful and adds a nice texture. If you love chocolate, add this to your list. We started our morning here and shared the muffin with a cup of their Kona coffee, which is some of the best coffee you’ll find on Disney property. This was the perfect way to start our day!

Chocolate-Covered Bacon $4.25

Kona Island

• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Kona Island Menu

While at the Polynesian, you can try the chocolate-covered bacon, a.k.a. sweet and savory deliciousness! The flavors rotate, but if they have a seasonal flavor that looks good, I recommend getting it because it may never be back. In all fairness, we’ve tried this a few times, and some have been better than others. The first and second time we had it, it was delicious. However, the last time we tried it, I felt like the bacon wasn’t fresh and seemed dry and fatty. Since this is served from a cold case, the extra fat on the bacon wasn’t pleasant to eat. I would still recommend it, especially if you like bacon. My suggestion would be to do a visual before ordering it. If you see a lot of fat on the bacon, maybe skip it that day because – again – this is served cold.

School Bread $4.79

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

• Location: Epcot > World Showcase
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe Menu

In Epcot, start your day with my husband’s favorite snack, School Bread, one of the most popular OG snacks at Disney World. It’s not my favorite, but a trip to Epcot isn’t complete for him without at least one. The bread itself is dense and hefty. It’s filled with a vanilla custard that adds sweetness and moisture. It’s topped with a dollop of frosting and a generous amount of toasted coconut, which was my favorite part. This dessert isn’t overly sweet and pairs perfectly with coffee to start your day. My main issue with School Bread is that it is served cold. It’s SO much better warmed. But an extra one to take back to your room, warm it up, and thank me later! This is a substantial snack and very filling!

Cheeseburger Spring Rolls $9.50

Spring Roll Cart

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Adventureland
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Spring Roll Cart Menu

At Magic Kingdom, you must get the spring rolls from the spring roll cart just outside the entrance to Adventureland. Technically, they are $9.50, but that includes two – one for each person as a snack. These have a cult following for a reason, and even I was shocked by how much I enjoyed them. The cheeseburger spring rolls taste just like a cheeseburger but in deep-fried-crispy-spring-roll form. You’ll want to slam dunk them in the sauce, which tastes like a burger sauce. Be aware that the flavors can change, and the cheeseburger version isn’t always on the menu. However, guests LOVE the spring roll cart, so I recommend trying whatever they have that day!

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Pretzel Bread Pudding $4.79

Sommerfest

• Location: Epcot > Germany Pavilion
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Sommerfest Menu

The pretzel bread filling over at Summerfest is a fan favorite! Even if you’re not a fan of bread pudding, this one is worth a try. It’s dense and not soggy, which is what most people don’t like about bread pudding. I enjoyed the chewy texture and pieces of pretzel throughout. There are two different sauces on top. One is a caramel butterscotch and a white cream sauce. The sauces are sweet, but the almost savory pretzel bread balances that out. However, I’ve seen a LOT of pictures of this online, and some cast members are more heavy-handed than others, so you could probably ask for less. This is an enjoyable and hefty snack for $4.79. Fun fact. It’s made with pretzels from the Biergarten restaurant.

Paprika Chips $4.79

Sommerfest

• Location: Epcot > Germany Pavilion
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Sommerfest Menu

While you’re at Sommerfest, the paprika chips are another must for me. I love them so much that they’ve made several lists here on the site! One of our favorite things is getting some paprika chips and a couple of Dunkle beers from Germany. We find a spot somewhere down the water, enjoy a beer and a snack, people-watch, and relax.

Dark Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt $4.49

Karamell-Küche

• Location: Epcot > Germany Pavillion
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Karamell-Küche Menu

Staying in Germany, Karamell-Küche is where you can find some of the best snacks at Walt Disney World, especially if you like caramel – GOOD caramel! There is a huge selection here, but I always get the dark chocolate caramel with sea salt. Don’t let the size for you. This thing is hefty and very rich. I could never eat it myself. The caramel is buttery and smooth without being overly sweet, and dark chocolate has a bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the caramel. The sea salt topping brings out all the flavors and is the perfect finishing touch.

Half Baguette $2.75

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Location: Epcot > France Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu

If you’re like my husband and could survive on bread alone, the baguettes in France will be your new favorite cheap snack at Walt Disney World. A half baguette costs $2.75, and an entire baguette costs just $3.95! I’m not a bread enthusiast and did not have high hopes, but I was very wrong. From the aroma to the thick yet light and crispy crust to the warm and fluffy inside, it was perfection. We stood at a table near the water and devoured the entire thing.

Pro tip. The cast members will give you free salted butter and jam if you ask for it. Stop by before leaving the park and grab one to return to your resort!

While you’re at Les Halles, be sure to check out all of the options. It is truly a hidden gem that so many newcomers miss. From sweet to savory, the options are endless here. The lobster bisque and a bread bowl hit the spot when we went in January. I talked about that dish more in my best quick service at Disney post.

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Pork Egg Rolls $5.75

Joy of Tea

• Location: Epcot > China Pavilion
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Joy of Tea Menu

The pork egg rolls at Joy of Tea are a fan favorite, and for just $5.75 for two, they’re an excellent value if you’re craving an egg roll! In all fairness, these are the standard egg rolls you can expect to get with cheap Chinese delivery, and that’s okay, especially if you’re ‘drinking around the world’ – ha! These are a great little savory snack in between all the sweet snacks at Epcot!

Turtle Brownie $5.29

Sunshine Seasons

• Location: Epcot > World Nature
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Sunshine Seasons Menu

I don’t have a sweet tooth and will always choose crunchy, salty snacks over sweet. However, I love a good brownie and have never seen anyone talk about the turtle brownie at Sunshine Seasons. The brownie itself is intensely chocolatey and very rich. The turtle topping is plentiful and has tons of pecans, which I loved (Shannon did not). You guys, this is moist and gooey and messy in all the best ways. We split this with a couple of espressos. It was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!

While you’re there, I highly recommend the Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup combo for just $9.99!

And that’s a wrap on another foodie roundup! I hope you enjoyed this list of yummy snacks at Walt Disney World that are easy on your wallet. If you have a favorite snack, please share it below, and I’ll add it to my must-try list on our next trip. For more Disney deliciousness, check out our other roundups at the links below!

BEST Snacks at Disney World – Our Favs

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Best Breakfast at Disney World (hint, it’s a pizza)
• Best Quick Service At Disney World For $10 Or Less
• Quick Service At Disney That’s Easy On Your Wallet
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save $5 Snacks At Walt Disney World To Pinterest

Quick service offers some of the best food on property—without the huge price tag. You’ll find creative flavors, big portions, and great value across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Whether you’re Disney-bound for the first time or a regular visitor, these spots belong on your Disney World food bucket list. 

Grab your appetite and your list—we’re diving into more of the best quick service restaurants at Disney that prove fast and affordable food can still be fantastic!

This is the second in our quick service at Disney World series. In the first post, which you can read here, we shared our favorite meals for less than $10 – so be sure to go back and read that one too. Some of my all-time favorites from that post are the Holiday Turkey Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich, the Morning Flatbread at Polynesian Village Resort, and the Pretzel Breakfast Sandwich at The Friar’s Nook. In this post, we’re sharing our second round of favorites from our most recent trip in January 2025!

Sharing food can drastically cut food expenses. Instead of two meals, you’re sharing one, and if you need more, order an extra side rather than an additional entrée. There’s no food waste, and you’re saving money. And since you’re not overeating, it leaves room to try more, especially when you’re at Disney World surrounded by delicious Disney snacks. We have a whole series on how to save at Disney World, including the cheapest way to do Disney and more, so be sure to check those posts out!

Quick Service at Disney

• What IS A Disney Quick Service Restaurant? A quick-service restaurant at Disney World is where you order your food at a counter or window, pick it up yourself, and find a seat. It is not a full-service situation. It’s fast and casual. A lovely table service restaurant is a treat, but it comes with a price. Disney table service restaurants are exorbitantly expensive, and it can be very frustrating to pay hundreds of dollars for something that just isn’t that good (looking at you, Ohana).

Quick-service restaurants offer faster and more affordable options, serving fantastic food. Let’s dive in!

Related: Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World

Hand-Dipped Corn Dog $11.49

Sleepy Hollow

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Liberty Square
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Sleepy Hollow Menu

Sleepy Hollow is a hidden gem – and so is this corndog! It’s perfectly fried without being greasy, the batter has a touch of sweetness, and the hot dog itself is plump, juicy, and crisp. It’s also huge. The picture doesn’t do the size justice. For just $11.49, this is an incredible deal, especially since you get a side of chips with it, and I am always here for chips – ha! Highly recommend!

Ronto Morning Wrap $12.79

Ronto Roasters

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Ronto Roasters Menu

Don’t let the simplicity of the Ronto Morning Wrap fool you. It’s delicious! The pita itself is soft and tender. I expected the egg patty to be hard and rubbery, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. As you can see, the cheese is plentiful, and you get a huge piece of grilled pork sausage. Personally, I think the peppercorn sauce makes the dish, so we always ask for more!

There is also a Ronto Wrap available for lunch and dinner, which is equally as delicious. We will get a picture of that on our next trip in January 2025. It comes with roasted pork and grilled pork sausage, tangy slaw, the same peppercorn sauce, and pita bread. It’s so good!

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Croissant Salé $9.50

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Location: Epcot > France Pavilion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu

Les Halles is one of the best Disney quick-service restaurants for a few reasons. The food is unique, one of the few places to get breakfast early in the World Showcase at Epcot, and where else can you get an entire authentic French baguette with butter and jam for less than four dollars on Disney property?

It’s also one of the few places to get breakfast early in the World Showcase at Epcot. The Croissant Salé, pictured above, is light, buttery, and flaky. The bacon adds texture, the cheese is melted and gooey, and the eggs add creaminess, making this a glorious combination of textures. We asked to have it toasted, which I highly recommend. This sandwich is simple and delicious every single time.  

Crispy Chicken Tenders $7.99

Chicken Guy!

• Location: Disney Springs > Town Center
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Chicken Guy! Menu

Chicken tenders aren’t typically my first choice, but I know there are a lot of chicken tender lovers out there, and Chicken Guy! at Disney Springs makes some solid dishes. The tenders are crispy, and the breading is flavorful without being greasy. The real draw here is the dipping sauces. There are many choices, and sampling the different sauces is fun for everyone. We paid $7.99 for four chicken tenders, which is a pretty good deal considering the size of the tenders. Since we were sharing, we opted for a side of fries for $3.49. Having said that, I would’ve been satisfied with four tenders. Our meal came with two sauces; each additional sauce was $0.50. The honey mustard was standard but flavorful, and I loved the donkey sauce, which combines mayonnaise, roasted garlic, white mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon.

Related: Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition

Breakfast Totchos $10.99

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery Menu

You might mistake Kusafiri for a small bakery or coffee shop, but this little Disney quick-service stand serves up some of the best little bites at Animal Kingdom. The breakfast totchos are an explosion of flavors and textures! Crispy tater tots are topped with creamy eggs, savory cheese sauce, salty bacon, and chewy cheese curds – and it’s delicious! We aren’t huge breakfast eaters, so this is enough for us for $10.99.

If you prefer something sweet, consider the pistachio honey croissant, which was featured in my list of the best $5 cheap Disney snacks. I’m in love with this pastry!

Bavarian Pretzel $10.00

BaseLine Tap House

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Grand Avenue
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• BaseLine Tap House Menu

The pretzel at Baseline Taphouse is one of the best on Disney property. It’s huge and filling and will only cost you $10 plus tax. The beer cheese fondue is absolutely delicious, and you’ll also get a side of spicy mustard. Pro tip. Dip the pretzel in both sauces and thank me later!

Baseline Taphouse is not only a quick-service restaurant but also a small brewery serving a variety of delicious drinks. It’s our favorite place to take a break and people-watch at Hollywood Studios. The vibe is comfortable, we love the seating outside, and the selection of beer and snacks is great. If you’re hungry enough, there’s a California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate for $13.00 that we thoroughly enjoy!

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Breakfast Flatbread $10.79

Contempo Café

• Location: Contemporary Resort
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Contempo Café Menu

After trying the morning flatbread at Captain Cook’s (aka one of the best quick service meals on Disney property!), I was on a quest to try every breakfast flatbread/pizza on Disney property. When I read that the Breakfast Flatbread at Contempo came with sausage gravy, I couldn’t wait to try it, and it did not disappoint. The crust was chewy with crispy edges and held up well to the toppings. Although it wasn’t loaded with toppings like the one at Polynesian, it was the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The gravy was flavorful and added enough moisture to the pizza without making it messy. As for portion and value, you can’t go wrong. For just $10.79 plus tax, it’s easily shareable between two people. Highly recommend!

Stuffed Pancake Sandwich $8.99

Drinkwallah

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Drinkwallah Menu

This may look small, but don’t be deceived. It’s dense, hearty, and filling. The Marshall’s Favorite Stuffed Pancake Sandwich is a pancake-like dough stuffed with egg, cheese, sausage, and guava jelly. We had mixed feelings about this, but it was enjoyable enough to make the list. The filling had good flavor, but I would have liked more guava jelly. For $8.99, this is a filling breakfast, and you can find it at Pongo Pongo, Trek Snacks, and Drinkwallah, where we purchased ours.

Drinkwallah is an unassuming little stand in Asia and one of our favorite quick-service spots at Disney, but not necessarily for the food. If you walk behind the building, you’ll find a small, covered seating area right along the water. We love hanging out here and taking a break!

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup $9.99

Boardwalk Deli

• Location: Disney’s BoardWalk
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Boardwalk Deli Menu

Many people are unaware that the Boardwalk even has a quick-service location. The deli is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers some hidden gems, including the Reuben, brownie, and grilled cheese sandwich. Grilled cheese and tomato soup hit the spot on a cool January day. We found a table on the Boardwalk and thoroughly enjoyed this meal for just $9.99. While the grilled cheese was nothing fancy, it didn’t need to be. The bread was buttery and toasty, and the cheese was gooey and plentiful. We happily dipped it into the tomato soup, which was tangy, tomatoey, and delicious. This is simple comfort food.

Related: Disney World Food Prices & Ways To Save

Cuban Sandwich $12.79

Backlot Express

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Echo Lake
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Backlot Express Menu

I consider myself A Cuban sandwich aficionado, and I absolutely loved this! It was a total flavor bomb, and my husband and I both commented on how much pork was on the sandwich. As you can see, there was also no shortage of cheese, which was perfectly melted and flavorful. This sandwich is packed with protein and very filling! The side of plantain chips was a pleasant surprise, and something different from the standard Disney chips served almost everywhere. They had a subtle sweetness that perfectly balanced the savory flavors of the sandwich. There’s no way I could’ve eaten the sandwich myself, so this is definitely one you can split between two people!

That’s a wrap on round two of our favorite affordable quick service at Disney! I do my best to update all these posts with menu changes, but it’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing menus at Disney World. Please let me know if you find something I need to correct. I genuinely appreciate the help!

The food at Disney World has come a long way. I grew up in Florida and have been visiting Disney since I was a little girl, and that’s a lot of years, lol! My daughter also worked at Disney World, and we’ve visited yearly for as long as I can remember. Needless to say, we’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, especially when it comes to food. While there are some amazing table-service restaurants at Disney, I’m all about saving money, and you do not have to wreck your budget to eat amazing food while on property. In fact, some of the best quick service at Disney World is surprisingly affordable.

Having said that, with hundreds of restaurants on Disney property, it can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. While there are many ways to save money at Disney World, like sharing meals and bringing in your own food, we are foodies, and taste comes first. It doesn’t matter how cheap it is if it isn’t delicious, right? This is the first in several food reviews from our trip, and I’m starting with some of our favorites.

Best Quick Service At Disney World For $10 Or Less

On this trip, we focused on trying new dishes, not our old favorites. We had some truly fantastic food for $10 or less. A few of the dishes are on the smaller side, and some people may say they aren’t big enough to be meals. I don’t have a huge appetite, and I don’t want to be uncomfortably full. Some dishes, like Marshall’s Stuffed Pancake Sandwich, are very hearty and filling, even though they may not look that way. We also love trying as many dishes as possible and want to leave room to try more.

We graze throughout the park and rarely eat at table-service restaurants. You’ll notice that most of the meals and snacks below are from quick-service restaurants and kiosks. That’s how we like to eat, so keep that in mind as you work your way through this list. Without further ado, I’m so excited to share these with you, and I’m already counting down the days until I can eat them again!

I have videos for most of the dishes below on my Instagram page. If you go to my profile, you will see highlight bubbles with each of our trips!

Holiday Turkey Sandwich at Earl Of Sandwich

Earl Of Sandwich

• Location: Disney Springs > Marketplace
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Earl Of Sandwich Disney Springs Menu

On the first day we arrive at Disney World, it’s a tradition to go to Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs! We’ve tried nearly everything on the menu, but the holiday turkey sandwich is my favorite. It comes with turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise on their famous toasted sandwich bread. This tastes like the sandwich you would make the day after Thanksgiving, but even better! It’s the perfect combination of savory and salty, with just a hint of sweetness from the cranberry. The bread is toasted but not crunchy, which I appreciate.

Coming in at just $8.99, this is a fantastic value. The sandwich is big enough that I can’t finish it myself, and it is easily shareable between two people if you upgrade to a combo for $4.99 more. If you order the combo, you will get your choice of chips, a cookie or brownie, a side salad, a cup of soup, or wedges on the side, along with a regular-size fountain drink. I always go for the tomato soup. It’s so good! 

Chipotle Barbecue Loaded Fries $7.79

Casey’s Corner

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Main Street, U.S.A.
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Casey’s Corner Menu

There’s nothing not to love about this dish. Crispy, salty fries, tender pork, cool and crunchy coleslaw, topped with sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. This is the most delicious combination of flavors and textures! As someone who doesn’t usually go for barbecue, I appreciated how these ingredients balanced each other, and there wasn’t too much of any one thing. I was concerned about the chipotle, but the spice level is very mild, and the coleslaw helps to mellow it out. At $7.79, this is a fantastic value, very filling, and the protein from the generous amount of pork will help keep you full.

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Morning Flatbread $10.59

Capt. Cook’s

• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Capt. Cook’s Menu

I love this flatbread so much that I wrote an entire post about it. Instead of repeating myself, you can read why I consider this the best breakfast at Disney World. This should definitely be on your list when budgeting for food at Disney. It’s SUCH a great value! While you’re there, make some time to enjoy the grounds of the Polynesian resort. It’s stunning! My husband and I love to walk down by the water and follow the new(ish) walking path that connects to the Grand Floridian. If you like walking, the path goes from the Polynesian to the Magic Kingdom. We went in January when the weather was perfect and enjoyed this walk several times.

Buffalo Chicken Chips $9.79

Trilo-Bites

• Location: Animal Kingdom > DinoLand U.S.A
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Trilo-Bites Menu

My husband and I are not usually fans of buffalo, so we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed this dish. The chips were crunchy without being greasy and held up well to the toppings. The buffalo sauce was moderately spicy, and I appreciated that it was plentiful without being too much. The blue cheese was creamy and tangy, and I loved the celery relish. The combination of flavors and textures was just delicious. My only note is that I wish there was more relish, and I will ask for more the next time we order this. This is a generous portion for just $10.59 and easily shareable.

Kids’ Disney Check Meal – Turkey Sandwich $7.79

Woody’s Lunch Box

• Location: Animal Kingdom > DinoLand U.S.A
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Woody’s Lunch Box Menu

This is easily one of the best values at Disney World! For just $7.79, you get half of a sandwich, two sides, and a drink. The sandwich was delicious, but I found it a little dry. After adding additional mayonnaise and mustard, it was perfect. I appreciated the amount of turkey and the hearty, multigrain bread. The day we went, it was chilly, so I also enjoyed the warm tomato soup and crispy, salty tater tots on the side. The kids’ meals include bottled water, apple juice, or milk, and it’s more than enough for an adult as a lighter meal.

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Lobster Bisque Bread Bowl $6.95

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Location: Epcot > France Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu

As someone who’s not a fan of lobster, I did not expect to love this as much as I did. It was absolutely delicious and hit the spot on a cool January day. The soup is creamy and flavorful, and the lobster flavorful is not overpowering, which I appreciated. At just $6.95, this is a fantastic value! The portion is generous, and the bread bowl makes it very filling. Some of the best quick service at Disney World can be found at Les Halles. They have everything from sandwiches and quiche to croissants and pastries, so be sure to add this to your list!

Pretzel Breakfast Sandwich $9.25

The Friar’s Nook

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Fantasyland
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• The Friar’s Nook Menu

If you love a pretzel, you’ll love this sandwich! The bread was soft and had a classic pretzel flavor. The sausage added fantastic flavor, and there was plenty of it. This is a fantastic value! The sandwich is large and filling, and it comes with tater tots. Two people can easily share this, especially at breakfast. You can order a small side of cheese sauce (shown) or sausage gravy for a dollar more. When we were there, they had just turned over the menu from breakfast to lunch, so I couldn’t get the gravy, but I definitely will next time. This is a unique and delicious twist on a classic sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich!

Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork $6.79

Eight Spoon Café

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Discovery Island
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Eight Spoon Café Menu

The baked mac & cheese with pulled pork at Flame Tree Barbecue gets a lot of hype, but don’t sleep on Eight Spoon Café! This dish is smaller but also half the price, and I appreciate its simplicity. (the Flame Tree version also has coleslaw and onion rings on top) The macaroni and cheese is creamy and flavorful, and I love the baked cheese crust on top. The pork is chewy and smoky, and the barbecue sauce is flavorful without being too sweet. I’m obsessed with scallions, so I also appreciate the generousness here. They add a pop of freshness and crunch to the dish. This is an explosion of flavors and textures and a great value at just $6.79. This is stick-to-your-ribs kind of food – very filling and satisfying!

Kid’s Macaroni & Cheese $6.99

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

• Location: Epcot > World Showcase > American Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse Menu

Some of the best quick service at Disney World is in the form of a kids’ meal—but for adults—and the kid’s macaroni and cheese at Regal Eagle Smokehouse is hugely popular for a reason. The macaroni and cheese is some of the best on the property. It tastes homemade, and the cheese blend is flavorful and strong in the best way. The crunchy, garlicky breadcrumbs on top are plentiful and add a nice texture.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers the best selection of sides for kids’ meals. Instead of just a Cutie, fries, or apple slices, kids (or adults) can choose from coleslaw, french fries, onion rings, baked beans with burnt ends, watermelon, or pickles. We went with coleslaw and onion rings. This is a LOT of food for a kids’ meal and such a great value for $6.99.

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Ortolana Sicilian Slice $9.00

Pizza Ponte

• Location: Disney Springs > The Landing
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Pizza Ponte Menu

Pizza Ponte is known for its ginormous slices of pizza, but it also has a solid selection of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The choice of pizza rotates, but today, I ordered the Ortolana, which is topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes, red onion, bell peppers, spinach, and Kalamata olives. The crust itself is tender and pillowy with crispy, charred edges. I LOVE a good veggie pizza, and this did not disappoint. I would order this again and again. It will cost you nine dollars and is easily shareable between two people. You can see in the picture that it’s hanging off the plate. This Sicilian-style pizza has a thicker, almost focaccia-like crust, making it very filling!

Cheeseburger Steamed Pod $8.59

Satu’li Canteen

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Pandora
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Satu’li Canteen Menu

The cheeseburger steamed pods at Satu’li Canteen have a cult following, and after trying them on our last trip, I totally understand why. They taste exactly like a McDonald’s cheeseburger but better. The filling is a beefy mixture with onions, cheese, and pickles. It’s so flavorful! The dough is soft and fluffy and holds up well to the filling. The kids’ meals’ sides here are very limited, so I chose double chips, which were a combination of sweet potato chips, blue corn tortilla chips, and the standard house-made potato chips served all over Disney. They were fresh, lightly salted, and went well with the steamed pod. I asked for a side of their creamy herb dressing to dip my chips in. It’s so good! I’d put this in my top five favorite kids’ meals at Disney World. This is a delicious and filling meal for just $8.59.

Quick Service At Disney World – Honorable Mentions

In addition to the deliciousness we’ve already discussed, here are a few more of our favorite quick-serve restaurants at Disney. These didn’t make the $10 cut, but you should know about them!

Cookes of Dublin in The Landing at Disney Springs

• Famous Fish’ n Chips $15.99: Premium North Atlantic beer-battered cod and chips served with house-made tartar sauce.

Cookes Of Dublin is such a vibe. Order from the counter and grab a table outside at Hole In The Wall Pub. The fish and chips cost $15.99, but the portion is humongous. It’s one of our favorite meals to share with an ice-cold Guinness!

Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom

• Sea Captain’s Fish Sandwich $13.29: Battered fish, red cabbage slaw, tartar sauce, and french fries.

Columbia Harbour House has always been one of our favorite quick restaurants on Disney property. Grab a table upstairs where it’s quieter, even on busy days. The fish sandwich is huge, and we love any sandwich with slaw!

Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Pulled Pork Nachos $10.29: These are topped with cheese, spicy mayonnaise, pico de gallo, and pineapple salsa.

Captain Cook’s is so underrated. We often go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and then take some time to enjoy the gorgeous grounds of the Polynesian resort. The pork nachos are one of the best dishes on the property. We will have a full review soon!

BoardWalk Deli at Disney’s BoardWalk

• Everything Bagel Sandwich $8.99: Cage-free egg, sausage patty, and cheddar on an everything bagel served with choice of side

One of our favorite times to visit The Boardwalk is in the morning. It’s usually pretty empty, and we enjoy grabbing breakfast at Boardwalk Deli while taking in the sights and sounds. The Everything Bagel sandwich is hearty, savory, filling, and delicious and comes with a side!

Gasparilla Island Grill at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Italian Sandwich $11.79: Ham, salami, capicola, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, Italian dressing, and olive aïoli on a house-made sub roll served with choice of side.

Touring the resorts is the perfect way to spend a day outside of the parks when you’re at Disney while enjoying some of the best food on property. The Italian sandwich at Gasparilla’s has all the classic flavors you want in an Italian sandwich, including the Italian dressing and olive oil that soaks the bread. It’s GIANT and perfect for sharing!

Flame Tree Barbecue in Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom

• Smokehouse Chicken Salad $11.99: Pulled chicken on top of mixed greens salad tossed with smoked cheddar, diced granny smith apples, dried cranberries, cornbread croutons, crispy onions, and barbecue-ranch dressing

Most guests go to Flame Tree Barbecue for the barbecue, but everyone needs to know about the Smokehouse Chicken Salad! If you think salads are boring, then you’re eating boring salads, and this salad is anything but boring. It’s fresh, hearty, savory, and a total flavor bomb. It’s one of my favorite meals at Animal Kingdom!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Best Quick Service At Disney World To Pinterest

Hello and welcome to our Disney Baby 101 series, where I, as a first-time mom, discuss the ins and outs of preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation! The last time we visited Disney, our little guy was still a baby, but now he is a toddler, and we’ve learned a lot since then! So, let’s answer as many of your questions (and mine) regarding babies and toddlers at Disney World.

We’ve covered a lot of ground with this series: everything from what to pack to infant rides at Disney World and creating a vacation to-do list. You can find those posts below!

• Best Rides for Babies at Disney World
• To-Do List for Brining a Baby to Disney
• Ultimate Disney Packing List for Babies

Babies & Toddlers At Disney World General Q&A

Do I need to bring my child’s birth certificate if they are under 3?

• Nope! In fact, at the time of publication, Disney does not require any identification for guests under 3.

Can my infant ride safely on Disney transportation?

• Disney’s transportation services – buses, monorail, boats, and more – are safe for babies to ride on a caregiver’s lap. They will not need a car seat. Sometimes, they can even remain in their stroller. If you plan to book a Disney Minnie Van, every vehicle is equipped with two Graco 4Ever car seats (free of charge), and Cast Members are trained to install them safely.

What if I forgot a baby item from home?

• Refrain from fretting if you accidentally forgot a baby item at home or need to purchase more. Disney World sells a wide range of baby items at various locations. Your best bet is to check the Baby Care Centers within each theme park or a resort gift shop. Items sold are diapers, wipes, baby food, over-the-counter medication, sunscreen, and more.
• Additionally, several shops and stores (e.g., Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) within the property can easily be reached by car or Uber/Lyft.

Are there family restrooms at Disney World?

• Disney has many “companion restrooms” throughout the resort. They are designed for those who need assistance. While these bathrooms will be larger, many still need changing tables. Guests can find changing stations in the main restrooms and the Baby Care Centers.

Where can I breastfeed at Walt Disney World?

• Guests are welcome to breastfeed their child anywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. This is because of a Florida public health law that allows mothers to breastfeed covered or uncovered in any public or private location.
  • If you prefer a more secluded spot to breastfeed in the parks, head to one of the Disney Baby Care Center Locations! They are designed to be a calming and quiet space for families and their teeny tinies. In fact, the Baby Care Centers have nursing rooms equipped with rocking chairs, dim lights, and air conditioning!
  • These rooms are semi-private at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT and completely private at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
  • Additionally, if you are pumping, you can use one of the electrical outlets within the center. Find Baby Care Centers on park maps, My Disney Experience app, or, as always, you can ask a Cast Member.

Disney World Theme Park Q&A

How much does it cost for babies to go to Walt Disney World?

• This one may surprise you – children under three are FREE and do not require a ticket when visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks. Yes, you read the right. It’s FREE! When entering a theme park, tell the Cast Member your child’s age, and they will be welcomed right through the front gates!

Does my baby need a theme park reservation?

• Babies and toddlers at Disney World do not need a theme park reservation as long as they are three years of age and under.

Can I bring my stroller into the theme parks? What about food and drinks?

• Yes absolutely! Do be aware Disney does have a size limit – maximum dimensions are 31″ wide and 52″ long. Also, wagons are not permitted.
• Disney allows food and drinks. However, they can’t be in glass containers or required to be cooked or refrigerated. If your items need to be kept cool, you can store them in a small cooler. (FYI: You can ask for a cup of ice at any quick-service restaurant!) Also, guests can bring in a diaper bag no larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high.
  • Please know that security will check these items when you enter the theme parks and Disney Springs. You can read more about Walt Disney World’s property rules here.

What if I need to heat my baby’s bottle or food while at Disney World theme park?

• If you need to warm up your infant’s food or drink, head to those all-encompassing Baby Care Centers! They are stationed with bottle warmers and microwaves. You can ask for a cup of warm water or milk when dining at a Disney restaurant. (FYI: Per health regulations, Disney restaurants are restricted from eating food not prepped inside the kitchen.)

Where can I keep my baby’s medication cool at Disney World theme parks?

• As mentioned earlier, you can bring a small cooler into the theme parks. Disney also allows storage for items like epi-pens and specialty dietary items at various in-park locations – one being (you guessed it!) the Baby Care Centers! For more details, speak to a Cast Member.

Can I rent a stroller at Disney World?

• Yup, you sure can! Disney offers single and double-stroller rentals, and you can choose how many days you want to rent. Stroller rental locations are at each of the four theme parks. You will find them right past the front gates once you have entered the park.

What rides can babies go on at Disney World?

• Several attractions are baby and toddler-friendly. I have covered them all here!

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What if my baby can not go to an attraction? How does baby swap work?

• Your baby’s itty bitty size will not limit you and your family from enjoying attractions with height requirements. Disney has a program called Rider Switch (also known as “baby swap”) that allows your cutie to stay back with an adult while the rest of the party goes on the attraction. Once done, the adult who remained with the baby will get to “switch” and ride without waiting in line again. (They can bring one guest to avoid riding alone.)
  • FYI: Not all attractions offer Rider Switch, so ask a Cast Member or look online to confirm.

Are strollers allowed in attraction lines?

• Strollers are not permitted in ride queues while at Walt Disney World. They must be left at a stroller parking area, usually conveniently near the attraction’s entrance. Because of this, Disney has intentionally made the queues more engaging and fun for little ones while waiting to board the ride.

Where can babies nap while in the Disney theme parks?

• A stroller is an excellent place for babies and toddlers at Disney World to get some shut-eye. If your little one needs a quieter location, there are some great spots for babies to nap:

1. Firstly (and say it with me): the Baby Care Centers! They are quiet and cozy – a perfect place to get snoozy.
2. Try a trail that is off the main walking paths. Those are usually less populated and have benches scattered throughout. (My favorite is the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom. Beautiful too!)
3. Disney transportation, specifically, the monorail, trains, or boats. The hum of the moving engine is an extra bonus, too!
4. A quiet corner in an empty Disney restaurant. You will want to visit one that is not overly crowded. I like the second floor of Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House.

Disney Resort Q&A

Can I ship items to my Walt Disney World Resort hotel?

• Yes! This is a popular tip many families use to make packing easier, especially those with little ones. Bulky items like diapers, food, and drinks are frequently shipped via an online shopping site (such as Amazon).
  • If you want to ship items to your hotel room before you leave, send them to your Disney Resort hotel’s mailing address with the word “Guest” on the front and your arrival date. Do know that Disney World has employed a $6 per package handling fee for anything received through the Front Desk or delivered to your hotel room. This includes grocery delivery services as well. Check out more specific sending and receiving mail details here.

Are there refrigerators inside Walt Disney World hotel rooms?

• MOST Disney World hotel rooms offer refrigerators. They typically are minifridges or smaller beverage coolers. If your hotel room does not have one, call housekeeping to request one be placed there. (These are subject to availability.) You can find a complete list of Disney World hotels that offer in-room refrigerators here.

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Disney Dining Q&A

Do I need to include my baby when making dining reservations?

• YES: unlike theme park tickets and reservations, all guests (no matter their age) must be included in the headcount when making dining reservations at Walt Disney World – even if they are not eating off the restaurant’s menu. When checking in for your dining reservation, you can tell the Cast Member that a baby is included in your dining party.

Will my baby still be charged if they do not eat at a Disney restaurant?

• Usually not! If the restaurant has a price-fixed menu, children under 3 are typically free of charge. These restaurants often serve family-style or buffet food. Additionally, you can share your meal with your baby or toddler at no additional cost. Families will be charged for their infant when they ARE eating items from the menu – for instance, you order them a side of mac-n-cheese.

Do Disney restaurants offer baby-friendly items like high chairs, baby utensils, bibs, etc?

• All table service restaurants and quick service will have wooden high chairs designed for babies who can sit unsupported. Additionally, some restaurants also have booster seats. As for other baby dining items like bibs, utensils, mats, and so on, those items will need to be brought in with you.

Can I bring my baby’s stroller to a Disney restaurant?

• Guests are not typically permitted to bring strollers into Disney World restaurants. (However, stories have been told of Cast Members not requiring families to remove their sleeping babies from strollers.) Guests will be asked to leave their stroller at a nearby section designated for strollers. If this is your preferred way to dine with a baby, look for restaurants with outdoor seating—strollers are usually okay there!
  • However, you can bring an infant car seat into the restaurant if it can be unattached from your stroller.

What if we miss our Disney dining reservation because my baby is napping, fussing, etc?

• It is essential to know that Walt Disney World has a dining cancellation policy of $10 per person for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of the reservation time. That being said, if your little one can’t make it, as long as some of your party arrives at the dining reservation, you won’t be charged the penalty fee! It would be good to call the restaurant beforehand to let them know some will not be attending.

Are there allergy-friendly dining options at Walt Disney World?

• Yes! Disney World has made a concerted effort to provide wonderful dining options for all its guests, no matter their dietary needs. In fact, many restaurants offer full allergy-friendly menus. Guests can also speak to a restaurant Cast Member regarding their allergies, and they will do their best to accommodate.
  • Disney states, “In most cases, no advance arrangements are needed. While restaurants make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be able to meet all requests.” Learn more about Disney World’s special dietary requests here.

There are many moving parts when prepping for a trip with a little one – especially a Disney vacation! Feeling informed is a great way to set your vacation up for success. We hope these answers clarify any questions about your baby’s upcoming Disney trip. If you have any lingering questions (no matter how nuanced!), comment on this post, and we will do our best to find you the answer!

Most importantly, have FUN with babies and toddlers at Disney World! These are memories that will last a lifetime. I hope this FAQ list helps you. If you have any additional questions or suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save This To Pinterest

Hello and welcome to our Disney Baby 101 series, where I, as a first-time mom, discuss the ins and outs of preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation with our baby! Previously, I have shared what to pack and Disney World rides for babies. This article will focus on bringing a Baby to Disney World and what to do each day at Disney World with an infant.

There is a LOT to see and do at Walt Disney World, which can be exciting and overwhelming. Whether it is your first or not-so-first visit, creating a Disney to-do list for the theme parks and other areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort can be helpful. Consider attractions, shows, parades, restaurants, and even shops when composing your list. This streamlines the planning process and ensures you don’t forget something important.

As you prepare your list, consider having two trains of thought: Items you would LIKE to do and items you MUST do. We did this by compiling our to-do list and highlighting the items we wanted to accomplish. We tried to keep our “must-dos” to a minimum so we wouldn’t feel overwhelmed; think two to three items per park.

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Those with little ones know that eating out can be tricky. Luckily, Walt Disney World has many quick dining options, from food trucks and booths to elegant resort lounges. Therefore, we plan to eat mainly at Quick Service locations for our baby’s first time at Disney, and we’re not compromising the foodie in us while having an expedited eating experience. We’ve also included some of our favorite spots to grab a bite!

Bringing a Baby to Disney World

I wanted to share this with those curious and/or stumped about what to do with a baby at Disney World! We first sectioned our list by theme parks/areas, then divided it into attractions, activities, and restaurants. We also considered what is baby-friendly, seasonal items, and family favorites.

Because it was our baby’s first time at Disney World, we also wanted to ensure we didn’t miss out on our most-wanted park activities and attractions. That being said, we fully expected not to accomplish everything on this list – baby boy is in charge of this trip, after all!

Don’t exclude to-do items for adults and big kids! Because Walt Disney World offers the rider switch service, guests can still enjoy those attractions with height requirements while their little one hangs back with another party member. You can check the rides currently offering rider switch on the Disney website.

Regarding rides and wait times, I highly recommend splurging on Genie+ Service when bringing a baby to Disney World. You’ll have shorter wait times, a happier baby, and a happier mom and dad! The baby will be free, so you’ll only have to pay for members of your party who are three years of age and older.

Remember, this was our plan, but I hope it gives you an idea and a starting point when planning your first Disney trip with a baby!

Magic Kingdom With A Baby

• Between the iconic nature of the park and its baby-friendly attractions, Magic Kingdom has the most rides and activities on our list. Be there at the park opening to watch the opening ceremonies!

Rides for babies at Magic Kingdom

• MUST DO: Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• MUST DO: The Haunted Mansion
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant and/or The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• “It’s a small world”
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and/or Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Mommy/Daddy Rides: Space Mountain

What to do at Magic Kingdom with a baby

• MUST DO: Baby’s first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop
• MUST DO: Silhouette art at the Silhouette Portraits Cart, which is located on Main Street, U.S.A. (FYI: There is also a Silhouette Portraits Cart at Disney Springs.)
• MUST DO: Take a family picture in front of Cinderella Castle
• Meet Mickey and/or Stitch

Where to eat at Magic Kingdom with a baby

• Columbia Harbour House (Quick Service): Venture upstairs where it’s less crowded and cooler.
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (Quick Service): There are TONS of seating here, so finding a spot away from crowds should be easier.

EPCOT With A Baby

• Many people say Epcot is for adults, but we disagree. Epcot is great for bringing a baby to Disney! This park is huge and very spread out, so you can usually find places to sit and relax with a baby all over the park!

Rides for babies at Epcot

• MUST DO: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Spaceship Earth
• Frozen Ever After
• Living with the Land
• Mommy/Daddy Rides: Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind

What to do at Epcot with a baby

• MUST DO: International Festival of the Holidays
• Take a family picture in front of Spaceship Earth
• Visit SeaBase

Where to eat at Epcot with a baby

• MUST DO: Holiday treats (especially the Holiday Cookie Stroll!) at the International Festival of the Holidays food booths (Quick Service)
• La Cantina de San Angel: There is plenty of shaded outdoor seating by the water, but a little-known secret is that there is also indoor seating at La Cantina de San Angel from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Pro tip: When bringing a baby to Disney World, you’ll want to know where the quiet spots are! Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavilion is known for its shaded outdoor seating amid luscious gardens and bamboo trees. If you need a quiet spot for your baby, you can usually find somewhere to sit outside of prime meal time.

Hollywood Studios With A Baby

• Hollywood Studios is less about rides, but it does have live shows, which most babies love! You may only spend a few hours here, but it’s worth the trip!

Rides for babies at Hollywood Studios

• MUST DO: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Toy Story Mania
• Mommy/Daddy Rides: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and/or Slinky Dog Dash

What to do at Hollywood Studios with a baby

• MUST DO: Sunset Seasons Greetings nighttime projection show

Where to eat at Hollywood Studios with a baby

• Ronto Roasters or Docking Bay 7 (Quick Service): The Ronto Wrap is absolutely delicious – and filling!
• Baseline Tap House (Quick Service): Nice outdoor seating as well as the best hot pretzel and charcuterie on Disney property!

Animal Kingdom With A Baby

• I may be biased since I worked here, but Animal Kingdom is my favorite park to bring a baby to, especially if the baby is interested in animals at an early age. The lush greenery and ample trails make this a perfect park to stroll the baby around without feeling rushed!

Rides for babies at Animal Kingdom

• MUST DO: Wildlife Express Train
• Affection Section
• Na’vi River Journey
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Mommy/Daddy Rides: Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, and/or Avatar Flight of Passage

What to do at Animal Kingdom with a baby

• MUST DO: Take a family picture in front of the Tree of Life
• MUST DO: Visit the animal trails
• MUST DO: Watch Merry Menagerie

Where to eat at Animal Kingdom with a baby

• Satu’li Canteen (Quick Service) – You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, and there’s a ton of indoor and outdoor seating.

Pro tip: The family bathroom next to the outdoor seating area at Satu’li Canteen is quite large and clean!

Disney Springs With A Baby

Disney Springs isn’t all about entertainment, shopping, and dining. There are many areas geared towards kids!

Rides for babies at Disney Springs

• Marketplace Carousel
• Marketplace Train Express

What to do at Disney Springs with a baby

• MUST DO: Shop at World of Disney
• MUST DO: Explore the Christmas Tree Stroll
• MUST DO: Look for snow!

Where to eat at Disney Springs with a baby

• Earl of Sandwich (Quick Service): Delicious soups, sandwiches, and plenty of seating indoors and out.
• See the holiday overlay at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Table Service): There’s beautiful seating on the deck overlooking the water, making this an excellent spot for mom and dad to unwind and give baby lots to look at!

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Miscellaneous Things To Do With A Baby At Disney World

Other rides for babies at Disney World

• MUST DO: The Skyliner is calm and relaxing. If they try putting you with other guests, ask them if you can ride alone.

Other things to do with babies at Disney World

• MUST DO: Get baby a First Visit Pin
• MUST DO: Meet the characters at meet and greets or Disney character meals!
• Buy a snow/bubble wand (our boy loved it, and it kept him busy for hours!)
• Buy a Christmas ornament (We want to start this as one of our holiday traditions with our little one!)

Miscellaneous places to eat with a baby at Walt Disney World

• The lounges on Disney property are very baby-friendly. The atmosphere is casual, and many have indoor and outdoor seating. Some of our favorites for both delicious food and ambiance are Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Sanaa Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kidani Village, and Barcelona Lounge within Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (there’s a nice outdoor grassy area right outside).

Baby Care Center Locations at Disney World

• Lastly, the Disney baby care centers are fantastic! Go here to read our full review. They provide a quiet, air-conditioned place for babies to feed, rest, or be changed that’s not a public restroom. Disney can be overstimulating, especially with a baby. Providing this for babies and parents is just one of the reasons why Disney is so awesome! They also have a small selection of both free and paid necessities. 

As I have mentioned, this momma is a planner! This prepared list helped our family stay focused and stress-free while playing at the parks. I hope sharing our family’s plan and tips for bringing a baby to Disney World helps you!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Bringing a Baby to Disney World To Pinterest

Welcome back to our Disney Baby 101 series, where I, as a first-time mom, discuss the ins and outs of preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation with our baby! In my previous post, I shared things we plan to pack for our little cutie’s first time at Disney World. In this article, let’s talk about the best rides for babies at Disney World! We have a free printable list for you at the end of the post!

When traveling to The Most Magical Place on Earth with an infant or toddler in tow, you may wonder what rides are baby and toddler-friendly. We are happy to report that many of the attractions at Walt Disney World’s four theme parks are safe and fun for babies and toddlers. Before we dive in, there are a few things you can do to prepare your baby for the rides!

• The music and sounds can be very loud, so bringing a pair of noise-blocking ear muffs is a good idea.
• A collapsable baby carrier keeps your baby close and secure, making them feel safe!
• Baby-safe sunblock is necessary for rides outside, and it’s never a bad idea to bring protection from the bright lights.

Rides for Babies at Disney World

There are a few things that are important to know. Rides that are baby-friendly actually have no height requirement. A “baby-friendly” attraction typically means your little one can safely ride with a guardian. This does not mean they can ride solo or in a carrier.

• Pro tip. For those visiting Walt Disney World pregnant, a general rule of thumb is that any ride deemed safe for a baby or toddler is also safe for pregnant women. If you’re unsure, you can look for signage or speak with the Cast Member at the ride.

Below are the rides and shows that are and are not baby-friendly at each of the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.

• TIP: Pick up a park map or use the My Disney Experience app to find out more specific details about each attraction.

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Baby-Friendly Rides at Magic Kingdom

Adventureland

• Jungle Cruise
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Fantasyland

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
• “it’s a small world”
• Mad Tea Party
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney World Railroad (temporarily unavailable due to refurbishments)

Frontierland

• Country Bear Jamboree
• Tom Sawyer Island
• Liberty Square
• The Hall of Presidents
• Haunted Mansion
• Liberty Square Riverboat

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Other baby-friendly areas and activities:

• Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
• Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
• A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas

Pro tip. Parades are a great baby-friendly activity for the whole family! Times vary, so be sure to confirm with a Cast Member, visit a tip board, or use Disney Genie via the My Disney Experience app.

Baby-Friendly Rides at Epcot

World Celebration

• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
• Journey Into Imagination With Figment
• Spaceship Earth
• World Nature
• Awesome Planet
• Living with the Land
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Turtle Talk With Crush

World Showcase

• America Gardens Theater
• The American Adventure
• Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
• Palais du Cinema: Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Impressions de France
• Reflections of China
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Other baby-friendly areas and activities:

• Advanced Training Lab
• SeaBase
• Kidcot Fun Spots

Pro tip. Meeting characters is always fun for babies and toddlers – as long as your little one isn’t too shy! While at the parks, you can find character meeting spots on park maps, the My Disney Experience app, or ask a Cast Member.

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Baby-Friendly Rides at Hollywood Studios

Animation Courtyard

• Disney Junior Play & Dance!

Echo Lake

• For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Vacation Fun

Grand Avenue

• MuppetVision 3D

Hollywood Boulevard

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Sunset Boulevard

• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Toy Story Land

• Toy Story Mania!

Other baby-friendly areas and activities:

• Disney Presents. More info here.

Pro tip. If loud noises and crowds don’t bother your kiddos, fireworks and dance parties are additional baby-friendly park activities. As with character meet-and-greets and parades, check for locations and times on the My Disney Experience app or with a Cast Member.

Baby-Friendly Rides at Animal Kingdom

Africa

• Festival of the Lion King
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Wildlife Express Train

Asia

• Feathered Friends in Flight!

Discovery Island

• Discovery Island Trails
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!

Dinoland U.S.A

• The Boneyard
• Disney KiteTails
• TriceraTop Spin

Pandora – The World of Avatar

• Na’vi River Journey
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch
• Affection Section

Other baby-friendly areas and activities:

• Conservation Station
• Fossil Fun Games
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
• Oasis Animal Exhibits
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• Tree of Life
• Wilderness Explorers

Pro tip. Is your baby or toddler needing a quiet place to take a break from all those thrilling rides and shows? Pop in one of Disney’s Baby Care Centers – located within each of the theme parks! You can find out the exact location of the Baby Care Centers on a park map or via My Disney Experience.

Attractions That are NOT Baby-Friendly With a Height Requirement

Magic Kingdom

• The Barnstormer – Guests must be 35+ inches
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Guests must be 40+ inches
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Guests must be 38+ inches
• Space Mountain – Guests must be 44+ inches
• Splash Mountain – Guests must be 40+ inches
• Tomorrowland Speedway – Guests must be 32+ inches

Epcot

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Guests must be 42+ inches
• Mission: SPACE – Guests must be 40+ inches
• Soarin’ Around the World – Guests must be 40+ inches
• Test Track – Guests must be 40+ inches

Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage – Guests must be 44+ inches
• DINOSAUR – Guests must be 40+ inches
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Guests must be 44+ inches
• Kali River Rapids – Guests must be 38+ inches

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers – Guests must be 32+ inches
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Guests must be 38+ inches
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Guests must be 48+ inches
• Slinky Dog Dash – Guests must be 38+ inches
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Guests must be 40+ inches
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Guests must be 40+ inches
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Guests must be 40+ inches

Pro tip. Print out this list or save this post on your mobile device to easily refer back to while playing in the parks!

Last but certainly not least, it is important to know where the baby care center is in each pack. You can find an interactive map for each center right on the Disney website!

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There you have it – all the best rides for babies at Disney World! We hope this list streamlines the planning process and helps while visiting Disney. Does your little one have a favorite ride or show? Be sure to share your favorite baby-friendly attraction in the comments below!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Best Rides for Babies at Disney World To Pinterest

Walt Disney World in November is another one of our favorite times to go. The overlap between Halloween, autumn, and December holidays is so special. Spirits are high, the decorations transport you, and the specialty food and beverage items are hard to top!

November Weather at Walt Disney World

Usually, the weather at Walt Disney World in November is fairly enjoyable. Highs will be around 75° —80°, while the lows will range from 57° —63°. That said, the temperature at this time of year is quite unpredictable! I’ve been there when the heat soared into the 90°s, while other years, a cold snap hits central Florida, bringing temps down to the 40s!

As a reminder, hurricane season in Orlando, Florida, continues until November 30th. That brings rain and humidity, but they should be significantly less than in the summer months. Because of this and the potential varying temperatures, it is best to bring a little of everything clothing-wise.

November Crowds at Disney World

In November, you will see high and low crowds at Walt Disney World. The first full week will bring an influx of guests due to the Wine and Dine Marathon Weekend (October 31 – November 3), Election Day, and the infamous “Jersey Week.” (This is when many New Jerseyans flock to Walt Disney World to spend extra days off from school – lucky!)

The second week brings Veteran’s Day (November 11th), a Monday this year. Expect many visitors to enjoy this long weekend at the “Most Magical Place on Earth!”

The “slowest” time of the month will most likely be after Veteran’s Day and until Thanksgiving week. If you have flexibility with your schedule, I would shoot for this time frame. Especially once it is Thanksgiving, guests will start pouring in early. I distinctly remember one family vacation during this time frame—the difference between crowd levels from the start and end of our trip was striking.

November Events at Walt Disney World

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Dates: August 29th to November 23rd, 2024
This multicultural event is a food lover’s dream! Enjoy cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and samples of food and drink from worldwide!

Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Dates: August 30th to November 18th, 2024
This star-studded musical event showcases both local and popular talent! Held in the America Gardens Theatre—American Adventure Pavilion, showtimes are typically 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. The updated list of scheduled artists is here.

Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Dates: October 31st to November 3rd, 2024
Burn off those extra Food and Wine calories by participating in the immensely popular Wine and Dine races! The weekend will celebrate its 15th year with a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Participants will run throughout areas of the Walt Disney World property, experiencing culinary wonders from around the world. Friends and family members are invited to celebrate at the post-race party for an additional fee.

The Food & Wine Classic at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Dates: November 15th and 16th, 2024
Swan and Dolphin’s Food and Wine Classic is returning for its 15th year! The ticketed, two-day event will feature yummy bites prepared by award-winning chefs, live entertainment, and a variety of globe-trotting wines, beers, and sakes. The event runs in the evenings from 5:30 – 9:30 pm each day.

Returning for 2024: Jollywood Nights!

Disney Jollywood Nights
Dates: November 9th to December 21st, 2024
Step into a shimmering holiday scene with glitz and glamour! This five-hour holiday extravaganza is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for its second year! This is a separate ticketed event featuring exclusive entertainment, food offerings, specially-curated holiday beverages, and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Dates: November 8th to December 30th, 2024
The aptly named “holly, jolly event” is returning this year! Celebrate the most magical time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, photo ops with characters dressed in their best holiday wear, and a festive parade and fireworks. The event kicks off at 7:00 pm and ends at midnight. To purchase tickets, click here.

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EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Dates: November 29th to December 30th, 2024
Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays. Munch on savory and sweet treats, listen to holiday storytellers, and even meet Santa! This is also when the ever-popular Candlelight Processional happens. Gather with friends and family to hear the story of Christmas — brought to life by celebrity narrators. This event is held nightly in the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT and this year it is at NEW TIMES: 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM .

ESPN Events Invitational
Dates: November 28th and 29th, 2024
Guests are welcome to celebrate Thanksgiving by cheering on Division 1 college basketball teams in an early season two day tournament. Games will be hosted at the State Farm Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

• Tip: You do not have to be a participating athlete or coach to visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex! For frequent Disney vacationers, this would be a great way to add something new to your trip! FYI: there is an admission fee to tour the facility.

Other Notable Events

Happy birthday to both Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on November 18th! In years past, the parks celebrate this joyous occasion with commemorative pins and birthday edition parades. (We even received these pins on our honeymoon in Hawaii at Disney’s Aulani Resort!) And if you cannot make it to the parks, check Disney World’s social media accounts on Instagram and Tiktok, as well as the Disney Channel, to see fun birthday festivities!

• Fun fact: if you are at Magic Kingdom on this day, try and plan to ride Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid ride to spot a once-a-year and VERY Hidden Mickey! Supposedly, a Mickey-shaped shadow will be cast while in the rocky ceiling portion of the queue. However, it can only be seen at noon if the weather is right!

Although it is not advertised, filming for Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (which airs on Christmas Day on ABC) frequently happens in mid-November. Filming takes place at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks. If you just so happen to be at the parks those days, you will be able to see the production – and maybe even be featured in the background during the broadcast!

If you are in Disney Springs on November 8th, be on the lookout for a Diwali Parade! According to their site, the parade will take occur at 11:00 AM.

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• Special Olympics FL Fall Classic (November 8th – November 9th, 2024)
• WBCA Showcase (November 21st – November 24th, 2024)
• NIT Season Tip-Off (November 28th – November 29th, 2024)
• Disney Junior Soccer Showcase (November 29th – December 1st, 2024)

November Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World Parks

The following will be closed during the month of November:

Parks:
EPCOT – Frozen Ever After (November 2-6) and Test Track (returning date TBD)
Blizzard Beach Water Park (returning date November 3rd)
Typhoon Lagoon (closes November 4th for its seasonal refurbishments – reopening date TBD)

Resorts:
Polynesian Village Resort – various areas under construction due to resort wide renovations
Port Orleans French Quarter – some guest rooms under refurbishment
Contemporary Resort – the Bay Lake Tower will undergo a year long refurb (reopening September 2025) 

Tips for Visiting Disney World in November

Did you know you can preview EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival items online? Check them out here!

Cold snaps are common at Walt Disney World Resort, and cozy apparel is quickly bought up. Come prepared for a possible Elsa moment and pack a few cold-weather clothing items. A personal favorite of mine for this time of year is a crewneck sweater – just enough to keep me cozy, especially during those cool November nights.

The week of Thanksgiving (November 28th) is one of the top five busiest times of year for Walt Disney World. Having said that, it is especially festive and feels pretty magical. If you keep that in mind, mentally prepare for the crowds, and plan a few more hotel and pool breaks, you’ll be fine!

The holiday decorations are magical at Walt Disney World! Since many guests come to enjoy them at Disney Springs (and the other fun festivities happening there this time of year, like the Christmas Tree Trail and holiday bites), there will be a significant uptick in crowds – especially in the evenings and on weekends. If possible, plan to visit Disney Springs during a weekday to cut down on the crowds. And the earlier the better! PS: don’t forget to make your dining reservations if you plan to dine at one of the many restaurants in Disney Springs.

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Disney World in November To Pinterest

This post covers the October weather at Disney World, which is crucial when preparing your packing list. You’ll also want to jot down any refurbishments and closures at Walt Disney World, which we’ve updated below. If you’re visiting the month before or after, we have Disney and vacation planning tips for every month!

Walt Disney World in October is such a fun time! Imagine it now: strolling Magic Kingdom’s Main Street with a pumpkin spice latte, taking in the autumn vibes, perusing the whimsical decor, and ending the day by attending one of the many events hosted during this time of year. It truly is lovely!

The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival and Halloween party are in full swing, and the parks are transformed with fall and Halloween decor, seasonal food, and special events! However, don’t let the time of year fool you; fall in Florida is still hot, so be sure to read the post and have a solid plan in place. Your Disney checklist should also include proper attire, ride closures, park hours, and other relevant details. As always, we include some personal Disney tips to help you have the most magical Disney vacation!

Walt Disney World In October

Starting with the weather, historically, temperatures in October steadily decrease by a degree or two each day as the month progresses—beginning with a high of around 87°F and ending at about 81°F. Lows range from 72° to 63°. Compared to the scorching summer weather in the Orlando area, I would call that a nice reprieve! 

You will also notice slightly less humidity. You can blame it on the fact that hurricane season is still lingering. NOAA is predicting “above-normal” hurricane activity, yikes! (Remember, if you need to cancel for any reason, Disney offers a fairly lenient cancellation policy. I do highly suggest reading over the terms and agreements before booking.)  

In short, October days at Disney World can range from hot and sunny to rainy and humid. To accommodate the varying weather conditions, I always like to dress in layers with a raincoat or poncho in tow!

Related Planning Posts

We have dozens of posts to help with your Disney trip planning. The list below serves as a great starting point, featuring some of our Disney must-dos, favorite Disney snacks, budget-friendly options, and the best times to visit.

• Best Totchos At Disney World
• Toddler Packing List For Disney (and beyond)
• Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps
• Disney Springs Happy Hours
• Resort Hopping At Disney World
• Crystal Palace At Magic Kingdom Review
• Slowest Times At Disney World

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October Crowds at Walt Disney World

Over the years, Disney World in October has become increasingly more popular. The crowd levels will fluctuate throughout the month. Be aware that attendance will spike on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend and become increasingly crowded as the Halloween season approaches. 

Many school districts nationwide have fall break during this month (typically the first or second week in October), making Disney World a top vacation destination for families. It is also a popular time for conventions, so be mindful of this when making dinner reservations and visiting Disney Springs in the evenings. 

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Events at Walt Disney World

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Dates: August 28th to November 22nd, 2025
This multicultural event is a food lover’s dream and one of the longest-running festivals of the year! Enjoy cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and samples of food and drink from all over the world! The Eat to the Beat concert series occurs nightly from August 28th to November 17th at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. Click here for more details on dates and performers!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)
Dates: Select nights from August 15th to October 31st, 2024
This hugely popular event takes place over the three months leading up to Halloween. Wear your best costume and enjoy themed food at select restaurants, Trick-or-Treat stations, dance parties, the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade, event-exclusive merch, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, which might be the best fireworks show at Disney! You can find more information here.

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Dates: Select nights from May 23rd to September 15th, 2025
This separately ticketed three-hour event over at Typhoon Lagoon that limits Attendance, essentially allowing those who purchase tickets to enjoy low wait times for the water rides, special appearances by characters, dance parties with your favorite Toy Story pals, and enjoy ice cream, popcorn, and drinks all included with the cost of your ticket!

Disney After Hours
Dates: Select nights from May 23rd to September 15th, 2025
Enjoy three hours of extra fun at A select Disney theme park! This separately ticketed event takes place on select nights at select Disney World parks in September (through the 15th). Enjoy shorter wait times on your favorite attractions, popcorn, ice cream, and select bottled beverages at no additional cost with your ticket. You can find updated prices and availability here.

Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Dates: October 23rd to October 26th, 2025
Burn off those extra Food and Wine calories by participating in the immensely popular Wine and Dine races! The weekend will celebrate its 15th year with a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon. Participants will run through various areas of the Walt Disney World property, experiencing culinary delights from around the world. Friends and family members are invited to celebrate at the post-race party for an additional fee.

Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed or under refurbishment at Disney World in October 2025.

Animal Kingdom

• DINOSAUR (closed until 2026)
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• The Boneyard (permanently closed)

EPCOT

• Spaceship Earth: (closed until TBD later in 2025)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Disney Jr. Play and Dance! (closed until TBD)
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (closed – opening later in 2026)

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (closed until 2026)
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger (closed until 2026)
• Liberty Square Riverboat (permanently closed)
• Tom Sawyer Island (permanently closed)

Tips for Visiting Disney World in October

• Head back to your hotel if the heat or rain gets you down. Take a nap, dip in the pool, or enjoy the resort’s scenery in a hammock or rocking chair. Then, once you and your family are well-rested and recharged, return to the parks for round two! 
• Can’t return to your hotel but need a break? Find an indoor show or attraction to rest your legs and cool down in the air conditioning. We won’t judge you if you close your eyes, too! (Try Magic Kingdom’s The Hall of Presidents, Animal Kingdom’s Wildlife Express Train, EPCOT’s Impressions de France, and Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars Launch Bay.)
• As for official Disney World park hours in October, they tend to run longer than in the summer months. Be sure to check them when building your itinerary. Additionally, if you are visiting Magic Kingdom, be mindful of the park hours on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary nights. Regular park hours will end at 6:00 pm. Lastly, don’t forget select resort guests will be offered “Extend Evening Hours” at the theme parks – learn more here!

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• One of our favorite things about Walt Disney World in October is the autumn-themed events, food, and souvenirs that pop up. While visiting, be sure to watch for limited-time treats and gifts, especially at the quick-service kiosks and bars. (Don’t forget to look at the resorts, too – you never know what you might find!) As for surprise events, I always love checking out Disney Springs. Often, the stores will have specialty items, or an event may be hosted in the communal areas. 
• This time of year has guests in the spooky spirit, with many rocking Halloween and autumn-themed gear. Feel free to indulge in the festivities with some seasonal outfits! While at Disney World, my favorite stores for autumn apparel are Disney Springs’ World of Disney, DisneyStyle, and MarketPlace Co-op. Want to plan your outfit before your trip? Shop Disney sells many items online. I have even seen fall-themed Disney wear at Target, Walmart, BoxLunch, and American Eagle.  
• If you are lucky enough to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (my all-time FAVORITE event!), guests are welcomed and encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Costumes for guests 14 years old and older are not permitted during regular park hours, making this a special perk for attending the event. (Click here to read more about Walt Disney World’s dress code.) As a frequent MNSSHP attendee, I always enjoy planning and preparing for the costumes – the more Disney-themed, the better! 

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Did you know the proper pronunciation is Cinderella Castle and not Cinderella’s castle? Most people make it possessive, which is a common mistake and I that I made for years! After years of going to the parks, chatting with cast members, taking tours, and having a daughter that works at Disney, I’ve learned some pretty fascinating things about the castle!

Facts about Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World:

1. Cinderella Castle opened in the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971, and it took 18 months to build.
2. The castle’s design and architecture are inspired by real-life castles like Fontainebleau and Versailles.
3. There is not a single brick in the structure. It’s constructed of fiberglass, steel, concrete, and plastic.
4. Cinderella Castle is the most photographed building at Walt Disney World.
5. As you walk through the castle, you’ll see five mosaic murals that tell the story of Cinderella.
6. The murals alone took 22 months and over 300,000 pieces of Italian glass to build the murals.
7. Much like the rest of the park, there is an entire area under the castle that is mostly used for storage.
8. The moat that surrounds the castle holds over 3 million gallons of water.
9. All the coins collected in the Cinderella Wishing Well are donated to children’s charities every year.
10. Disney can NOT tear down the castle for inclement weather. That’s a rumor – and impossible.
11. There’s a restaurant inside (Cinderella’s Royal Table). You can make a reservation HERE
12. Unlike the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, the Cinderella Castle drawbridge cannot be raised.
13. At Christmastime, more than 200,000 lights are strung on fisherman’s net dyed to match the castle.
14. At 189 feet high, it’s the second-tallest structure on the property. Tower of Terror is 10 feet taller!
15. The top floor of the castle was originally designed for Walt Disney and his family to live, but he passed away before the park opened. It has since been transformed into a magical suite where guests can stay, but you can’t make a reservation. Disney randomly chooses guests and surprises them, and there is no way to know when or how it’s going to happen.

More Disney posts you may enjoy:

• Romance at Disney World
• Favorite Guest Questions, from a Disney Cast Member
• Our Favorite Lunches at Disney World 
• Working at Disney World
• Best Places to Watch the Fireworks st Disney
• How to Have a Custom Cake Made at Disney

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