Have you ever considered taking your family on a Disney vacation for the holidays? It’s the perfect way to add a touch of magic to your celebration, with spectacular shows, dazzling decorations, and the joy that comes from spending time together at some of the happiest places on earth. I know there are a lot of questions about coordinating a trip around the busy holiday season, so today I’m sharing with you the best time to book your Disney Christmas vacation!
When Should I Go?
Did you know that you don’t have to visit the Disney Parks on Christmas Day in order to experience the holiday magic? Disney begins its Christmas celebrations in November and carries them on until the end of December (even early January in some cases).
Check out my post on 10 ways to celebrate Christmas at Walt Disney World Resort to learn about all of the fun waiting for you at the Magic Kingdom and beyond.
When it comes to the parks, the week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest time of year. If you can visit earlier in December (even by checking in a few days before Christmas) you stand a better chance of more manageable crowds and possible discounts. If your schedule only allows you to travel during Christmas Week, be sure to work with an experienced vacation planner who can help you make the most of your visit.
You don’t even have to head to the parks! Disney Cruise Line offers Very Merrytime sailings in November and December that include fantastic Christmas activities and decorations. Adventures by Disney offers Christmas-themed itineraries, including ones that explore the Christmas Markets aboard a Danube River Cruise. You can even find some festive fun at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.
When is the Best Time to Book Our Disney Christmas Vacation?
When it comes to booking a Disney vacation for popular times, such as Christmas, it’s always best to book early. Here’s the rundown by destination:
Walt Disney World ® Resort
Best Time to Book: 9-12 Months in Advance
Earliest You Can Book: 18 Months in Advance (Packages) or 499 Days in Advance (Room Only)
Disneyland Resort ®
Best Time to Book: 9-12 Months in Advance
Earliest You Can Book: 16 Months in Advance
Disney Cruise Line ®
Best Time to Book: 18 Months in Advance
Earliest You Can Book: 18 Months in Advance
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa ®
Best Time to Book: 9-12 Months in Advance
Earliest You Can Book: 499 Days in Advance
Adventures by Disney ®
Best Time to Book: 12-19 Months in Advance
Earliest You Can Book: 23 Months in Advance (River Cruises) or 19 Months in Advance (All Itineraries)
How Can I Be Sure I Get the Best Price?
When booking early, it’s natural to wonder if you’ll miss out on a discount. As a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney destinations, one of the services I offer my clients is Price Watch. If a discount is released at a later date that applies to your reservation, I contact Disney on your behalf and automatically adjust your rate.
For Disney Cruise Line, pricing increases as the ships fill up. In most cases you’ll find the best pricing as soon as the Fall/Winter itineraries are released.
Can I Start Planning Our Trip Later?
Of course! While it’s always best to book early, sometimes we don’t know our schedules until later in the year. The key thing to keep in mind is that the closer you are to travel, the more flexible you’ll need to be with your plans.
Here are some key dates to keep in mind:
- Walt Disney World Resort dining reservations begin 180 days before arrival.
- Disneyland Resort dining reservations begin 60 days before arrival.
- FastPasses for Walt Disney World Resort vacations open up 60 days in advance for Disney Resort hotel guests and 30 days in advance for off-site guests.
- Onboard activity and Port Adventure reservations for first-time Disney Cruise Line guests begin 75 days before sailing. For repeat cruisers, these reservations open up 90-120 days before sailing.
Availability for hotels, staterooms, dining reservations, FastPasses, and Adventures by Disney itineraries are all dependent on how early you book your trip. Again, I recommend working with a vacation planner who specializes in Disney to coordinate your plans and make sure your experience is everything you want it to be.
How Can I Start Planning Our Disney Christmas Vacation?
If you’re ready to start planning your family’s vacation, I’d love to help. Booking your package through me is 100% free, and I include my planning and concierge services at no additional cost! I’ll make sure you have everything you need for a stress-free holiday celebration.
Contact me via the magical blue button below to request a free quote and eBrochure.
“Happy, merry, holly jolly season’s greetings here. I’m wondering what your family does at that time of year.” – Olaf
