Can you believe it’s almost 2023?!
Hollywood Studios Holiday Decorations
We’re in the home stretch of 2022 and there’s one month left to enjoy Disney World this year! So what’s going to be different in the parks before we enter the year that the TRON coaster will open, the EPCOT transformation will be almost done, and 2 new nighttimes spectaculars debut? Let’s find out!
Spend MORE Time in Hollywood Studios
Extended Evening Hours have been available at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, but in December they are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, too!
Tower of Terror
This hotel perk is available to anyone staying at a deluxe level Disney World hotel and it allows you to spend 2 extra hours in the park after it has closed to other guests. These hours will be available on December 15th and 22nd from 9PM-11PM!
Learn all about Extended Evening Hours in Disney World here!
Sleigh Rides Are Back
Looking for a unique experience in Disney World? Sleigh rides are returning to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort on December 1st!
Holiday sleigh rides | photo from 2021
Each sleigh ride is 25 minutes long and can fit 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children. Prices start at $75 but vary by date — these can fill up fast, so make reservations ASAP if you want to go on a sleigh ride!
More details on the sleigh rides at Fort Wilderness!
New Holiday Snacks
New snacks and menu items are constantly popping up in Disney World, but in December there is a slew of new holiday treats for you to try! Some incredible holiday treats have already come to Disney World (including the AMAZING cookie butter milkshake), but some more treats are debuting in December. We created a FREE (yes, it’s really free!) printable of all the holiday treats in Disney World this year — click here to get it!
Holiday Cookie Butter Shake
If you’re trying to decide which ones you want to try on your trip, we have compiled all of our holiday treat reviews in one spot!
Everything You NEED to Know About the 2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Part in Disney World
Catch the Christmas Parade in Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is in full swing, but one of the exclusive offerings at the party will be available during the day! From December 23rd to December 31st, you’ll be able to watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during the day in Magic Kingdom!
The Holidays Are HERE!
In the parade, you’ll get to see some of your favorite Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, the Disney Princesses, and even Santa Claus! It’s only around for a limited time, so we recommend catching the parade if you can!
It’s SANTA!
The parade is set to take place at 12PM and 3PM every day, but check the My Disney Experience app for times in case they change on the day you visit.
Ticket Prices Are Changing
A BIG change coming to Disney World in December is flexible pricing based on parks for some tickets. Starting on December 8th for 1-day 1-park tickets, Disney is charging different prices depending on which park you are visiting. Magic Kingdom has the highest price range while Disney’s Animal Kingdom has the lowest range.
Magic Kingdom
Here’s a look at what a 1-day, 1-park ticket will cost under this new system:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom — $109-$159 (prices are staying the same as current costs)
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios — $124-$179
- EPCOT — $114-$179
- Magic Kingdom — $124-$189
Annual passes are also getting a pretty big price increase even though sales are paused on most new passes. Read all about the annual pass price increases here.
Animal Kingdom
On top of that, the Park Hopper (currently $65) and Park Hopper Plus (currently $85) add-on options will get a price increase. The prices will vary by date — read more about all of the price increases happening in December below.
Why December 8th Is Such a Big Deal in Disney World
Celebrate New Year’s Eve
If you’ll be in Disney World for New Year’s Eve, you can celebrate big! On top of the usual nighttime spectaculars like Harmonious and Fantasmic!, you’ll be able to watch Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks at Magic Kingdom.
New Year’s Eve fireworks in Disney World
There are usually special countdowns, treats, and merchandise, be on the lookout for exclusive New Year’s Eve happenings in the parks!
Your Complete Guide to Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Disney World
If you’re visiting Disney World in December, there is plenty to do! On top of these changes in the parks, you can still enjoy all of the holiday offerings including the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays where you can eat around World Showcase, meet Santa Claus in a new spot, win a prize for eating cookies, and going on an Olaf scavenger hunt. Keep following DFB for more updates from Disney World!
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Are you visiting Disney World in December? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!
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Unacceptable. These extended park hours for deluxe customers, you pay exorbitant dollars for that park ticket no matter which resort you are staying at. Extra magic hours they were called a few years ago and they were for all resort customers. More reasons to be done with Disney every week. I stayed at moderates, still not cheap, but part of the riff raff that they are wanting to get out of there.