Three Ways to Enjoy Christmas at WDW for Less
Tips to Maximize the Holiday Travel Budget at Walt Disney World
Nov 9, 2009
A little creativity, along with a lot of Christmas spirit, can easily create some memorable moments at Walt Disney World during the holiday season, while saving the family some money. Here are three ways to maximize the vacation dollars and memories at the same time:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Why fight tens of thousands of park attendees to enjoy Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom during the daytime? This special ticketed event not only has a limited attendance, but costs a third less.
On select nights from mid-November to mid-December (2009 dates are November 10 through December 18), not only can attendees of this evening event enjoy select attractions in the dark - and with less crowds - but there’s hot cocoa and cookies for everyone. Each evening’s festivities are capped off with a special Christmas parade featuring everyone’s favorite Disney characters and Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves. Even Cinderella’s Castle is decorated for the holidays.
2009 prices for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are $59 for adults and $53 for children age 3 to 9. However, purchase online in advance, and prices drop slightly to $52 for adults and $46 for children age 3 to 9.
It’s still a bit of a splurge, but overall a savings over a regular day admission ticket, with the added bonus of the holiday parade and the ability to enjoy select attractions with a smaller crowd.
Downtown Disney
From mid-November until after New Year’s Eve, Downtown Disney is alight with thousands of Christmas decorations. Light displays are hung everywhere and the stores carry plenty of holiday-themed merchandise.
Take photos of each other wearing Disney hats with mouse ears at World of Disney. Buy a couple of holiday-themed candy offerings at Goofy’s Kitchen. Try to spot all the hidden Mickeys in the holiday designs. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours at Walt Disney World, enjoying the holiday spirit, without having to spend a lot of money.
For those with younger children, Santa is available for photos at the Downtown Disney Marketplace from noon until 10pm from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve.
Walt Disney World Resorts
During the holidays, Walt Disney World dresses up its resorts in their Christmas best and shows them off in style. Each resort’s holiday decorations are themed to match the resort and in the lobbies of the deluxe resorts are different displays of sweet edible confections.
Disney’s Grand Floridian resort lobby is home to a life-sized Victorian gingerbread house, which, according to a Walt Disney World press release, is made using 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a life-size carousel spins in the lobby, featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters.
One can easily spend half a day touring the holiday displays at the various resorts on property and best of all, it costs nothing to do so.
So don’t stress out the budget on the next trip to Walt Disney World for the holidays. Simply use any of the above tips to save some money while still being able to create lasting memories of the vacation.
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