There’s nothing like a Disney holiday trip. The twinkling lights, the cozy treats, and the feeling that the whole resort is wrapped in a warm hug. But the season also brings crowds, and with crowds come rules. Some of them touch the things food lovers care about most, like how you order, what you can see, and how you get around.
With the holidays still a couple of months away, there’s plenty of time to plan. Here are five restrictions to keep on your radar, starting with the one that could affect your next meal.
Think of this as your pre-trip checklist. A few minutes of planning now can save you from a hungry, frustrated family later.
Mobile Ordering Might Not Be For Everyone
During peak seasons, the My Disney Experience app limits Mobile Ordering at certain locations to guests staying at that resort. Disney hasn’t confirmed this for the holidays, but it could easily return. It has happened before at Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian Resort, Capt. Cook’s at the Polynesian Village, Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort, and Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge.
If you can’t use Mobile Ordering, don’t panic. You should still be able to walk up to the quick service counter and order in person. It might take a little longer, but you’ll still get your snack.
The Gingerbread Changes
Gingerbread is one of the sweetest parts of a Disney holiday, so this one stings. Disney confirmed that the large gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will not return. Instead, the hotel will feature a few small gingerbread displays made by Disney’s culinary team. The displays at other resorts, including the castle at the Contemporary and the carousel at the Beach Club, are expected to return.
And there’s a catch for all the resort decorations. In a post about the season, Disney said, “For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor.” If you’re not staying or dining at a resort, you may not get to enjoy it.
A Fireworks Spot That May Be Reserved
The beach at the Polynesian Village Resort is a beloved place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The view is excellent, and the soundtrack is piped in, so you always know where you are in the show. Many guests walk over from the Grand Floridian or take the monorail to watch from there.
During the holidays, you may not be able to unless you’re a Polynesian guest. In the past, Cast Members have been stationed in the walkways to keep non-guests out. Disney hasn’t confirmed this for the season, so keep a backup spot in mind.
Disney Springs Transportation Is Guests Only
Last year, buses and boats at Disney Springs were restricted during peak seasons, and now it’s a permanent rule. You’ll need to show a valid hotel or dining reservation to board, and any dining reservation has to be within two hours of the reservation time.
That means you can’t park at Disney Springs and take a bus to a resort. If you’re staying off property over the holidays, plan your rides ahead of time so you’re not left without a way back. A rideshare, a rental car, or a different dining plan can all help you avoid a late night scramble.
Party Nights Mean Two Tickets, Possibly
Finally, the holiday parties. Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosts Jollywood Nights. Both are separately ticketed, and the parks close early to the general public on those days.
If you want a full day in the park plus the party, you’ll need a regular ticket and a party ticket. But you have choices. Buy a day ticket for a park without a party that night, or buy a Park Hopper and spend your first half at the party park before moving on in the evening. You can also buy only the party ticket if the evening event is all you want. Whichever route you take, decide before you buy, because the choice shapes how your whole day plays out.
Putting Together Your Holiday Plan
None of these rules should keep you from a wonderful holiday trip, but a little planning goes a long way. Decide on parties early, map out your transportation, and have a plan B for meals and fireworks. Expect some resort perks to be reserved for guests.
Disney’s official holiday pages are the best place to confirm details as the season approaches, since rules can change.
Planning a holiday trip to Disney World this year? Tell us in the comments which rule surprised you the most, and share your favorite tips for a stress-free holiday visit.
