Free Christmas Things to do at Disney World
When we started planning our girls trip to Disney World during the Christmas season, I started creating a little list of things to do in case we had extra time. I started realizing how many fun things there are to do in and around Disney World during the Christmas season! Here are all the free Christmas things to do at Disney World!
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Resort Decorations
If you’ve ever experienced resort hopping at Disney World, you know how fun it is to check out all the different themes and detail that Disney puts into their hotels. Have you been back to see all your favorite resorts decorated for Christmas? As soon as the holiday season hits (usually November 1st), each resort transforms into it’s own Christmas themed wonderland. Sticking with the individual style of each resort, the Christmas decorations are all so unique!
INSIDER TIP: Parking at many Disney resorts is free as long as space is available. If you explain to the attendant that you are just visiting to see the decorations or to eat at one of the restaurants, you probably won’t be charged.
The Polynesian Resort
One of my favorite stops along the Magic Kingdom monorail route is the Polynesian Resort. It’s one of my favorite themed resorts any day, but add in the beautiful Christmas decorations and it goes to a whole new level! Seeing their island inspired tree made me wish I had decorated my own tree with plumeria. The Polynesian is a great place to grab a bite to eat, schedule a character meal or enjoy some Dole whip!
INSIDER TIP: Get in line to meet Pluto outside the Ohana restaurant on most mornings. Pluto is usually stationed on the second floor in front of the big windows. There is no charge to meet Pluto and a Disney photographer will gladly snap a picture using your phone!
INSIDER TIP: We found this cute Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party photo opp at several of the resorts!
Grand Floridian Resort
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is my next favorite resort along the monorail route. The Floridian was built to resemble Victorian era beach resorts along Florida’s East coast during the late 19th century. Design inspiration was also taken from Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire and Hotel del Coronado in California, with red gabled roofs and white walls. From the 5 story lobby and stained glass domes, marble floors with Disney character inlays, this hotel is a truly opulent experience.
Christmas at the Grand Floridian is an event you have to experience for yourself. From the grand Christmas tree covered in flowers, to the life-size gingerbread house and live Christmas music playing in the foyer. Make a stop here and take some pictures, order a holiday drink, or have lunch at one of the cafes.
INSIDER TIP: The restaurants here are on the pricier side, with many of them being unique character and themed experiences. If you want to splurge, they are well worth it. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try the Gasparilla Island Grill or breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe, which tends to be the cheapest meal of the day.
Giant Gingerbread House at The Grand Floridian
The giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian is amazing to see in person! It’s made of actual gingerbread and has all kinds of adorable little Disney details. Open from 9:30am to 10:00pm daily, you can purchase all kinds of holiday goodies inside the gingerbread house.
Riding the Monorail or Skyliner
One of our favorite things to do at Walt Disney World is ride the monorail and the skyliner. These are just a couple of the public transportation options that Disney offers for free, but they are more like rides! You can pay to park at any of the theme park lots ($22 for the day), or you can try for free parking at a resort. Ride the monorail or the skyliner around to discover all the beautiful holiday decorations located at each stop!
INSIDER TIP: Let the parking attendant know you are just there to see the Christmas decorations or to grab a bite to eat. If space is available, you may be granted access to free parking.
Where to board the Monorail:
- At any of the resort hotels on the Magic Kingdom loop: The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, or The Contemporary.
- From the Magic Kingdom parking lot or Epcot parking lot
Where to board the Skyliner:
- The Pop Century Resort or the Art of Animation Resort
- Caribbean Beach Resort (main hub)
- Hollywood Studios parking lot
- Epcot parking lot
- Riviera Resort (once open)
We found this fun, Skyliner photo opp at the main hub outside the Caribbean Beach Resort.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a great place to spend extra time while in Orlando, or as a free option instead of going into a park. The Disney Springs area is amazing and could easily fill a whole day. Parking is free! There is shopping, dining, activities and free displays that provide a great “taste” of Disney without the price of park ticket. Just like every other area of Disney World during the holiday season, Disney Springs gets all decked out for Christmas!
Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt
Returning to Disney Springs this year is Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt. This family-friendly activity sends guests on a scavenger hunt to locate all the items on Stitch’s lost gift list.
Find a map for Stitch’s Gift Hunt at any of the following locations:
- Amorette’s Patisserie
- Basin
- Christmas Tree Trail – Mickey and Minnie Tree
- Disney Chase Visa Kiosk
- Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories
- MAC Cosmetics
- Marketplace Co-Op
- Once Upon a Toy
- Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs Marketplace
- Sperry
- Super Hero Headquarters
- Wolfgang Puck Express at Disney Springs Marketplace
Once you have completed your scavenger hunt, return your completed map for a free “festive surprise” at one of these locations:
- Amorette’s Patisserie
- Christmas Tree Trail – Mickey and Minnie Tree
- Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories
- Marketplace Co-Op
- Once Upon a Toy
- Super Hero Headquarters
See Santa at Disney Springs
Meet Santa at Disney Springs, November 8th through December 24th 11am to 11pm.
INSIDER TIP: Check-in at the podium and give your cell phone number. Walk around and enjoy Disney Springs while you wait for your number to be called!
Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs
The Christmas Tree Trail is a fun, annual event at Disney Springs. It is free and open to the public November 8th through January 5th 2020, 11am to 11pm every day. Walk around and admire all the fun, themed trees inspired by different Disney movies, characters and rides.
This year’s themes include:
- Walt Disney World Theme Parks
- Mickey & Minnie Mouse
- Beauty & the Beast
- Sleeping Beauty
- Aladdin
- Frozen
- The Princess & The Frog
- The Little Mermaid
- Mulan
- Haunted Mansion
- Snow White
- Pinocchio
- Toy Story
- Disney Villains
- Dumbo
- Cinderella
- Robin Hood
- Star Wars
- Peter Pan
- Tangled
- The Lion King
- Mary Poppins
- Fantasia
Have you been to Disney World during the Christmas season?
What free thing was your favorite?
I’d love to hear your additional ideas or tips!
Pin-It for Later!
