10 Little Things To Make Your Disney Holiday Bright

The holiday season always brings out the crowds at the Walt Disney World Resort. As families rush to squeeze in quality time while the kids are out of school, a relaxed vacation can quickly fly out the window. If you and yours are headed down to Florida this December, be sure that you make an effort to remember these 10 little things.


Glittering Ice Castle Is A Holiday Favorite


1) This time is really about you and the people you're traveling with. Make sure that everyone is having fun by getting input from the whole group on the activities. A little collaboration on the plan goes a long way.

2) Don't rush. Crowd level will be high, and everyone is trying to get where they need to go. Leave a little earlier than you believe you will need and avoid transportation time anxiety. If you arrive at your destination early use the time to explore the surrounding area.

3) Put the technology to work for you. Disney's MyMagic+ system will keep what you need in the palm of your hand. Download the MyDisneyExperience app and use it to keep track of your reservations, check entertainment schedule, make FastPass+ selections, and even shop on the go.


A new 'get directions' function is available on the My Disney Experience app


4) Enjoy a leisurely mealtime. Even though you may feel the urge to hurry, slow down and enjoy your mealtime. Use these moments to connect with your travel companions, talk about the things you've enjoyed most, the fun you are having, and the great experiences you've had. Meals are especially great check in points if your party splits up during the day.

5) Wake-up Happy. I know, you've got an alarm on your cell phone - call your Walt Disney World Resort switchboard instead and ask for a wake-up call. It's hard to be grumpy when Mickey Mouse is the first voice you hear in the morning.

6) Take a few extra minutes to look at the holiday decorations. Disney's Holiday Services team works all year to come up with the most enchanted decorations in the land. Take some extra time to slow down and check out the decor, maybe explore the monorail resort hotels to see all the different types of holiday trimmings.


Christmas tree inside the American Adventure rotunda


7) Indulge in winter holiday favorites. Holidays Around the World at Epcot explore a world of different holiday traditions. You may be in Florida, but that doesn't mean you can't visit Father Christmas, while sipping a rich hot chocolate.

8) Capture the moments. Disney's PhotoPass+ gets everyone in the pictures, so be sure to gather your traveling companions and step in front of that camera lens. These days not many people take time for family photos, Disney makes it fast and easy to get everyone in the shot.

9) Buy a Christmas tree ornament. You'll remember your trip for years to come when you bring a little bit of Disney Holidays home with you. My family loves to shop at the German Pavilion Christmas Store to pick out our ornament and each house goes home with something festive.


A hand-blown glass Mickey Mouse ornament


10) Take one last look. Vacation time flies by, and at the end of the night sometimes all you can think of is getting back to your hotel and flopping in bed. Be sure to make your last night special; make a great advanced dining reservation, catch a fireworks show, and stop before you leave the Park to look back for a minute. These are the times that matter " so stop for a second and be sure to take it all in.

It's easy to forget the spirit of the season when crowd levels are high and children get tired. "Go with the flow" is a holiday mantra that will get you through even the busiest days in the Parks. Have courage, be kind, and enjoy your time in a magical wonderland.

Do you have any travel survival tips for a Disney Parks Holiday? Leave a comment and let us know!