Moms Panel Monday: Making the Most of the Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort

The holidays are here and there are simply so many magical events taking place at Walt Disney World Resort that it might seem a bit overwhelming. Fear not, members of the Disney Parks Moms Panel are here to help answer your Walt Disney World holiday vacation questions.

A beloved favorite during the holiday season is the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. For Anne Marie, it’s one of the highlights of the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. 

“This incredible show features a celebrity narrator relaying the story of the first Christmas, accompanied by an orchestra and mass choir.  Each and every time I see this spectacular show, the beautiful music moves me to tears.  No additional ticket is necessary to view the show; the Candlelight Processional is included with your admission to Epcot.”

Moms Panel Tip: Anne Marie recommends a Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which will guarantee you a seat. When arriving at America Gardens Theatre, guests will see a queue for those with Dining Packages. These guests are ushered into the theater first, and any remaining seats will be filled with guests from the standby line.  

Another must-do during the holiday season is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Amy M. can’t help but get excited when she begins planning her family’s visit during the most wonderful time of the year and has some great tips in maximizing your time at this special ticketed event.

“Opt for the second “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and the latest performance of the “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” stage show. You’ll typically find the first performances to be the most crowded, so this is a great time to spend enjoying the attractions. I would definitely plan on trying to ride attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain during the first parade.”

And while these are both amazing ways to celebrate the holidays, Rayna has numerous more joyous suggestions for getting into the spirit of the season. From holiday tours to sleigh rides and holiday fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs. She highly recommends her own favorite “trails.”

“You have to experience my three favorite “trails!” The Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, while the Holiday Cookie Stroll at Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays is always on our must-do list. We also do a self-guided tour of the Resorts during the holidays. From the life-size Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the magnificent tree at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge, the Resorts are our favorite source of holiday cheer!”

For more great tips on planning your holiday vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort, or for general Disney vacation questions, visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for an answer from one of our panelists.

Panelists receive compensation for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel.