Every year, the Walt Disney World Resort prepares to enchant visitors during the Christmas and New Year season, and for the 2023 season, it won’t be any different. 

Stunning decorations, costumed characters, music, fireworks, and themed attractions are everywhere, making it difficult to choose a favorite amidst all the magic. 

This year, the year-end holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort runs from November 11th to December 31st. 

Below, we’ve prepared a guide with the main highlights for those traveling to Orlando during this time of year. 

Year-End at the Magic Kingdom 

Mickey and his gang are ready to welcome you with a festive Christmas atmosphere amid breathtaking decorations! 

A new addition for this year is the Frozen Holiday Surprise, which will bring a stunning experience to the Cinderella Castle, lighting it up like visitors have never seen before! 

Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies will be present, and you can enjoy this attraction during the park’s regular hours or at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

The special decorations can be seen along Main Street, U.S.A., and throughout the park, with impressive details that captivate all ages. 

During the year-end festivities, another unmissable attraction is the Jungle Cruise, which undergoes an incredible Christmas transformation. 

Year-End at EPCOT 

EPCOT gathers traditions from around the world for the year-end celebrations and enchants visitors with the story of Christmas. 

Get ready for lots of fun at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. You can immerse yourself in scenes, sounds, and wonderful flavors from November 24th to December 30th. 

Enjoy delicious recipes from around the world at the Holiday Kitchens and embark on a journey with storytellers sharing year-end traditions from around the world. 

At the Candlelight Processional, you’ll hear the emotional story of Christmas presented by a narrator accompanied by an orchestra and gospel choir. 

To find Santa Claus, head to the Odyssey Pavilion and get into the holiday spirit by joining Santa Claus and his team in their snow-covered sleigh. This attraction is available from November 24th to December 24th. 

Celebrate the season with even more abundance by taking a special journey through greenhouses that shine with dazzling lights from November 24th to December 30th at Living with the Land – Gliming Greenhouses. 

Watch storytellers bring beloved traditions to life, such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, and more! Follow the stories told through music and dance, with character performers from November 24th to December 30th. 

Year-End at Animal Kingdom 

Discover the magic of nature with Christmas charm all around at Animal Kingdom. 

Merry Menagerie – Watch Discovery Island come to life with handmade puppet animals from the Arctic, such as penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears. 

Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition – Watch the magnificent icon of the Park shine every night, accompanied by an exciting soundtrack. The experience begins at dusk. 

Meet your favorite Disney characters at Adventurer’s Outpost, posing for a photo with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday outfits. 

The entire park will also be decorated for the holidays with many special details. 

Year-End at Disney Springs 

The main special attraction is meeting Santa Claus and enjoying Christmas and festive songs with live musical performances and DJs. We also recommend meeting the Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers and Snowflake Skaters. 

Springs Christmas Tree Stroll – Experience the Christmas spirit all around with a collection of Christmas trees adorned with incredible decorations in all areas of Disney Springs. 

Get ready to see snow at Disney Town Center in Springs every night, adding even more magic to your visit. 

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar – Fully prepared for the season, this restaurant/lounge offers very eye-catching decorations and tasty items inspired by the holidays. 

Year-End at Disney Resort Hotels 

Staying in the heart of the holiday magic, just minutes from the theme parks, will undoubtedly be an incredible experience for you and your family. 

The decorations at Disney hotels are truly breathtaking, and you’ll see majestic Christmas trees and traditional gingerbread cookies in the lobbies. 

The hotel restaurants also feature special items typical of this time of year on their menus. 

But the biggest attraction will undoubtedly be the convenience of being very close to other year-end events at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Year-End at Blizzard Beach Water Park 

Built around the mythical story of a ski resort that melted into warm water, this 66-acre park features landscapes with plenty of “snow” that will certainly get you in the holiday spirit. 

For the year-end season, get ready for a daily “snowfall” with incredible snowflakes falling from the sky. 

Santa Claus will also be present at the park, but he’ll be wearing swimwear, which is a charming touch. 

Year-End at Hollywood Studios 

Embark on Christmas adventures in a park full of entertainment and excitement for the whole family. 

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – Watch an unforgettable holiday-themed show with everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf. 

Sunset Seasons Greetings – Witness the wonderful transformation of the Hollywood Tower Hotel with incredible Christmas projections. This attraction happens every night. 

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine – This is the opportunity to see Minnie Mouse and her friends during a very fun meal. We recommend booking the experience in advance. 

You can also see characters from Toy Story Land in holiday costumes and take photos with them. 

For 2023, another addition at Hollywood Studios is the Jollywood Knight, and we’ve covered all the details about the attraction on the blog. 

The perfect time to travel to Orlando with kids 

Every child believes in the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus, and combining that with the enchanting world of Disney parks will be a unique experience for your children. 

If you’re traveling to Orlando for the year-end festivities, don’t forget to rent a stroller for the kids and a car seat as well. It’s a busy time in the city, and booking these items in advance will make your vacation much more comfortable. 

Here at StrollerCare, we’ll deliver the stroller and car seat to you, whether it’s at the airport, a park, or a hotel. You’ll have a lot more convenience with your kids for day-to-day outings with our new, sanitized, and very comfortable strollers. 

Chat with our team on the blog for more information. 

Images: Disney promotion.