Disney World in Winter – 6 Tips for A Successful Vacation

Follow along to discover the six best tips for Disney World in Winter.

Disney in Winter is awash with amazing events, activities, and attractions. Relish the charm of Main Street, U.S.A., or enjoy shorter waits on your favorite Magic Kingdom Rides. In the absence of snow, you can enjoy sunny skies and one-of-a-kind international festival events.

Pick up a paintbrush and let that creativity fly, or soak in show tunes from your favorite Disney musicals. Disney during winter is the perfect backdrop for a family vacation of four or a romantic getaway.

Stop wondering when is the best time to visit Disney World, and begin planning your Disneyworld winter escape today!

Orlando Weather in January

Palm trees and shorts vs. scarves and mittens? Thanks to pleasant weather and relatively low humidity, Disney in January is an easy choice. Many mouse experts consider the winter season the best time of year to visit Disney World.

From January through April, you can expect high temperatures of 70 degrees and lows of 50. Additionally, this period is marked by considerably less rainfall. Pack a few light jackets and sweatshirts, and you’ll be more than ready to tackle Disney World!

LEGOS, marine life, and magical wizards, oh my! Why not bundle your theme parks and save even more? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages here.

Disney Hotels

Ready to jet off to a Galaxy’s Edge? Before you can take part in smuggling runs with the Millenium Falcon or breakfast with Cinderella, you’ll need to secure some top-notch Disney lodgings. Thankfully, guests planning to experience Disney World in Winter will have many accommodation options at their disposal.

Make the most of this special time of year and splurge on a Disney World Resort booking. Wake up to amazing views of giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and more at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Or, sleep soundly in a Nemo theme suite at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Whether you are craving modern amenities, poolside cabanas, or complimentary shuttle service to Disney Springs, a Disney World Resort makes for an even more memorable stay.

In addition, Disney Resort hotels bestow plenty of Mousekteer-approved benefits upon their guests. Save on transportation and valuable park time when you enjoy perks such as Extra Magic Hours, Disney’s Magical Express Service, free shuttle service, and more.

Not ready to commit to that Disney Resort life just yet? Stay just as close to Goofy, Donald, and Minnie when you reserve any number of our premier Hotels Near Disney World. From luxurious Lake Buena Vista Resorts, complete with on-site spas, to budget-friendly Orlando inns, we have lodgings for every style and budget. As always, make your booking worry-free knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates online.

Is Disney World Open All Year Round?

There’s no calendar limit to the amount of Mickey Magic you can uncover at Disney. Fortunately for Disney-philes, Walt Disney World is open not only in the winter but all year round. That means you can sing along with Elsa or cruise down a Jungle River 365 days a year.

Worried that a Disney winter may damper your plans to splash around? Don’t stress since you can actually swim at Disney in January. Generally, at least one Disney water park will be open for business during the winter months. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will typically remain open until early November. Disney’s Blizzard Beach has been closed for refurbishments and will reopen late in 2022.

Can’t get enough H20-fueled adventure? Splash the day away with tons of marine life, rollercoasters, and aquarium exploration with a SeaWorld Vacation Package and SAVE up to 44% on tickets!

Enjoy Fewer Crowds and Cheaper Prices

However tempting it may be to plan a Disney vacation in the sizzling summer, travelers who explore Walt’s world of wonder during the winter will be heavily rewarded. The colder months in Central Florida are not considered peak travel time, and thus you may be able to score significant deals on flights, tickets, and hotels.

In addition, as long as you avoid school breaks and major holidays, you can benefit from decreased crowd levels at Disney. Savor a less swamped theme park, and take your time soaking in more soaring rides on Pandora World of Avatar or front-row seats at Country Bear Jamboree.

Appreciate the Walt Disney World Holiday Season

Ho, ho, ho! Depending on the time of year you schedule your Disney winter getaway, you may be lucky enough to catch the end of Disney’s dazzling Christmas decorations. Generally, the Yuletide lights, tinsel, and merry Mickey’s of Disney will stay put through the first week of January.

Spot the stunningly outfitted Christmas tree that graces Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Or catch the end of the delicious gingerbread house displays at various Walt Disney Resorts. From the Grand Floridian to the Boardwalk Inn, delight your eyes and taste buds with the sugary confections and libations available. Sample a Gingerbread Frost Cocktail, artisanal peppermint marshmallows, traditional Stollen bread, and more.

Ready to sing Auld Lang Syne with Goofy? Ring in a new year of happiness, health, and wealth when you celebrate at Disney. While no specific New Years’ details have been released, based on past years, guests can expect plenty of fireworks, dining events, and special parties.

Participate in Special Seasonal Disney Events

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Grab your passport, as it’s time to take on some international travel! Thankfully you won’t need a TSA precheck to dive into this multicultural Disney World showcase of art, flavor, and fun. EPCOT’S International Festival of the Arts takes place from January 13 through February 20.

Artists of all ages and persuasions will have their hands full as they bounce between galleries, immersive art installations, and show-stopping concert series. Strike a pose in front of tastefully creative photo ops, or customize your masterpiece at one of the Festival Markets.

Conclude your celebration of color and artistry with some (almost) too-pretty-to-eat bites of gastronomical perfection. Through the festival, fellow foodies can fill their plates from food studios all across Epcot. Enjoy mouthwatering morsels of food imitating art, including a cookie masquerading as a multi-colored palette.

Double down on the drama when you compliment your Orlando stay with a live theater production. Orlando Shows are the perfect accompaniment to a Disney dinner or festival outing.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Calling all fitness fiends! Have you been getting in those steps? Test both your mental and physical fortitude when you choose to compete in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.* Runners from all over will sprint their way through the Disney theme parks.

Choose to complete at whatever skill and endurance level you feel most comfortable, from a leisurely 5K to a full marathon. This year’s event promises even more than endorphins, as racegoers will be part of the Marathon Weekend’s 30th anniversary.

Presented by State Farm, participants and spectators will be treated with a variety of 90s retro vibes, iconic characters, and a glimpse into the runDisney of years past.

*At the current time, all race events, with the exception of the Virtual Races, are sold out.

Heat things up with Date Night

In the mood for romance? Take advantage of Walt Disney Resort’s plentiful options for childcare, or leave the kids at home when you strike out on your own. Disney is overflowing with date night ambiance. Scheduling your alone time during winter means you’ll have ample opportunity to secure restaurant reservations.

Abscond for a couples-only weekend at the Wilderness Lodge and cuddle up in front of a crackling fireplace, or feat like royalty at Story Book Dining at Artist Point. For full-on opulence, opt for an over-the-top dining adventure at Victoria & Albert’s. This award-winning fine dining establishment boasts multiple AAA Five Diamond Awards and has been on Forbes Travel Guide Five Star list since 2018.

Enjoy an unparalleled commitment to service, elegance, and sophistication as you break bread under the splendor of chandelier crystals and Victorian-inspired murals.

Psst..need more tips on how to spice up your Orlando couples retreat? Check out our guide to 10 Incredibly Romantic Things to Do in Orlando for Couples.

Snowflakes, slush, and frozen fingers? Not on your Winter Disney Trip! Take care to pack that SPF because a Disney World Winter getaway means sunshine, smiles, and savings.

With a little pre-planning, a winter Disney trip can translate into lower prices and not so many crowds.

Embrace this chance to tour Hollywood Studios unencumbered as you hang out at the arcade with Andy in Toy Story Mania. Or admire the glittering lights of the iconic Hollywood Tower.

Stay toasty in one of Disney’s many heated pools or water parks, or work up a sweat as you take part in the 30th Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Whether you are new to the Most Magical Place on Earth or consider yourself a Disney veteran, there’s no better way to ward off the winter blues than with a Disney vacation.

Disney World in Winter FAQs

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What Are Your Best Tips For a Winter Disney World Trip?

Did we miss any of the best Winter Disney events?

Tell us in the comments below!