Some of our favorite Walt Disney World holiday experiences are available outside of the theme parks. These experiences are often overlooked by guests, and you do not even need a theme park ticket to enjoy.
Here are some of the best Disney World holiday experiences that you do not need a theme park ticket for and where to find them! Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the closure end date for an upcoming Magic Kingdom ride refurbishment and the highest prices ever coming for select Disney World Lightning Lanes.
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1. Holiday Sleigh Ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is a great Disney World resort to visit during the holiday season. Guests around the resort will decorate with holiday decorations, making this a great place to visit. And one of the best ways to enjoy these decorations?
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Guests can book a Holiday Sleigh Ride on one of the horse-drawn carriages at the resort. The experience starts at $80 for a 25-minute ride and is available December 1 through December 30, with the exception of Christmas Eve. Each sleigh fits up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children.
2. Dinner with Santa at Cake Bake Shop
The Cake Bake Shop offers a holiday experience just four days a year that features Dinner with Santa. Guests booking this experience will receive sparkling champagne or holiday cocktails (up to three for adults), an elegant hors d’oeuvre/charcuterie plate, a choice of entrée, a seasonal dessert, a professional digital family photo via Disney PhotoPass with Santa, and a take-home holiday gift (such as a hot chocolate and cookie kit or a Bubbles the Bear assembly kit).
This is a high-end experience and costs $200 per adult and $150 per child 12 and under. The experience is only available on November 24th, December 1st, December 8th, and December 15th.
3. Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
The Christmas Stroll at Disney Springs is a yearly favorite and features a wide collection of Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs, including trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars. Past trees have even included Haunted Mansion-inspired trees! Disney Springs also has nightly “snowfall” in Disney Springs Town Center.
Guests can also find Santa Claus in Disney Springs during the holiday season until Christmas Eve so families can take holiday photos. Disney Springs is especially popular during the holiday season, so make sure to make dinner reservations in advance if you want to avoid long restaurant waits.
4. Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar is one of the best experiences outside the theme parks for the holiday season. Located in Disney Springs, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is a themed bar that is inspired by the pilot from Indiana Jones, Jock Lindsey. The bar is designed to resemble a converted airplane hangar and features multiple Easter eggs referencing the Indiana Jones films.
The decorations at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar give off a retro, 90s-inspired look. Each year also features a fun holiday cocktail menu with themed appetizers. This experience is available during the holiday season at Disney World and is a must-do experience outside of the theme parks.
5. Christmas Day Resort Dining Experiences
Three popular Disney World resort hotels also offer holiday dining experiences each year on Christmas Day. These are great dining experiences that are slightly more elevated and do not feature characters.
Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge hosts a “Celebrate the Season” dinner each year, only available on Christmas Day. In previous years, the experience was available throughout the day from 11:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge also offers a special prix fixe lunch and dinner menu on Christmas Day. This is a 3-course meal with cornbread, house salad, all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets, and a dessert sampler.
And lastly, Ale & Compass Restaurant at Yacht Club has a Christmas Day brunch featuring holiday menu dishes.
6. Disney Resort Gingerbread Houses
Each year, multiple Disney World Resort hotels will offer holiday gingerbread houses and displays. Guests without a hotel or dining reservation will likely face issues visiting the resorts, especially from Disney Springs, so we recommend instead viewing the gingerbread displays as part of a dining experience.
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Last year, the lineup included gingerbread displays at the Contemporary Resort, BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Wilderness Lodge. Unfortunately, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s popular gingerbread house has been permanently retired, much to the disappointment of many Disney fans.
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