December 2018 Disney World Crowd Calendar

December at Disney World enjoys mild temperatures, lots of great holiday decorations, begins with light crowds and ends with the busiest crowds of the whole year.

Many consider the first part of the month to 1 of the best times to visit due to low crowds, lower prices, mild temps and holiday decor.

Although most people think low crowds = less planning, 1 thing that is more important to plan during lower crowds is figuring out the best park for each day of your trip. During busy times, the crowds are spread more evenly across the parks since nighttime entertainment is offered nightly. When traveling in the first part of December at Disney World, you should pay special attention to the best/worst parks (shown below) to avoid the busiest crowds.

The end of December has peak crowds, and good planning will be necessary to avoid lots of long lines.

Traveling during a busier time means you have to be extra diligent about having a good touring plan. As long as you're zigging while other people zag, you'll do fine.

Since temps in December at Disney World can get cool in the mornings and evenings, consider dressing in layers so you're comfortable throughout the day.

Explanation of park recommendations and abbreviations below In general, I recommend avoiding parks with Extra Magic Hours because they tend to be the busiest parks that day. Animal Kingdom is an exception because it's usually not too bad, even on EMH days.Magic Kingdom usually sees a surge on Saturdays, so other parks are usually a better choice.MK = Magic Kingdom, EP = Epcot, HS = Hollywood Studios, AK = Animal Kingdom, TL = Typhoon Lagoon, BB = Blizzard Beach, EMH = Extra Magic Hour
What the dates in each day of the calendar mean (click the + sign beside each date to add it to your calendar): When guests can start making Advanced Dining Reservations When onsite guests can start making FastPass+ reservations When offsite guests can start making FastPass+ reservations	Park colors: Suggested park Moderately suggested park Park not suggested
Park hours for people visiting in December at Disney World usually come out in mid-May.

Trip planning checklist

☑ May or earlier: book your hotel, make your daily plans and choose dining options ☑ June or early July: 180 days before your trip begins, make dining reservations (website is available at 6 a.m. eastern, phone lines are open at 7 a.m. Eastern). Use the dates on the calendar to show you when to do that. ☑ August - October: book flights (tips on finding best flights) ☑ October or early November: if you're staying onsite, you can start making FastPass+ reservations 60 days before your trip begins. Use dates on the calendar to see when you can start making FP+ reservations online beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time. You can also check in online for your resort room if you'd like. ☑ November or earlier: set up Magical Express, purchase Memory Maker and order groceries ☑ December: pack (packing list to help you) and go to Disney World! ☑ January: finalize PhotoPass pics and order within 45 days after your trip

Refurbishment Details

January 31, 2017 - June 30, 2019 - Coronado Springs - construction, Major construction and a reconfiguration of the resort currently under way. (Resort)

June 26, 2017 - December 14, 2018 - Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill - Opening in 2018, (Dining)

August 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019 - Art of Animation - Disney Skyliner construction, Construction of the new Disney gondola system known as the "Disney Skyliner" has begun at Art of Animation. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am. (Resort)

November 2, 2017 - July 31, 2019 - NBA Experience (opening summer 2019), (Attraction)

January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019 - Flights of Wonder closing permanently January 1, 2018 , (Attraction)

January 8, 2018 - December 21, 2018 - Liberty Square Riverboat refurbishment, (Attraction)

May 14, 2018 - May 13, 2019 - New Signature dining location (opening date TBD), (Dining)

July 1, 2018 - May 31, 2019 - Villa del Lago - Coming Soon!, Opening in 2019 (Dining)

September 1, 2018 - December 21, 2018 - Disney Junior - Live on Stage closing, new Disney Junior Dance Party replacing it, (Attraction)

September 4, 2018 - December 4, 2018 - Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House - Uzima Pool Bar refurbishment, (Dining)

September 4, 2018 - January 6, 2019 - Refurbishment - Siestas Cantina Pool Bar, Siestas Cantina Pool Bar will be closed for refurbishment during the same time as the main feature pool. (Dining)

September 4, 2018 - December 4, 2018 - Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House - Uzima Pool & Uzima Springs Pool Bar refurbishment, (Resort)

September 4, 2018 - December 13, 2018 - Coronado Springs - Main Feature Pool, Refurbishment closing the Lost City of Cibola main pool and kiddie pool, the Dig Site Spa, Iguana Arcade, and Jaguar Slide. (Resort)

October 21, 2018 - May 1, 2019 - Rafiki Planet Watch Refurbishment, (Attraction)

October 30, 2018 - November 30, 2019 - Riviera Resort (Opening Fall 2019), (Resort)

December 1, 2018 - October 31, 2019 - WDW Railroad Closure, WDW Railroad will not circle the park during this time in order to allow for construction of the TRON rollercoaster. The train will be stationary at the Main Street Station for guests to visit. (Attraction)

Special Events

January 3, 2018 - January 7, 2018 - WDW Marathon Weekend

January 19, 2018 - Disney After Hours

January 26, 2018 - Disney After Hours

January 30, 2018 - Disney After Hours

February 8, 2018 - Disney After Hours

February 15, 2018 - Disney After Hours

February 22, 2018 - February 25, 2018 - Princess Half Marathon

March 1, 2018 - Disney After Hours

March 8, 2018 - Disney After Hours

April 18, 2018 - April 22, 2018 - Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend

June 28, 2018 - Disney After Hours

June 30, 2018 - Disney After Hours

July 7, 2018 - Disney After Hours

July 9, 2018 - Disney After Hours

July 14, 2018 - Disney After Hours

July 21, 2018 - Disney After Hours

July 28, 2018 - Disney After Hours

August 4, 2018 - Disney After Hours

August 11, 2018 - Disney After Hours

August 17, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

August 24, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

August 28, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

August 30, 2018 - November 12, 2018 - Food and Wine Festival at Epcot

August 30, 2018 - Disney After Hours

August 31, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 3, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 4, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

September 7, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 9, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 9, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

September 11, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 11, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

September 14, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 16, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 17, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

September 18, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 18, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

September 20, 2018 - Disney After Hours

September 21, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 23, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 23, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

September 24, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

September 25, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 25, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

September 28, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 30, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

September 30, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 1, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 2, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 2, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 3, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 4, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 5, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 7, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 8, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 8, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 9, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 9, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 10, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 11, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 12, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 14, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 14, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 15, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 16, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 16, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 17, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 18, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 19, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 21, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 21, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 22, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 23, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 23, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 24, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 25, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 26, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 28, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 28, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 29, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

October 30, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 30, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

October 31, 2018 - Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

October 31, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

November 1, 2018 - November 4, 2018 - Wine & Dine Half Marathon

November 4, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

November 6, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

November 7, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

November 8, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 9, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 11, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

November 12, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 12, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

November 13, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 13, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

November 14, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

November 15, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 16, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 18, 2018 - December 30, 2018 - Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

November 18, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

November 20, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

November 25, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 25, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

November 26, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

November 27, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

November 27, 2018 - Early Morning Magic

November 28, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

November 29, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 2, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 3, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

December 3, 2018 - Disney After Hours

December 4, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 5, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

December 6, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 7, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 9, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 10, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

December 10, 2018 - Disney After Hours

December 11, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 12, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

December 13, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 14, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 16, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 17, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

December 18, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 19, 2018 - Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land

December 20, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

December 21, 2018 - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

We will update this soon.

Trip planning checklist

Related articles

Recent Updates

Refurbishment Details

Available Discounts

Special Events

Crowds