5 Reasons to Plan Your Winter Disney Vacation

The fall season is here and winter will not be far behind! Heading to Orlando is the perfect escape from the cold weather. Are you already thinking about leaving the winter weather? Let’s talk about 5 reasons to plan your winter Disney vacation now!

Mild Weather

Are you already thinking about escaping the snow? Florida is the place to be in the winter months! In fact, January and February are often considered some of the best times to visit the Walt Disney World Resort! Why? Well, the weather is mild during the winter months. While that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be good to go in shorts and a tank top, you will likely be comfortable in light layers

The winter months are often the perfect middle ground for those who want to visit Orlando but are concerned about the heat. Plus, the pools at each resort hotel are heated so if you want some downtime, that’s still an option. It definitely beats bundling up with a winter coat and hat to stay warm in the snow!

Lower Crowds

During the winter months, with a few exceptions, the crowds tend to be lower. Specifically, January and February are historically known for lighter crowds. This is never a guarantee but compared to other times of the year, it’s a great choice if lower crowds are important to you.

It’s worth noting that lower crowds do not necessarily mean the parks will be slow or empty. However, that is also where the benefit of working with your Key to the World Travel advisor comes in! We have all the tips and share valuable information to help you make the most of your visit to the theme parks!

New Attractions & Experiences

EPCOT

The reimagining of EPCOT continues at the Walt Disney World Resort. This fall, several new experiences and attractions have been revealed and the walls have been removed! On October 16, 2023, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, will officially open. This all-new experience is located in the World Nature neighborhood of the theme park and is a self-guided walking tour. Guests are encouraged to interact with and take in the beauty of the water – there is a dry path or you may choose to get wet! This is a fun and interactive addition to the park that all guests are sure to love!

In addition, look for a meet-and-greet opportunity with the Wayfinder from Montunui herself! Located near the entrance to Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, guests will have the opportunity to meet Moana and maybe even practice their wayfinding skills!

There is a lot of excitement about another new character meet-and-greet opportunity at EPCOT! Figment is waiting to meet guests inside ImageWorks! This beloved purple dragon is often referred to as the mascot for EPCOT. He loves to remind us all that it only takes one little spark to get to the heart of all creation!

In December, the final neighborhood at EPCOT, World Celebration, will open. This will connect with the front of the park and the other two new neighborhoods – World Nature and World Discovery. A new nighttime show will also debut at EPCOT on December 5, 2023. This show, called “Luminous The Symphony of Us”, will include fireworks, music, fountains, and more.

These are the latest exciting additions to EPCOT as the park continues to undergo its transformation! There is more to come but it’s the perfect time to plan your visit and see all of the excitement for yourself!

Magic Kingdom

If you haven’t visited the Magic Kingdom recently, you might still be waiting to experience the newest attraction – TRON Lightcycle/Run! This exciting rollercoaster takes you on a thrilling experience through the grid and is one of the fastest coasters at any of the Disney theme parks! In addition, don’t miss the exciting return of the beloved nighttime spectacular, “Happily Ever After”. This show includes Disney characters, music, and projections all the way down Main Street, U.S.A.

There is also a new and exciting character meet-and-greet. Head over to Fairytale Garden to meet one of the amazing Madrigals! Mirabel is eager to see you and find out about all the things that make each guest special!

Starting in late November 2023, the iconic Hatbox Ghost will be waiting for you in the Haunted Mansion attraction as you pass by on your Doom Buggy! Are you ready to take the ride and see this grim grinning ghost materialize?

Then in 2024, there will be new songs coming to the Country Bear Jamboree. This attraction will also be getting a new act but will still include the classic characters that guests know and love! The opening date has not yet been announced but it’s an exciting refresh to a classic attraction. Whether you want to experience classic favorites or new experiences, the Magic Kingdom is always a magical experience and this winter is a great time to take it all in!

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Each year in January, a celebration of the arts comes to EPCOT for approximately 6 weeks! The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the shortest festival at EPCOT but it is also the most underrated! In the years past, this festival has featured the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, delicious bites from Food Studios throughout the park, and a variety of art in action from incredible performers and creators!

From chalk artists creating incredible masterpieces on the walkways to amazing acrobats defying gravity and opportunities to express your own creativity or bring beloved Disney artwork home, there is something for everyone at this festival!  You don’t want to miss this wonderful celebration of all things artistic and it’s another great reason to visit during the winter season!

Great Promotions

Recently, several amazing promotions were announced for your winter vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort. These promotions are available on stays through March 2024. There are a few different options depending on your travel dates, such as a dining card or a room discount! You save even more when you book early and your Key to the World Travel advisor is ready to help!

Are you ready to get started? Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.