The holidays at Disney World are right around the corner, and if you’re planning to visit during November, here are a few tips from a November pro to help you!

November at Disney World is one of my favorite times of the year. My family has gone in November for four out of the last five years, and every single trip has been filled with gorgeous decorations, festive vibes, and some of the best weather you’ll find in Florida. But, and this is a big but, there are definitely some things I wish I’d known before that first trip.

It’s Not Fully Christmas on November 1st

You’ll hear people say, “Disney transforms into Christmas overnight after Halloween,” and while that’s kind of true, it’s not 100% accurate. Yes, Magic Kingdom does flip quickly, but the full resort-wide transformation takes time. Trees, lights, and decor across the other parks, resorts, and Disney Springs typically go up gradually over the first couple of weeks in November.

If seeing all the decorations everywhere, including gingerbread displays, giant Christmas trees, and themed resort décor, is a priority for you, consider planning your trip for mid-November. That gives Disney time to sprinkle that holiday magic across every corner of the property. Early November is still lovely, but it’s more “fall-meets-holiday prep” than full-blown festive wonderland.

Hollywood Studios can be an overachiever with the holiday decor — we often see their tinsel stars go up in October!

And a word of caution about November trips and EPCOT’s holiday decor…EPCOT doesn’t usually kick it into full Christmas mode until laste November, in time for the Festival of the Holidays. (It usually starts on the day after Thanksgiving — this year that’s November 28th.)

Don’t Expect Christmas Parades Unless You’re at the Party

It’s easy to assume that once the holiday season hits, you’ll see Christmas happening everywhere, and while that’s mostly true, the special holiday entertainment is exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom. Unless you’re attending one of the party nights, you won’t see the Christmas parade, festive fireworks, or exclusive character meet-and-greets. These only happen during the party, which requires a separate ticket.

If you’re hoping to see Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, or rare characters like the Seven Dwarfs in holiday gear, you’ll need to book a party night. In 2025, the party runs on select nights from November 8 through December 20th.

One important exception, though! If you’ll be in Disney World the week of Christmas, you will get to see Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade — they swap it out with the usual Festival of Fantasy Parade that week.

Find All The Information for the 2025 Christmas Party Here

Holiday Magic Is Everywhere, Not Just in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom may be the poster child for Disney Christmas, but don’t spend all your time there! Every park and even Disney Springs get decked out for the holidays!

• • • EPCOT hosts the International Festival of the Holidays, starting November 28th, complete with food booths, storytellers from around the world, and the beloved Candlelight Processional.

    • Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings retro charm with tinsel-filled decor, vintage tunes, Jollywood Nights, and sometimes surprise character outfits.

    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom features the charming Merry Menagerie puppet performers near the Tree of Life, which is one of the most underrated festive touches in the parks.

    • Disney Springs has its Christmas Tree Stroll, seasonal snacks, and even occasional “snowfall” at night! And pay a visit to Jock Lindsey’s during the Christmas season, when it converts into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar! They usually throw the Christmas switch sometime in mid-November.

Be Ready for Early Park Closures

If you’re not attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or the new Jollywood Nights event at Hollywood Studios, be aware that the parks close early on event nights, sometimes as early as 6:00 PM for non-party guests.

Magic Kingdom closes early on MVMCP dates:

• • • November: 7th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 25th, 26th, 28th, 30th
    • December: 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 21st

Hollywood Studios may close early on select nights for Jollywood Nights:

• • • November: 8th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 24th, 29th (Saturdays and Mondays)
    • December: 1st, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th, 22nd

Be sure to check the official park hours for your travel dates so you don’t accidentally plan a big night in the park that gets cut short. Use early closure nights to explore a decorated resort, dine at Disney Springs, or watch the EPCOT fireworks instead! But hey — PLOT TWIST! Sometimes we purposely plan to go to Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios on these short days. You’ll often find some very thin crowds and short lines.

Don’t Skip the Resorts — They’re Holiday Destinations Too!

One of the best-kept holiday secrets? Disney’s resorts are FULL of Christmas magic, and you don’t need to be staying there to enjoy them! Be sure to check out the full gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club, or stunning Christmas trees and themed decorations around resorts like Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and more.  Some resorts even offer holiday snacks or drinks, and most have unique trees that reflect their theme. If you’re looking for a non-park day activity, resort hopping during the holidays is an absolute must-do.

(One caveat, though: You’ve probably heard about the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort. It IS a must-visit, but it’s not going to be installed for 2025 because of hotel renovations.)

Watch Out for Crowds Around Veterans Day and Thanksgiving

November isn’t the peak holiday season, but don’t be fooled, crowds definitely show up, especially during Veterans Day week and Thanksgiving week. While it’s not as crowded as Christmas week, you’ll still see higher wait times, more congested parks, and a spike in Lightning Lane prices due to Disney’s demand-based pricing system. If you’re planning to visit during these weeks, make park reservations early, have a good Lightning Lane strategy, and consider early entry or Extended Evening Hours if you qualify. The parks can feel busier than you expect, and knowing that ahead of time can help manage expectations.

It Gets Chilly… Seriously!

Yes, Florida is known for its heat, but November mornings and evenings can get surprisingly cold. We’ve had days that started in the 50s and ended in the 80s. Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket, and definitely pack layers for the kids. You’ll be grateful when the sun goes down and the breeze picks up (especially if you’re waiting for fireworks or walking around Disney Springs at night). A warm outfit can make the difference between a magical evening and a shivering one!

Despite the quirks, early closings, and occasional crowd surges, I absolutely love visiting Disney World in November. It feels festive without the chaos of December, and there’s something so cozy about walking down Main Street under twinkling lights with a hot cocoa in hand. If you’re heading there this November, I hope this helps you plan ahead.

For more Disney World holiday news, follow us at DFB!

Park Passes SOLD OUT for a Major Holiday in Disney World

What is your favorite part of visiting Disney World during the holidays? Tell us in the comments below!