101: Planning a Disney Vacation during the Winter Holiday: How to Create Holiday Magic Without the Overwhelm
Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify | Amazon Music
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing my full planning and preparation process for our 2024 Disney Christmas vacation — and exactly how you can start planning now if a holiday trip is on your vision board for 2025 or 2026.
Disney at Christmas is absolutely magical, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t plan with intention. In this episode, I walk you through how we built a holiday trip that felt festive, cozy, and joyful — without trying to do everything.
What This Episode Covers
I break down every major piece of our Christmas trip, starting with why we chose the events we did and how we structured our days to avoid burnout.
You’ll hear all about:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and why it continues to be our must-do holiday party
Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom and how it fit perfectly into our trip
Why we skipped Jollywood Nights last year and what factored into that decision
How party nights change your daytime touring strategy
The biggest mistakes families make when stacking holiday events back-to-back
Where We Stayed (and Why It Mattered)
I dive deep into our stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village and explain why your resort choice is extra important during the holidays.
We talk about:
Resort atmosphere vs. park-heavy trips
Why Kidani Village felt calm and festive without being overwhelming
How holiday decorations at resorts can become part of your itinerary
When a deluxe resort actually makes sense for Christmas trips
Cozy Holiday Extras We Loved
This episode also highlights the small, magical moments that made our trip feel special — without needing constant Lightning Lanes or rope drops.
I share details on:
Sleigh rides at Fort Wilderness
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue as a holiday-friendly family experience
Chip ’n’ Dale’s Campfire and why it’s such an underrated Christmas activity
How to layer in holiday fun without overbooking your days
Disney Christmas Decorations You Shouldn’t Skip
We also explore the resort-hopping side of Disney at Christmas, which is one of my favorite ways to soak in the season.
I walk you through:
The iconic gingerbread houses at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Beach Club Resort
The breathtaking Christmas tree at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Why Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge feels especially peaceful during the holidays
How to plan a resort tour day without exhausting your family
Holiday Outfits, Vibes, and Intentional Planning
Yes — we talk outfits too. 🎄
I share how we plan holiday outfits that add to the magic without becoming stressful, overpacked, or uncomfortable.
More importantly, I explain how to:
Build a Christmas Disney trip around how you want to feel, not just what you want to do
Balance sparkle, nostalgia, rest, and excitement
Avoid the pressure of trying to “do it all”
Create a holiday trip that feels joyful instead of chaotic
Who This Episode Is For
This episode is perfect if:
You’re dreaming of a Disney Christmas trip in 2025 or 2026
You want holiday magic without burnout
You’re deciding between parties, events, and resorts
You want to slow down and be intentional during one of Disney’s busiest seasons
If Disney at Christmas has been on your list but felt intimidating, this episode will help you see how to plan it in a way that actually works for your family — and keeps the joy front and center.
✨ For more tips on minimizing parental stress at the Disney parks and keeping the magic alive at home, follow Well Hello Magic.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family's favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
.
.
.
Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
Follow me on Instagram, YouTube and Check out my Podcast!
How to Use My Disney Experience: Your Hub For Your Disney Vacation
How to Use Standby Skipper: The App That Books Your Lighting Lanes
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know! : Children under 3 are FREE at Disney
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass? : Learn to Skip The Lines at Disney
Everything You Need to Know about Strollers at Disney
What to do if you Get Sick at Disney
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic?
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
