Where to see Santa at Disney World
If you’re visiting Disney World during the holiday season you have to see Santa, at least once! Add him to your park plans or better yet, see him all over Disney World!
Santa at Magic Kingdom
Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom can meet Santa at the Candy Cane Garden at the front of the Magic Kingdom next to Town Hall. Santa arrives at the Magic Kingdom beginning the first part of November and stays through Christmas Eve meeting with guests most days between 10 am and 5 pm and again in the evenings on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights. Santa will leave Candy Cane Garden twice each party night to join the Once Upon a Christmas Time parade atop his sleigh.
After Santa’s departure on Christmas Eve, Goofy Santa will take his place through the New Year making for fun “Santa” photos that are different from any other photo you can get elsewhere. Seeing Santa at Disney World is as easy as visiting your favorite park!
Santa and Mrs. Claus at Epcot
Both Santa and Mrs. Claus meet with guests each day in the American Pavillion during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Epcot is the only place at Disney World that you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus too, so don’t miss this extra special photo opportunity!
Santa and Mrs.Claus arrive at Epcot this year on November 24th when the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays begins and stay through Christmas Eve. They can typically be seen between 1:30 pm and 8:30 pm, but it’s always best to check the times’ guide to be sure!
Seeing Santa at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has so many reasons to visit for the holidays. The new Sunset Season’s Greetings Show on Sunset Blvd. and Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam a nightly projection show on the Chinese Theater. Of course, we all miss the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights but the new additions make for a fun holiday atmosphere.
Santa can be seen each day from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm at Once Upon A Time on Sunset Blvd. through Christmas Eve. Once again you should always check the times guide for up to date times. Santa Goofy will take Santa’s place at Hollywood Studios after Christmas Eve and through the New Year.
Disney Springs – See Santa with a Fast Pass
Santa meets with guests each year at Santa’s Chalet inside the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail from 11 am to 11 pm most days, through Christmas Eve. The best part of meeting Santa at Disney Springs is that you don’t have to wait in line! The virtual line to see Santa gets very long, like several hours, so make sure to check in as soon as you arrive at Disney Springs.
See Santa at Disney Springs with these steps:
- Check-in at the podium near Christmas Tree Trail.
- Give your cell phone number and you’ll be given an estimated wait time.
- Then shop and eat until your heart’s content.
- Return to Santa when you get a text. You’ll have up to 10 minutes to return after you receive the text.
It’s like Santa’s very own Fast Pass system that doesn’t require pre-planning! A win, win in my book!
Seeing Santa at Disney World most often requires park admission. Disney Springs is the one location that you do not have to have a park admission ticket to visit.
After Christmas Eve, Santa Goofy will take place of Santa Claus for guests to visit with through the New Year.
Breakfast with Santa
Character dining at Disney World is one of the most fun experiences! It’s fun to get up close and personal and not be rushed when seeing your favorite characters. The only downfall, in my opinion, is that the backdrop is tables and people rather than something more curated, but the character interaction is better at meals if you ask me.
You can now enjoy a breakfast buffet with Santa and Mrs. Claus at T-Rex Cafe in Disney Springs on select dates in 2019. This reservation can be booked by calling into TRex (407-939-3463) and can not be made on your My Disney Experience account.
- November 30
- December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15
Guests will each enjoy a breakfast buffet, meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus plus early shopping access at World of Disney and T-Rex Dino store from 9 – 10 am. This is an added bonus for sure. World of Disney during the holidays can be overwhelmingly crowded!
- Adults $32
- Children ages 3 – 9 $20.50
- Under 3 – Free
- Taxes and gratuity are included.
Other Character Meet & Greets for the Holidays
If you love the holidays and love Disney characters you won’t want to miss additional opportunities to meet your favorite friends around Disney World.
You can find many of your favorite characters around the parks dressed for the occasion but if you want a sure-fire way of knowing what you’ll get make sure to check out these couple of options that are full of holiday cheer!
- Hollywood and Vine – Minnie’s Holiday Dine Character meal, lunch and dinner daily.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Select nights at the Magic Kingdom
For additional holiday fun at Disney World make sure to take my Holiday Resorts Tour. Another fun way to celebrate the holidays at Disney World without park admission!
To plan your next Disney World vacation why not ask the experts? At Love of the Magic Vacations, we’re happy to help plan your next vacation worldwide at no additional cost to you. Email Hello@LOTMV.com
