Holiday Activities at Disney Springs

For many of us, it doesn’t feel like the holidays without at least one massive shopping trip during the season. While you’re visiting Walt Disney World, make it a point to visit Disney Springs, especially during the holidays. The festive atmosphere and added extra touches make a trip here much more than an ordinary shopping trip.

Disney Springs Tree Trail

For many Disney fans, the Disney Springs Tree Trail has become a new favorite holiday tradition. I absolutely love Christmas trees, especially ones that follow a theme. If anyone remembers the character-decorated Christmas trees of Camp Minnie Mickey at Animal Kingdom, this tree trail is an upgraded version of that. Some trees are added each year, though some head back to the North Pole. Make sure you take a moment to look at the themed posters on the fencing along the trail. There are so many fun nods to Disney history, attractions, and characters. There’s lots of photo opportunities and a food and beverage stand along the way too. It does get super crowded on weekend evenings. This year there is a DJ Dance Party near the trail every night from 7-11 PM.

Meet Santa Claus 

Okay, yeah, you can meet Santa at your local mall. But I’d bet his set up there is nothing compared to his chalet at Disney Springs. In an age when you can tweet Santa what you want for Christmas, it’s nice to see an elaborate and merry meet and greet set up for jolly ol’ Saint Nicholas. The lines can be worse than any Disney e-ticket so take advantage of the mobile check-in. This will allow you to enjoy the rest of Disney Springs rather than standing in line.

T-REX Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus + Early Bird Shopping

Another cool way to meet the man of the season is having breakfast with him at T-REX Cafe. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, as Santa and Mrs.Claus visit the cafe. Afterwards you’ll have early bird access to the largest merchandise shop on Disney property, the World of Disney Store. Pricing is $32 for adults, $20.50 for children (4-9 years), children 3 and under are free, and tax and gratuity is actually already included!

Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt

Oh no! Stitch has misplaced his holiday shopping list. Now you and your little ones can help him find his gifts. Grab your hunt booklet and place the correct corresponding sticker on the map as you find each location. According to DisneyWorld.com there are 12 hunt stops and 6 locations at which you can redeem your completed guide for a prize.

12 Holiday Gift Hunt Stops:

• Amorette’s Patisserie
• Basin
• Christmas Tree Trail (Mickey & Minnie Tree)
• Disney Chase Visa Kiosk
• Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories
• MAC Cosmetics
• Marketplace Co-Op
• Once Upon a Toy
• Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs Marketplace
• Sperry
• Super Hero Headquarters
• Wolfgang Puck Express at Disney Springs Marketplace

6 Prize Redemption Locations:

• Amorette’s Patisserie
• Christmas Tree Trail (Mickey & Minnie Tree)
• Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories
• Marketplace Co-Op
• Once Upon a Toy
• Super Hero Headquarters

Disney Springs Holiday Decorations

The Disney theme parks aren’t the only places to get all dolled up for the holidays. Disney Springs is set in present day Florida, so the holiday decorations are generally modern and fit well with the surrounding area. There are two large Christmas trees, one in front of Earl of Sandwich that is adorned with old fashioned toys and classic decoration, and another in the shopping plaza of Town Center that is glitzy and golden. The Town Center also has sweeping garland overhead. The Landing has lots of nautical themed decorations and The Marketplace is full of classic holiday adornments. 

World of Disney Store and Other Holiday Merchandise

If you aren’t visiting the theme parks or missed something while you were there, you can find a wide assortment of holiday merchandise at the massive World of Disney Store. In fact, almost one-fourth of the entire store offers holiday merchandise. The year-round Christmas store, Disney’s Days of Christmas should also be on your list to visit because it has an incredible assortment of ornaments, but also is fun to browse because of the theming that makes it appear as though you are underneath a Christmas tree and the carpet is a tree skirt. There’s holiday merchandise all over Disney Springs so a good place to browse is the Disney Springs Gift Guide.

A hands-on ornament making experience is also offered and it sounds like fun. The Art Corner by Artistic Talent Group enables guests to work with a professional artisan to create a set of 3 marbled ornaments. This fun experience is a gift unto itself, but also leaves you with 3 ornaments that would make great gifts. Cost: $29; includes instruction and materials.

Tips and Information:

• Disney Springs holiday activities are offered November 8, 2019 – January 5, 2020. Though meeting Santa at his chalet ends after Christmas Eve because well, you know why.
• There are fun holiday kids activities happening daily near Earl of Sandwich November 8-January 5, 2020 from 3-7 PM.
• The closer to Christmas you get the busier Disney Springs is.
• Weekend evenings at Disney Springs during the holiday season is super, duper busy.