Explore the Best Holiday Offerings at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort – Your Ultimate Guide to the Season’s Top Attractions

Published on December 17, 2025

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, two of the world’s most famous theme parks, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, are brimming with magical offerings for families and visitors alike. But with both resorts offering their own unique holiday charm, it begs the question: which one should you choose for your festive adventure?

While both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando offer thrilling seasonal events, the magic they provide varies significantly. Whether you’re enchanted by the idea of seeing Mickey Mouse in a holiday parade or looking to experience the Grinch’s Christmas antics, you’ll find something for everyone.

Disney World: More Magic Than Ever Before During the Holidays

Walt Disney World truly stands out when it comes to its extensive holiday offerings. With its four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — you’ll experience a non-stop festive atmosphere that goes beyond mere decorations.

A few of Disney’s most notable holiday activities include Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses at EPCOT, which transforms the iconic ride into a spectacular light show, and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom. For those looking for a touch of whimsy, don’t miss Merry Menagerie at Animal Kingdom, where stunning puppeteers bring vibrant animal characters to life.

Additionally, Disney’s exclusive Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will also be on offer, but this special parade is usually only available through separately ticketed events during the early part of the holiday season. However, from December 22 onwards, the parade will run regularly as part of regular park hours, making it accessible to more guests.

Universal Orlando: A Quirky Twist on Holiday Cheer

On the other hand, Universal Orlando has its own set of festive delights that might just surprise you. While Disney World offers more sheer volume of holiday-themed events, Universal excels in creating holiday moments that are quirky and full of fun.

Universal Studios Florida’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s brings the excitement of New York’s famed Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to Orlando, with helium balloons and festive floats for a truly vibrant experience. Over at Islands of Adventure, enjoy Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a delightful holiday show that brings Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to life. And for fans of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the festive atmosphere in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, including holiday-themed decorations and seasonal treats, makes Universal a special holiday getaway.

Unlike Disney, Universal does not boast holiday celebrations at its newest park, Universal Epic Universe, though you can still expect some holiday decorations during its first year. But for guests who are die-hard fans of Jurassic Park or Super Nintendo, this resort still packs a punch during the holidays, making it ideal for families with varying interests.

The Best Holiday Experiences Beyond the Parks

You don’t need to be in the parks to get into the holiday spirit. If you’re visiting Disney World, a holiday tradition is resort hopping to see the gingerbread displays and holiday decorations at the different hotels. Head to Disney Springs for seasonal entertainment and the Christmas Tree Stroll, which features Disney-themed trees.

Similarly, Universal CityWalk gets into the festive mood with the transformation of the Red Coconut Club into the Green and Red Coconut Club for the season. Universal hotels, though not as heavily themed as Disney’s, also add to the atmosphere with their own holiday decorations.

For both resorts, the experience of enjoying the season is not confined to the parks. The hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas at both Disney and Universal go all out to give guests a truly magical holiday experience.

Crowds and Wait Times: A Factor to Consider

The holidays can be a busy time at both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. If you’re planning a holiday trip during the peak season, be prepared for large crowds and higher ticket prices. This also means you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly to avoid long wait times for popular rides.

Universal offers guests staying at its top-tier hotels the benefit of Universal Express passes, which can significantly cut down wait times. For those wanting to ensure a quicker experience, these passes are available for purchase, but they do come at a price. Prices for these passes start at about $120 per person per day at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, with the price rising if you want to access Epic Universe.

Disney World also offers a way to avoid long waits through the Lightning Lane, where guests can purchase passes to skip the line. The price varies depending on the park and the date, with the Genie+ tool being available for free to help guests navigate the park and manage their time.

Final Verdict: Where Will You Find the Most Magic This Holiday?

Ultimately, the choice between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando comes down to the type of holiday magic you’re seeking. Are you captivated by classic Disney holiday charm, complete with beloved characters and parades? Or do you want to experience a more adventurous and quirky holiday celebration, complete with thrills and an immersive atmosphere in the Wizarding World?

Whichever you choose, both parks promise an unforgettable holiday experience, and neither will leave you disappointed. Whether you’re hopping on a ride with Mickey Mouse, visiting Jurassic Park, or taking in the twinkling lights at EPCOT, Orlando’s holiday magic is sure to create lasting memories.