Just when you think you know Disney World…

I swear my itinerary changes at least 20 times before I actually go on a trip because Disney World is constantly changing things. Whether that be a new ride closure, or a dining reservation update that threw a wrench in the plan, you’ve gotta stay flexible when planning. That’s why we keep you informed about every single change! This is the December edition, so let’s see what will be different for your holiday trip.

Here’s an overview of what you can look forward to in December at Disney World!

Reservations added to popular hotel restaurant

Wailulu Bar & Grill is the newest restaurant to open at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and you’ll find it at the new Island Tower. Since opening, this restaurant has been first-come, first-served, but that’s all changing.

On December 4th, the restaurant will begin taking Advance Dining Reservations! Disney updated the Wailulu page on its website, noting that reservations will be available to book as of December 3rd, with the earliest reservation date being the following day, December 4th.

This isn’t your typical pool bar — it features an all-day menu for lunch and dinner, plus specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries available for breakfast. The Wayfinder Burger — which quickly became one of the best burgers in all of Disney World — is available alongside a signature Polynesian treat. Yes, it’s a DOLE Whip Sundae!

REVIEW: You Should LEAVE Magic Kingdom To Visit This Hotel Restaurant

Sangria University is changing

Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is one of our favorite underrated experiences in Disney World, and in December, it’s changing!

This class is typically held at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, but Disney revealed that the class will be moving to Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood on December 13th. That’s not all, though! There will now be two classes every Saturday and Sunday! That means you’ll have extra chances to snag a spot at this experience.

As part of this class, you can taste four sangria offerings accompanied by a light appetizer, and then make your own. Toledo is a stunning lounge, so it’s the perfect setting for this experience!

REVIEW: There’s a SANGRIA UNIVERSITY in Disney World, and You Should Enroll NOW

Annual Passholder magnets return

Are you an Annual Passholder? Have you missed out on any of the free magnets from the past? Well, Disney knew about that, and in December, they are bringing back three previous designs. THREE!

You can pick up three previously released magnets from December 3rd to December 19th at the Discovery Trading Company on Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom.

You’ll need to come during normal park operating hours, and you can pick up a bundle including:

• Stitch
• Hei Hei
• Timon & Pumba

This doesn’t happen very often, so be sure to take advantage. You need a Park Pass for Animal Kingdom before 2 PM, or visit on a Good To Go Day, and bring your Annual Pass with an ID to get the magnets.

It’s Been 43 Years, and We’re STILL Missing This Annual Passholder Perk in Disney World

Holiday events come to an end

The seasonal events are here, but by the end of 2025, they will have disappeared! First of all, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom has its last event on December 21st. Don’t worry — the decor will remain, and although times haven’t been announced just yet, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade tends to run during the day! The parties are already sold out for the year, so your chance to get tickets is over.

Still looking to grab tickets to a special holiday event? Check out Jollywood Nights! This is geared towards adults more so than the Magic Kingdom event, but it includes after hours access to Hollywood Studios, exclusive eats and entertainment, and rare characters. The final night is December 22nd!

Finally, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays runs from November 28th to December 30th. Unlike the events mentioned above, you do NOT need a separate ticket to enter — as long as you can get into EPCOT, you can experience the fest! There are 18 food booths this year, along with special menu items at restaurants around the park. Don’t miss out on the celebrity-narrated Candlelight Processional and Santa Claus meet and greet!

The new year certainly snuck up on us!

The Best Things About Magic Kingdom at Christmas

Rare fireworks return to THREE Disney World parks

The new year means rare fireworks shows return to Disney World! In Magic Kingdom, Fantasy in the Sky fireworks will play on December 30th and 31st! You have the highest chance of catching this show as the fireworks happen twice each night (7:30 PM and 11:50 PM). Line up early because the park can hit capacity!

EPCOT visitors can get in on the celebration, too! The park will host a special fireworks celebration on December 31st only called Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration. Catch it at 11:54 PM to count down to the new year! Luminous: The Symphony of Us will still happen that night at 6:30 PM.

Hollywood Studios, which doesn’t always participate in the New Year’s Eve show lineup, also has a celebration happening this year! The New Year Countdown Fireworks are set to take place on December 31st at 11:57 PM. It’s a quick one, but at least park visitors don’t have to miss out on the big countdown.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom closes at 6 PM on December 31st, so you’ll have to wish all of the animals in the park a “Happy New Year” before then. These shows are super popular, so expect massive crowds if you want to get in on the action. We highly recommend grabbing a snack before you stake out a spot for the fireworks!

Disney’s Christmas Parade and Fireworks are BACK — Here’s When You Can Watch Them

If you’re booking a trip to Disney World soon, we’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it!