You can see Santa in a number of spots in Disney World this year.
In Animal Kingdom, you’ll find Santa on a boat. In Hollywood Studios, Santa appears in a special motorcade. You can also spot him during Very Merriest After Hours in Magic Kingdom, and Santa will soon arrive in EPCOT. But, what if you don’t have a park ticket? Well, you could still see Santa if you follow some special steps!
Over at Disney Springs, fans can say “hello” to the man himself, Santa Claus, without a park ticket! To see him, you’ll want to head over to Once Upon a Toy.
But, it’s not quite as simple as going there and standing in line. To see Santa, you’ll need to sign up through the virtual queue. When you arrive at Once Upon a Toy, check for a sign with a QR code.
Once you join the queue, the system will tell you what group you’re in. When it’s your turn, you’ll be instructed to head to the experience and be given a time by which you must return.
Once you return and are ready to go, you’ll join a line to meet jolly old Saint Nick.
After you follow the arrows on the floor…
…you’ll find SANTA surrounded by a Christmas tree and lots of presents.
Saying hello to Santa Claus at Once Upon a Time in Disney Springs!♥️ (Virtual queue required) pic.twitter.com/p4jAh5H8cp
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 15, 2021
You could even ask him what his favorite cookie flavor is, like we did (we’ve got to ask the real hard-hitting questions here!).
This just in! Santa’s favorite Christmas cookie is…all of them!
(same, Santa, same) pic.twitter.com/ghTFKFRxTI
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 15, 2021
Santa will be available in Disney Springs from now through December 24th, 2021. Masks are required and a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be able to capture photos for you at this experience, which you can then purchase.
We’ll keep an eye out for more holiday news from Disney World and let you know what we find!
Click here to see how you can meet Santa and decorate cookies in Disney California Adventure!
DON'T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.
It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including:
- The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season
- How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!)
- ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM.
- And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat!
Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT.
MORE Disney World Holiday INFO!
Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights
Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Are you visiting Disney World for the holidays? Tell us in the comments!
TRENDING NOW
Yet another cruise ship has reported a norovirus outbreak to the Centers for Disease Control.
Disney's latest lounge trend is one that we are happy to support!
Before you head out to Disney World in 2025, let's talk about a couple of...
Let's talk about 4 restaurants that Disney World had to permanently close!
If you're thinking of heading to 'Ohana for dinner coming up soon, these are the...
We're revealing one MAJOR hack when it comes to booking Lightning Lanes in Disney World!
Just how fast can you ride everything in Disneyland Resort with Lightning Lane Premier Pass?...
Calling all Bluey families! These new crocs are for you.
We've got the best Disney deals on Amazon starting at $9!
HBO has found it's Dumbledore for the upcoming "Harry Potter" series.
There are our most surprising takeaways from the first day without virtual queues in Disney...
We did the work for you! We found five ADORABLE Disney Loungefly bags on sale...
Here's what you'll need to eat and drink for the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival...
Let's talk about how Disney World Turned a Super Popular Rope Drop Attraction into a...
This Disney souvenir is a game changer!
Okay, it's finally time we talk about it -- we have a MAJOR issue with...
The latest goings-on in EPCOT's Tiny Train Town.
Something villainous is coming to Hollywood Studios this summer, let's take a closer look!
There's a reason we can't stop eating this Disney World snack.
Disney Adults, let's talk about some unspoken rules you'll need to follow when you meet...