We did it! We made it to the end of another year!

What a year it’s been for Disney World! With a brand new ride, new restaurants, and huge news about future expansions, 2024 has been hectic for Disney fans following along. That’s why we’re always here giving you the latest updates so you are up to date before your next trip. So, if you’re squeezing in a trip before we countdown to 2025, here are some major changes coming to the resort in December 2024!

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our planning worksheets. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing!

Check out what you can look forward to in December at Disney World!

Dapper Day

Put on your Sunday clothes because it’s time to celebrate Dapper Day in Disney World! The next outing is taking place on December 7th and 8th and it’s holiday-themed.

Whether you wish to participate or not, Dapper Day allows Disney fans to dress up fancy and enjoy a day in the theme parks. On December 7th, the exclusive holiday is being celebrated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a 5PM meetup to watch Muppet Vision 3D.

On December 8th, head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to celebrate. There will also be a meetup at 5PM — this time they’ll be exploring Dinoland before it begins its permanent closures in January 2025.

Anyone can participate and we can’t wait to see the incredible outfits this year!

Learn more about Dapper Days in Disney World and Disneyland!

New Passholder Perks

Two new Annual Passholder freebies are coming to Disney World in December! And come on, who doesn’t love FREE stuff?! From December 8th through December 18th, Annual Passholders can stop by Creations Shop at EPCOT for a card featuring the apple pie recipe from Whispering Canyon Cafe and TWO new baking stencils.

During those same dates, Annual Passholders will also want to go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That’s because if they stop by Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, they’ll get an exclusive Lion King postcard!

Disney has also sent some recipe cards in the mail, so watch out for those Passholders!

I Can’t Wait To Use My Annual Passholder Discount for an EXPENSIVE Disney Hotel Upgrade

Special Holiday Events End

We are currently deep in the holiday season at Disney World which means we’re in the middle of both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. These events kicked off on November 8th and 9th respectively, but near the end of the month, they will come to an end for 2024.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place in Magic Kingdom and is famous for the free cookies and hot cocoa, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and snoap on Main Street. This year we even discovered a hilarious new Easter egg that we hope stays in future years.

The last Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the year takes place on December 20th.

Is the $169+ Ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It This Year at Disney World?

Jollywood Nights debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2023 and was met with many criticisms. Still, the event returned this year with new food and entertainment. Honestly, we had a great time when we went on opening night!

The event is also FULL of rare characters and fun dance parties, plus you’ll have short wait times for the park’s most popular rides. The last day of this event in 2024 is December 21st.

Come With Us To Eat and See EVERYTHING at the 2024 Jollywood Nights Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

NEW Island Tower Opens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

A new tower is opening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on December 17th! The Island Tower holds the newest Disney Vacation Club hotel rooms and there will be several new things to check out. We’ve been watching the construction since it began, but it’s about to get real!

Wailulu Bar & Grill is a casual pool bar and grill that will open in December with the Island Tower. It will feature an all-day menu for lunch and dinner, as well as coffee and pastries for breakfast.

Over by the pool area, look out for Moana’s Voyage. This will be a “whimsical new splash area” with a life-size sculpture of Moana and her canoe.

Don’t forget to check out the four Terrace Gardens AKA the best new place to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks!

We’ll be staying in the new rooms when the tower opens, so stay tuned for even more information!

FULL TOUR of a 2-Bedroom Suite at Disney’s NEW Polynesian Village Resort Island Tower

Exclusive Fireworks Return for New Year’s Eve

Some of the rarest Disney World fireworks shows are about to return. That’s because it’s almost time to celebrate New Year’s Eve…and Disney celebrates BIG.

Over in Magic Kingdom, you can catch the Fantasy In The Sky Fireworks at 6:30PM and 11:50PM on both December 30th and 31st. 

In EPCOT, you’ll just have one chance to catch Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration. It happens on December 31st at 11:54PM, so you’ll want to be prepared for this super specific time!

Have a ticket that requires you to make Park Pass Reservations? We recommend doing that ASAP as they are starting to sell out. You can also park hop but remember that the theme parks can reach capacity.

Disney Figured Out My Secret Fireworks Viewing Spot, and Now They’re Selling Dining Packages There, Too

Want to book a trip to Disney World? 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!