By Pink Diva
Where to find Santa at Walt Disney World
One of the best things about the Christmas season is getting photos with Santa. These photos are treasured for generations. Whether it be a crying baby photo, a kid who believes with their whole heart, or teenagers who do it to please Mom, these photos will always bring back memories.
What better place to make Santa memories than Disney World? Some places have some good Santa’s: Malls, small events, and local parades. Some places have great Santa’s: Bass Pro Shop, parades, and higher end events. Then there are Santa’s that make a believer out of anyone. Disney is one of those places.
Santa was wonderful with the kids at Disney Springs
Santa meets in a charming log cabin at Disney Springs
You do not have to have park tickets to see Santa. One place to see Santa without a park ticket is Disney Springs. Santa is set-up in a log cabin within the Christmas Tree Trail. The room Santa is in is fairly small, so you should get good up-close photos with Santa. In order to see Santa, you will need to see a Cast Member for a pager that will let you know when you can come back in line. They only work in the immediate area, but there is enough in the area to keep you busy while you wait. While you are in Disney Springs check out the Christmas Tree Trail and Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt. The entrance podium to receive the pagers is at the end of the Christmas Tree Trail near the Once Upon a Toy Store.
Magic Kingdom is home to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but you don’t have to have a party ticket to see Santa. He meets near the entrance by City Hall. During the holidays that area is transformed into “Candy Cane Garden.” If you do have tickets to MVMCP, Santa takes a break from seeing families to participate in the Christmas parade.
Candy Cane Garden-Where Santa meets at Magic Kingdom
Not only does Santa meet at Epcot, but so does Mrs. Claus! They reside in America in the World Showcase. Along with the American Santa and Mrs. Clause, Storytellers and special musical acts are in many of the countries along the World Showcase. The Storytellers are dressed in traditional holiday attire to present how each county celebrates their winter holiday. Many of these performers will take photos after their presentation.
Hollywood Studios has, in my opinion, the best Santa photo scene. There is a couch large enough for even the biggest families to fit on and around. The room is full of decorations. The photographer is able to get both wide shots and some up close. Santa is located in Once Upon a Time. The line is outside the store and easy to identify.
Up close picture at Hollywood Studios
Photo with the scenery at Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom does not have the traditional Santa, but it is where you can get your picture with Mickey and Minnie in their Christmas outfits. They may not be able to bring you presents, but you should get a good picture! This is also the only place to get a picture with both Mickey and Minnie in the parks.
Mickey and Minnie in their Christmas outfits
If you are coming to Disney World between December 25-31 and still want to meet Santa, never fear! Goofy steps up and fills in for Santa for pictures and the parade in Magic Kingdom.
Santa in the Christmas Parade
Disney World is always magical but it seems even more so during Christmastime. I’d love to visit during the holidays and hope to make it there in the next few years. #MouseFanMondays
The pager idea is genius! You don’t have to wait in line, and you probably buy some things at Disney Springs in the interim. I also agree that the Hollywood Santa looks like the best photo-opps. Great guide for anyone visiting and wanting to snag a picture with Santa. Thanks so much for sharing on #MouseFanMondays.
Santa plus Mickey= Magical Christmas!! Great tips for those looking to meet Santa with or without a park ticket!! Thanks for sharing on #mousefanmondays
Thank you so much for your tips you are fabulous!!!
This will be my first time coming to Disney during the holiday time! I am SO excited! We plan to visit Santa at Disney Springs but would love a photo with Mickey and Minnie in their holiday apparel at Animal Kingdom. Are they only in their holiday stuff certain times or all the time during the holiday season?
Good afternoon Holly. “The holiday character question is tricky. Some meet and greets character are dressed up in holiday attire, others not. For example, Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood and Vine characters are dressed up. And of course Santa Goofy is always dressed up. But Meet Mickey at Town square is the regular Magician Mickey. Yet at AK, meet Mickey and Minnie were dressed for holidays. It just depends….”