5 Tips for Making Holiday Travel Plans This Year
5 Tips for Making Holiday Travel Plans
More and more people are beginning to venture out in need of a little vacation fun. I’m noticing that the trend for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando is for shorter vacations, 3 or 4 nights, mid-week. There is a slight uptick in Universal Orlando travel and I suspect this is because it isn’t as complex as Disney World. 2 or 3 days in the Universal parks is just the right amount of time to see and do it all. But Disney is still a great choice, too, as it is planning on going all out with the decorations plus some special entertainment. Plus, with lighter crowds, it won’t take as long to tour the Disney parks.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
No matter where you are thinking of going, here are 5 tips that can help you make smart decisions about traveling this holiday season.
1. Look for fares or rates with built-in flexibility.
Many travel providers and destinations are changing up their policies. Make note of any deadlines to cancel for a full refund, and avoid any super restrictive airfares that prohibit changes. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are allowing guests to cancel up to the day of arrival for a full refund through December.
2. Start watching airfare prices now.
I just paid $100 roundtrip for a jetBlue flight during Christmas week. Now is the time to check for cheap holiday airfares as many airlines try to entice travelers into planning a trip. Historically speaking, fares increase as the holidays get closer, so it's worth booking a refundable/flexible ticket early if the price is right for you. Some airlines are offering refundable tickets at no extra charge. Set up fare alerts with your airline or through Google Flights so that you’re immediately notified when fares drop. Also, being flexible with your travel dates will help ensure you don't miss a great deal. Visit my airline page for more helpful tips on how to save on Orlando flights.
3. Research health and cleanliness measures.
Want to know what your hotel is doing to ensure the safety of guests? Visit the hotel website or call the destination directly if you have a specific question. Most reputable airlines, destinations, and hotels are taking COVID very seriously and have a plan in place. Walt Disney World has created a dedicated website that is constantly updated with the latest information. Universal Orlando created a Safety FAQ page on its website.
4. Factor in the popularity of your destination.
While there might be fewer holiday travelers this year, some destinations—particularly beaches and ski resorts—are expected to be in-demand as travelers opt to stay closer to home. So, if you're headed somewhere like Florida, Vermont, or Vail, now is the time to book. Remember to look for fares or rates with built-in flexibility (see Tip 1).
5. Consider alternate travel dates.
One upside to remote work and/or school is that you can do it from anywhere. Take advantage of the flexibility and avoid the typical busy travel days (like the day before Thanksgiving) or stay at your destination longer than usual to maximize your trip. Crowds are super light at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando right now thanks to reduced capacity, especially during the week. This is a very rare opportunity to enjoy the parks with fewer people and shorter lines.
Related:
View Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Offers
View Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Offers
How you Can Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
More Updates
How You Can Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World
Holiday Celebrations at Walt Disney World 2020
Disney will indeed be going all out for the 2020 holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort. Even though we won’t have Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Castle Dream Lights or Candlelight Processional (because they draw big crowds) there will be plenty of holiday magic to experience during this holiday season like snow at Disney Springs, Character experiences, and special Christmas decorations, food, and merchandise.
The festive Walt Disney World holiday decor will be up beginning on November 6, 2020 through December 30, 2020.
Here are just some of the events you’ll see at Walt Disney World, more events are going to be announced soon.
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation.
You’ll see Disney characters dressed for Christmas on festive floats throughout the park.
Gingerbread Men, elves, and reindeer and the infamous Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through the Magic Kingdom bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Epcot
Characters dressed in Christmas attire will make appearances around World Showcase on parade floats.
World ShowPlace will host JOYFUL!, a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas, and holiday music.
The Voices of Liberty will be performing at the American Gardens Theatre for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.
The Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like the American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
Epcot will be adorned in classic holiday decorations.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Holiday-themed merchandise
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Holiday-themed motorcades will make their way through the park with Disney characters dressed in their holiday best.
Hollywood Studios will be decorated for Christmas.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Festive flotillas with Disney characters will meander through the park.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Disney Springs
There will be a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining, and entertainment destination.
In the evening, the areas within Town Center, West Side, and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar will once again have holiday décor and a limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney World Hotels
Hotel lobbies will feature iconic Christmas trees and other festive decorations.
The gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year.
I have several Agency Exclusive Offers available for Walt Disney World ready to go right now. View them all here.
Related:
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Rides and entertainment inside Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando