An Orlando holiday trip can be built around Disney, Universal or both—but those choices do not produce the same vacation.
Walt Disney World’s 2026 holiday season is scheduled for November 13 through January 6. It is broad by design: seasonal décor, food, characters and entertainment across four theme parks, Disney Springs and the resort hotels. Some evening experiences, including Disney Jollywood Nights on select dates, require a separate ticket.
Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration is scheduled for November 14 through January 3. The experience is more concentrated around recognizable movie worlds and seasonal entertainment: Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and holiday additions at Epic Universe.
How to choose
Choose Disney if your group wants:
- A resort-wide holiday atmosphere
- Multiple park days with classic characters and traditions
- Time to explore decorated resorts and Disney Springs
- The option to add a separately ticketed holiday evening
Choose Universal if your group wants:
- Grinchmas and the Wizarding World at Christmas
- A holiday parade and cinematic park atmosphere
- Epic Universe as part of the trip
- A tighter, more energetic park-focused itinerary
Want both? Avoid turning every day into a cross-town transfer. A split stay, or grouping Disney days and Universal days together, usually creates a calmer trip.
Planning takeaway
Choose the experiences before the hotel. Once the must-do parks, seasonal entertainment and ticketed events are set, the right hotel location, ticket length and transportation plan become much clearer.
Quick Picks
Disney Lakeshore Lodge
Bookings opened to all guests October 8. The resort is scheduled to welcome guests beginning July 1, 2027. Disney says the 967-room property will include duo studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, grand villas and standalone Lake Houses.
Norwegian Cruise Line from Philadelphia
Norwegian Pearl is scheduled to operate from Philadelphia from late 2026 through April 2028, with Bermuda, Canada and New England, Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. The 2027 Bermuda season is scheduled from April 8 through September 2.
Amàre Cancún
The adults-only, all-inclusive Curio Collection by Hilton resort is slated to open October 31, 2026. Announced plans call for 429 rooms and suites, nine restaurants, nine bars and three pools. Confirm operating status and live availability before booking.
Dates, entertainment and availability are subject to change. Supplier details will be rechecked before booking.