The One Thing to Do in Florida Before the End of the Year

Of all of the places I have ever been in my life, there is one place that never fails to lift my spirits. Rain or shine, sunburned or exhausted, Walt Disney World is forever a destination that brings magic to guests every day. That's why I think it is the one thing you need to do in Florida before we bid 2025 adieu. Whether you're a Disney adult like I am (no shame) or you've never stepped foot on property, this place is the most magical place on Earth—especially during the holiday season. If you identify with Buddy the Elf with your penchant for all things colorful and bright, you'll fall in love with Disney World too.

I am deeply thankful for Disney World as a place I know will be reliably incredible. In every season, this resort is dressed to the nines. Yet, the magic of the holiday season in all of its trimmings and light, is heightened the moment you arrive. From cascading rows of lights rolling down the sides of Cinderella's Castle to a Santa hat atop Gertie the dinosaur's head at Hollywood Studios, everywhere you look it's festive. Sure, Florida isn't going to have a foot of snow on Christmas Eve, but you know that Main Street in Magic Kingdom will be strung with pine garlands and tied up with red bows.

You can sip celebratory cocktails along World Showcase in EPCOT, see the Merry Menagerie puppets at Animal Kingdom, check out tinsel town almost literally covered in tinsel at Hollywood Studios, or marvel at the castle in all its holiday glory at the Magic Kingdom. Every single park has its own decoration style, seasonal eats and treats, and even characters who put the "happy" in "happy holidays." Frankly, I think warm hugs from Olaf in Hollywood Studios are obligatory as we prepare for the new year.

Even some of the hotels get in on the holiday fun. Aside from the typical holiday decor, a bunch of the hotels also have annual gingerbread house displays. They shift from year to year, though their charm is always the same. Personally, I love the gingerbread animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It seems every year they add a new one. So far they have Ginger the giraffe, Debra the zebra, Francisco the flamingo, and this year they added Rustie the river hog. There are also guest decorations across the campground at Disney's Fort Wilderness. Guests go all out with their camp area decor, it's definitely worth seeing since it is always different.

Believe me, I know how expensive the parks can be. But you don't even have to just go to the parks to get a taste of Disney holiday magic. Disney Springs, the shopping district of Disney World, is free to visit. The outdoor shopping center is also elegantly decorated for the season. You can even go searching for the elaborately decorated Christmas trees along the Christmas Tree Stroll route. They're decorated largely around favorite Disney films and characters, which can be just as much fun. You could even hop aboard an Amphicar for a special ride through the water for a whole new perspective on the springs (tickets must be purchased for this activity.) The Amphicars are especially fun in the evening as the area lights up the night. However you ring out the new year, in a place like Disney World, there is never a bad time to give it a go.

When you want to start planning your trip to see Mickey Mouse and his pals, or anywhere else in Florida or Disneyland which is equally magical, be sure to check out the Only In Your State Travel Planner. That way you get the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly, so your itinerary can really shine.