AP Blackout Dates? No Problem. Here's How to Christmas at Disney World without Park Tickets

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Unless you’re the average Walt Disney World annual pass holder hoping for a little Disney magic this Christmas. Blackout dates have a lot of AP holders murmuring ‘bah humbug’ under their breath, including me.

Honestly, the parks are a tough place to be during the holidays at Disney World due to the wall-to-wall crowds that want to fa-la-la-la-la right along with you. And lucky for you, I recently went on assignment for WDW Magazine to check out all of the Christmas merriment that doesn’t require a park ticket.

From giant gingerbread castles to rollicking sing-a-longs, I created three self-guided tours for you to enjoy. These are step-by-step, so you’ll know which direction to turn and how to time it just right (I also made sure to note where they keep the hot cocoa):

Seven Seas Lagoon: Gingerbread Delights, Sweet Snacks and Monorail Views

If elaborate, over-the-top traditional Christmas is your thing, try this self-guided tour to the deluxe resorts . around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. But the price doesn’t have to be deluxe. I’ll show you where to get the cheaper snacks and free fun along the way.

Disney Springs: Mini Golf, Train Rides and Dinner with Yeeha Bob

If your family is into fast-paced fun, then get ready: This self-guided tour starts at Christmas Summerland mini golf, then veers off to Disney Springs, followed by a crazy piano bar sing-a-long in the bayou. I promise you’ll see at least two dozen trees and take part in a show along the way.

Crescent Lake: Cookie Painting, Boardwalk Entertainers and Santa Himself

For families with small children or those who just want to move at a slower pace, this tour around Epcot’s Crescent Lake is the perfect holiday stroll. I’ll show you where you can paint your own treats, and guide you through the Boardwalk sights and even an encounter with Santa Claus himself.

Christmas at Disney World Without a Park Ticket

The Christmas decorations at Disney World will stay up through the first week of January, so you have plenty of time to enjoy all the holiday festivities.

All photos and video taken by Rain Blanken. Please do not use without permission (I’ll probably agree, just ask, man). Need Disney World video and photo content for your publication or brand? Let’s work together.

See more of Rain’s daily Disney World adventures on Instagram.