Walt Disney World is bringing back a beloved Christmas tradition, and guests can officially start making reservations.
While Disney’s theme parks will be packed with holiday entertainment, decorations, and seasonal celebrations, one returning experience offers families a chance to enjoy Christmas without dealing with crowded attractions or long wait times.
And the best part? You won’t even need a theme park ticket to enjoy it.
Disney has confirmed that its Holiday Sleigh Rides will return to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground this December, giving visitors another way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Holiday Sleigh Rides Return to Fort Wilderness This December
Disney’s Holiday Sleigh Rides will operate from December 1 through December 30, 2026, with one exception.
The experience will not be available on December 24, so anyone hoping to enjoy a Christmas Eve sleigh ride will need to choose another date.
Located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the experience takes guests on a relaxing journey through the property’s scenic wooded surroundings.
Unlike the fast-paced attractions found inside Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, these rides focus on enjoying the atmosphere.
Guests board a horse-drawn carriage designed to resemble a traditional Christmas sleigh before setting off through the campground.
The experience lasts approximately 25 minutes, giving families a chance to enjoy the holiday scenery and spend some time together.
Fort Wilderness already has a unique atmosphere compared to Disney’s other resort hotels, with its wooded setting, cabins, and campsites.
That makes it an especially fitting location for an old-fashioned Christmas experience.
Disney Confirms Pricing for the 2026 Holiday Season
Of course, the sleigh rides aren’t free.
Disney has confirmed that each Holiday Sleigh Ride costs $80, including tax.
However, that price covers the entire sleigh rather than each individual guest.
Each carriage can accommodate up to four adults or two adults and three small children.
For a family of four adults, that works out to approximately $20 per person.
While $80 might seem expensive for a 25-minute experience, families looking for something different from the usual theme park entertainment may find the price worthwhile.
It’s also an activity that guests can enjoy without purchasing admission to one of Disney World’s four theme parks.
Reservations Are Officially Open
Disney has opened reservations for the returning experience, and guests are encouraged to book early.
Reservations can be made through Disney’s official website or the My Disney Experience app up to 60 days before the scheduled ride.
Same-day reservations and walk-ins may also be available, but Disney warns that space is limited.
The experience begins at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch barn near the Settlement Bus Depot.
Guests driving to Fort Wilderness must park at the resort’s main entrance before taking a complimentary bus to the departure location.
Disney recommends allowing at least 60 minutes for transportation, or up to 90 minutes when traveling from another location around Walt Disney World.
Guests must also check in at least 15 minutes before their scheduled departure.
Disney operates the rides during rain and cold weather, although severe weather may cause cancellations.
Additionally, guests should remember that cancellations made within 24 hours of their reservation will result in a charge for the full experience.
With Christmas quickly approaching, the return of Holiday Sleigh Rides gives families another opportunity to create special memories at Walt Disney World.
And for visitors hoping to escape the busy theme parks for a little while, Fort Wilderness might be the perfect place to spend part of their holiday vacation.
