For the 2025 holiday season at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, guests will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus without theme-park admission. Santa will be greeting guests in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs, near Disney’s Pin Traders. The meet-and-greet is scheduled to run from November 13 through December 24, 2025.
Virtual Queue Procedure
Guests interested in meeting Santa must join a virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app; no standby (traditional) physical line will be offered.
Chrsitmas at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Disney Parks Blog
Here are the key details:
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One member of your party (up to 10 people) must request the queue on the app once you are physically present at Disney Springs.
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The queue opens at five drop times per day: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
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After you join the queue, you’ll receive a push notification when it’s your turn; the notification will include a digital entry code via the app.
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Maximum group size for one reservation is 10. Availability is subject to demand.
Planning Strategy and Tips
Because this seasonal offering is in high demand, these suggestions may help you plan accordingly:
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Arrive at Disney Springs early, ideally before the first queue drop at 9 a.m., if meeting Santa is a high priority.
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Ensure the My Disney Experience app is installed and updated, and enable location services so the system recognizes you are on site.
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While you wait for your push-notification slot, you are free to explore the shops, dining venues, and décor of Disney Springs rather than waiting in line.
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When you receive your digital entry code, go to the designated meet-and-greet area near Pin Traders for check-in.
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Because queue slots may fill quickly — especially on weekends or nearer to December 24 — have a backup plan in case you are unable to secure a slot.
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Photo opportunities: you may bring your own camera or phone, and PhotoPass services may be available.
Spaceship Earth and the Christmas tree at EPCOT – Disney Parks Blog
Meeting Santa at Disney Springs offers the advantage of not needing a theme-park ticket; the Marketplace area is open to guests with no park admission required. Also, Disney Springs is decorated for the season with holiday trees, nightly snowfall effects at Town Center, and other offerings.
Things to Check on the Day of Your Visit
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Confirm the exact hours and any changes via the My Disney Experience app or the official Disney Springs website, as times may vary with operational conditions.
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Ensure your party is together before you request the queue and that the one person requesting invites all members of the party if required.
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Have a plan in case all queue times for the day are sold out — you may need to join at a later time that day or revisit another day.
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Arrive early for parking, as Disney Springs parking may fill up during peak holiday times; allow time for transit from parking to the Marketplace.
Summary
If you plan to meet Santa at Disney Springs in 2025, the key points are: go to the Marketplace near Pin Traders between November 13th and December 24th, join the virtual queue using the My Disney Experience app at one of the scheduled drop times, and once notified, return for your appointment.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus Arrive in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, Credit: La Reina Creole
Because there is no standby line, securing a virtual-queue spot early is the best way to ensure access. With that in place, you can spend your time exploring the décor, shops, and dining at Disney Springs while waiting for your turn.
Will your family be planning a visit to see Santa at your next Disney Springs outing? Let us know in the comments.
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