Families hoping to meet Santa at Disney Springs this holiday season will need to use a virtual queue rather than wait in a standby line.
Disney will begin the system on November 11, 2026, when Santa returns to Santa’s Marketplace near Disney’s Pin Traders in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. The meet-and-greet is scheduled to run through December 24.
Guests must be physically at Disney Springs to join through the My Disney Experience app. Virtual-queue enrollment windows are planned for 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Availability is limited, and Disney will not offer a traditional walk-up standby line for guests who do not secure a spot.
One person can enroll a party of up to 10 people. After joining, guests may explore Disney Springs until the app sends a return notification with a digital entry code. The code can also be found in the app’s three-line menu under “Virtual Queues” if the notification is dismissed.
Planning Your Trip
Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of Walt Disney World tickets, often at a discount off gate price.
Santa’s Marketplace will include fresh milk and cookies hosted by Dairy Does More, and the experience is open to guests of all ages. Children can also write and mail letters to Santa at Once Upon a Toy.
November 11 also marks the return of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, which will continue through January 3, 2027. This year’s tree lineup includes new themes for Bluey, Monsters, Inc. and Hallmark, alongside a Hallmark pop-up shop with seasonal merchandise and gifts.
