Holiday plans are underway at Walt Disney World! Beginning November 6 through December 30, the parks, Disney Springs, and the resorts will be all decked out in their holiday best. Also during this time, guests will enjoy the themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings, and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Although a couple of the annual activities will be paused this year, there are still plenty of holiday festivities to look forward to this year.
Included in the announcement of holiday activities, Disney shared that holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. Though these activities will certainly be missed this holiday season, it was exciting to see some of the creative ways Disney will bring a little holiday magic this year.
Characters
Guests will be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT, and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men? Check! Elves and Reindeer? Check, check! And the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
Cinderella’s Castle
When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for our Guests’ photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights.
Santa Goofy with Minnie at Hollywood & Vine
So excited to see another character dining reopening! Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.
Snow Predicted at Disney Springs!
Shifting gears to Disney Springs, guests will discover Christmas around every corner as you come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining, and entertainment destination. In the evening, Guests visiting areas within Town Center, West Side, and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to your holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Beautiful Decorated Resorts
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays. A favorite activity of our family is to resort hop to view all the amazing decorations. Topping our list of favorite resorts is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the beautiful Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This year the gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels. Unfortunately, Disney is not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.
EPCOT’S International Festival of the Holidays
Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, Disney will celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
Guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas, and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.
Walt Disney World during the holidays is our family’s favorite time to visit. With the beautiful decorations, special holiday happenings, and lower crowds it is a great time for a Walt Disney World vacation. Click here to set-up a complimentary phone consultation or for a free quote: https://castleandcruiseadventures.com/RequestQuote/
Source & Photos: Disney Parks Blog