Walt Disney World Resort Holidays Start November 6
Everyone has been waiting to hear what the holidays will look like at Walt Disney World this year, and today Disney announced the cancellation of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Candlelight Processional, two of my favorite holiday activities. So what is there to look forward to for those who will be visiting this holiday season?
Based on the announcement made on Disney Parks Blog today, Walt Disney World has reimagined the holidays which will, of course, apply to current health and safety measures while still keeping the joy and magic of the season. And while things are looking a bit different at Walt Disney World and beyond, they can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Starting November 6 to December 30, festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment will be available across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.
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 infamous Toy Soldiers, will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
Special holiday projection effects on Cinderella 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.
Other 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. We know these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by guests and cast members alike, but we’re glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.
Minnie Mouse hosting a yuletide gathering at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. 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.
Fairy Diva at Minnie’s Holiday Dine
Disney Springs
Shifting gears to Disney Springs, guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they 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 their 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.
Holiday decorations at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing that will be missing is the gingerbread displays at the Resort hotels this year due to physical distancing guidelines.
EPCOT
Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, we’ll 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.
Disney Magic Diva has 9 Things You Can Do at the Epcot Festival of the Holidays, hopefully they all return! Along with how to taste your way around the festival.
American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
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. There are plenty more details about this festival to come, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog.
Will your holidays include a trip to Walt Disney World? Contact Patricia at All 4 Dreams Travel to plan your trip today!
