What To Expect At Disney World This Holiday Season

Walt Disney World is officially in the holiday spirit. The parks have been completely made over into a spectacularly festive Christmas wonderland. Although the parks and their decorations may look a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the most magical place on earth has still managed to create something magnificent. Some things have had to be placed on hold until next year, but there is still much to see. All parks, other than EPCOT, have already had their Christmas makeovers. 

EPCOT

EPCOT will have its holiday upgrade on November 27th with the International Festival of Holidays. This includes visits to the mouth watering Holiday Kitchens and the cookie stroll. EPCOT has unfortunately cancelled the Candlelight Processional for this year, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot still to see. Also included in EPCOT’s holiday celebrations are the:

• The Santa Claus Promenade
• The Frozen Holiday Promenade
• The Mickey and Friends Tour
• …and even something new, an Olaf / Frozen themed scavenger hunt!

Magic Kingdom

Even though there are a couple of changes to holidays at Magic Kingdom this year, many staples will stay the same. Some of the highlights of decorations has stayed in Town Square, the 65-foot Christmas tree, along with Main Street, U.S.A. still being completely covered in wreaths, garland, and lights. The lights that are missing this year are the Castle Dream Lights. These iconic decorations are being replaced with castle projections this year.

For entertainment, many things will stay the same. The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet will still be performing, as well as the Jungle Cruise transformation into the Jingle Cruise. Sadly, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has been cancelled. Hopefully still seeing all your favorite characters in their holiday dress and enjoying the magnificent holiday treats will continue to bring the holiday cheer. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom holiday decorations have been added all over the park. DinoLand U.S.A. and Discovery Island have even gotten into the spirit. As soon as guests enter Animal Kingdom they will see garland dripping from all the roofs and lampposts. Animal lanterns cover the park. The animal themed Christmas tree is, as always, quite a sight. Starting in December, there will also be specialty Christmas desserts for all to enjoy.

The highlights of Animal Kingdom at the holidays are still available to witness. The magical Festive Flotillas will still be seen sailing down the Discovery River. The characters include Santa Claus, Donald and Daisy, Chip and Dale, Mickey and friends. There will also be the Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla for fun and upbeat entertainment.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This year a projector will use special effects to convert the Hollywood Tower Hotel into an assorted number of holiday specials, one even being a little piece of Arendelle. Guests will also get to enjoy Olaf a little bit more as a special new finale has been added to the “For the First Time in Forever” A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration”. 

All will enjoy seeing Santa Claus in his famous red convertible, riding on Hollywood Boulevard waving to guests in the Christmas motorcade.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is well known for their extensive shopping and dining. Both perfect activities for the holiday season, but Disney will always give guests more than they are anticipating.

Intricately adorned Christmas trees are around every corner, each with their own theme. Guests will be able to see them all while participating in a scavenger hunt where even the trees themselves contain clues. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be around as well before their big farewell at the end of December.

Although there are some changes to the holidays this year at all the Disney Parks, the magic is still there. Walt Disney World has a way of making guests feel the spirit of the holidays no matter what is going on in the outside world. Between experiences, decorations, and food, Disney still has created a fantastic wonderland perfect for the season.

What is your favorite part of the holidays at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!