We’re looking forward to the holidays and today, we have an update on some of the festive experiences coming to Walt Disney World Resort. Building off of our recent experiences of operating in a new environment, we’ve reimagined the holidays which will, of course, apply our 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, we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
We know how much our guests love the holidays, so from Nov. 6-Dec. 30, they will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all 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, my personal favorite, the Toy Soldiers, will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
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.
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.
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.
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that our gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While we know they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, we’re not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.
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.
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.
We’re all looking forward to creating new holiday traditions with our guests and cast members this year, as we introduce unique ways to enjoy the season together. So, make your list – and check it twice – because there’s a lot of holiday fun to see and do here at Walt Disney World Resort!
Comments
Is 12/30 a definite or best guess for the end of Christmas decor, etc?
We are getting married at Disney World this year and really wish that fireworks were happening.
We are going Thanksgiving week. I hope more restaurants will be open. This will be our 10th trip and there are so many changes. a lot of our favorites are still closed.
I’m so happy to hear that the parks will still be celebrating the holiday season (with safety in mind) this year! I wanted to ask because my family and I are big fans of the peppermint and ginger cookies from the Very Merry Christmas Party…will we be able to purchase these cookies at the bakeries this year?
Very sad that Candlelight Processional will not be able to be held this year. But very happy that Voices of Liberty will be returning!
Thank you for the holiday season update for Walt Disney World. For those not able to travel to the most magical place on earth this holiday season due to covid-19 but watch the magic on Disney plus! we would love ❤️ a holiday season update for events, creative ideas and viewing the parks specials so we can make some magic at home. Thank you again for meeting the recent challenges and keeping the magic and all those that love Disney world safe.
no new years fireworks??????
We will bt at WDW, 12/3-12/10-2020, Cant wait ti see all the trees.
Magic Kingdom is still closing at 6:00 PM through Saturday November 21st and it should definitely extend their park hours going into November because sunset is around 5:30 PM. Guests will only get half an hour before the park closes to enjoy the Christmas lights/Castle with no Christmas lights and now and instead has a projection. Do you know if there will be other Christmas Decoration reduction throughout parks as well and any chance Magic Kingdom park hours will close later than 6:00 PM?
We are staying the 31st through the 3rd. Just a fast trip. Will all the holiday decorations still be up?
Will the gingerbread still be for sale somewhere on property even though the displays will not be a thing this year?
Hi! Im from argentina, i have a reservation to go on the 24th of december yo magickingdom. Would i have the posibility to star the 25th 00.00 am in the park?
Even tho we will miss the Candlelight Processional and Very Merry Christmas, Disney is still giving a Beautiful Magical Holiday. If anyone is a true Disney fan, they will understand. We come every year for the New Years festivities at our resort. We stay 5 days and have a wonderful time. Will the decorations still be up? I am hoping a few more restaurants will be open also. Thank you for informing us of the changes.
It will be dark earlier with the time change.
I’m very glad to see your bringing back the Voices of Liberty, they are one of our favorites.
Lately they close so early I don’t see how you will be able to see the lights if it’s still daylight.
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