For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.
Disney is sharing more details about when and what the Christmas season will look like at the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. We have an update about Festival of the Holidays. Also, a major change regarding Cinderella Castle will be implemented this year. Take a look!
Even though Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional won’t be taking place this year, Disney is still creatively adding magic to the holiday season for Guests.
Let’s take a look at what’s in store this year.
Christmas Characters at Disney
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.
Character Cavalcades will also take place this Christmas season! We will see our favorite friends parade the streets of the four theme parks.
This will be very similar to what will be taking place for the Halloween season! We are eagerly anticipating what is come later this month!
Gingerbread men, elves, and reindeer will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
Projections on Cinderella Castle
Will Cinderella Castle be lit up in all of its glory this year? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Instead, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for 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.
Festive Dining
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.
Disney Springs
Over at Disney Springs, guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout.
Snow will also fall on Guests who are in the Town Center, West Side, and The Landing areas of Disney Springs.
This will only take place in the evening!
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
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes.
Unfortunately, the gingerbread houses will NOT be returning. This is to make sure crowds do not gather at the resorts.
EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
Even though Candlelight Processional has been paused this year, Epcot still plans to celebrate the holidays as usual! Epcot is one of my favorite parks to visit during Christmas.
Starting a bit later in the season, on November 27, Epcot will celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade.
JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music, will return this year as well!
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.
More details about this festival will come later! We are anxious to see what else is in store for us!
When do the Christmas festivities begin?
From November 6 to December 30, Guests will be able to enjoy all Disney World has to offer for the holiday season! From the projections to the special cavalcades, it will definitely be different this year.
How does Christmas at Disney World sound this year? Will you be visiting? Let us know on Facebook!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Share the love!
