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The holiday season is upon us and Tinseltown is decked out. Check out this full guide to see photos throughout the Park, fun entertainment options, and holiday characters.
Holiday Decorations
I (Donna) absolutely love Christmas and there is nothing quite like visiting Walt Disney World for the holiday season. Last year Monica shared many of the fun offerings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and I couldn’t wait to experience it this year.
Hollywood Studios reminds me of visiting my grandparent’s homes at Christmas. The vintage Christmas decorations and shiny silver tinsel could even cause Scrooge McDuck to become a bit nostalgic.
Guests were a bit surprised to spot Christmas decorations being hung at Disney’s Hollywood Studios well before Halloween. The early preparation was completely worth it because the Park looks fantastic.
The iconic Christmas tree is once again greeting Guests at Echo Lake. Even Gertie is ready for the holiday season but with a slight twist. On the ornament hanging from Gertie’s mouth is the 50th logo in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
We were even able to enjoy a fun magic shot at Echo Lake by a Disney Photo Pass photographer. My friend, Lindy, and my daughter loved posing for this festive snow globe magic shot.
Sunset Boulevard
In 2020, Guests could enjoy various projections on the iconic Tower of Terror Hotel. This year projections are back, but with a welcome addition. All 4 Disney Theme Parks have received a special 50th Anniversary projection.
This year Guests can enjoy all of the fun Christmas projections in addition to the 50th projections that illuminate the Tower of Terror. What I was not expecting was to experience a snowfall as we walked down Sunset Boulevard.
It felt as though we were walking through a Christmas movie. The tinsel, the lights, the palms trees, and the snow truly made for a magical end to a fun day in the park.
Santa Claus Motorcade
In 2020, each Park offered a holiday cavalcade experience. Many things have returned back to normal with the return of the Magic Kingdom holiday event, Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours Party. The Magic Kingdom and EPCOT no longer offer holiday cavalcade experiences for Park Guests.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios does offer a merry cavalcade to the delight of Guests. Guests are greeted by elves parading through the streets with presents and streamers announcing the arrival of jolly ole’ St. Nick. I loved seeing Mickey and his pals sneaking out of the elve’s pockets.
My dad loved the fact that Santa has ditched the sled and now rides around in style. This ultra cool Santa greeted Guests and announced that my daughter was on the nice list. She was thrilled!
Also as part of this motorcade, Guests may spot Mickey’s favorite pal Pluto and dancing reindeer.
Holiday Characters
Want to meet your favorite characters this holiday season? We booked a dining reservation for Hollywood & Vine and enjoyed a delicious meal while also seeing a few of our favorite characters.
The opportunity to interact with Santa Goofy was reason enough to enjoy this festive character meal. He was so much fun! He danced around to tables, checked his list for all of the good boys and girls, and of course was classic Goofy with an occasional stumble every now and then.
Although character meals are still socially distanced, Guests may still stand at their table and have photos taken with their favorite characters behind them. My daughter loved interacting with Pluto and his adorable reindeer ears.
Character meals are still socially distanced, but Guests may still stand at their table and have photos taken with their favorite characters behind them.
Frozen Sing-Along for the Holidays
This was the first time we enjoyed the Frozen Sing-Along since the show had been modified in 2020. We were delighted that this show was just as magical as we had remembered it.
The early part of the show was just as I remember it, but the narrators would occasionally throw in a fun holiday jolly to the delight of Guests. The ending of the show was worth melting for.
We join our favorite snowman, Olaf as he leads us in songs from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. All of our Arendelle pals join in with the “Ring in the Season” song. One of my personal favorites was Olaf reminiscing of “That Time of Year.” The adorable kittens in holiday sweaters is well worth the time waiting line for this show.
Even if you are not a huge fan of Frozen or sing-alongs, this is a great way to add some holiday magic to your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
As Elsa and Anna sing the finale of “When We’re Together” the snow begins to fall. Even if you are not a huge Frozen fan or a fan of sing-alongs, this is a great way to add some holiday magic to your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Will you be visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season? What are you most excited for? What were your favorite memories from the past? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.
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