2009 Holiday Events at Walt Disney World
November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010
Magic Kingdom
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: This parade and other holiday events kick off on nights Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party is held in the Magic Kingdom. The general public debut of "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" and other Magic Kingdom holiday events will take place on December 19 and continue through to December 31. Parade performances are at 3:00 pm from December 19 to 24 and 12:00 pm and 3 pm from December 25 to 31.
Beginning Sunday, December 6, Cinderella's Holiday Wish start time will be moving from 6:30 pm to 6:15 pm.
Castle Dream Lights: Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for Cinderella's Holiday Wish show, followed by "Castle Dream Lights", featuring over 200,000 twinkling lights draping the castle to create a shimmering ice palace. Look for holiday themed entertainment throughout the park. Castle Dream Lights can be seen in the Magic Kingdom from November 10 through January 3, 2010. Note: Beginning Sunday, December 6, Cinderella's Holiday Wish start time will be moving from 6:30 pm to 6:15 pm.
Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season: During "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," Cinderella Castle beams brightly as the evening is capped with eye-popping fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes. The Holiday Wishes is schedule is below.
Santa Meet and Greet: A Meet and Greet with Santa occurs intermittently from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm daily at Candy Cane Lane next to City Hall.
Christmas Parade Taping: Taping of the Christmas Parade generally occurs the first Friday and Saturday of December, and this year it's been extended a third day. Taping for the Christmas Parade at Walt Disney World will occur over a 3 day period, from December 3 – 5. Thursday and Friday's tapings will be for guest star performances at Cinderell's Castle Stage and on Main Street USA. Saturday the production company will be shooting various parade elements with Disney characters and guest star performances on Main Street USA. The parade airs on ABC on December 25th from 10am to 12pm ET with a new name. The annual Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade will now be called the "Disney Parks Christmas Day" parade, to give Disneyland (and the other worldwide parks) some well-deserved recognition. For the Walt Disney World portion Regis Philbin will NOT be co-hosting parade this year due to recovering from surgery. Kelly Ripa is still set to host. Also look for performances from Kris Allen, Yanni, Celine Dion, Steve Rushton and the Jonas Brothers. The Santa Buddies will also make an appearance. Selena Gomez, Stevie Wonder, Anika Noni Rose, Cheryl Burke, Tony Dovolani and Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb will appear in the Disneyland segments. Ryan Seacrest will be hosting the DL parade.
Update: 2009 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Taping
Pre-registration for the taping for the 2009 Walt Disney World Christmas parade closed within hours of opening up. The good news, however, is that even if you didn’t sign up in time, you likely still will be able to see some of the performances. Some segments are taped before the official opening, and but the TV production takes most of the day, so you won’t be able to miss the crowds and activity on Main Street USA. Patience is key, though, because to get a closer vantage point, you might need to wait for others to give up their spots. Another alternative is to enjoy the rest of the park, which seems to be less crowded on taping days.
Note: The giant Christmas Tree in Main Street Plaza is erected shortly after the taping of the Christmas Parade is completed in early December.
Magic Kingdom Holiday Schedule for 2009
December 19-24 - Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: 3 pm
December 25-31 - Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: 12:00 & 3:30 pm
December 19-29 - Holiday Wishes: 10 pm
December 30-31 - Holiday Wishes: 8:30 pm
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: November: 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 December 1, 3-4, 6, 8, 10-11, 13, 15, 17-18
Note: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Holiday Wishes will begin running on November 10th for the enjoyment of those attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, but won't be available for general public viewing until 12/19/09. Those wishing to view Holiday wishes from outside the parks can do so from the observation deck on the 4th floor of the Contemporary Resort, from the beaches of the Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts, as well as restaurants such as California Grill and Narcoossees or, for larger groups, one of the firework cruises.
Epcot
Lights of Winter: Epcot tree lighting will occur at 6 p.m. nightly at the World Showcase Plaza. Also watch for holiday performances of the Fountain of Nations located in Future World's central plaza. Note: Following 2008's cut of the Tree Lightening Ceremony, a Disney Parks blog comment reads: “The Lights of Winter at Epcot has been enjoyed for years. But tech to operate the lights is obsolete, prompting us to retire the lights and find a new experience”. This display was a dazzling canopy of lights that danced to holiday music over the bridge between Future World and World Showcase. It will be missed! No word as of yet if the replacement experience will debut in 2009.
Holidays Around the World: Between November 27 and December 30, Santa can be found at the American Adventure pavilion in World Showcase, as well as, holiday storytellers in other countries located around World Showcase. International holiday traditions unfold when storytellers such as Pere Noel in France, La Befana in Italy, and others, share the traditions of the season and spread the message of goodwill.
Note: Debuting at this year's Holidays Around the World at Epcot is a new gospel choir, D'Vine Voices - Nov. 27 through Dec. 26 at the Future World Fountain Stage. Times are 1:15, 2:15, 3:15 and 4:15 pm.
Holiday Storytellers at World Showcase (throughout the day):
Canada: Lumberjack Nowell tells Christmas traditions from the French influences of Quebec to the mischievous Nalyuks known to the Inuit of Northern Canada.
United Kingdom: Father Christmas tells tales of Christmas past and the origins of Christmas cards.
France: Pčre Noël awaits your visit as he unfolds the story of little Babbette and her wishes at Christmastime.
Morocco: Taarji, or drummer, plays and tells of the Festival of Ashura, the celebration of the New Year, where the children who have behaved well get presents.
Japan: Daruma vendor tells the story of the Daruma doll.
American Adventure: Hanukkah and Kwanzaa storytellers. See Santa info below. Don't miss the largest gingerbread house in the world and the Dickens Carolers.
Italy: La Befana is Italy's good Christmas witch! She comes down the chimney of the little bambinos, or children, and leaves them treats.
Germany: St. Nicholas tells about the very first Christmas tree, the first Nutcracker, and the Christmas pickle. Help decorate the Christmas tree and hear Christmas carols.
China: Watch the agile Monkey King weave his tall tale with twists and turns. Or, watch the Dragon Legend Acrobats bring their New Year's Lion to life.
Norway: Sigrid, a beautiful farm girl, will give you all details of celebrating Christmas in Norway, and tell you of the mischievous Julenissen, or Christmas Gnome. Be forewarned though, Julenissen has been known to play a little trick or two on the storyteller herself.
Mexico: 3 charming young men from Mexico represent the 3 Kings during the classic Mexican celebration of Posada. They'll share with you customs and celebrations that begin nine days before Christmas and continue until the beginning of February.
Santa Meet and Greet: American Adventures in World Showcase. Appears intermittently from early afternoon until early evening. Times are 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4:10 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: This kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music features a special holiday ending and also runs through December 30 at 9:30 pm each night. On 12/31 a special version of Illuminations will occur at 7:30 pm and 11:40pm.
The entire park is decorated and features the biggest Christmas spectacle of them all. From November 10 to January 4, 2010, park visitors can walk snowy streets and be dazzled by Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, occurring nightly between 6 pm and 8 pm. most nights.
Fantasmic Christmas Week Schedule: Fantasmic will run twice nightly, at 6:30 pm & 8 pm from 12/24 until 12/28 and 3 times each night, at 6:30 pm, 8 pm, 10 pm, 12/29, 30 and 31.
Animal Kingdom
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade gets a holiday makeover November 28 through January 4, 2010, when it is magically transformed into "Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade." This whimsical spectacle is a theatrical showcase of characters, floats and puppetry with a holiday world-beat twist. Parade time: 3:45 pm daily.
Camp Minnie-Mickey: Guests can meet Disney characters decked out in their holiday best at Camp Minnie-Mickey, which also features live seasonal entertainment, holiday photo opportunities and decorative Christmas trees. Santa Goofy should be on hand to greet children daily, and other Disney characters are on hand at "Santa Goofy's Wild wonderland" decked out in their best holiday finery.
Conservation Station: The Wildlife Tracking Center, located in Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas and, of course, conservation in a unique way this holiday season. Think three okapis shopping, four rhinos baking, five poop snowmen and a bunch of cotton-top tamarins in a Christmas tree. Now through January 2, Guests can see the amazing display of all 12 days when they visit the Wildlife Tracking Center, where, mixed with all the fun, is an opportunity to watch real scientists at work.
Carolers periodically gather around the Christmas tree at the park entrance to sing holiday classics. And don't miss five-piece percussion band called The Village Beatniks this month near Flame Tree Barbecue; they’re playing Christmas and Hanukkah songs.
Downtown Disney
Festival of the Seasons: This holiday celebration runs from Nov 17th thru Dec 24th. Enjoy the hustle, bustle and good cheer of the holiday season in the Downtown Disney area. Great shopping, live entertainment and a fantastic photo op with Santa himself make this the perfect one-stop, holiday shop location. Check out the dazzling displays of lights and the special holiday window dressings that adorn the shops and restaurants. Feast your eyes and ears on the seasonal carolers, musical acts and holiday variety performers throughout the streets. The Downtown Disney area is truly a winter wonderland.
Santa at Downtown Disney Marketplace Santa’s Chalet (in front of World of Disney): 5:00 pm to 10 pm daily from November 17 to 26 AND 12 pm to 10 pm daily from November 27 through December 24. Use PhotoPass services or your own camera to capture photos with Santa. Santa Paws for Pets is not offered this year.
You'll also find Santa Goofy at Santa's Chalet from December 25 to Jan 3 from 12 pm until 10 pm. Santa Goofy will also be making a special appearance the World of Disney Store on December 5th during Annual Pass Appreciation hours from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Marketplace Dock Stage: Look for entertainment throughout the holiday season featuring DJ Dance parties and school choir caroling groups on select nights from from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Pleasure Island: Nova Era, the popular classical new-age music group, will perform December 4, 5, 17-20 and 24-31 in front of Fulton's Crabhouse. Times are 7, 8, 9 and 10 pm. Also look for the Holly Sisters to perform on the Lily Pad Stage on select nights. Don't miss the Toy Soldier stilt walkers. West Side: Musical groups such as the Magic Kingdom Woodland Society, The Malyuk Sisters and the Latin Fusion Group will perform throughout the holiday season.
Cirque du Soleil will perform two special New Year's shows on December 31st at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The shows will feature a special finale and guests will receive an exclusive gift. The building will have a festive decor and specialty drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased at disneyworld.com or by calling 407-WDW-SEAT.
Walt Disney World Resorts
Each holiday season, Disney chefs deck the halls in fanciful fashion, creating larger-than-life displays from edible ingredients all across Walt Disney World Resort. The sweet scent of gingerbread fills the lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where a life-sized Victorian gingerbread house is constructed for the holidays. To create the 16-foot-high dream house, Walt Disney World pastry chefs use 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze. Meanwhile, at Disney's Beach Club Resort, a life-size carousel silently spins in the lobby, featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters.
Wilderness Lodge Sleigh Rides
This seasonal twenty-five minute sleigh ride departs nightly every thirty minutes from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. from November 29 through December 30. Sleighs can accommodate up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children (9 and under). Cost is $60 per sleigh ride and must be guaranteed with a credit card at the time of reserving. Cash or room charge will be accepted by the driver. A 24-hour cancellation policy will apply for a refund. Call 407-WDW-PLAY to make reservations up to 90 days in advance. Beverages are allowed.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Sleigh Rides
Beginning on November 29, a fire-engine red sleigh with garland and holiday lights will take you through parts of the 700-acre backwoods resort. The magic-makers at the resort’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch have equipped sleighs with tires for rides around property. Four adults or two adults and three children should be able to ride on each sleigh. You’ll depart from the Blacksmith’s Shop near the Settlement area inside Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and travel into the forest on each 25-minute ride. It’ll cost $60 for one group to ride and children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Must be guaranteed with a credit card at the time of reserving. Cash or room charge will be accepted by the driver. A 24-hour cancellation policy will apply for a refund. Call 407-WDW-PLAY to make reservations.
Santa Hours and Holiday Entertainment at the Resorts from the Examiner.com
Resort Hightlights
Don't miss these special holiday highlights at the Walt Disney World resorts:
Create unusual animal shaped ornaments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge from 3 to 7:30 p.m. in the Jambo House lobby during December. The momosaic-like ornaments are made from dyed unfertilized ostrich egg shells with glitter an beads added. A $5 per ornament donation for the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund is suggested.
70-foot-tall tree in Disney’s Contemporary Resort entrance lobby featuring nearly 35,800 white LED lights, and giant themed Christmas trees in the lobbies of Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Wilderness Lodge and other Deluxe resorts.
The life-size, edible carousel at Disney's Beach Club Resort, featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters.
The new 17-foot-high holiday tree at Disney's Contemporary Resort made with with gingerbread shingles. And if you enjoy Hidden Mickeys, the tree has a unique one; be sure to look for it.
The 16-foot Victorian gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa made from 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze.
Gingerbread house at the Boardwalk Inn featuring Stitch, Daisy and Donald Duck.
Edible Christmas village displays at Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Polynesian Resort
Christmas story-telling in the lobbies of the Beach and Yacht Clubs and Boardwalk Inn at select times throughout the day.
Caroling at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, Kidani Village.
At the Swan and Dolphin resorts, Santa is looking forward to making some special guest appearances. On select days, you will find Santa returning from the golf course in his Florida sleigh and visiting with resort guests in his special Florida tiki hut, located on the causeway between the Swan and the Dolphin. There’s going to be lots of photo opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else, so bring your cameras and get ready to party Florida style with Santa!!! Santa will be visiting nightly Thursday - Sunday from December 3 - 20, and on Dec. 21 - 23, 2009. Get a Free photo with Florida Santa with purchase of an adult entreé at one of three Swan and Dolphin signature restaurants. Click here for more info.
Walt Disney World Florist can deliver a Christmas tree, Surprise Stockings and other holiday goodies directly to your resort room with advance notice. Go online or call 407-827-3505 for more information.
Fort Wilderness Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Christmas Day Events
11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Christmas Crafts at the Meadow Swimmin' Pool
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Snowball Dodgeball at the tennis courts at the Meadow Swimmin' Pool
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Decorate a Family Member at the pavilion at the Meadow Swimmin' Pool to win a prize. Ornament making from 3:30 to 4 pm, followed by decorating contest.
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Christmas Bingo at the Meadow Swimmin' Pool. Cost is $1 per card, per game. Cash only.
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm: 1st Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade. Register your golf cart, scooter, or bike at the Bike Barn by Wednesday, December 24 at 5 pm. Participants will be given a number for the parade. Numbers must be secured to the front of vehicles and in plain sight of judges. Parade participants will meet at the hitch and un-hitch area at 5:15 pm. The parade route follow Fort Wilderness Trail through the 4-way stop, turn right onto Big Pine Drive, turn right into the 1400 loop and end at the campfire. Winners will be announced at the end of the Campfire show.
6:30 pm: Fire lighting for the Chip N' Dale Campfire Sing-a-long and Disney holiday movie. *Santa will make an appearance at 7:30 pm on Christmas Eve at the campfire.
Fort Wilderness will also hold a Campsite & Cabin Decorating Contest. Registration is at the Bike Barn through December 24. The top five sites and cabins will be posted for judging at the Bike Barn on Thursday December 25. Guests are welcome to vote for their favorite site and cabin from 9 am to 5 pm. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Campfire show Christmas evening.
Visit with Lumberjack Donald and Scrooge McDuck near the campfire at the Pargo Parade location on Dec 24
From Dec 18 - 24, live entertainment will be performing during the hayride at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Religious Services
Christmas Day December 25, 2009, Catholic mass and Protestant services will be held at the Contemporary Resort in the Fantasia Ballroom. Catholic Mass is at 8 am and 10:15 am. Protestant service is at 9 am. The Contemporary parking lot, as well as the Polynesian and Grand Floridian lots, were restricted for parking during service hours last year and attendees were advised to use resort transportation via the resort monorail or Contemporary boat dock. Most likely, park will be restricted again this year.
Additional information coming soon!
Holiday Dining Around the "World"
Several Walt Disney World resort and park restaurants will offer special holiday dining from mid-December thru early January 2010. Holiday pricing will be in effect during these periods which means higher than normal prices. Reservations should be made well in advance and are available 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Some meals require advance payment or a credit card guarantee.
Raglan Road at DTD: Will offer a prefixed dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Price is $49.95. The complete menu is online.
Swan and Dolphin: Latkes (potato pancakes), a traditional Chanukah dish, will be featured as a specialty menu item at Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant during eight nights, December 11- 19, 2009. Guests can enjoy a variety of holiday dining options on Christmas day at the resort’s Todd English’s bluezoo, Il Mulino New York Trattoria and Shula’s Steak House. View holiday menus at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels.
Tables in Wonderland Holiday Harvest Dinner Date:Thursday, December 17th, 2009 Place:Epcot Norway Lounge Cost: $98 per person plus tax; Gratuity is not included Schedule: 6 pm - 6:30 pm Reception; 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm Dinner; 8:15 pm - 9 pm Candlelight Processional; 9:00 pm Illuminations (optional)
Holiday Harvet will feature foods from the Land Pavilion with appetizezers during reception and a plated dinner with desserts. For reservations, Tables in Wonderland members should send an email to WDW.Tables.in.Wonderland@disney.com. Include your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a first come first serve basis and your credit card info will be taken over the phone. This event is limited to 80 guests.
Wolfgang Puck Cafe at Downtown Disney: All of December, get a holiday prix-fixe menu that includes Maple Garlic Roasted Acorn Squash Shrimp for the appetizer; the main course is a Seared Veal Chop with roasted shallots, figs, soft goat cheese and herb polenta and to sweeten the meal Chocolate Pistachios and White Chocolate Basil Peppercorn Ice Cream! Cost is $40.95. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 938-9653 or visiting wolfgangpuckorlando.com.
Snowing Nightly in Celebration Town Center
Snow will fall at Celebration Town Center beginning Nov 28 until Dec 31. The Snowing Event has been a tradition in the the Disney-created town of for the past eleven years. The event will kick-off with a tree lighting ceremony, live music and an appearance by Santa Claus. The event will feature horse drawn carriage rides, carolers and the Celebration Express Train. A new ice rink will also open to the public. During the festival Singer, Ryan Cabrera will make an appearance on Dec 5 at 8 p.m. and Radio Disney's annual holiday concert will feature Justin Bieber on Dec 19 at 6 p.m.
Click here for more information on Celebration holiday events.
Looking for some cool places to take holiday photos at Walt Disney World Resort? Read this article published on the Orlando Sentinel web site.
D23 Members will be treated to a special event at Walt Disney World for a fee that includes park admissions, special meals, presentations, private viewings and even a tour of the Castle Suite. Details are below. For complete information visit the D23 web site.
EVENT DETAILS: Date: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2009 Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida Time: Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Odyssey Center located in Epcot's Future World (just past Test Track). First presentation begins at 10 a.m. Tickets: Tickets will be available Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. PST. Members may bring up to three guests. Cost: $195 per person
Included with the cost of your ticket:
Park admission for two days at Walt Disney World (see below)
Two tickets per guest to Disney Quest in Downtown Disney (Orlando)
Access to the D23 Member Lounge Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Epcot and Sunday from 7 p.m. – midnight on Sunday at the Magic Kingdom
Special morning "Holidays Around the World" presentation with surprises for all guests (Saturday)
Guaranteed seating for Candlelight Processional at 5 p.m. (Saturday)
Dinner and dessert on the set of Lights! Motors! Action!—includes wine and beer (Saturday)
Private presentation of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (Saturday)
Transportation to and from Epcot to dinner (Saturday)
Private luncheon with entertainment inside the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon (Sunday)
Reserved parade viewing (Sunday)
Cinderella Suite tours (Sunday; Sign up on Saturday morning)
Admission to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Sunday)
Special gift for all guests from your friends at D23!
NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Park entrance is included; TWO one-day, one-park ticket for EACH GUEST will be available at the Guest Relations window at the Main Entrance to Epcot® on the day of the event. Park tickets and Disney Quest tickets must be used by December 30, 2010. Guests must be over 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages. Sign up time for the Castle Suite tours will be taken Saturday morning during registration in the Hospitality Suite. Round trip transportation from Disney's Hollywood Studios to Epcot® on Sunday evening is included. During portions of the weekend, Guests will be on their own to enjoy Walt Disney World. A specific itinerary will be provided to attendees upon registration. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and three (3) guests.
To make arrangements for a holiday vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can visit www.disneyworld.com, call the Disney Reservation Center at 407/W-DISNEY, or consult with The Magic For Less Travel.
Create unusual animal shaped ornaments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge from 3 to 7:30 p.m. in the Jambo House lobby during December. The momosaic-like ornaments are made from dyed unfertilized ostrich egg shells with glitter an beads added. A $5 per ornament donation for the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund is suggested.