We are at the halfway point to Christmas, which means that the Walt Disney World Resort has started sharing the details for their holiday festivities for 2021. This year, there will be some changes, but most fan-favorites will be returning in some way so Guests can celebrate the season. And good news! The merry season will begin November 12 at the Walt Disney World Resort! Today, we are getting a look at some of the entertainment, décor, seasonal food and drinks, and more that will be a part of the holiday festivities at the four theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs.
Magic Kingdom
Returning for 2021 will be the holiday projections that were introduced last year that could be found on Cinderella Castle. This year, they will alternate periodically with the castle’s transformation into a Beacon of Magic. (The Beacon of Magic is being done at all four Walt Disney World theme parks to celebrate the Resort’s 50th anniversary.)
Unfortunately, I do have somewhat sad news to bring. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will not be happening for 2021. Instead, there will be the new special-ticketed event called Disney Very Merriest After Hours. This event will debut on November 8 and will happen on select nights through December 21.
Disney Very Merriest After Hours will include four hours of festivities. The event will include “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” Disney characters, holiday music and décor, treats included and more! The event will be offered after regular park operating hours, with lower wait times and access to more than 20 select attractions. Because this is a Disney After Hours event, a limited number of tickets will be sold. Tickets will go on sale next month, with an early purchase option available to guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
EPCOT
At EPCOT, Guests will once again be able to enjoy traditions from around the world, courtesy of inspiring music, tasty treats and family-friendly experiences. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return from November 26 – December 30. There will be Holiday Kitchens around the park, performances by Voices of Liberty, the Cookie Stroll and more! (Unfortunately, it would appear that there will be no Candlelight Processional this year.)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
I’m gonna be honest with you. This is my favorite park for the holiday season. Making its return will be the Sunset Seasons Greetings show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard. The building will will transform into four different shows thanks to projection effects. Show are themed around Frozen, the Muppets, Toy Story, and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. This holiday show will alternate with the tower’s nightly transformation into a Beacon of Magic.
Guests will also find kitschy, vintage-themed holiday décor across the park. If you’re looking for Santa Claus, you’ll find him in a holiday motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard. The “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” will once again include a festive finale featuring Olaf. Also, if you’re looking for a unique character meal, Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine will return. Here you can meet favorite Disney characters wearing their holiday best.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll find seasonal décor and festive character flotillas sailing down Discovery River for the season.
In addition, Guests will be able to enjoy the holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings on most nights, in between Beacon of Magic transformations.
Disney Springs
This year sees the return of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. Guests will be able to find elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees throughout the shopping and dining district. Guests will also be able to experience “snowfall” in Town Center. Oh and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will once again transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, with delightful décor and a delicious limited-time menu.
Disney Resort Hotels
The Walt Disney World Resort hotels will once again be decked for the holidays, with iconic trees and other seasonal touches. Also select gingerbread displays will once again be part of the holiday season! Could we see the gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort? It seems likely. In addition, select resort restaurants will also offer holiday menus and specialty food and drink.
Take a look at all the holiday fun that’s happened in the past at Walt Disney World courtesy of our YouTube Channel.
