Disney Holiday Celebrations

by: Lisa Fritscher

Walt Disney World. Just the name evokes images of family, fun, and excitement. What better way to spend the holidays than with your family in the “Happiest Place on Earth”? From the lavish decorations in every part of the resort, to the special holiday shows, to Mickey and Minnie in their Christmas finest, wonder and the magic of childhood await you around every corner. And the sky is the limit, with a multitude of activities available at no extra charge, and others available as an upgrade or separate ticket.

Okay, I want to know what I can see without paying for extras.

There is more than enough to keep you entertained for an entire vacation, all included in your regular park admission. Let’s take a look at what you can see in each park.

Magic Kingdom

While the main holiday draw at the Magic Kingdom is the separately-ticketed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (discussed in a later section of this article), day guests to the Magic Kingdom have the opportunity to enjoy a park truly decked out in holiday splendor. From the towering Christmas trees to the special holiday versions of well-loved shows, to the opportunity to take pictures of well-loved characters in their holiday best, the Magic Kingdom during the holidays is truly something to see. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade takes place daily, and is a must-see for the young and young at heart.

Epcot

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is truly a not-to-be-missed event. From Nov 24 – Dec 30, join celebrity guest narrators in the America Gardens Theatre (located directly across from the American Adventure pavilion) as they relate the familiar story of Christmas. This year’s guest narrators include Chita Rivera, Neil Patrick Harris, and Gary Sinise (check disney.go.com for the full list of narrators and their dates of appearance). Accompanying each narrator is a 50-member orchestra and a several hundred member choir. This annual event is considered by many to be the must-do attraction every holiday season. Although multiple showtimes are available each evening, the event is extraordinarily popular, and arriving early is highly recommended. Another option is to upgrade to the dinner package, which includes dinner at one of Epcot’s table service restaurants along with seating in a reserved area for the Candlelight Processional. Dinner packages start at approximately per person, depending on the restaurant and time selected. Call 407-WDW-DINE for more information.

Epcot also hosts Holidays Around the World. From Nov 24 – Dec 30, learn about the holiday traditions of cultures around the globe. Storytellers and artisans share their traditions through words, music, and dance. Each pavilion is also decorated according to that country’s customs.

Don’t miss the Tree Lighting, featuring Mickey himself, taking place nightly at 6:00 pm at the World Showcase Plaza Tree Stage. The Lights of Winter show, and a special Holiday Illuminations laser spectacular on the lagoon round out Epcot’s holiday offerings.

Disney-MGM Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights:

Several years ago, a man by the name of Jennings Osborne began decorating his house with Christmas lights, to please his young daughter. Every year more lights were added to his Little Rock, Arkansas home. Eventually, when he ran out of room to add to his display, he purchased the houses on either side of his, and began to decorate them as well. As the display became more and more lavish, it began to draw tourists. His neighbors complained about the traffic and the gawkers. When the collection had grown to approximately 3 million lights, the case went to court, and Jennings Osborne was fined for creating a public nuisance. Walt Disney World heard about the light display and subsequent court case, and in 1995 arranged to purchase the display and move it to the Disney-MGM Studios, where it has become a holiday tradition.

From Nov 13 – Jan 7, you have the opportunity to view this incredible light display, now numbering over 5 million. In years past, guests have been given “Angel Glasses,” which cause thousands of angels to appear around every light. Whether this is done this year or not, the immense size and scope of the light collection definitely earns it the title “Spectacle of Lights.” It opens at sunset, but prepare to arrive at least an hour earlier, as this walk-through attraction becomes extremely crowded.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom gets in on the holiday fun with Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. This afternoon spectacular fuses holiday music with a bit of jive, and features Mickey and his friends in their animal best. Also be sure to see the carolers appearing in various locations throughout the park.

So tell me what I can add on.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event taking place in the Magic Kingdom. The event runs on various nights from Nov 17 – Dec 22. Visit disney.go.com for specific dates and ticket prices.

This event is, quite simply, Disney holiday magic at its best. The event features free hot chocolate and cookies, as well as a free family photograph and souvenir button. Holiday editions of beloved shows, two performances of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, and a special holiday edition of the Wishes fireworks make this an evening to remember. Oh, and if you are missing the white Christmas back home, be sure to take a stroll down Main Street, where it magically snows every night despite the often warm temperatures. Strolling carolers and special choral performances, as well as Mickey, Minnie and all their friends decked out in their holiday best, add to the warm fuzzy feeling. The number of tickets sold is intentionally kept low, making this a great time to visit all your favorite attractions as well.

If you will be visiting on Christmas Day, most restaurants throughout the resort offer a special holiday menu. Be sure to make your reservations extremely early, through 407-WDW-DINE, as the restaurants are very busy that day.

Be sure to visit the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort as well. Downtown Disney transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring an outdoor ice skating rink as well as numerous Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. All hotels feature towering trees, themed appropriately to the resort, as well as a variety of festivities including incredible gingerbread mansions. Wherever you go, throughout Disney property, it will truly be a holiday season to remember.