Walt Disney World Resort transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with festive decorations that captivate visitors of all ages. In 2020, despite the unique challenges presented by the global health crisis, Disney has once again gone above and beyond to ensure the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom are adorned with enchanting Christmas decorations.
What’s New This Year?
Disney has adapted many of its traditional holiday offerings while introducing some new features:
- Holiday Overlays: Each park has its unique Christmas overlay, providing a magical experience tailored to the park’s theme.
- Health and Safety Measures: All decorations are installed with strict adherence to health guidelines, ensuring a safe environment for cast members and guests.
- Interactive Experiences: Disney has incorporated more interactive elements this year to provide an engaging experience while maintaining physical distancing.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom remains the heart of Christmas at Disney, featuring:
- The iconic Cinderella Castle illuminated with dazzling lights and topped with a massive Christmas tree.
- A brand new Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, where guests can enjoy the parade from designated viewing areas to maintain social distancing.
- Jingle Cruise transforms the Jungle Cruise into a festive holiday adventure.
EPCOT
EPCOT’s World Showcase takes on a global celebration with:
- Holiday Storytellers from different cultures sharing their Christmas traditions in each country pavilion.
- A spectacular Candlelight Processional (pre-recorded due to health concerns) narrated by a celebrity and featuring the Voices of Liberty choir.
- Holidays Around the World, where each country showcases their unique holiday customs and cuisine.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios brings the holiday spirit with:
- The Sunset Seasons Greetings, a nighttime show featuring projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel.
- Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! returns, although with modifications for social distancing.
- A Santa Clause-themed transformation of Echo Lake, complete with a large Christmas tree.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom presents a holiday experience that respects its natural surroundings:
- “Festival of the Seasons” decorations along Discovery Island.
- A unique TJ Santa Claws celebration with a treehouse themed Christmas tree.
- Animated characters dressed in holiday attire for themed meet-and-greets.
Enhancements to Attractions
Several attractions get festive overlays:
- Spaceship Earth at EPCOT gets a projection of holiday wishes from guests worldwide.
- The Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios features special holiday-themed projections.
- Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom has holiday-themed snow atop its peak.
The celebration of Christmas at Disney World is not just about decorations; it's an experience that engages all your senses, from the sights to the sounds of seasonal tunes playing throughout the parks. Each park offers a unique angle to holiday cheer, ensuring that every visitor can find something magical to cherish.
🎄 Note: Disney has made significant adjustments to the Christmas festivities in 2020 to ensure the safety of all guests and cast members. Masks, social distancing, and capacity limits are in place to provide a memorable yet safe holiday experience.
The decorations at Disney World in 2020 go beyond mere aesthetics; they tell a story of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to making the holidays special even in challenging times. From the intricate lights on Cinderella Castle to the global stories shared at EPCOT, Disney World ensures the magic of Christmas is alive and well, providing joy and a touch of normalcy during an otherwise unpredictable year.
What are the health measures in place at Disney for the 2020 Christmas season?
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Disney World has implemented several health measures for the 2020 holiday season, including mandatory mask wearing, social distancing, capacity controls, and enhanced cleaning protocols.
Are all traditional Christmas events at Disney happening in 2020?
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Many traditional events are modified or pre-recorded to align with health guidelines, but Disney has introduced new elements to maintain the festive spirit.
What are the best times to visit Disney World during the Christmas season in 2020?
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The best times to visit are early in the season (November) or after New Year’s Day to avoid the peak crowds, although Disney has implemented capacity controls to manage crowds effectively.
