Disney World’s Christmas Magic Unveiled
From the moment the sun sets on Magic Kingdom, the holiday spirit takes over in a spectacle of lights, music, and cheer. Here are six ways Disney World decked out for Christmas in 2017, transforming the park into a winter wonderland:
1. Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle
Every year, Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle undergoes a magical transformation, and 2017 was no exception. Here’s how it was adorned:
- Ice Palace Dreamlights: The castle sparkled with over 200,000 individual LED lights, creating an effect of shimmering ice and snow.
- Special Castle Projections: Disney’s storytelling came to life through projections that told tales of Christmas from beloved characters.
🎅 Note: The ice palace effect is carefully designed to reflect the classic Disney movie “Frozen.”
2. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Held on select nights, this special event includes:
- Parade of Lights: A parade with floats and characters in festive attire, led by Santa Claus.
- Fireworks Show: A must-see event, the “Holidays Wishes” fireworks, were set to an original soundtrack.
- Free Treats: Guests enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies while wandering the park.
🎅 Note: You can catch the parade in multiple locations to ensure the best view.
3. Holiday Decorations Across the Parks
All four parks - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom - were festively decorated:
- Giant Christmas Trees: Each park featured its own massive, uniquely themed Christmas tree.
- Garlands and Lights: Streets were adorned with lights, wreaths, and glittering garlands.
- Epcot’s Holiday Storytellers: Traditional holiday tales from around the world were shared in each country’s pavilion.
| Park | Unique Decorations |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Ice Palace Dreamlights, Holiday Window Displays |
| Epcot | World Showcase Holiday Storytellers, Candlelight Processional |
| Hollywood Studios | Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (archival), Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Fireworks |
| Animal Kingdom | Treetop Trails, Holiday Lights on the Tree of Life |
4. Meet and Greet with Holiday Disney Characters
Characters in holiday costumes roamed the parks, spreading cheer:
- Mickey and Minnie in Christmas Attire: Posing with festive outfits, ready for hugs and photos.
- Toy Soldiers: Characters from “Toy Story” dressed as giant soldiers near the castle.
🎄 Note: Meeting characters in holiday costumes can significantly increase your wait times.
5. Jingle Cruise and Holiday Overlays
Attractions received festive makeovers:
- Jingle Cruise: The Jungle Cruise boat ride got a holiday twist with decorations and new storyline elements.
- Living with the Land : Epcot’s ride included holiday-specific plant displays and commentary.
6. The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
A collection of 25 uniquely designed Christmas trees:
- Tree Themes: Disney characters, global cultures, and even culinary delights were represented.
- Interactive: Guests could vote for their favorite tree, adding an engaging element.
As you can see, Disney World during Christmas in 2017 was a symphony of lights, music, and holiday cheer. From the shimmering lights on Cinderella Castle to the heartfelt storytelling at Epcot, every aspect of the park was transformed to evoke the magic of the season. Families and visitors of all ages were treated to unparalleled holiday experiences, making Disney World a top destination for holiday celebrations. Each park offered unique ways to enjoy the festive spirit, ensuring that no matter where you ventured, the magic of Christmas was ever-present.
What is the best time to visit Disney World for the Christmas celebrations?
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The ideal time to visit Disney World for Christmas is from mid-November to early January. This period sees festive decorations, special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and lower crowds in early December before schools let out for the holiday break.
Are there special ticketed events during the Christmas season?
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Yes, Disney hosts special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which requires an additional ticket. These parties offer exclusive parade, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets not available during regular park hours.
Is it possible to see snow at Disney World during Christmas?
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Although Orlando doesn’t naturally see snow, Disney World creates its own magical snow moments. During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, artificial snow falls in certain areas of the park, adding to the festive atmosphere.
