If you're a Disney enthusiast or simply someone who loves the festive holiday atmosphere, you might be curious about when the enchanting Disney World Christmas decorations come down each year. This year, let's take a closer look at the timeline for when Disney World turns down the holiday spirit and transitions back into its magical, everyday splendor in 2019.
The Christmas Season at Disney World
Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is known for its magical experiences year-round, but the holiday season transforms the parks into a winter wonderland, offering guests a sprinkle of festive magic that is truly unforgettable. The parks like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom feature seasonal decorations, special events, and themed parades that capture the spirit of Christmas.
- Magic Kingdom: Known for its stunning Cinderella Castle that’s transformed with ice-like icicles and towering Christmas trees.
- Epcot: Offers a global celebration of the holidays with decorations from around the world.
- Hollywood Studios: Hosts the famous ‘Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!’ show and festive decor throughout the park.
- Animal Kingdom: Highlights the Festival of the Seasons with animal-centric decorations.
The Great Decor Removal of 2019
The removal of Christmas decorations at Disney World in 2019 began shortly after the New Year festivities. Traditionally, the last day to witness the full holiday splendor at Disney World was:
📅 Note: The Christmas decorations typically come down immediately following the last public day of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which was on December 24, 2019.
Why the Haste?
Disney’s swift removal of holiday decor serves several purposes:
- Maintenance and Upkeep: The decorations are part of the parks’ seasonal show, requiring extensive care and maintenance.
- Preparation for the Next Event: Disney hosts various events year-round, and spaces need to be prepared for the next major celebration.
- Return to Normalcy: Once the holidays are over, the park aims to revert to its regular attractions to maintain the diversity of guest experiences.
The Process
The removal process is meticulous, involving:
- Removing Temporary Structures: Large decorations like the Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights are taken down.
- Unplugging Lights: This is a significant task, especially in Epcot, where every country gets its own festive display.
- Packing Decor: Each piece of decor, whether it’s from the castle or the park entrances, is packed away carefully.
- Cleaning: Areas are cleaned and restored to their non-festive state.
- Inventory Management: All items are cataloged and stored for the following year.
A Glance at the Transition Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last day of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party | December 24, 2019 |
| Official start of decor removal | December 26, 2019 |
| Completion of major decor removal | Late January 2020 |
| Final touches and inventory management | Early February 2020 |
📝 Note: While the general timeline for decor removal was consistent with previous years, exceptions can occur due to park-specific events or extraordinary circumstances.
Post-Christmas Festivities
Despite the decorations coming down, Disney World keeps the holiday spirit alive through:
- RunDisney marathons like the Disney’s Marathon Weekend, which often occur in the first week of January.
- Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts kicks off in mid-January, bringing a new theme and decorations to the park.
- Remaining holiday merchandise and seasonal treats might still be available through the end of December or even into the New Year.
Why Does Disney Remove the Decorations?
Disney’s decision to dismantle the Christmas decor is not just about returning the parks to their regular state:
- It ensures the parks remain fresh and engaging throughout the year.
- It allows for preparation of upcoming events like the Flower and Garden Festival or the Mardi Gras celebration.
- Space management is crucial in a park setting, where each area has to be ready for its next transformation.
Summing up the magical transition at Disney World, we see that the Christmas decorations removal in 2019 was an event of its own, showcasing Disney's commitment to keeping the parks vibrant and special for every season. The swift and efficient process marks not an end, but a new beginning, as the parks gear up for their next seasonal spectacle. The beauty of Disney lies in its ability to adapt and celebrate throughout the year, ensuring that guests always have something new and exciting to look forward to. And while the twinkling lights fade, the memories of the holiday magic at Disney World remain evergreen.
When do Disney World Christmas decorations go up?
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Disney World typically begins the installation of Christmas decorations in mid to late November. The process starts after Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ends.
Do guests get to see the Christmas decorations removal process?
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Generally, the removal process occurs after park hours to keep the magic alive for guests. However, some decorations might still be visible in early January.
Are there any other events or holidays celebrated at Disney World around New Year’s Eve?
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Yes, Disney World hosts a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, along with other park-specific celebrations and countdowns to the New Year.
