As the holiday season winds down each year, Disney World transforms back from a festive wonderland to its usual magical self. For Disney aficionados and casual visitors alike, knowing when the park removes its holiday decorations can significantly influence when to plan a trip to experience or avoid the holiday rush. Here are five key dates to keep in mind when Disney World starts removing its holiday decor:
1. Early January - New Year’s Day to the Weekend After
After New Year’s Eve celebrations, the urgency to dismantle holiday decorations kicks in. Disney typically begins removing decorations from the first of January, with most of the work happening in the quiet hours after the parks close. This phase is intense, focusing primarily on high-traffic areas like Main Street, U.S.A., and the Magic Kingdom.
🚧 Note: Certain attractions like the Christmas Party-specific decorations might be removed as early as the morning of January 1st.
2. January 6th - Epiphany and Disney Springs
Disney Springs, the shopping and dining district, often keeps its decorations up a bit longer, sometimes into the first week of January. The removal process around this time coincides with the Feast of the Epiphany, which signifies the end of the Christmas season in some cultures. It’s a more leisurely process here, spreading out over several days.
3. Late January - Resort Hotels
Disney’s resorts, known for their thematic holiday decor, usually start removing their decorations towards the end of January. This process can take up to two weeks, giving guests a last chance to enjoy the holiday ambiance. The removal here is also quieter, often happening behind closed doors or while guests are out enjoying the parks.
4. February - The Final Touches
By early February, any lingering remnants of holiday cheer like snowflakes, trees, and lights are fully removed. This final stage ensures all traces of the holidays are gone before the celebration of other events like Valentine’s Day or Presidents Day. It’s a seamless transition back to regular Disney magic.
5. Special Events like Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts
Occasionally, events like the Epcot International Festival of the Arts can influence the decor removal schedule. If the festival overlaps with holiday season’s end, Disney might keep some thematic decorations to enhance the artistic atmosphere or might remove them earlier to prepare for new festival-themed decorations.
Understanding these dates can help you plan your Disney World trip more effectively. Whether you're looking to soak in the last remnants of holiday cheer or prefer the park's usual aesthetic, these timings are crucial for optimizing your visit.
📅 Note: The exact dates for decoration removal might change each year based on Disney's operational schedules or event planning.
Each year, Disney World presents a unique experience, even during the transitional periods when the magic of one season is being swapped for another. Guests planning to visit during these times can expect to see a blend of decor, from holiday remnants to the burgeoning hints of spring celebrations.
When does Disney World typically start removing holiday decorations?
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Disney World typically begins removing holiday decorations right after New Year’s Eve, with the majority of decor being taken down in early January.
Is there a specific order in which decorations are removed?
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Yes, usually decorations are first removed from high-traffic areas in the parks, then resort hotels, and finally, any lingering decor is removed in early February.
Do all resorts remove their holiday decor at the same time?
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No, some Disney resort hotels might keep their decorations up a little longer than others, typically into late January.
