Christmas at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is an enchanting time. From the twinkling lights to the festive parades, Disney casts its magical spell over visitors year after year, providing an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Here's a comprehensive guide to the 2013 timeline for Disney World Christmas decorations, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the seasonal magic.
Early Signs of Christmas
By late October, subtle signs of the holiday season begin to emerge:
- Christmas displays in stores and around Town Square start appearing around October 30.
- Merchandise like ornaments and holiday outfits become available in Disney stores.
- Street decorations such as wreaths and Christmas lights start to be installed.
🎄 Note: This is just the beginning; the park will progressively become more festive with each passing week.
November Transformations
November 2 - 9
With the Halloween decorations removed, Disney intensifies its Christmas preparations:
- The Castle Dream Lights, a fan favorite, are typically turned on during this week.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party starts, transforming the park with exclusive performances, special parade, and snow on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Christmas tree installations begin across all parks, with the central tree at Cinderella Castle going up.
November 10 - 16
The parks start to glitter with festive cheer:
- Resorts begin their decorations, with some notable themed trees appearing.
- Special holiday dining packages like Cinderella's Holiday Wish Breakfast are advertised and start booking.
November 17 - 23
The holiday atmosphere is in full swing:
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays kicks off, featuring holiday storytellers and food.
- Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights starts; one of the most anticipated attractions of the season.
November 24 - 30
The last week of November sees the final touch-ups:
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot begins, a moving tradition with celebrity narrators sharing the Christmas story.
- Parade routes and special performances like Jingle Jam at Downtown Disney come alive.
🎅 Note: This week often experiences the heaviest footfall as Thanksgiving leads into the holiday rush.
December Extravaganza
December 1 - 7
December kicks off with complete holiday regalia:
- The fireworks spectacular, "Holiday Wishes," illuminates the sky above Magic Kingdom.
- Holiday-themed live shows and performances are in full swing in every park.
December 8 - 14
The midpoint of December brings:
- Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make more frequent appearances throughout the parks.
- Epcot hosts the popular Santa's Morning Mad Dash 5K and Santa's Surf Competition.
December 15 - 21
As Christmas approaches, the excitement builds:
- Characters don their holiday costumes, adding charm to meet-and-greets.
- Last-minute shopping opportunities with special holiday merchandise are available.
December 22 - 25
Christmas Day at Walt Disney World is a spectacle in itself:
- The parks operate under special holiday hours, with events tailored for the festive season.
- Special parades, like Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Day Parade, occur multiple times daily.
- Dining locations offer Christmas Day brunch and dinner options.
🎁 Note: Tickets for special events and dining experiences often sell out months in advance; booking early is advisable.
With the holiday season winding down:
- Last-minute holiday shopping deals are offered at Disney's retail locations.
- The decorations start to come down right after New Year's Day to prepare for the next season.
In summary, Walt Disney World transforms into a winter wonderland every year. The timeline for 2013 provided an extensive list of events and decorations to plan your visit around. From the twinkling lights to the festive parades, each week brings new delights and opportunities for magical memories. Whether you're there for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or simply to soak in the festive atmosphere, Disney ensures every visitor experiences the holiday spirit at its finest.
What is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights?
+
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was a display of over 5 million LED lights synchronized to holiday music. It took place in the Streets of America area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Can you still book a Christmas dinner at Disney World for the current year?
+
Advance dining reservations for popular restaurants during the Christmas season at Walt Disney World often sell out, but it’s always worth checking availability closer to your visit.
When do Disney World parks start removing Christmas decorations?
+Decorations typically start being removed shortly after New Year’s Day to make way for new events or themes.
