The holiday season is a magical time to visit Walt Disney World (WDW), and it's not just because of the festive decorations, spectacular parades, and special seasonal treats. Here are five unique ways WDW begins its Christmas transformation early, enhancing the magical experience for guests well before the peak holiday season:
Early Decor Setup
While many people associate the beginning of the holiday season with the end of November, Disney starts its festive makeover as early as mid-September. This gives visitors a head start on the holiday spirit:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – This special ticketed event begins in November, but its infrastructure starts appearing weeks in advance.
- Main Street USA – The iconic Main Street sees garlands, wreaths, and lights installed early to ensure they’re perfect for opening night.
- Parks and Resorts – From Cinderella Castle to each Disney hotel, decorations are meticulously planned and set up in stages to create an immersive experience.
Seasonal Merchandise
Christmas doesn’t just magically appear; it starts with the products:
- Disney Store – Around mid-September, Disney Store online and in stores around the world roll out a lineup of exclusive holiday-themed merchandise.
- Park Stores – By early October, you’ll find festive ornaments, clothing, and souvenirs throughout the parks.
- Special Editions – Collectors can look forward to limited-edition releases like the popular “It’s a Small World” holiday ornaments.
🎅 Note: With early merchandise, collectors and Disney enthusiasts can ensure they snag their favorites before they sell out!
Holiday Attractions
Even before the official holiday season, attractions get their holiday flair:
- Jingle Cruise – The Jungle Cruise is reimagined with holiday decorations, a special soundtrack, and humorous holiday skits.
- Frozen Holiday Surprise – At Magic Kingdom, this show starts in early November, bringing Anna, Elsa, and their friends in festive attire.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday – While this is more Halloween/Christmas at Disneyland, WDW gears up other attractions like Snow White’s Scary Adventures with holiday scenes.
Special Holiday Dining Experiences
Food is a central part of the holiday experience at WDW:
- Holiday menus – Restaurants across the resorts introduce seasonal menus as early as October, featuring holiday favorites like turkey dinners and eggnog-flavored treats.
- Character Dining – Special character dining events with holiday themes begin, allowing guests to dine with beloved Disney characters in their holiday outfits.
- Reservations – Due to high demand, Disney starts taking reservations for these events months in advance, often opening them in August.
| Restaurant | Holiday Menu Highlight | Starting Date |
|---|---|---|
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Peppermint Cake at Hollywood Brown Derby | Mid-October |
| Epcot | Holiday Kitchens during International Festival of the Holidays | November |
Parades and Shows
Holiday parades and shows are what truly kick off the festive atmosphere:
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – This parade, a highlight of the Christmas party, starts with rehearsals weeks in advance.
- Candlelight Processional – Narrators for this annual event at Epcot are announced early, with performances beginning in late November.
- Fireworks – Holiday-themed fireworks like “Holidays Around the World” at Epcot start to get staged by early November, setting the night sky ablaze with festive colors.
🎄 Note: Ensure you plan your visit in advance to not miss out on these iconic holiday shows!
In essence, Walt Disney World's approach to Christmas is much like its theme park experiences – carefully orchestrated, visually stunning, and deeply immersive. By starting early, Disney ensures that the magic of the season permeates every inch of its properties, offering guests an unparalleled festive experience. The early transformation also allows visitors to enjoy the holiday season longer, spreading the joy across more weeks and offering countless opportunities for magical memories. From the moment you step into the parks, the holiday spirit envelops you, with every detail from the parks to the resorts crafted to turn your Disney holiday into a timeless celebration.
When does Disney start setting up for Christmas?
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Disney begins its Christmas setup in mid-September, starting with decorations and merchandise rollouts to ensure everything is ready for the official holiday season.
Can you enjoy Christmas at WDW without attending the parties?
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Yes, guests can enjoy numerous holiday attractions, parades, shows, and decorations without attending the ticketed events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
What are some unique holiday experiences offered at WDW?
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Jingle Cruise, the Candlelight Processional, and holiday-themed character dining are just a few of the unique experiences guests can enjoy at WDW during the holiday season.
How do I make reservations for holiday dining at Disney?
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Reservations for holiday dining experiences typically open in August. Disney’s website and the My Disney Experience app are the best tools to secure your spot.
