Christmas at Disney World in 2020 is set to be a magical spectacle, brimming with festive cheer and holiday delights. As the year progresses and we draw closer to the holiday season, the excitement around Disney World's Christmas decorations grows. It's a time when the enchantment of the park intertwines with the joy of the holidays, transforming an already magical place into a winter wonderland.
The Tradition of Holiday Decorations
Disney World at Christmas has become a time-honored tradition for many families, and the kickoff to this festive season is the holiday decorations that adorn the parks. Here’s an insight into when and how Disney World transitions into its holiday splendor:
When Does Disney World Start Decorating?
Disney World typically begins to deck its halls with Christmas decorations from early November to around the first week of December. This period can vary slightly from year to year, but expect the following:
- Magic Kingdom: From early November to full decorations by mid-November.
- EPCOT: Around mid-November for the Festival of the Holidays.
- Hollywood Studios: Late October for the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday night spectacular.
- Animal Kingdom: With a more subtle approach, by late November.
đź“… Note: These timings can be influenced by the date of Thanksgiving and other events at the parks.
What to Expect with Christmas Decorations?
Each park dresses up in its unique holiday style:
- Magic Kingdom: The central hub of holiday magic, with the iconic Cinderella Castle lit up with sparkling lights, the Main Street Electrical Parade, and the Dream Lights, which are individually lit icicles on the Castle.
- EPCOT: The park hosts the International Festival of the Holidays, where different countries showcase their cultural Christmas traditions alongside decorations.
- Hollywood Studios: Offers a star-studded Christmas with decorations reflecting its movie-themed attractions and stage shows.
- Animal Kingdom: While more subdued, it features holiday-themed merchandise and tree decor.
Preparing for the Holiday Season
Preparing for the holiday season at Disney World involves a meticulous process:
- Planning: Months ahead, teams plan the Christmas decorations, coordinating with events and shows.
- Execution: Crews begin the physical decoration process, including:
- Hanging lights
- Setting up festive displays
- Erecting Christmas trees
- Maintenance: Ensuring that all decorations are kept in pristine condition throughout the season.
| Park | Holiday Attraction |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party |
| EPCOT | Candlelight Processional |
| Hollywood Studios | Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! |
| Animal Kingdom | Treasure of Festive Surprise |
Enhancing Your Visit Experience
Here are some tips to maximize your experience during the festive season:
- Plan Ahead: Get an early start on planning your visit to avoid missing out on special holiday events and decorations.
- Tickets: Purchase tickets for special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party well in advance.
- Appropriate Attire: Dress for the festive occasion and bring layers for potential cooler weather.
- Photography: Capture the holiday magic with your camera or smartphone, focusing on the decorations for memorable photos.
In summary, visiting Disney World during the holiday season in 2020 promises an unforgettable experience filled with holiday magic and Christmas decorations. From the dazzling lights on Cinderella Castle to the cultural celebrations at EPCOT, the parks offer a multi-dimensional holiday experience. Remember to plan, stay flexible, and soak in the festive ambiance to make your holiday visit truly magical.
When do holiday events start at Disney World?
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Special holiday events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party typically begin in early November.
Can you see the decorations without buying event tickets?
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Yes, many of the decorations are visible to all visitors during the regular park hours. However, some attractions like the Christmas Party are ticketed events.
What are some must-see holiday decorations?
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The Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle, EPCOT’s tree and Candlelight Processional, and Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Tower Hotel holiday decorations are must-sees.
