Visiting Disney World during the holiday season is a magical experience like no other. The parks are transformed into a winter wonderland, with enchanting decorations that evoke the spirit of Christmas. In 2017, Disney World went above and beyond to celebrate the festive season with elaborate decorations, special events, and entertainment that captivate visitors of all ages. Let's delve into when you can expect the magic of Disney World's Christmas decorations in 2017 and what makes this season so special.
When Does Disney Start Decorating for Christmas?
The magic begins as early as November, with Disney World rolling out its holiday decorations around the first week of November. Here’s a timeline of what to expect:
- Mid-October to Early November: Initial planning and setting up of the infrastructure for Christmas decorations.
- Early November: Decorations start to go up, including lights, wreaths, and garlands around the parks.
- November 1: Magic Kingdom begins its transformation, with the iconic Mickey's Merry Christmas Party kicking off.
- Mid-November: Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom follow suit with their own unique Christmas decor.
Here’s a table to provide a more structured overview:
| Park | When Decoration Starts | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | November 1 | Mickey's Merry Christmas Party, Cinderella Castle Dream Lights |
| Epcot | Mid-November | Holidays Around the World, Candlelight Processional |
| Disney's Hollywood Studios | Mid-November | Jack Frost, Santa Claus, Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! |
| Disney's Animal Kingdom | Mid-November | Unique animal-themed decorations, special holiday performances |
🧠 Note: While decorations begin in November, they are typically completed by mid-November, with the grand light-up happening just before Thanksgiving.
Highlighted Attractions During Christmas at Disney World
Christmas at Disney World isn't just about decorations; it's a festive festival with unique attractions:
- Cinderella Castle Dream Lights: The castle is adorned with over 200,000 LED lights, creating a spectacular sight at night.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: A special ticketed event with exclusive shows, parades, and snow on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot: Enjoy holiday traditions from around the globe, with live performances and special storytellers in each country's pavilion.
- The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Although it ended in 2016, its legacy lives on in memory and has been somewhat replicated in other forms of holiday entertainment.
The festive atmosphere is palpable with:
- Special holiday versions of the traditional parades.
- Unique Christmas-themed rides and overlays, like the Jungle Cruise turning into the "Jingle Cruise."
- Holiday meet-and-greets with characters dressed in festive attire.
The Grand Lighting
The grand lighting ceremony is a moment everyone looks forward to. Here's when you can expect to see the parks fully illuminated:
- Magic Kingdom: The castle lights up around November 9th, 2017, with a special event to kick off the holiday season.
- Epcot: Its iconic Spaceship Earth features holiday lighting from mid-November onwards.
Christmas Treats and Shops
Disney's culinary teams go all out to celebrate the season with:
- Holiday-themed treats and snacks available throughout the parks.
- Special holiday shopping events, including exclusive merchandise for the season.
Christmas Entertainment and Parades
The entertainment is a key part of the Christmas magic:
- Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: Featuring classic Disney characters in holiday outfits.
- Candlelight Processional: A retelling of the Christmas story with live orchestra and guest narrators.
- Holiday Fireworks: Nightly displays complementing the festive atmosphere.
The festive atmosphere is enhanced by:
- Live holiday performances, including the Voices of Liberty and the Candlelight Processional.
- Special Christmas shows and stage productions at the various parks.
The End of the Magic
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and Disney World's Christmas decorations are no exception. Here’s when to expect the magic to wind down:
- Early January: Christmas decorations start coming down shortly after the New Year.
- January 7, 2017: Most of the holiday decorations are removed, though some elements might linger until mid-January for the convenience of guests staying for the post-holiday season.
In summary, the Christmas season at Disney World in 2017 was a spectacle of joy and wonder, with decorations starting to appear in November, peaking with the grand lighting around Thanksgiving, and concluding in early January. Each park had its unique touches, from the dream lights of Cinderella Castle to the international flavors of Epcot, ensuring that visitors experience a truly magical holiday season.
How much does it cost to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
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The price for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party varies, but in 2017, tickets started at around 95 to 125 per person. Special discounts are often available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.
Are there special Christmas-themed rides at Disney World?
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Yes! During the holiday season, some rides receive Christmas overlays. For instance, the Jungle Cruise transforms into the “Jingle Cruise,” where boats and crew members are decked out in holiday decor.
Can I see holiday decorations at Disney Springs?
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Disney Springs also embraces the holiday spirit with festive decorations, live entertainment, and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony to kick off the season.
