Disney has announced their plans for holiday offerings at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Even though some of my favorite festivities won’t be happening this year, for obvious reasons, there are still some fun things to get excited about! Here’s how we can celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World in 2020:
Beginning September 15th and going until October 31st you will be able to “fall” in love with Magic Kingdom all over again. Main Street, U.S.A. will be decked out in its typical fall décor. Gosh, I love seeing those Mickey pumpkin wreaths!
There sadly won’t be any Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties, but you can check out a special Halloween-themed cavalcade with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and pals wearing their cute Halloween costumes. You’ll be able to spot Chip ‘n’ Dale in costume in Frontierland, as well as other Disney character friends dressed up and riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street.
Something new! Get your costumes ready because for the first time, guests of ALL ages can wear their own costumes during Magic Kingdom’s regular operating hours from September 15th to October 31st. It is important to note that costume masks are not permitted for adults; only children younger than 14 years old are permitted to wear costume masks. In addition, ALL guests are required to wear approved face coverings during their visit. You can check out the Costume Guidelines here.
Some of my favorite fall treats are making their comeback, like the DELICIOUS pumpkin spiced waffle sundae!
I’ve been eyeing some of the new Halloween-inspired merchandise on ShopDisney. I’m a sucker for Mickey pumpkins and ghosts! Check out all of the goodies here and make your list of what you plan on trying!
The Dapper Dans will be coming back to Main Street on September 20th, performing as their spooky alter egos, The Cadaver Dans. One of the character dining experiences will be opening up at Hollywood Studios for Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine starting September 25th for some socially distant character interactions.
The parks will switch over to winter and Christmas beginning on November 6th until December 30th. The magic will be in full force across all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Santa Claus will make time for special appearances at each location.
Guests can enjoy festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT, and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday attire. Gingerbread Men, Elves, Reindeer, and the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic marching through Magic Kingdom spreading Christmas cheer!
There will be special projection effects giving Cinderella Castle a festive look this year. This will make for some great holiday photos! Sadly, this is in place of the Castle Dream Lights which I always love to see. Holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT.
Minnie Mouse will be hosting her yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting November 6th. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.
At Disney Springs, festive Disney Christmas trees will be spread throughout and in the evenings, guests will encounter a magical snowfall!
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees. The thing I am probably the most heartbroken about is that the resort gingerbread displays will not be returning this year.
Later in the season, on November 27th, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will be back. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase as well as holiday entertainment in the World ShowPlace and American Gardens Theatre.
ShopDisney has started to add a little bit of their holiday merchandise online. I’m sure there will be more to come!
Are you looking to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World in 2020? Fill out this quote form and I can help you get a trip on your calendar…I’m a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations and my planning services are 100% free to you to use!
xoxo, Shannon
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