Image courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
For months Disney fans have theorized on what a socially distanced winter holiday at the parks might look like. Now the news is out, and unsurprisingly we’ve learned that 2020 at Disney World will be unlike holidays of years past.
Walt Disney World has confirmed the cancellation of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, as well as changes to other classic Christmas activities within the parks. Luckily, there’s still plenty of Disney magic coming our way in December! If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this Christmas, here’s what to expect for the seasonal offerings.
Holiday Cavalcades Replace Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Though park-goers will not be able to enjoy the holiday parades at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year, they can still nab a front-row “seat” to catch special holiday mini-parades. Mickey, Minnie, and friends can be seen sporting festive Christmas attire throughout the Magic Kingdom in December. Animal Kingdom joins in on the fun with seasonal flotillas of characters throughout the park’s rivers.
No Gingerbread Houses, but Plenty of Decor!
From early November through December, guests who enter any of the hotels on Walt Disney World’s monorail loop are welcomed to enjoy the sights and smells of exquisitely themed gingerbread houses. Unfortunately, due to physical distancing protocols, Disney World has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s gingerbread house build.
However — each hotel will remain decorated for Christmas, many with beautiful Christmas trees and other festive decor. We’ll miss the gingerbread houses, but our gut tells us we’ll still be able to snag a gingerbread cookie or two at the park, and the hotel lobby decor is likely going to blow us away!
New Cinderella Castle Projections
If you’ve ever visited Disney World during the holidays, you’ll remember the over the top gorgeous views of the Dream Lights on Cinderella’s Castle. Unfortunately, Disney has decided to cut these incredible lights from the 2020 offerings and instead utilize special Christmas themed projections to cover the castle.
New Christmas projections at Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog.
While this may be due to the change in park hours, we still think these projections will keep the heart of the holiday season alive.
Special Holiday Offerings at Disney Springs
The Christmas joy at Disney World doesn’t end at the parks! The Disney Christmas trees spread will return to Disney Springs this year. Additionally, guests can experience a magical snowfall as they complete their Christmas shopping. Various restaurants will also offer special limited-time holiday menus.
EPCOT’s Festival Of Holidays
In addition to food offerings at Disney Springs, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays will return for the 2020 holiday season, a fan-favorite for many park-goers. One of the most anticipated food events of the year, we’re incredibly glad to see that a host of new food options will return to EPCOT in the months of November and December as part of the festival.
Holiday Magic Lives on, Just a Bit Differently
We’re happy to see that Disney World is still finding ways to add holiday magic to the parks during the 2020 season. Though some traditions will have to wait for next year, there’s still plenty of Christmas fun to experience. With special character sightings, merry and delicious food offerings, and seasonal decorations around each park, the holiday season will live on at Walt Disney World this year.
What’s your favorite thing about Walt Disney World during the holidays? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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