Sunset Seasons Greetings, a new holiday experience at DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios, features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. Holiday magic brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season. The experience runs continuously throughout the night. (David Roark)
15 new experiences coming to the 2018 holidays at Disney World
The holiday season kicks off Nov. 8 at Disney World and whether you are visiting for the first time, or returning because it is your favorite time of the year to visit, you’ll find 15 new experiences throughout the resort.
Each of the parks and Disney Springs will have at least one new experience. Even the Play Disney Parks app will have some holiday-themed offerings.
Here’s a look at the 15 experiences:
1. Toy Story Land Holiday decor: Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios gets dressed up for the holidays with an oversized cranberry-and-popcorn garland and a 10-foot-tall Hamm sugar cookie. Guests will hear sleigh bells ringing on Slinky Dog Dash, while Alien Swirling Saucers will offer two-holiday tunes with themed lighting. Toy Story characters will also don new looks for the season.
2. Disney Junior Dance Party! debuts Dec. 22: The new Disney Junior Dance Party! will hit the stage at Hollywood Studios just before Christmas. The show will feature Disney Junior pals including Vampirina and Doc McStuffins.
3. Sunset Seasons Greetings Adds Laser Effects: New laser effects complement this popular holiday experience that transforms the Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season.
4. Meet Vampirina at Animation Courtyard: The star of the hit Disney Junior television show “Vampirina” now greets guests at Hollywood Studios in the Animation Courtyard.
5. The Holiday Cookie Stroll: Guests can stroll at the World Showcase in Epcot and purchase cookies at various locations, collecting cookie stamps along the way. Those who acquire five or more stamps will be rewarded with a complimentary “completer” cookie and a cold glass of milk.
6. First-Time Candlelight Processional Narrators: Each year celebrity narrators tell the story of Christmas accompanied by a full choir and a 50-piece orchestra at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot. The new narrators this year include Helen Hunt (Nov. 24-25), Alfonso Ribeiro (Nov. 26-27), Bart Millard (Dec. 10-12) and Auli’i Cravalho (Dec. 21-23). And for the first time, this holiday tradition will be presented on Thanksgiving evening, Nov. 22.
7. New Bites at Holiday Kitchens: During the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays there are 12 specialty kitchens set around World Showcase, including the new L’Chaim! kitchen featuring traditional dishes such as pastrami on rye, chicken and matzo ball soup, egg cream and more.
8. The last look at IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: This nighttime spectacular includes a special holiday finale from Nov. 18 to Dec. 30. This will be the final holiday season for IllumiNations, as the show is scheduled to conclude at the end of summer 2019, with a new show on World Showcase Lagoon set to debut immediately afterward.
9. Very Merry morsels: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom has new treats such as the Sugar Rush Jumbo Red Velvet Cupcake or the Vanellope Éclair with rainbow cereal topping.
10. New Holiday Music in Tomorrowland: A new a cappella group will sing holiday favorites in Tomorrowland during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
11. New Sweet-and-Savory Party Debuts on Town Square: Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party will debut this year as part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The $99/person ticket also includes beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as special reserved viewing for Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade.
12.Diwali celebration now part of “Up:” New this year, a Diwali celebration lights up the new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure at the Animal Kingdom.
13. Holiday Cheer on the Play Disney Parks Mobile App: New this year, guests will discover several holiday-themed offerings in the Play Disney Parks mobile app.
14. New trees on The Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs: Guests will enjoy a walk-through wonderland of Christmas trees decorated with Disney imagery and characters. This year’s trail features 27 unique holiday trees with new additions inspired by “Toy Story,” The Haunted Mansion, vintage Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Star Wars.
15. Character Couture: Character Couture packages offer sophisticated hairstyles, as well as detailed makeup and nail designs inspired by Disney characters. During the holidays, guests will be able to look their best for the season with wintry and festive makeovers. Services are available at salons at select resort hotels.
