What’ coming to Disney World for the 2019 holiday season
Starting Nov. 8, Walt Disney World Resort the 2019 holiday season kicks off with festivities across its theme parks, resorts
This year marks the debut of all-new seasonal offerings throughout Animal Kingdom theme park and a new holiday-themed fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park.
Here’s what you will find around the resort:
Animal Kingdom
For the first time in its two-decade history, there will be special holiday entertainment and decoration in every land of the park.
- On Discovery Island, stylized, life-sized animal puppets will mingle with villagers during the day. At night, rooftop luminaries in animal shapes and bird lanterns throughout Discovery Island will bring a warm glow to the village.
- The Tree of Life will awaken with a series of wintry tales at night with familiar and heartwarming holiday musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life will shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.
- Dinoland, U.S.A. will rock out with the DJ-led “Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip
‘n Dale” and plenty of interactive fun and games. - Diwali, the Holiday Festival of Lights in India, has inspired the residents of Anandapur. Glowing flowers, lanterns and more will illuminate the main square leading to the waterfront stage, home to authentic and colorful cultural performances.
- The village of Harambe in Africa will welcome guests with a unique holiday presentation, fusing Western traditions with the colors and texture of authentic African celebrations; colorful costuming and new music flavors each performance.
- Tusker House diners get their merry on as Safari Donald Duck and his pals spread holiday cheer.
- In Pandora – The World of Avatar, ex-pats roll out seasonal fun with a display at Pongu Pongu of kitschy holiday décor, pairing vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.
- A Christmas tree will tower over the park entrance. Decorated with traditional ornaments and hidden animals, the tree is a prelude to the holiday magic that awaits inside the park.
Magic Kingdom
Hosted by Minnie Mouse, a new fireworks show called Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, will debut at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which takes place select dates Nov. 8-Dec. 22, and nightly Dec. 23-29.
During A Frozen Holiday Wish stage show, Queen Elsa magically transforms Cinderella Castle with glistening ice.
Each of the 23 nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will feature performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show. Guests will also experience select rides and attractions (including the “Jingle Cruise”), savor complimentary treats, discover event-exclusive merchandise and delight to a magical “snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates: Nov. 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24; Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22.
EPCOT
Yuletide traditions from across the globe are at the heart of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. From Nov. 29, 2019, through Dec. 30, 2019, the theme park will be immersed in a vast world of holiday decorations and entertainment, themed merchandise, festive cuisine and costumed storytellers in many of the 11 World Showcase nations.
The Candlelight Processional features the retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator backed by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir. Performances will run three times nightly during the festival.
Special Holiday Kitchens will be sprinkled throughout World Showcase. The pavilions around the World Showcase will also
A special Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree Scavenger Hunt will also be around the various World Showcase locations.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet guests at The American Adventure pavilion.
Hollywood Studios
New attractions and lands turn this theme park into one big holiday gift.
- Sunset Seasons Greetings show projected onto the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
- The nighttime spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will treat holiday-goers to iconic music, fireworks, special effects
and state-of-the-art projections to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience at the iconic Chinese Theatre. - Holiday touches and festive décor throughout the park will include seasonal fun inside Toy Story Land, as well as joyous greetings from Santa or Santa Goofy.
- As a curtain-closer, Olaf delivers a special holiday finale in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along.
Disney Springs
The Disney Springs retail, dining
- The Christmas Tree Trail returns with custom-decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme featuring favorite Disney characters.
- At Santa’s Chalet, a jolly Santa Claus welcomes guests. From Dec. 25 to 31, Santa Goofy takes over after Ol’ Saint Nick returns to the North Pole.
- Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt takes place throughout Disney Springs.
Disney Resorts
Resort hotels across Walt Disney World will be decked out for the holidays. Seasonal décor and massive Christmas trees usher in the festive spirit.
A life-size holiday gingerbread house at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the place to pick up Christmas treats, including tasty gingerbread. The Beach Club Resort boasts a life-size, edible carousel as a holiday tradition, while a holiday village with a miniature train takes center stage at the Yacht Club Resort.
