9 big things happening at Walt Disney World in November 2021

November brings the holiday season to Walt Disney World. While you are able to see some of it now at some of the theme parks, the rollout will start in earnest on Nov. 1 as Disney removes Halloween and brings on Christmas.

This month will not only see the change over from orange lights to green and red lights but also the first re-introduction of the first full parade, the first full castle show, more entertainment and a new scene being added to a fan-favorite attraction.

Here’s what’s coming:

1. Tam Tam Drummers – Nov. 7

Dance to the rapturous beat of the Congo as these vibrant African drummers return to the Harambe area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom starting on Nov. 7 at the start of each hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2. Disney Movie Magic Returns – Nov. 7

Another nighttime show returns to Disney World. This one is at Hollywood Studios. Disney Movie Magic is a 12-minute show projected on the facade of the Chinese Theatre at 8:40 p.m. starting Nov. 7. The show is a compilation of memorable live-action movie scenes. Added to this show will be scenes from the live-action “Mulan.”

3. Disney Very Merriest After Hours – Nov. 8

While there is no Christmas party this year at Magic Kingdom, there is the Disney Very Merriest After Hours separately ticketed event. The event, which takes place on 24 select nights Nov. 8 through Dec. 21, features the return of a castle show and a full parade.

Walt Disney World will be debuting a new castle show for the special Disney Very Merriest After Hours event coming this holiday season.

The new show has Mickey Mouse and his friends holding a celebration filled with music, dancing and nostalgic yuletide fun. Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, the show features nods to classic Magic Kingdom holiday stage shows, including “Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Celebrate the Season” and “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.”

In addition tis the return of the

Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, the show features nods to classic Magic Kingdom holiday stage shows, including “Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Celebrate the Season” and “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.”

In addition, the nighttime event will include: 

• Holiday overlays of a couple of popular attractions. The Jungle Cruise turns into the Jingle Cruise. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor will have a holiday edition.
• “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade returns with Santa Claus, elves, reindeer and other friends from the North Pole joining Mickey Mouse and his pals for the happiest holiday parade.    
• “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” returns thius year. Minnie Mouse invites everyone to come together in a celebration of the magic of Christmas. The show features fireworks, projections and beloved holiday songs. 
• Club Tinsel, located at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, becomes the coolest place to get down when denizens of the North Pole drop by for the holiday cheeriest dance party in the whole Magic Kingdom!  
• The Reindeer Wranglers bring their holiday hoedown to the streets of Frontierland, performing seasonal songs with a distinctive country flair.  
• Cinderella Castle takes on a festive appearance with special projection effects, providing a colorful backdrop. Throughout the evening, bursts of holiday magic will transform Cinderella Castle with a rotating series of designs, followed by a transition in which the iconic Magic Kingdom landmark will shine as a Beacon of Magic.

4. Holidays Come to Disney World – Nov. 12

The holiday season officially kicks off. Christmas trees and decorations should be complete at this time all over the theme parks, resorts and Disney Springs.

During the day at Magic Kingdom guests will be able to enjoy all the decorations.

At Hollywood Studios, Sunset Seasons Greetings returns where each evening holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” And, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” adds a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season. 

An Animal Kingdom,Discovery Island will spring to life with a Merry Menagerie of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a whimsical display and playful atmosphere for guests of all ages to enjoy. Spot Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale and other Disney character friends bringing their own style of festive flair to the Discovery River, as they jingle through the jungle to the rhythm of the holidays. And on nights when the park is open after dark, the Tree of Life awakens as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score. 

At Disney Springs, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll will the elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees returns. Each of the twinkling trees will be themed to personify beloved Disney characters, stories and celebrations. In the evening, guests visiting Town Center will experience a magical snowfall, bringing the spirit of the North Pole to Central Florida. For the perfect wrap-up to a holiday visit to Disney Springs, visit Jock Lindsay’s Holiday Bar; back by popular demand, this seasonal favorite has returned with yuletide touches alongside festive food and craft cocktails – there’s something on the menu for everyone.

See Santa Claus at various locations around Walt Disney World. Encounter Jolly Old St. Nick during special appearances through Dec. 24 of this year. Catch sight of Santa cruising down Hollywood Blvd. in his candy-apple red convertible at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade or venture over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, to spot Santa voyaging across the Discovery River, spreading the joyous spirit of the season from a festive flotilla. Santa Claus will also pay visits to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and Disney Springs, where guests will have individualized time to wave hello and share their Christmas wishes.

5. Mickey’s PhilharMagic Returns With New Scene- Nov. 12

A new animated scene based on Disney-Pixar’s “Coco” and other refurbishments are coming to Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom starting on Nov. 12. This is the first time Disney and Pixar animators have worked combining characters from both animation studios together on screen. Donald Duck search’s for Mickey’s Sorcerer’s hat through various Disney film scenes. Other refurbishments will also be taking place. This is the first new musical sequence in almost 20 years.

6. New “Drawn to Life” Cirque du Soleil Opens – Nov. 18

The new “Drawn to Life”  Cirque du Soleil opens at Disney Springs on Nov. 18.

The highly anticipated new family-friendly show, which was to open in March 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.

The story takes the audience on a live acrobatic journey telling the story of Julie, a determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her Disney animator father: an unfinished animation. As she dives into the inner world of animation guided by a surprising pencil, Julie embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories. The story is driven by 10 unique acrobatic acts alongside animation from beloved Disney films as well as all-new animation created by Disney artists led by Eric Goldberg, best known for characters such as the Genie in the animated classic, “Aladdin.”

7. Destination D – Nov. 19-21

Whiile this special D23 fan event is already sold out, we are expecting some news about the future of the parks and some what’s coming to Disney+ to be announced. During the event Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share what’s new and what’s next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The exclusive presentation will feature updates on some of the most anticipated projects around the world.

8. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – NOV. 26-DEC. 30

It is now EPCOT’s turn to start celebrating the holiadys and there is a lot going on, including the return of the famed Candelight Processional.

In addition, you will find:

• 14 Holiday Kitchens
• The “Candlelight Processional” returns. This long-standing Disney Parks tradition dates back to 1958 at Disneyland park. Walt Disney World guests have enjoyed the annual “Candlelight Processional” since 1971, initially at Magic Kingdom and since 1994 at EPCOT. The Candlelight Processional tells the story of Christmas with a 50-piece orchestra, a massed choir and a celebrity narrator.
• The Holiday Cookie Stroll – Purchase one cookie from each of the 5 official cookie stroll locations featured in your Festival Passport. Once you’ve collected 5 stamps, bring the stamped Passport to Holiday Sweets & Treats at any time during the Festival to receive a specialty cookie.
• Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt. Set off on a merry quest, hunting for holiday traditions that Olaf has gathered—and lost—along the way. Simply purchase your map and stickers from select Festival merchandise locations—including Creations Shop, Port of Entry and World Traveler at International Gateway. Using the stickers provided on your map, mark the “tradition” Olaf has found in each pavilion. Once you complete the expedition, bring your map to Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to redeem it for a gift.
• Living with the Land decked out for the holidays. During the Festival, ride Living with the Land for a special, sparkling boat tour. Enjoy a peaceful cruise and view twinkling holiday light displays throughout the greenhouses.
• Storytellers. Throughout the World Showcase legends and lore of the season come alive with the retelling of holiday traditions from each country.

9. Canda Far and Wide returns – Nov. 26

The Circle-Vision 360 show “Canada Far and Wide” will return to the Canada pavilion on Nov. 21, 2021, the day after the 2021 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival ends. The show was closed as the theater is being used for the Appleseed Orchard festival marketplace during the food and wine festival this year.

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