12 things to watch for at Disney World in November 2022

Halloween is over and the holiday season is barreling down upon us and there are plenty of things coming and look forward to Walt Disney World in November 2022.

The first holiday decorations have already been placed at Magic Kingdom and we are just a week away from the kick-off of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. There is also the reopening of Blizzard Beach and the return of many restaurants.

Here’s the rundown of what’s coming to Disney World in November 2022:

November 1

A Mr. Toad popcorn bucket is now available at Magic Kingdom. The bucket is being sold via mobile order and can be picked up from the window at Pete’s Silly Side Show. There is a two bucket limit and will be available as long as supplies last.

Tusker House, which has been offering family-style dining, brings back its buffet experience. Located inside the Harambe marketplace eatery at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a special meet and greet. Donald Duck, donning a pith helmet and suited up ready for his next safari adventure along with his Disney friends, travel throughout the dining rooms celebrating their latest expedition with guests.

Kona Cafe, over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, is now reopen with a new look and a menu containing some familiar favorites such as the Tonga Toast and Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes for breakfast. For Lunch and dinner several items are returning to the menu like the Big Kahuna Burger and Seafood Pu Pu Platter and even a new plant-based offering for dinner, the Sautéed Red Quinoa. 

November 3

Fantasmic! is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World with a new heroes sequence. The reopening takes place after an exhaustive refurbishment and upgrade of the theater. The new sequence features a high-energy Aladdin chase with stunts never before seen on the “Fantasmic!” stage, a scene with Elsa set to the song “Show Yourself” and stirring moments with Pocahontas, Moana and Mulan.

November 3-6

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend takes place with four days of racing and partying. The 5K takes place on Friday, Nov. 4; the 10K on Saturday, Nov. 5 and the Half-Marathhon takes place Sunday, Nov. 6. So raise a glass for all who participate.

November 4

The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall dining experience at the Norway pavilion in EPCOT returns, providing a taste of Norwegian cuisine. This family-style dining experience includes Traditional KjØttkaker featuring Norwegian meatballs or the Kylling og Melboller, a Norwegian take on chicken and dumplings.  If you’re looking for some more classic American-cuisine, they’ve got that too with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Grilled Salmon, and Macaroni & Cheese. For dessert, there is Rice Cream with strawberry sauce and a Chocolate Roulade with lingonberry cream. The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is also home to Storybook Dining featuring the Disney Princesses.

November 5

The Beacon of Magic Projection and Tree of Life Awakenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are returning to the park at night as Daylight Savings Time Ends. Flickering fireflies magically appear and stir to life the animal spirits in the tree’s towering trunk—bringing to light a dazzling visual display swarming with color and animated imagery during Tree of Life Awakenings. The show comes back Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. and then on Nov. 6 moves to 6:15 p.m. It then moves to 6 p.m. starting on Nov. 13.

November 8

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off its return in 2022 at Magic Kingdom complete with a stage show, fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and three new photo opportunities The party is taking place on 24 select nights and is a separate ticketed event. In addition, five rides will get special holiday makeovers, including the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party.

November 11

The official kick off of the 2022 holiday season at Walt Disney World take place with park icons transforming for the holidays, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, special seasonal music for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at EPCOT and the return of the Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, just to name a few things. Here’s what you need to know.

November 13

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park reopens wth some new touches from “Frozen.” The new Frozen features will be part of the kid-sized thrills of Tike’s Peak that’s popular among young guests who will delight in the statuettes of Olaf and his Snowgie pals in the warm wading pool, as well as Anna and Elsa’s igloo castle. As this water park reopens, Typhoon Lagoon, which has been operational will close down for refurbishment at the end of business on Nov. 12.

Novemer 19

The last day of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival takes place.

November 25

It is now EPCOT’s turn to go into full holiday mode with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays with the return of the Candlelight Processional. This heartwarming production takes place nightly at America Gardens Theatre and features celebrity narrators retelling the Christmas story accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a capella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets, and glorious massed choirs comprised of Disney cast members and local community groups.

Other exciting festival offerings:

• “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” a stirring and uplifting performance of music in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa returns with multiple performances daily.
• Storytellers, musical acts and other performers will bring holiday traditions of the world to life around World Showcase.
• Holiday Kitchens will cook up treasured recipes and festive drinks from around the globe, as well as an eye-popping selection of treats to satisfy nearly any sweet tooth. Latin-American heritage will be celebrated and savored at the all-new Nochebuena Cocina Holiday Kitchen featuring traditional dishes served throughout the holiday season, including Pernil: Mojo Pork with Tostones, and Alfajores: Vanilla Shortbread Cookies with Dulce de Leche and Coconut.
• The Holiday Cookie Stroll offers guests the opportunity to embark on a sweet adventure.