What’s new and returning to Disney World during 2018 holiday season
Disney World will be adding something new at Animal Kingdom for the holiday season this year, some new holiday celebrations at the new Toy Story Land, as well as the return of the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs and Sunset Seasons at Hollywood Studios during the holiday season in 2018.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
Animal Kingdom will be adding Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, to the new live UP! A Great Bird Adventure show starting on Nov. 8.
Hollywood Studios will once again bring the Flurry of Fun this holiday season from Nov. 8 to Jan.6, 2019 with entertainment and holiday touches around the park.
- The new Toy Story Land will feature special seasonal fun, such as holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers.
- Sunset Seasons Greetings returns this year with new laser effects and “snow.” Holiday and seasonal projections will transform the Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season.
- The nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will combine state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and music to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
- Guests will meet Santa at the Once Upon a Time shop Nov.10-Dec. 24, and Santa Goofy after he steps in on Dec. 25.
Magic Kingdom Park will be decked out for the holidays and hold Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select night from Nov. 8. through Dec. 21.
Epcot will discover joyous holiday traditions from 11 World Showcase nations during Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Beginning Nov. 18, this year’s festival will deliver a yuletide extravaganza.
- Seasonal tastes from around the globe are served at special Holiday Kitchens.
- World Showcase pavilions come alive with the sights and sounds of special entertainment celebrating each country’s holiday heritage.
- Chip and Dale will be collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree. In Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree scavenger hunt, guests will purchase a map and stickers from select merchandise locations and travel around World Showcase looking for the famous chipmunks with their ornaments. Guests will then return their completed maps for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip and Dale. Maps are available for $6.99 (plus tax).
- The nightly fireworks display, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, will feature an additional holiday finale.
- One of the most popular Epcot traditions, the Candlelight Processional, returns. This retelling of the Christmas story will feature a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a choir. Performances will run three times each night from Nov. 22-Dec. 30.
Disney Springs will be dressed up with holiday decor and food. The Christmas Tree Trail returns, as does Santa’s Chalet where you can meet Santa. And guests will take part in Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt and discover where the mischievous Experiment 626 is hiding.
Disney Resorts will be decked out for the holidays as well. Special offerings will include:
- A holiday gingerbread house at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
- A life-size, edible spinning carousel at Beach Club Resort, while a holiday village with a miniature train takes center stage at Yacht Club Resort.
