The Walt Disney World Resort is buzzing with holiday preparations as it gears up to usher in “the most wonderful time of year” at The Most Magical Place On Earth. While the planning and early arrangements come together during the fall, numerous Cast Members invest months, and in some cases, an entire year, to ensure that they can spread seasonal joy.
Let’s take a sneak peek at what guests can anticipate during the 2023 holiday season, commencing on November 11, 2023, at Walt Disney World. This includes insights into a fresh nighttime extravaganza known as Disney Jollywood Nights and updates on beloved Disney holiday traditions.
Spectacular Entertainment
Get ready to be captivated by two enchanting new shows that will immerse visitors in the festive spirit. “Disney Holidays in Hollywood” is a star-studded variety performance that pays homage to the grand tradition of beloved holiday specials from the heart of Tinseltown, infused with a modern touch of Hollywood magic. The special guest lineup includes Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Tiana, Belle, Mickey Mouse, and Minnie Mouse, promising plenty of surprises. Notably, there’s an all-new original song by Tiana to look forward to.
For those who love a good party, “What’s This? TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Sing-Along” is not to be missed. Jack Skellington takes the lead in an otherworldly journey through the world of “TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS,” and guests can sing along to the beloved tunes from the iconic film while uncovering enchanting magic in the most unexpected places.
Festive Festivities: Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The highly awaited and glamorous holiday soiree, known as Disney Jollywood Nights, is just around the corner. This exciting new event, requiring a separate ticket for entry, is a stylish Hollywood celebration brimming with joy, music, and lively entertainment. You can mark your calendars for this event on various nights from November 11 to December 20.
More to Delight In
There are even more holiday delights to look forward to, including special appearances by beloved classic Disney Channel characters such as Powerline Max, the adventurous duo Chip ‘n Dale from Rescue Rangers, and the inventive Phineas and Ferb. Guests will have the opportunity to snap that perfect holiday selfie with these iconic characters from bygone eras. Skilled PhotoPass photographers will be on hand to capture these memorable moments, and complimentary digital downloads of the Disney PhotoPass pictures taken during the event are included in the ticket price.**
Upon entering “Welcome to Disney Jollywood Nights,” partygoers can strike a pose with a stunning new neon sign before joining the lively dance party, where a DJ spins a festive mix of smooth classics infused with contemporary beats.
Fresh Attire for the Festivities
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends have new and exclusive outfits for this glamorous celebration. They extend a warm invitation to guests to join in the fun by dressing up and sharing a photo opportunity in a vibrant and colorful backdrop reminiscent of the golden era of Hollywood. Disney’s team of art directors, show producers, and designers collaborated to carefully select the ideal combination of colors and fabrics, drawing inspiration from the color palettes of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.
Additionally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again feature the nightly “Sunset Seasons Greetings” throughout the holiday season. Each evening, the transformation of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror into a spectacle of holiday scenes, complete with a gentle snowfall along Sunset Boulevard, will continue to captivate visitors.
Fractal Extravaganza: A NEW Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom Park
Prepare to be dazzled at Magic Kingdom Park as the beloved “Frozen” characters from Arendelle conjure something truly magical for the holiday season. The all-new Frozen Holiday Surprise brings Olaf and over 100 of his Snowgie siblings together to embark on a whimsical mission of adorning Cinderella Castle with festive decorations. With the assistance of Anna and Kristoff, Queen Elsa adds her sparkling final touches, turning the castle into a glistening crystalline palace. This enchanting transformation will be a nightly spectacle throughout the holiday season.
Creating this captivating new entertainment experience was a monumental undertaking, involving the collaborative efforts of lighting designers, video technicians, composers, and a full orchestra.
Set to debut on November 7, “Frozen Holiday Surprise” will grace each night of the holiday season with its enchanting performance.
Families and individuals of all ages can also indulge in the delights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is celebrating its 40th year. This special ticketed event has become a cherished holiday tradition for many. Featuring a spectacular parade, fireworks display, complimentary sweet treats, and a host of other festive attractions, it promises warm-hearted, family-friendly enjoyment at Magic Kingdom over 25 select nights from November 9 to December 22.
Delectable Happenings: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
For an international holiday experience like no other, you’ll want to be at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, proudly presented by AdventHealth. The stage is beautifully adorned, with festive decor adorning every nook and cranny, and the air is filled with captivating entertainment. From renowned celebrity narrators recounting the Christmas story each night to the rich tapestry of time-honored traditions from various countries around the world, it’s a holiday celebration that resonates with global flavors and customs.
Of course, no holiday celebration is complete without indulging in mouthwatering treats. The festival’s culinary team has been hard at work for nearly a year, meticulously curating the menu and experimenting with new recipes. Over 15 Holiday Kitchens will come to life, celebrating the rich diversity of holiday traditions by offering comfort foods that evoke cherished memories.
Ensuring that every bite is a delectable delight is a top priority for the team. Rigorous testing is essential before large-scale production begins. How extensive, you ask? Well, the culinary team has historically baked over 250,000 cookies in just five weeks for the signature Holiday Cookie Stroll at the event.
This year’s festival brings several exciting “firsts.” The debut of “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” is a breathtaking fireworks and laser spectacular scheduled for December 5, 2023. Furthermore, EPCOT, as the host of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th-anniversary celebration, will be adorned with exquisite holiday decor at the park entrance, commemorating the Disney100 celebration.
Mark your calendars for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, commencing on November 24.
Comfort & Joy: Gingerbread Delights at Disney Resort Hotels
Every holiday season, guests are captivated by the awe-inspiring, larger-than-life gingerbread displays that grace Disney Resort Hotels. The culinary teams invest up to seven months planning and constructing these incredible creations. For instance, the team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa begins mixing the fragrant gingerbread dough as early as May, allowing it to cure for a full two months before baking. Individual shapes, from shingles to Mickey-shaped cookies, are baked and decorated throughout the summer, then stored for the “construction” phase in November. The gingerbread house itself takes three days to assemble.
This year, guests will once again have the pleasure of admiring these remarkable culinary works of art, including a brand new display, at six resort locations:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (featuring a new display)
More Festive Fun: Holidays at “The Springs”
Disney Springs is the ultimate destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment amidst a breathtaking winter wonderland. The 120-acre district, filled with entertainment, retail shops, and dining options, will be in full festive swing starting on November 10. If you’re in search of holiday cheer, make sure to visit Santa Claus at Once Upon a Toy and explore the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Nineteen Disney-themed trees will grace the four distinct “neighborhoods” that make up Disney Springs. Plan a nighttime visit to witness the enchanting snowfall in Town Center.
Festive decorations and vibrant flotillas are among the holiday highlights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. In addition to the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters and Santa himself, guests can engage with the Merry Menagerie, featuring life-sized, artisan-sculpted animal puppets, on Discovery Island. Each evening, the park’s iconic Tree of Life comes alive with a colorful display of wintry tales, accompanied by a familiar musical score.
Creating Magic: Walt Disney World Holiday Services
Transforming the four theme parks, resort hotels, Disney Springs, and other locations across the Walt Disney World Resort into dazzling holiday spectacles requires more than Santa’s elves. This remarkable feat is made possible by the tireless efforts of Holiday Services.
This dedicated team of designers, decorators, and skilled professionals adorns the resort with over 600 trees, 1,700 wreaths, and nearly nine miles of garland each year. As soon as one holiday season wraps up, they embark on preparations for the next one. Whether they are crafting new elements or ensuring that existing decor remains vibrant and festive, these talented specialists are the magic behind the entire resort’s sparkling holiday transformation.
