Christmastime is here…well, at least at Disney it is. I don’t think I’m ready for it quite yet. If you haven’t already heard, the Holiday decorations are up and the parties are in full swing. (Seem a little early? Remember…Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party started in August!)
So, what are the Holidays like at Disney? In one word…Ah-mazing!…
From November 10, 2017 – January 7, 2018, Disney California Adventure is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with World of Color—Season of Light. Celebrate Disney ¡Viva Navidad! featuring Mexican folklóric performers, Brazilian samba dancers and Disney Characters. Cruise over to Cars Land to enjoy Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl.
Lets not forget Disneyland! Imagine the shimmering Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and the twinkling lights on “it’s a small world” during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. It’s pretty magical. Disneyland also features “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular with its heartwarming “snowfall” finale. And as you’re walking down Main Street USA, don’t forget to pick up a freshly made candy cane.
**Rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disneyland Hotel are on sale until tomorrow, November 14th, 2017! Save up to 20% off your room when you stay through December 21st, 2017. Grab this discount while you can!**
At Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom has a new Nighttime Show, just for the Holiday Season, called “A Frozen Holiday Wish”. It stars your favorite Characters from Frozen. Watch the video and see Elsa transform the castle in to a glimmering ice palace. OMG…it’s awesome!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also back in the Magic Kingdom from November 9th through December 22nd, 2017. The “Once Upon a Chrsitmastime” Parade, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebrations” Stage Show, Characters are dressed up in their Holiday Apparel for Meet & Greets, and “Holiday Wishes” Fireworks are all back for the Holidays. Of course, the cookies, cocoa, and snow will also be making their appearances in the Magic Kingdom during the party. Snow in Orlando? They’re so silly!
Epcot is also getting ready for the Holiday Season and the Candlelight Processional. It’s a beautiful celebration and even features Celebrity narrators from November 24th through December 30th, 2017. Epcot will also feature the International Festival of the Holidays starting on November 19th through December 30, 2017. Eat to your heart’s content and help Chip and Dale collect ornaments! lluminations: Reflections of Earth will still close out the night, but they have added a Holiday Ending to the show for the Holiday Season.
Hollywood Studios is also joining in on the Holiday fun. Beginning November 9, Hollywood Studios will be featuring Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam. Every night you will see holiday music, fireworks, special effects and state-of-the-art projections. I love all the attention Hollywood Studios is getting these days!
New this year is the Sunset Season’s Greetings. Between the decorations, the snow, and the new projections that will be transitioning the Hollywood Hotel from creepy to whimsical, it’s going to awesome! I would love to see this in person!
Olaf is also joining “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing A Long Celebration” for a limited time. I know what you’re thinking. Haven’t I heard Let It Go enough? I’m telling you, this show is hilarious. My boys are SO over the Frozen Hysteria (thanks to the girls in their classes singing the songs over and over again) and even they were laughing!
Are you tired yet? I hope not! Cuz the celebration doesn’t end there. Disney Springs has increased their decorations this year and they have 10 new trees! You will find special entertainment, and most importantly…Santa! He will be taking Christmas Wishes through December 24th (of course).
**Make sure to take advantage of the Holiday Packages while they’re still available. The Disney Gift Vacation package must be booked by November 15th! This promotion is good for all of 2018! I can’t think of a better Gift to give someone! There are also a lot more Packages, including the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package, that are good during the Holiday Season, so if you’re looking for a good Promotion, let us know!**
When is the best time to go?
If you want to experience the Holiday decorations without the craziness of the crowds, you should plan to go the beginning of November, before Thanksgiving, and the 1st 2 weeks of December. While some could argue that there aren’t any “slow” times at Disney anymore, you will find that the crowds are much easier to handle during this time. The closer you get to Thanksgiving and Christmas, the more unbearable the crowds will be and the Parks will be close to or at full capacity.
New Years is also a very busy time for the Parks, so if you’re willing to hold onto your Holiday Spirit into January, the crowds will die down again after the New Year and you will be able to enjoy the last few days that the decorations are up.The extras, like the Parties, will be over, but the decorations will stay up for a few more days after the New Year. My tree is up until after my birthday on January 5th, so I’m all for Disney leaving the decorations up a little longer! Disney just gets me 🙂
