On top of all the other announcements this week, Disney also celebrated Halfway to the Holidays with some exciting announcements about the holiday festivities returning to Disney World this holiday season! From the Merry Menagerie puppets in Animal Kingdom to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and everything in between, we’ve got a lot to cover so let’s get started!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This fan favorite Christmas party will once again be happening in Magic Kingdom from November 8 – December 20th from 7pm to Midnight but you will gain access to the parks as early as 4pm with your party ticket. I have included the exact dates the party is happening for you below! Guests staying at Walt Disney World resorts during their holiday stay can purchase tickets beginning July 2nd, all others will have to wait until July 10th to get tickets! Pricing ranges from $169 – $219 per person depending on the night. Annual Passholders and DVC members do get a $10 discount on select nights and Cast members and Military members can also receive a discount.
Guests will enjoy the cookies and holiday beverages included with their tickets again this year as well as Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and characters meeting in their holiday best, Mickey and Minnie has new outfits this year! Of course the snoap on Main Street will be happening again as well as all the beautiful decorations and there are going to be Festive Photo Spots as well!
Jollywood Nights
Last year was the first year that Disney hosted the Jollywood Nights party in Hollywood Studios and I was so sad I didn’t get to go so I am super excited they are doing it again this year! Jollywood Nights will run in Hollywood Studios on select nights November 9 – December 21st. Just like the other party, tickets will go on sale for Disney Resort guess on July 2nd and everyone else on July 10th. The party runs from 7:30pm – 12:30am with early access to the park starting at 6pm. Pricing will range from $159 – $179 per person depending on the night. Annual Passholders, DVC Members, Cast Members and Military will all be eligible for discounted pricing.
Guests will get to enjoy Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam projected on the Tower of Terror, themed entertainment like the Tip Top Club at the exit to Tower of Terror, nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, the Holidays in Hollywood show hosted by the Kermit and Miss Piggy, Character encounters, event exclusive food and beverage and more!
Festival of the Holidays
The Festival of the Holidays will be returning to EPCOT November 29 – December 30th. No special ticket is required to enjoy this festival, just regular park admission and reservation if required. This is always a beautiful festival with lots of delicious food and treats! The Candlelight Processional will be returning again this year, I can’t wait to see who the celebrity narrators will be. You can meet and get pictures with Santa in the Odyssey Pavilion and visit with other iterations of Old St. Nick throughout the World Showcase Pavilions! These are so fun, they tell great stories and it’s a really cool way to learn about the holidays in other countries. There are all kinds of other fun things as well like the Cookie Stroll, Olaf’s Scavenger Hunt and the Living With The Land Holiday overlay!
Merry Menagerie in Animal Kingdom
These are my FAVORITE! These are the winter animal puppets that wander on Discovery Island during the holiday seasoning they are so cute and interactive. There are reindeer, polar bears, snow fox, penguins, birds and more that will come right up to you to interact and they are so lifelike it’s crazy!! While no exact date was announce, I would imagine we can expect these to return with the decorations or shortly after they go up in November. These are a don’t miss if you are here over the holidays, plus Animal Kingdom is just pretty over the holidays!
Other Holiday Announcements
In addition to these more big ticket items, Disney also announced that the Frozen Holiday Surprise stage show will return to castle stage in Magic Kingdom (it’s not the dream lights but it will have to do). The yuletide projection show will return to Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios, remember you can get some snoap action on Sunset Boulevard with this one! All the incredible gingerbread houses and displays will return the resorts and the Christmas Tree Stroll will return to Disney Springs. Disney also announced all the room and package discounts for the holiday season so if you are looking to book a trip, now is the time! There is definitely something for everyone over the holidays in Disney World and I can’t wait!
Conclusion
Needless to say this got me excited for the holidays even though I am enjoying summer right now. Christmastime in Disney World is such a beautiful time with all the decorations, special treats and extra things happening in each park. It truly is magical and I hope if you have a trip planned for this holiday season this post helped you narrow down or add to your plans while you are here! Thank you so much for reading along and have the most magical day!