I’ve always loved visiting the Disney parks during the holiday season as the atmosphere immerses you into the Christmas spirit. I’ve made a list of what I hope Disney brings back this holiday season. What’s on your Christmas list?
Christmas Season at Walt Disney World
When I think of the holiday season, I can’t help but think of a visit to the Disney parks, whether it be at Disneyland or at Disney World.
There truly is something magical that unravels at the parks during this time of the year whether it be the sights, the sounds, or the smells that puts me in the jolly holiday spirit.
Last holiday season, while Disneyland remained closed, Disney World did celebrate the holidays but in a different way. For example, there was no Candlelight Processional, no holiday parade, no Storytellers at Epcot.
Disney has shared a few things about what the holiday season will bring. At Disney World, we will have Disney Very Merriest After Hours at Magic Kingdom. We can expect to see gingerbread houses again, and Disney Cruise Line will even get in the holiday spirit.
For more on Christmas announcements, check out the news article HERE.
Below I have outlined my wish list for what I hope Disney brings back this year.
Storytellers at Epcot
One of my all time favorite activities at Epcot during the holiday season is to visit the Storytellers in each country in Epcot’s World Showcase.
Storytellers share how Christmas is celebrated within their own country while sharing the various traditions and customs that they practice during this particular time of year.
They did not return last year and to keep the tradition going in the comfort of our homes, I wrote a 13 part series on all the Storytelling offerings.
You can enjoy the 13 holiday customs and traditions from Canada, United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Japan, Italy, Germany, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, China, Norway, Mexico and Epcot.
It was a wonderful walk down memory lane as we remember the Storytellers within the World Showcase who shared the joy of the holiday season.
I truly hope that they return this year!
Candlelight Processional
One of the more popular holiday traditions at the Disney Parks is the Candlelight Processional both at the Disneyland Resort and at Epcot.
Disneyland first celebrated the Christmas season in 1955 with Christmas carolers. By 1957, the event continued to grow and more choirs gathered to sing together.
The Candlelight Processional was so popular that it debuted at the Magic Kingdom in 1971 and moved to Epcot in 1994.
The Candlelight Processional continues to be an important yearly tradition to the present day. If you are more interested in reading about the history you can read it HERE.
It is accompanied by an orchestra, fanfare trumpets, a sign-language interpreter, a guest conductor, and a celebrity narrator.
Unfortunately, the Candlelight Processional was canceled both at Disneyland and at Epcot for the holiday 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Attending the Candlelight Processional is one of our favorite family traditions. We even experienced it at Epcot on Christmas Day. You can read about my experience here.
We truly hope that the Candlelight Processional returns this holiday season!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a hard ticket event at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The festive event usually takes place select nights in November and December.
The party used to feature exclusive character meets such as the 7 Dwarfs, special holiday overlays on rides such as Jingle Cruise, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show, and the traditional Christmas parade which features snow falling on Main Street.
Last but not least, the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also offers complimentary cookies, cider, and hot cocoa! When I think of the party, my mind automatically wanders to the yummy treats!
One of my favorite parts during the event is meeting the different rare characters such a the 7 Dwarfs, Moana and “Sandy Claws” (Jack Skellington).
So far, we know that Minnie’s Christmastime Fireworks will carry over to the After Hours event, but many of the beloved traditions will not.
Read the differences between the two events HERE.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
Over at Hollywood Studios park, one can experience the joy and excitement of the holiday season during Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
The festive projection show on the outside façade of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway features holiday scenes from Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and many others.
It also features traditional Christmas music and storytelling from Mickey and Minnie Mouse and the adorable snowman himself, Olaf. Santa’s Gone Missing features the stars of ABC’S Prep & Landing as they search for Santa in hopes of saving Christmas!
As of right now, when one visits the Walt Disney World webpage the following message is portrayed regarding this festive holiday favorite projection show!
Enjoy a holiday spectacular when this jolly fireworks display returns in 2021.
This is wonderful news that one of our holiday projection shows will return for this holiday season! Read more about this news HERE.
Wishful Thinking
Well, there you have it! My list of the various holiday offerings at Disney World that I hope will come back during the 2021 holiday season!
Even though this year will be different again, I can’t help but share and feel that even though many of our favorite traditions may look different than years past, there’s nothing better than visiting the Disney parks during this magical and festive time of year!
Do you agree with my offerings? Which holiday offering are you personally hoping will make a comeback this year? Let us know in the comments on Facebook and in our Facebook group.
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