Walt Disney World has kickstarted the festive season with spectacular performances, magical attractions and bundles of Christmas treats.
2020 has been an exceptionally difficult year for Disney. The world-leading theme park has been plagued with redundancies, forced closures and a major cut in their attraction offerings.
So when Walt Disney World announced they had deck their halls in time for the festive season we couldn’t help but embrace the enchanting spirit of Christmas – because let’s be honest, no one does Christmas like Disney.
The leading Florida theme park has announced ‘the wreaths are hung, the lights are strung and the trees are trimmed’ as Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom indulge in the holiday spirit.
Here is what you can expect at the Disney parks..
Magic Kingdom
Visitors are set to enjoy special appearances from Santa Clause, as he glides down the legendary Main Street in his magical sleigh. Disney-favourite characters dressed in their best festive-themed attires for special Christmas-themed floats will also dominate the festivities.
Fans will be in awe as the “Royal Christmas Processional” arrives at the heart of the park, carrying famous Disney princesses on a spectacular crystal castle float.
And it wouldn’t be Christmas without some sweet delicacies, festive treats include Chip ‘n’ Dale themed Christmas Churros and An Orange Bird Christmas – a delicious white chocolate orange mouse.
Magic Kingdom is world renowned for its night time extravaganzas, with its festive evening offerings not disappointing. As night falls, visitors will be transfixed as the legendary Cinderella Castle transforms into a kaleidoscope of festival colours through cutting-edge projection technology.
Animal Kingdom
From festive tunes, to mouth-watering treats and special character appearances, Animal Kingdom has everything to immerse guests young and old into the holiday spirit.
Visitors are set to love Chip ‘n’ Dales Jingle through the Jungle, as the joyous chipmunks journey across the Discovery River singing much-loved festive tunes and waving to spectators.
The Discovery Island Drummers will also take to the waters, playing the world’s favourite Christmas songs as they cruise along the River to entertain guests throughout the park.
Animal Kingdom guests will have to wait a little longer to indulge in Disney’s holiday themed foods. From December 1, visitors can tuck into quirky Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches and White-chocolate Peppermint Cream Cheese Mouse.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has also pulled out all the stops to ensure Christmas 2020 is one to remember. Through November and December, Minnie Mouse is hosting a festive dining experience at the park’s Hollywood & Vine restaurant – which includes Santa Goofy joining in the fun.
An abundance of stands will also offer Disney-inspired festive items, including Mickey’s Holiday Cookie and Olaf’s Snow Flurry.
Just like Magic Kingdom, the dare-devil theme park is also acclaimed for its evening offerings. As the Orlando sky goes dark, the park’s centrepiece Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms into a spectacular projection of Winter-themed Disney films – including Frozen 2’s snowy Arendelle kingdom and the Muppet’s gingerbread masterpiece.
Along with the festive experiences, no expense has been spared to transform each corner of the parks into the most magical winter wonderlands. Visitors can also purchase magical Christmas-themed merchandise at the various retailers dotted around the resort.
Disney Springs, EPCOT and the resorts hotels have yet to reveal their festive offerings, but are expected to join the holiday spirit in the coming weeks.
Video showcases all the festive fun at Magic Kingdom
In other Disney news, Disneyland Paris has announced it may not reopen until February 2021 due to safety issues surrounding the COVID 19 pandemic.
