Get ready to jingle all the way, my friend, because we’re halfway to the holidays and there’s plenty of merriment waiting for us at the Most Magical Place on Earth!
I’m thrilled to give you a sneak peek into the holly, jolly festivities coming to Walt Disney World this holiday season. Brace yourselves for new experiences, beloved traditions, and an abundance of holiday cheer!
Let’s kick off our merry adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where they’re throwing a nighttime holiday party like no other. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical ambiance of Disney Jollywood Nights, an exclusive event taking place from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on 10 select nights between November 11 and December 20, 2023.
Picture this: sparkling decorations, modern beats blending with timeless holiday tunes, craft cocktails that will make your taste buds sing, and decadent dishes to satisfy your festive cravings. It’s nostalgia and glamour in abundance! Dress to impress in your finest holiday glam or don your most festive attire as you dance the night away to merry mashups. And guess what? You’ll have the opportunity to snap selfies with iconic Disney characters throughout the night. How magical is that?
Disney Jollywood Nights will transport you to different entertainment areas inspired by various genres. As you step foot into the event, a DJ will welcome you with a mix of holiday tunes. Commissary Lane will come alive with a vibrant Latin Street Fair, while Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, along with their Disney friends, will be special guests at the Theater of the Stars. And that’s not all! Hyperion Theater will host an energetic sing-along. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting performance!
But wait, there’s more glitz and glam in store for you. Head over to The Hollywood Brown Derby for an exclusive jazz lounge experience, or make your way to The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard for an otherworldly soiree. These limited-capacity entertainment experiences will leave you mesmerized and wanting more.
As the night winds down, get ready for the grand finale: the return of the beloved nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” This extravaganza is packed with music, fireworks, dazzling special effects, and state-of-the-art projections that will leave you in awe. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your evening in true fa la la la la la la la fashion!
Oh, and did I mention the incredible photo opportunities scattered throughout the event? Strike a pose with your loved ones for holiday-themed Magic Shots and discover two new Disney PhotoPass experiences exclusively available during Disney Jollywood Nights. The best part? You’ll receive complimentary digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos captured during the event. Cherish those memories forever!
But wait, there’s more holiday magic to be found across Walt Disney World. If you thought Disney Jollywood Nights was fantastic, just wait until you hear about the return of another cherished tradition: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park!
On 25 select nights from November 9 to December 22, this separately ticketed event will immerse you in the most wonderful time of the year. Get ready to be dazzled by the festive extravaganza “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” be enchanted by the sparkling spectacle of “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” and be captivated by the merry must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” And the fun doesn’t stop there! You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy your favorite classic and thrilling attractions, including the highly anticipated TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise (which will utilize a virtual queue* during the event).
Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited, so mark your calendars for July 6 when they go on sale online. If you’re staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, or Shades of Green, you can start purchasing your tickets as early as June 29 on the Walt Disney World website. Prices for tickets range from $159 to $199 per person. Now that’s what I call a jolly good time!
But hold on to your Santa hats because there’s still more holiday magic to discover at Walt Disney World. Let’s take a quick tour and see what other merry surprises await us.
For the first time ever, you can join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom for the enchanting “Frozen Holiday Surprise.” This brand-new “Frozen”-inspired entertainment experience will illuminate the castle in a whole new way, and you can witness it during regular park hours and even during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more exciting details about this captivating addition!
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the Merry Menagerie of winter animals will return in the form of artisan-sculpted puppets. These whimsical creatures will delight guests amidst the dazzling holiday décor.
EPCOT is also joining the festive celebration with the much-anticipated return of the “Candlelight Processional” during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. From November 24 to December 30, you can experience this cherished tradition alongside spirited storytellers, joyful musical acts, and Holiday Kitchens serving delectable seasonal delights. It’s a magical journey around World Showcase that will fill your heart with joy.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has something special in store for us too. The yuletide projection show on The Hollywood Tower Hotel will make a dazzling return, and you can once again spot Woody, Jessie, and Buzz rocking their holiday best in Toy Story Land. Talk about spreading the holiday spirit!
And let’s not forget about Disney Springs, where you can shop to your heart’s content while immersing yourself in the breathtaking décor and the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. But that’s not all! When you stroll through Town Center, prepare to be amazed as magical snowfall blankets the area. It’s a touch of winter wonderland right here in Central Florida!
Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a visit from the one and only Santa Claus. He’ll be making special appearances in all four parks, Disney Springs, and even at a Disney Water Park. And trust me, you won’t want to miss seeing him in his tropical holiday beachwear. It’s a sight that will warm your heart and make you believe in the magic of the season.
If all this holiday cheer has you itching to plan your own festive getaway, I have some incredible news for you! You can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays this fall and winter season. Just imagine immersing yourself in the cheerful décor and marveling at the larger-than-life gingerbread displays in select hotel lobbies. It’s a holiday dream come true! And if you’re a Disney+ subscriber, you’re in luck! You can save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays on select nights this holiday season. It’s the perfect opportunity to combine the magic of Disney with the joy of streaming your favorite shows and movies. To get a free, no-obligation quote, visit our friends at Mouse Fan Travel
My friend, the holiday season at Walt Disney World is a time like no other. With Disney Jollywood Nights, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and an array of festive offerings across the parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So mark your calendars!
Will YOU be visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season? Let me know by commenting below, and being part of the community and conversation in the WDW Radio Clubhouse on Facebook
