Walt Disney World shares update for holiday offerings; many staple events on hiatus

Walt Disney World Resort has shared an update on this year’s holiday offerings, including the status of annual events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Unfortunately, this year will not see the return of the Very Merry Christmas Parties or the Candlelight Processional.

The Castle Dream Lights at Magic Kingdom will also not go up this year, and will instead be replaced by a rotating series of holiday projections on Cinderella Castle.

However, all that doesn’t mean that guests won’t see the magic of the holidays return to the parks. From Nov. 6 – Dec. 30, guests can enjoy festive decorations, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverages, and entertainment across Walt Disney World, as well as Disney Springs – with pop-up appearances by Santa Claus at each location.

The character cavalcades will get a holiday twist at all four parks, with the gingerbread men, elves and reindeer making appearances at Magic Kingdom. Toy soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic to march through the park as well.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Minnie Mouse will host a yuletide gathering at Hollywood & Vine starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and all her friends dressed in their holiday best.

At Disney Springs, decorated Disney Christmas trees will be spread throughout the destination. At night, guests in Town Center, West Side and The Landing will get to encounter a magical snowfall. Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar will also return with fun décor and limited-time menu offerings.

Disney Resort hotels will also take part in the festivities with decorations and Christmas trees in their lobbies. However, the gingerbread displays will not be returning this year due to physical distancing guidelines.

Later in the season, starting Nov. 27, Epcot will celebrate highlights from the International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return to World Showcase, and JOYFUL! will offer a journey through R&B, gospel, contemporary and traditional holiday tunes inside World ShowPlace. The Voices of Liberty will also perform on the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of their favorite carols and songs of the season.

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What do you think of these holiday updates for Walt Disney World? Are you disappointed that so many staples of the season aren’t returning this year, even though it’s completely understandable why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.