Six Reasons to Visit Disney World for the 2019 Holiday Season

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We love the holidays at Disney World! From life size gingerbread houses to larger than life Christmas trees, here are the top six reasons you need to visit Disney World for the 2019 holiday season:

Magic Kingdom

Photo: Disney

The skies above Magic Kingdom Park will sparkle to life like never before during  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party with the debut of an all-new fireworks show that can be enjoyed across the park!  

The new fireworks show, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, will celebrate the magic of Christmas with medleys of beloved holiday songs, from “Joy to the World” and “Deck the Halls” to “Up on the House Top” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”   You’ll be able to see the fireworks show during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights November 8 – December 22, 2019.

Along with the new show, each of this year’s 23 nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will feature performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show.  And during A Frozen Holiday Wish stage show, Queen Elsa will magically transform Cinderella Castle with glistening ice.

Epcot

Photo: Disney

The 2019 line-up of celebrity narrators confirmed to-date for the popular Candlelight Processional just launched on the Blog for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This special event runs November 29-December 30, where you’re invited to discover holiday cheer throughout Epcot and across all 11 World Showcase pavilions.

Also at Epcot, from November 29, 2019, through December 30, 2019, guests will be immersed in a vast world of holiday decorations and entertainment, themed merchandise, festive cuisine and costumed storytellers from the 11 World Showcase nations.

Special Holiday Kitchens sprinkled throughout World Showcase will serve up tasty treats inspired by treasured holiday recipes from across the globe. And pavilions will come alive with the sights and sounds of special entertainment celebrating each country’s holiday heritage with Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting guests at The American Adventure pavilion.

Guests can also participate in Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree Scavenger Hunt to scout World Showcase locations looking for the famous chipmunks and their ornaments. Completed maps (available for purchase) are returned for a special festive surprise, courtesy of the chipmunk duo.

And this year, with its premiere scheduled for October 1, 2019, holiday guests will be among the first to view “Epcot Forever,” a new nighttime spectacular bursting above World Showcase Lagoon.

Hollywood Studios

Photo: Disney

HDisney’s Hollywood Studios is also rolling out special holiday shows, enchanting “snowfalls,” décor and more this season. And this year, you’ll be able to live your Star Wars story at Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge where you may just find the perfect holiday gift from a galaxy far, far away.

You won’t want to miss the Sunset Seasons Greetings show at the park, featuring projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel, amazing laser effects and “snow,” along with stories, songs and cheer courtesy of favorite Disney friends.

The nighttime spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will treat holiday-goers to festive music, fireworks, special effects and state-of-the-art projections to a one-of-a-kind holiday experience at the iconic Chinese Theatre.

And as a curtain-closer, Olaf will be delivering a special holiday finale in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along along with other experiences.  

Animal Kingdom

Photo: Disney

For the first time in its two-decade history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will introduce festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land.

Beginning November 8, 2019, when you cross the bridge to Discovery Island, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter. By day, stylized, life-sized animal puppets mingle with villagers who make the island their home. As day becomes night, rooftop luminaries in animal shapes and bird lanterns throughout Discovery Island will bring a warm glow to the village.

Also, as the sun sets, the Tree of Life will awaken with a series of wintry tales emerging from within, backed by a heartwarming holiday musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life will shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.

Disney Springs

Guests who make a holiday list can check it twice as they breeze among dozens of trendy brand-name stores and a large and varied collection of Disney merchandise at Disney Springs.  There are amazing dining spots to explore and this year’s live entertainment will include toy soldier stilt walkers, carolers and Living Statues in holiday attire. Holiday decorations set the colorful stage for Disney Springs festivities, which run Nov. 8, 2019, to Jan. 5, 2020.

If you’re visiting the popular Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs this season, you will be treated to custom-decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme featuring characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and others.

At Santa’s Chalet, a jolly Santa Claus will welcome guests until December 24.

And you’re invited to also join in the complimentary Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt and discover where the mischievous Experiment 626 is hiding.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Decorations

Even the Walt Disney World Resort hotels feature spectacular holiday decorations! From larger than life Christmas trees to a life sized gingerbread house and carousel, you

Disney Springs Gingerbread Display

Located in the popular Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs, this storefront display depicts a miniature version of the pastry shop surrounded by little gingerbread trees. This adorable gingerbread house should be on display from late November through the end of December. And when you stop by the shop to see it for yourself, you can indulge in one of the many holiday offerings available.

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Gingerbread Display

Representing the fun restaurants and shops located along Disney’s Boardwalk, this gingerbread display is located in the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. The display will be up around Thanksgiving and will remain through the end of December. With the BoardWalk Bakery as the centerpiece, it even features a gingerbread Chef Mickey! You’ll also be able to snack on festive sweets available for purchase nearby the display.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Castle

A gingerbread Cinderella and Prince Charming greet guests as they come to visit the fanciful gingerbread castle set on an “it’s a small world” backdrop on the 4th floor concourse of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The 18-foot tall display is crafted from thousands of gingerbread blocks, rolled fondant, and modeling chocolate. It features the magical additions of a gingerbread Fairy Godmother and a display box featuring Cinderella’s glass slipper. Come see it through the end of December! You’ll also find sweets at a cart nearby with items available for purchase.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread House

The iconic Grand Floridian Gingerbread House celebrates its 20th anniversary this year! This life-size gingerbread house is located in the resort lobby throughout the holiday season. Featuring hidden Mickeys, gingerbread shingles, and more, this 14-foot tall display houses a little sweet shop selling freshly baked house-made items such as gingerbread cookies and gingerbread shingles.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Gingerbread Carousel

This life-sized spinning carousel takes center stage in the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The display features Donald and Daisy-themed carousel horses decorated with hand-crafted chocolate, sugar, and fondant as well as hand-crafted gingerbread snowflakes.

What is your favorite part of the holidays at Disney World?

2 thoughts on “Six Reasons to Visit Disney World for the 2019 Holiday Season

  1. Pingback: Get a $10 Bonus Card with the 2019 Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler

  2. Pingback: 8 Gingerbread Displays at Disney World for the 2019 Holiday Season - Travel Agent Specializing in Honeymoons & Family Travel to Disney, Universal and More

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