Disney has today announced details of plans for holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
As expected Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Castle Dream Lights, Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT are now confirmed to not be taking place this year. Physical distancing requirements and limitations on mass gatherings make those events impossible to host.
Although the main holiday events will be missing in 2020, beginning November 6 through December 30 2020, guests will still be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort.
The parks will continue the cavalcades that were introduced for the reopening in July, with seasonal twists celebrating the holidays. Toy Soldiers, will join the Main Street Philharmonic for one of the seasonal mini-parades at the Magic Kingdom.
When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation.
Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting November 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.
From November 27, EPCOT will celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
Inside the World Showplace, JOYFUL!, will present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will perform at the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.
At the resorts, decor will be on full display, but gingerbread displays will not be present this year.
Snowfall will occur each night Disney Springs within Town Center, West Side and The Landing. In addition, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar for a limited-time menu of festive favorites. The Tree Trail will not be returning, but the trees will be spread throughout the property.
Finally, Santa Claus will wave to guests as he makes pop-up appearances at each park, as well as Disney Springs - but will not be available for meet and greets. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, he will sail down Discovery River on a special flotilla.
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