The Most Magical Place On Earth kicks off Halfway to the Holidays with a first look at the most magical seasonal festivities
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 5, 2024) From dazzling decorations and special parades to exclusive events and mouth-watering seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holidays – “the most wonderful time of year” – at Walt Disney World Resort. While the calendar says it’s only Halfway to the Holidays, preparations are already underway to spread seasonal cheer across practically every corner of the 45-square-mile resort.
Here is a first look at five new and returning experiences for the 2024 holiday season.
1. Disney Jollywood Nights Returns
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again roll out the red carpet for Disney Jollywood Nights, a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event that will include more nights and more entertainment this year. On select nights Nov. 9 through Dec. 21, guests can get holly and jolly for five festive hours from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Here is some of what’s new this year:
New Skating Spectacular
A new skating spectacular will debut on Hollywood Boulevard. Several times each night, international champion skaters will perform to a soundtrack of holiday favorites for an awe-inspiring twist on the traditional ice show. It will all take place in a setting that recalls the Golden Age of Hollywood – a time and place that puts the tinsel in “Tinseltown.”
More Character Experiences
This year’s event will include even more special appearances by favorite Disney characters – more than 20 new and returning friends. Guests can reunite with beloved characters like Phineas and Ferb, Santa Duffy and Santa Stitch, while looking forward to fresh new faces such as Bo Peep, Lotso, Baloo, and King Louie from Disney Channel’s “TaleSpin.” PhotoPass digital downloads are included with purchased event tickets.
New Merchandise
This year, a new merchandise collection will be available exclusively during the event. Inspired by the dapper gingerbread man Ollie who made his Disney Jollywood Nights debut last year, it will feature items like a Minnie Mouse ear headband and festive apparel. Guests will also once again be able to get their picture in front of the flashy neon-lit marquee that features a waving Ollie.
Holly Jolly Treats
Returning culinary favorites – including that wildly popular Gertie cookie – will be available alongside still-to-be announced new treats. And, upon departing the party with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, each guest will receive a special sweet treat.
Festive Entertainment and Signature Performances
In addition to meeting favorite characters, indulging in delicious treats and shopping, guests will find the night packed with entertaining shows.
- Returning this year is the dreamlike interactive stage show, “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along.” Kermit and Missy Piggy reunite in “Disney Holidays in Hollywood,” star-studded holiday musical. And “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” caps off the night with fireworks, projections and a sparkling holiday soundtrack.
- For the first time, Jose Carioca and Panchito from the Walt Disney Pictures classic “The Three Caballeros” will join The Holiday Fiesta en la Calle. Other returning favorites include The Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club located in the Tower Courtyard, where guests can dance throughout the night.
- Jazzy Holidays returns to Hollywood Brown Derby with festive flavors and moving music. Reservations are recommended for this limited-capacity experience. More details on how guests can make their reservation will be announced in September.
Guests of select Disney Resorts hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting July 2. For all other guests, tickets will go on sale July 10. Tickets can be purchased by visiting DisneyWorld.com/Jollywood or by calling 407-934-7639.
2024 event dates are: Nov. 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 and Dec. 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21.
2. The Tradition of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
For more than 40 years, families and kids of all ages have enjoyed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. It features a dazzling parade, fireworks, elaborate stage shows, complimentary sweet treats, shorter wait times for attractions and so much more. It is easy to see why this specially ticketed event is a holiday tradition for many.
This year the party will take place 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights from Nov. 8 through Dec. 20.
Classic entertainment favorites will be back, including Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show.
Complimentary cookies and cocoa will be available throughout the park. They pair well with all the festive cheer, from the beautifully decorated Main Street, U.S.A. to enchanting holiday-themed attractions.
Party guests can also look forward to a new merchandise collection featuring exclusive apparel, trading pins and more – perfect for holiday gifting or keepsakes.
Guests of select Disney Resorts hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting July 2. For all other guests, tickets will go on sale July 10. Tickets can be purchased by visiting DisneyWorld.com/VeryMerry or by calling 407-934-7639.
2024 dates are:
Nov. 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20
3. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth
For a global holiday flavor, there is nothing like EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. The annual festival will take place this year from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, celebrating festive traditions from around the world with amazing holiday storytellers, delicious dishes, merchandise, entertainment and more.
No holiday celebration is complete without tasty treats. Guests can indulge in a mouth-watering array of seasonal food and drinks from countries far and wide at Holiday Kitchens located throughout the park.
Also returning is the Candlelight Processional. This cherished tradition will be performed nightly at America Gardens Theatre. It features celebrity narrators retelling the Christmas story accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a capella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra, and a massed choir featuring Disney cast members and local community groups.
4. More Merriment Around Walt Disney World
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the enchanting Merry Menagerie of artisan-sculpted winter animal puppets will be back amidst the beautiful holiday décor. Park guests can also meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy all dressed in festive attire.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the yuletide projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel is making a comeback. Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear – dressed in festive attire – will meet guests in Toy Story Land.
Magic Kingdom will once again host the “Frozen Holiday Surprise” in front of Cinderella Castle. It features Olaf and the adorable Snowgies who attempt to add festive decor to the castle. With Anna and Kristoff at her side, Queen Elsa adds sparkling finishing touches, transforming the castle into a shimmering crystallized palace – a look that will remain each evening throughout the holidays.
Disney Springs is the perfect spot for holiday shopping, with dazzling decorations and the popular Christmas Tree Stroll along with the magical snowfall in Town Center.
Creating even more magical memories and the perfect family holiday postcard, Santa Claus will make appearances in all four parks and Disney Springs.
5. Gingerbread Displays and Décor Galore at Disney Resort Hotels
Staying at a Disney Resorts hotel is an experience like no other, immersing guests in the same legendary detail, service and storytelling found in the parks. Each of the more than two dozen resorts get dressed up in their own holiday decor. Select resorts are home to larger-than-life gingerbread displays that have to be seen to be believed.
To make the holidays even sweeter, starting June 27, guests can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 25. Other savings are available for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights between Oct. 6 and Nov. 21. A free Park Hopper theme-park-ticket option can be added with an upgrade to a Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a non-discounted 4-day or longer date-based ticket.
For more information about holidays at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/Holidays, call (407) 939-7639 or contact their travel advisor.
*All entertainment and offerings are subject to change.
For Resort Offer: **Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Theme Park tickets and options valid for admission beginning on the date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on ticket length. Visit Disneyworld.com/usage for more details.
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