5 New and Returning Holiday Offerings Coming To Walt Disney World
by Dannielle Puckett, Travel Advisor
We are halfway to the most wonderful time of the year, and there really is no better place to celebrate the holidays than at The Most Magical Place On Earth!
From dazzling decorations and special parades to exclusive events and mouth-watering seasonal treats, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And since we are Halfway to the Holidays, here are 5 new and returning offerings that will have guests planning the ultimate holiday getaway to Walt Disney World Resort.
1. Disney Jollywood Nights is back!
© Disney
Get your holiday glam ready, because Disney Jollywood Nights is once again rolling out the red carpet! On select nights November 9 through December 21, guests can get holly and jolly for five festive hours from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. during this limited capacity, separately ticketed event.
Get ready to gather on Hollywood Boulevard for a new dazzling skating spectacular set to favorite holiday tunes. Several times each evening, take in the grace and skill of international champion skaters in an awe-inspiring twist on the traditional ice show.
Are rare character hugs on the holiday wish list? Jolly! This year’s event includes over 20 unique character experiences featuring both new and returning favorites.
Reunite with beloved characters like Phineas and Ferb, Santa Duffy and Santa Stitch, and look forward to fresh new faces such as Bo Peep, Lotso, Baloo, and King Louie from TaleSpin. Don’t forget, Disney PhotoPass digital downloads are included in your event ticket!
©Disney
Returning culinary favorites – including that iconic Gertie cookie! – will be available alongside new treats. Upon exit, each guest will also receive one sweet treat created by Wondermade!
We’ve made a list of Disney Jollywood Nights surprises! In addition to meeting favorite characters, indulging in delicious treats and shopping, the night will be packed with entertaining shows like What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, Disney Holidays in Hollywood, and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
The Holiday Fiesta en la Calle will move to Animation Courtyard, and there guests will be able to spot Jose Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros! Meanwhile, The Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club located in the Tower Courtyard will have guests dancing throughout the night! Jazzy Holidays at the Hollywood Brown Derby will return – we recommend getting a reservation due to limited space. Stay tuned to DisneyWorld.com/Jollywood for more information on how to book in September.
Guests of select Disney Resorts hotels can purchase tickets starting on July 2. For all other guests, tickets will go on sale July 10. The dates for 2024 are:
- November 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
- December 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21
With more Saturday dates added, there are plenty of opportunities to join in the holiday fun. Don't miss out on this swanky holiday celebration at Disney Jollywood Nights!
2. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Makes a Festive Return
©Disney
Nothing beats experiencing the joy and holiday spirit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party brings to Magic Kingdom Park!
If guests have a sweet tooth, they’ll be excited to hear that those delicious complimentary cookies and cocoa will be available throughout the party once again, making the evening even sweeter. Every night will be filled with festive cheer, from the beautifully decorated Main Street, U.S.A. to the enchanting holiday-themed attractions.
©Disney
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a limited capacity five-hour holiday event, kicking off November 8 and running on select nights through December 20 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Guests of select Disney Resorts hotels can purchase tickets starting on July 2. For all other guests, tickets will go on sale July 10.
The dates for 2024 are:
- November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
- December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20
Mark your calendars to experience the wonder and delight of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. There’s no better way to get into a magical holiday spirit!
3. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
©Disney
Holidays are a global tradition – and we can’t get enough of the sights, the sounds, and the sensational flavors at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starting on November 29 through December 30! Enjoy festive traditions from around the world with amazing holiday storytellers, delicious dishes, merchandise, entertainment and more, each celebrating unique cultural traditions.
Get ready to satisfy the festive cravings at Holiday Kitchens. Located throughout the park and serving up a mouth-watering array of seasonal foods and drinks, there are delicious treats waiting for guests from around the globe.
One fan-favorite is the Candlelight Processional. Listening to a celebrity narrator tell the Christmas story, accompanied by a full orchestra and mass choir, is such a moving experience—it truly captures the magic of the holidays. Keep an eye out for this year’s lineup of narrators.
4. More Festive Offerings Across Walt Disney World Resort
©Disney
We're thrilled to share that many favorite holiday offerings are returning to our parks and Disney Springs this season!
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. And don’t forget to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy in their festive attires!
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the yuletide projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel is making a comeback, and guests can catch Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear in their festive attire in Toy Story Land.
©Disney
Magic Kingdom will once again host the "Frozen Holiday Surprise" in front of Cinderella Castle, featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the adorable Snowgies.
Meanwhile, Disney Springs is the perfect spot for holiday shopping, with dazzling decorations and the popular Christmas Tree Stroll. And don't miss the magical snowfall in Town Center—yes, snow in Central Florida!
To put the bow on top, Santa Claus will be making appearances across all four parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Water Parks, where he’ll be donning his tropical holiday beachwear. Get ready to snap the perfect family portrait!
5. Gingerbread Houses and Décor Galore
©Disney
Staying at a Disney Resort hotel is an experience like no other, immersing guests in the same legendary detail, service, and storytelling found in the parks. Now picture that with Christmas trees, joyful decorations and the oh-so-delicious smell of gingerbread displays crafted by our world-class culinary teams!
To make it all even sweeter, starting on June 27 guests can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights from November 24 to December 25, plus, other savings for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights between October 6 to November 21. Guests can also get free Park Hopper option added to their tickets when they upgrade to a Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a non-discounted 4-day or longer date-based ticket.
©Disney
Whew – we can’t wait for the merriest time of the year at Walt Disney World. For more information, be sure to check out DisneyWorld.com/Holidays.
We’ll be sharing even more details as we get closer to the most wonderful time of the year!
*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.
(Text copy and images © Disney)
Dannielle Puckett, Travel Advisor | Disney Specialist
Dannielle has been a lover of travel her whole life. From family ski trips in Canada and the US, to adventurous deep sea fishing and lobstering in the Florida Keys, her love for travel never stops. Since having children of her own, she has fallen in love with the magic and wonder that Walt Disney World Resort vacations bring her family. She is always planning trips for herself, family, and friends and now is excited to help YOU plan your next Disney or Universal Vacation.
Attention to detail is her specialty, and she loves finding magical moments everywhere in her trips.
Dannielle is a blessed wife and mother to four amazing children.