Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World has featured a variety of celebrations, shows and spectacles throughout Walt Disney World Resorts and magical parks to celebrate the holidays. Disney World fulfills its title as the happiest place on earth through its four distinct theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Walt Disney—founder of the Walt Disney Company—thought of tiny details in which the dopamine receptors in human brains would react to the smells, tastes and thrilling rides throughout all four parks. He created visually attractive rides such as Expedition Everest which captures the Himalayan Mountains in Asia. All parks, excluding Epcot, kicked off the holidays November 4 and have continued to celebrate through early January. Disney staff come fully prepared during the holiday season to decorate the main street, shops and of course, Cinderella’s castle in Magic Kingdom.
“My favorite Disney park has to be Animal Kingdom because I love animals and love to learn everything I can about them which Animal Kingdom offers. It’s also my favorite because it has my favorite ride, Expedition Everest, which was the first roller coaster I ever rode. And the food is amazing, the Mickey funnel cakes are me and my family’s favorite Disney dessert,” magnet sophomore Peyton Paris said.
Despite the warm Florida climate, the holiday season transforms each park into a winter wonderland. Magic Kingdom celebrates the holidays with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which includes special firework shows, delectable dining and holiday festivities. During Mickey’s Christmastime parade, dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers and beloved Disney characters ride by on floats, entertaining their audience and preparing them for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Characters parade through Liberty Square, Frontierland and end the route at Main Street, U.S.A. This event entails Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime fireworks show, with Disney character greetings and cookies and cocoa with Santa Claus. Mickey’s Christmas party also includes Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, which fills the crowd with laughter, snowflakes and countless Disney characters singing and dancing around Cinderella’s castle.
“Not much has changed at the celebration in the years since we started going, but honestly nothing needs to. Magic Kingdom completely transforms into a Christmas wonderland at that time of year anyway but Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party sees a character-filled, holiday-themed parade down Main Street, U.S.A. and even more exclusive moments,” Houston Chronicle writer Terri Peters said.
Disney’s Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios stands as a brand-new nighttime party geared toward older guests. Hollywood Studios transforms into a 1930s Christmas town with vintage-inspired decorations on Sunset Boulevard. Jollywood Nights begins November 11 and runs until December 20. After-hours falls a Glitz and Glitter Galore event filled with Merry Mashups and character meet and greets to spark Christmas cheer. This Christmas extravaganza showcases notable characters such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Tiana, Belle and numerous others while they perform on stage to display the Disney Holidays in Hollywood.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse continue to spread the Christmas spirit throughout the park and eventually to household screens through Disney’s various Christmas movies. These fan-favorite movies, dating back to 1952, include “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas,” “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas,” and “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” Throughout the development of Walt Disney World, Christmas attractions and activities continue to create memorable experiences for all families.
