The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
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The magic of Walt Disney’s Christmas extravaganzas

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
December 12, 2023
The Park Prodigy
Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, captures classic holiday traditions through its multitude of festive celebrations. All four Disney parks host these events, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a yearly tradition in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Disney magic continues to spread all around the world to multiple other Disney park locations such as in Hong Kong, Paris and Shanghai.

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.

 
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About the Contributor
Mackenzie Blanco
Mackenzie Blanco, Copy Editor
Mackenzie Blanco, a magnet junior, continues her time on The Chant as a copy editor for the 2024-2025 school year. Ever since she could remember, Blanco has admired utilizing her writing skills to release her creative thoughts and steadfast opinions. As her second year on The Chant unfolds, Blanco continues to explore her writing style, the realm of editing and ultimately build up her view of the journalism field, which she aspires to pursue in college. Blanco envisions her junior year to be full of new opportunities, friendships and exceptional advancements for The Chant, while also maintaining a proud stance of her other commitments. Outside of the Pub Office, Blanco can be found spinning her equipment as a member of NC’s Color Guard, on walks with her dog, Chico, going on strenuous hikes, baking yummy treats or spending time at church—alongside her favorite people. She is also a co-leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a member of NC’s Bible study club, Collective Hope. Blanco hopes that The Chant will continue to bring her the inspiration to make an impact on the world with her writing.  Find her on Instagram @mackenzie.blanco3.