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icicles adorn Cinderella’s Castle during the holidays
With the passing of Halloween and our calendar pages turning to November, it is hard to believe that the holiday season is quickly approaching. Beginning next week, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) returns to Magic Kingdom and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will once again mesmerize guests with amazing light displays that will be sure to ignite the holiday spirit in young and old alike. Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but planning a Disney vacation during the holidays can seem impossible. With all the added holiday events, it is easy to be confused as to what is a “not to be missed” event or what can be skipped, what is age appropriate, or what should you see if this is your first (and/or only) visit to Walt Disney World (WDW). Below, you will find my opinion on select WDW holiday events. I hope my guide will help you plan for your holiday WDW vacation
EVENT: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Date/Location: Select nights in November and December, beginning November 8, at Magic Kingdom
Ages: All ages–although since this party starts at 7pm, it can make for a late night, especially for little ones
MVMCP is a separate ticket event. Cost runs $62-$71 per person. The party consists of Once Upon A Christmastime parade, special shows, including Holiday Wishes, and of course cookies and hot cocoa stations sprinkled throughout the park.
Yay or Nay? I think if this is your first time at WDW, it is an event you can skip. While MVMCP is a lot of fun, I don’t think first timers (or those who only go every few years) will find that it is worth the added cost. It is definitely an event that Disney veterans should do at least once, but do not see this as a yearly must-do event
Osborn Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
EVENT: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Date/Location: November 8-January 5, this nightly event takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Ages: All ages-great for small children since it begins around dusk. You can walk around and see all the displays without making it a late night.
This show is included in the price of admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (no need to pay extra). Be sure to get there before dusk to see the start of the show–that’s the best part! It can get quite crowded and difficult to maneuver a stroller, especially when the music starts and the lights are flashing, since everyone will stop right where they are to watch the show. If you can, park your stroller before you enter the area. Also, be sure to make your way to the very back area. There are some really great lights displays, including an incredible Nativity scene. New this year is the incorporation of the “Glow with the Show” ears.
Yay or Nay? This is a definitely “yay” for both veteran and first time WDW guests. This choreographed lights and music show is one of the best I’ve ever seen and I would consider it to be on your must-do holiday list. You will be AMAZED at the sheer number of lights used in this display. And, since it is included in your regular admission price, if you don’t like it, you can always go do something else without feeling like you wasted your money.
Candlelight Processional
EVENT: Candlelight Processional
Date/Location: American Gardens Theater-Epcot (World Showcase) November 29-December 30-Shows occur at 5pm, 6:45pm, and 8:15pm nightly
Ages: This depends on your kids. There is a lot of sitting, probably not quite the level of quiet sitting you would need during church but it is also not a run around yelling kind of event. We took our five kids, 1,4,7,8,12 last year. The three older ones thought it was amazing, DD4 slept through the whole thing, and the baby loved the music. So, it will really depend on your family
There is no extra admission charge for this event, as it is included in the price of your park admission. The show consists of a mix of orchestra music, singing, and the story of the Nativity, told by a celebrity reader. The narrator changes, so be sure to check the Disney website for a current list. This event is seated on a first come-first served basis. You can get VIP seating through the Candlelight Dinner Packages. You can use the Disney Dining Plan for the Candlelight Dinner Package, too, however, it does cost 2 table service credits, which, in my opinion, is not worth it. We went on a Tuesday night and there was ample seating for all three of the shows. That may not be the case on a weekend night, but I still think waiting in line to be a better value than using two table credits.
Yay or Nay? Definite YAY for both seasoned guest and first time visitors. Ebenezer Scrooge, himself, would leave this show full of Christmas spirit. The music and singing are simply amazing. This is a show not to be missed when visiting WDW during the Christmas season. Plus, it is included in your admission to Epcot, so if you don’t like it (which I sincerely doubt would happen), you won’t feel as though you wasted your money.
EVENT: Holiday Decorations
Date/Location: WDW parks and resorts throughout November and December
Ages: all ages, but the length of time this will hold little one’s attention can vary.
Holiday decorations at Disney are some of the best you will ever see. From the icicles on Cinderella’s castle to the edible gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club resort, these are decorations you will not find anywhere else. Be sure to check out the Disney website for a complete list of amazing (and sometimes edible) decor.
Yay or Nay? Yay–depending on your WDW experience. If you have never been to WDW, you will find plenty of amazing displays throughout the parks, without having to go on a decoration hunt. If you are a veteran traveler, take a break from your usual vacation schedule to see some of these incredible displays, especially those at the deluxe resorts.
These are just several of the many events that occur during the holidays at WDW. You can view all of the upcoming special events on the Disney Parks website as well as information about some of the other special holiday events like Mickey’s Jingle Jungle parade at Animal Kingdom, sleigh rides at Ft Wilderness, Santa at Downtown Disney, and Epcot Holidays around the World. If you are planning a visit to WDW during the holiday season, you will by no means be disappointed. The holidays are magical but Disney adds a little extra to make the holiday season extraordinary and unforgettable!
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