2020 Christmas Cancellations & Entertainment at Disney World
Walt Disney World has announced details about Christmas–both what’s coming and what’s cancelled in terms of entertainment, decorations, food, etc. at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and the hotels. This year, WDW will celebrate the holiday season from November 6, 2020 to December 30, 2020, which is actually the normal start date (albeit an early end date).
In this post, we’ll share what was announced and offer some thoughts about visiting–including park hours. We’ve been anxiously awaiting this news, and are pretty excited. While the low crowds that have resulted from various cutbacks by Walt Disney World have been nice, we’re ready for the holidays. Thankfully, we’ll get Halloween and Christmas pretty much back to back for the next four months.
The Christmas news is ultimately a mixed bag. This confirms some of our suspicions about cancellations of popular holiday-time offerings, but Walt Disney World is also doing more than expected. Plus, we can draw some positive inferences about other things (like park hours!) that have not yet been announced. Let’s dig into the details!
We’ll get the bad news out of the way first. There will be no Cinderella Castle Dream Lights nor will Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party be held in Magic Kingdom. Pretty disappointing, but anyone who has followed our recent posts knew the writing was on the wall for both.
Additionally, Candlelight Processional will not be held at EPCOT. We reported over a month ago that the performers had been notified of this, so no huge surprise. Gingerbread displays will not return to the resort hotels this year, either. (That tidbit is a new-to-us development.)
Per Walt Disney World’s announcement, all holiday offerings that “draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well.” While the announcement does not officially address them one way or the other, we’re guessing that means the following will NOT happen for Christmas 2020:
- Merry Menagerie (critter puppets) at Animal Kingdom
- Tree of Life Winter Awakenings at Animal Kingdom
- World Showcase Holiday Storytellers (Santas) at EPCOT
- Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- A Frozen Holiday Wish at Magic Kingdom
- Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs (see below)
Now, let’s turn to what is coming back, and new-for-2020 Christmas entertainment at Walt Disney World…
First, Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each park and Disney Springs, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all. We’re guessing he’ll be incorporated into the character greetings and cavalcades–but will not be doing up-close encounters or meet & greets.
Some of Walt Disney World’s official announcement is vague, like the statement that guests will be delighted by the sight of “festive flotillas” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We’re guessing this means Discovery River Character Cruise with garland on the boats and the characters wearing scarves and other winter-time accessories.
Additionally, there will be holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which should similarly offer holiday overlays on the current character greetings. We’d caution against getting overly excited for any of this. These should be nice touches, not bona fide Christmas entertainment.
From the sounds of it, Magic Kingdom will offering something more substantive. There, the character cavalcades will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest.
Notably, these will include Gingerbread Men, Elves, Reindeer, and the iconic Toy Soldiers doing their march through the park, along with the Main Street Philharmonic, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
When dusk falls over Magic Kingdom, special projections will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for photos. The appearance of the castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime has tested multiple times in the last few weeks after hours, minus the pyro. However, it does not appear that Magic Kingdom will present that full projection show. Probably a smart move, given that would cause guests to congregate on Main Street.
Moving along to food, Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide feast at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the return of Minnie’s Holiday Dine (which we absolutely love) beginning November 6, 2020. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and others in their holiday finery.
EPCOT will also celebrate in culinary style with highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays beginning November 27, 2020. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl, and more.
Continuing with EPCOT, guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the sounds of JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, gospel, contemporary, and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Additionally, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.
Walt Disney World has done a great job with health safety thus far, but given everything we now know, it seems downright irresponsible to have a group singing indoors. Then again, Walt Disney World still is not encouraging outdoor dining and offers an indoor Relaxation Station, which are other questionable decisions. At least the Voices of Liberty are performing in an open-air setting.
Bouncing from the parks to Disney Springs, guests will discover Christmas around every corner with a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination. (Our guess is that this is the alternative to Christmas Tree Trail.)
In the evening, there will be a magical snowfall in Town Center, West Side and The Landing to add an extra touch of wonder to holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Finally, Walt Disney World resort hotels will be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. Definitely good news for fans of Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom, and other holiday favorites.
The lack of gingerbread houses is disappointing, but understandable given the logistics and how guests congregate around them. Plus, if we had to pick between the trees and the houses, we’d choose the former!
While there are some disappointing cancellations for this Christmas at Walt Disney World, all of that was to be expected. Same goes for most of the announced entertainment and offerings. Still, it’s nice to have confirmation and clarity on all of that.
This still leaves a couple of big unanswered questions…
First, what will in-park decorations be like beyond Magic Kingdom?
It would appear that Main Street will feature its normal Christmas decorations, aside from the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights. However, what about EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom? (Or even the other lands of Magic Kingdom, for that matter.) There’s no point in illuminated decor if the parks are closing before sunset, which brings us to the second question…
Second, what will park hours actually be in November and December 2020?
As park hours have been released week by week (through November 21, 2020 at this point), we’ve been operating under the assumption of a later than normal start date for Christmas. After all, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to close the parks right around sunset if there’s Christmas entertainment and decor.
Presently, Magic Kingdom is scheduled to close at 6 pm on November 6, 2020. Sunset on that date is 5:36 pm. In a normal year, the first showing of “A Frozen Holiday Wish” is presented at 6:15 pm in early November. That’s typically when dusk begins and the earliest time when it’s sufficiently dark for a castle lighting–or projections.
It seems unlikely that Magic Kingdom will continue closing at 6 pm, while starting the Cinderella Castle projections 15 minutes later. That would encourage guests to linger around after park closing and congregate on Main Street, which is obviously contrary to current health safety goals. (Even right now, Main Street is busiest the hour after park closing–imagine how much worse that would be if Cinderella Castle were cycling through projections.)
More likely, the November 2020 hours that have been posted on DisneyWorld.com thus far are merely boilerplate placeholders. That’s the most logical explanation, and there’s plenty of past precedent for it. (Basically, every single month for the last several years before this March!)
Short of Imagineering building some sort of literal bubble around Walt Disney World and artificially manipulating daylight and nighttime hours, that’s our best guess as to what’s happening and what will happen. (Of course, we wouldn’t put anything past Imagineering!)
Consequently, we’d expect park hours to be extended beginning November 6, 2020. The big questions are whether they will simply be adjusted for later openings and later closings, or if this will be a true extension. Additionally, will only Magic Kingdom see its schedule tweaked, or will this be done across the board at all the parks?
We don’t have any insight or credible predictions there. Our hope is that all parks will be extended. As we’ve stated countless times now, the current schedule with earlier closings makes very little sense given current guest demographics at Walt Disney World.
Ultimately, as with the Halloween announcement before it, these details of Christmas-time at Walt Disney World have us really excited. Not so much about the substance of the entertainment or decorations, but the fact that Walt Disney World is doing something, that it’s more than just decorations on Main Street USA, and the very real possibility that park hours will be extended.
Beyond that, one of the big things being cut is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a hard ticket event that has become overcrowded and overpriced in recent years. The other major cut is Candlelight Processional, and that almost requires an expensive dining package to see. The lack of Cinderella Castle Dream Lights and reductions elsewhere are disappointing, but not nearly as bad as things could be given the circumstances.
In short, this news has us feeling at least somewhat reassured about the rest of the year at Walt Disney World. Of course, plenty still remains to be seen–including confirmation of evening hours–but we’re nevertheless more cautiously optimistic than we were when sharing our last Walt Disney World News & Rumor Roundup. Here’s hoping our renewed sense of hope ends up being justified!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of this Walt Disney World news? Thoughts on mid-to-late November 2020 park hours? What about Christmas entertainment, decorations, and various offerings this year? Will you be disappointed if there aren’t lights up for the holidays? Do you like or dislike big-nose Figment? Hopeful that Journey into Imagination will reimagined at some point in your lifetime? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Thanks for all the info. I am looking forward to Disney – even if things are muted. The only thing I was hoping to be able to do that has been cancelled was tour the gingerbread houses in the resorts. We have done Candlelight Processional and loved it, but our plans this year put us arriving too late. I can settle for the pre-recorded version from last year though.
Tom, have you heard anything about the Annual DVC Member meeting? It was scheduled for Dec 10 at the meeting in 2019.
I have not–but I also haven’t been paying attention. I’ll ask around with people who should know and see if I can find out anything.
Tom,
Have you heard anything about the Santa Clauses in all the countries in Epcot that talk about Christmas in their country?
We are currently scheduled for 12/12 – 12/19/2020. Hoping it’s worth it with all the cancellations.
Thanks.
Hello. Maybe Tom has different information, but I suspect that since the cultural ambassadors (probably not their actual titles) working in the World Showcase had to go back to their home countries, and Floridian Cast Members are now working the countries, they won’t be doing the Santa Clauses. Plus, it might be one of those things that draw crowds? Crazy, but we’ve been there the first week of December for the last two years and I’ve never noticed the Santa Clauses – are they usually just walking around?
Any idea when or if Victoria and Albert might reopen?
As an AP who never felt the need to splurge extra for the holiday parties, I am looking forward to getting to experience the “holiday extras” like special menu items previously only available during the parties, or things like the toy soldiers which you only got to see during the parties. With the lower crowds, I kind of feel like I am getting a premium experience just by going, even with reduced hours and entertainment. The extra hours we spent traveling between parks are now spent soaking up each park and I feel like 8-10 hours is PLENTY of time to do it all. I personally like the leisurely pace of not having to make fast passes or dining reservations.
I guess, for me, it is about finding the silver linings and being thankful that we have a place to go on vacation that feels like a safe and controlled bubble. Disney is actually getting MORE of our vacation hours this year, just because some of the southern beach towns are crowded free for alls and remote schooling / work opens up our calendar with added flexibility. We cannot wait to go in October and experience the novelty of doing a half day of school and work by our resort pool!
That’s a really refreshing way to look at it.
I’ll miss the parties though. If you aren’t AP they are the most efficient way to see the parks, controlled crowds, short lines, extras and snacks. It’s a better value than a day ticket for sure.
Our AP lapsed and we didn’t realize we couldn’t get another one this year so no AP and no parties is a lot. This is the first year I felt like Disney didn’t want my money because they are making it very difficult to go there.
Agreed, at least in part. Too much of the holiday experience at Walt Disney World has become an upcharge–and often a crowded one. This year should be a nice change of pace from that.
We never do the hard ticket events. Seems like too much greed to kick people out of a park and then charge again. Double dipping! WDW is expensive enough.
What’s up with the cute little squirrel decoration?
From last year at Animal Kingdom–here’s hoping they’re back, but I have doubts.
But what even is it? Does it have a function?
Hopefully we will be there close to nov 6 like we usually are every other or every Nov. Only thing I’m really wishing for is extended park hours
I mean closing later than 5-6pm
We plan to spend a day at Magic Kingdom either December 4th or 5th before heading to Universal for a previously planned trip. Since I received a PIN code I just had to add a couple of days at Pop. How late do you think it would be safe to wait to buy tickets considering the Christmas festivities?
Ugh I never get those 🙁
Probably sometime in November. I’d probably buy them sometime before Thanksgiving, if it were me.
With all of the WDW cancellations, restrictions and changes, I may never go to WDW ever again. Over the years I have spent over $500,000 going to WDW. It’s over and Disney has lost my loyalty.
Hi Tom,
So not long ago I watched a stream about a six flags in Ohio. They put in brand new rides all at the same time to the tune of millions. It was a huge hit, it was so busy that people got tired of how crowded and long the lines were. People stopped going. In the end they lost everything. Apparently it never occurred to them to control crowds.
Do you think anything like this could happen in Disney? Do they ever consider controlling crowds? It’s one of the most asked questions, what are the crowds like. There are months I will not go for. I walked in a crowd so big without a inch on any side. It was scary! They keep building new DVC’s and let people buy passes. What is the biggest group from? Of course they’re controlling crowds now because of covid, people will walk around all day in the heat with masks on for lower crowds, with nothing to do at night!
Actually last Christmas I wrote Guest Services to tell them how AMAZING their crowd control was. We were groaning because we got tickets to a sold out party. But they had Jack & Sally come out early and we got our pictures with them and the 7 dwarves before the official start time. We had short waits for everything and “plused“ theming was awesome. We didn’t notice the party was packed they moved us around really well. We even left an hour early because we felt like we saw and did everything we wanted to see and do.
The Halloween party was not the same story. So I feel like they were improving pre Covid.
I’m hoping that they still offer the gingerbread shingles for sale at the resorts even if the display houses are not up. It’s my once a year treat I get in December.
It’s funny how people love to complain and feel Disney’s being cheap about their offerings, as if Covid and it’s dramatic effects should just be ignored. Wish they’d stay away from WDW for good…but they won’t.
As someone returning during Christmas time for the first time in nine years, I’m very satisfied with what was announced.
Counting the days till we arrive.
Currently down to 64!
Damn 94, not 64.
Wishful thinking.
Too late. Now you’re also obligated to go in 64 days. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
I know! Like, we’re in the middle of a pandemic…I am not going to feel sad I don’t get to see a fireworks show I’ve seen before. While I do wish the parks were open after dark because I love the ambiance, this is an extremely minor annoyance. I am just happy to have a happy place to go to, period. You could be an AP in California with your home park closed indefinitely. Silver linings, people!
Jeff, that’s all perspective. If you can afford to go whenever you want, whether it’s the full deal or not, you may be more content than those who cannot.
Also, I think Covid is becoming an excuse for lots of companies to cut corners. They can get away with it. I do wonder, considering comments have been made, even in this blog, about Disney cutting back on parades, the electric light parade, etc. Those castle lights are no doubt expensive, whereas projection shows aren’t near as time consuming or costly to pull off, I would think. It won’t be the same without the castle lights at Christmas. And I don’t think it would change the crowd level much one way or the other this year, tbh. Super bummed about the gingerbread houses, too. Another way to cut the budget, because it’s not just materials, it’s very labor intensive. Just my speculation. Hope it all comes back.
Lighter crowds for awhile will be nice. I guess there is a trade-off with everything.
Jeff, Let me see if I got this correct. You have a problem with people complaining about paying the same high price for tickets for reduced entertainment and a shorter length of stay in the parks? Seems these complaints are legit. Disney should reduce prices for reductions in what you get at the parks. COVID effects of course should not be ignored but Disney should respond accordingly with less expensive park admission.
Once again – thanks for the incites. It seems logical they will shift hours to at least 2-3 more at nighttime. Hard to promote Christmas at Disney and envision no night time lights as part of that experience.
HI Tom –
Great post as always 🙂
What do you think are the chances that park hopping will be added during the end of November – December time-frame? If they extend the park hours, it sure would be nice to be able to hop a little…
We just got back 3 days from Disney world. We stayed at the Dolphin and we had a great time. Everyone was respectful and stayed their distance and wore masks.
The only problem we had was trying to get into resturants at Disney Springs the lines were long . It was Labor Day weekend and it was crowded.
We only came upon one rude Disney Bus driver bus #5110 , so glad we didnt get him going back!!! But we all had a great time!
Hi Tom,
Thanks for always keeping us updated on all the news!
I have always wanted to go to WDW at Christmas time.
We made reservations for the first 2 weeks of December last Spring and have been debating whether to go or cancel ever since.
I know that a lot of things have been cancelled but I won’t miss them because I haven’t been before.
My question – do you think it’s worth it for my husband and I to still go? (We were going to take 2 grandchildren, age 10, with us but decided to wait until more things are open for them – The African Trek etc.)
Masks really bother my husbands eyes when he wears them for any length of time so he wants to cancel just for that reason.
I would still love to go for whatever Christmas Magic there is and for the low crowds – I love the rides!!
What do you think??
If he backs out does anyone else want to go with me?? 🙂
Thanks!!
PS: I’m so lost on where to start planning. The whole Star Wars area and planning for it are totally new to me. I need to search your blogs for ideas.
Setting aside the whole ‘husband and mask’ issue (as that’s something for the two of you to decide), I think this Christmas season is the best time to visit Walt Disney World between now and at least next March.
Whether it’s still “worth it” is a personal call, but Christmas time is definitely the best bang for buck in terms of entertainment, weather, crowds, etc. Personally, I’d do it so long as I qualified for one of the various room-only discounts right now. If I didn’t, that’d probably tip the scales away from going. Your mileage may vary, though!
We qualify for the” Southern States “(Mississippi) discount on resort stays.
We’re super excited to step foot on Disney property again
We go every October for the Halloween party
I’m more concerned about the airplane flight down there than being in the parks.
I’m gonna miss being in the parks at night and of course the fireworks, but cannot wait to enjoy the feel of Disney again
Tom, when do you think they will start offering AP sales again? Those with park passes that were going to expire during the closure and got extended will be expiring around December and right now there is not the possibility of renewal. Do you think they will let APs go expired without renewal options right now?
Some new AP sales pages are up, but they don’t work…yet?
I could see them going back on sale very soon, or not at all again in 2020. I really don’t have the slightest clue–haven’t heard *any* rumors about this. (Sorry!)
Whoops. Accidentally left this as a comment in a comment…
Do we think Halloween decorations will stay up until Nov 6 or will they go down on Nov 1?
More likely, I think Christmas decorations will start to go up November 1 in Magic Kingdom as the Halloween decorations come down.
Thanks Tom for the quick post, you are always on it! Holding my breath and hoping even regardless of park hours they put up the individual parks Christmas trees. What do you think? Even if they aren’t open at nighttime hours to see the park trees up even during the day light up is special!!!!!!!!! Do you think they won’t put up the trees at all?????!!!!
I assume parks will get their trees since the hotels are getting theirs.
Of all the times we’ve been to Disney, Christmas wasn’t one of them. This was planned to be our first year down. I’m disappointed but I guess it gives us a reason to come back again. That being said, has there been any word on being able to resort hop by the time Christmas comes around? With all that is gone, I’d still like to see how all the resorts are decorated.
Resort hopping is currently allowed so long as you use Disney transportation. It’s not allowed via car (unless you have an ADR), and I don’t expect that to change for Christmas. This actually isn’t a new as of reopening rule–it’s been a gradual change over the course of the last few years.