Magic Kingdom’s Christmas Tree Stinks!
Welcome, newcomers. The tradition of Festivus begins with the airing of grievances. I got a lot of problems with Walt Disney World’s parks! And now you’re gonna hear about it! You, Magic Kingdom. My daughter tells me your company Christmas tree stinks!
For the uninitiated, Festivus is a non-denominational holiday for the rest of us that has been celebrated by billions (citation needed) of theme park guests since 1997 when fabled visionary Frank Costanza graced us with it. As serious Seinfeld fans, this blog has taken the opportunity every December 23 to celebrate Festivus, mostly via the airing of grievances (please look forward to the feats of strength during the 2026 Disney Tourist Blogfest).
It’s the one time (citation also needed) each year that DTB gets a tiny bit negative. It’s also in good fun and the spirit of the season, but if you’d prefer to have “happy holidays,” then perhaps you’ll want to skip today’s stories. They’re mostly airing of grievances. Good grievances, but grievances nevertheless.
As the title here suggests, the Magic Kingdom Christmas tree stinks! It couldn’t smooth a silk sheet if it had a hot date with a babe…I lost my train of thought. (If none of this makes sense, I beg of you to head over to Netflix and watched “The Strike” episode of Seinfeld–season 9, episode 10.)
Seriously, the Christmas in Magic Kingdom would be annihilated if it competed in the feats of strength against any other castle park Christmas tree. This Christmas tree looks like something Disney management picked out of the 1985 Sears catalogue, and hasn’t updated since. I have no clue when it’s actually from, but I’d hazard a guess it’s old enough to run for president. Since this tree debuted at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland has replaced its Christmas tree approximately 39 different times (probably).
Look, we all made some style faux pas back then; the 80s were a wild time. I had lasers in my yearbook background and wore a Rescue Rangers jumpsuit along with knee high socks. However, rather than repeating these same mistakes, I’ve moved on (to new and different regrettable fashion choices). Magic Kingdom should be allowed to do the same–it’s beyond time for a new Christmas tree.
I’ve thought this for a while now, since our first Christmas trips to Disneyland in California and Disneyland Paris. I remember seeing those trees and being blown away by their elegance, cohesion, and distinct looks. These were truly iconic Christmas trees and distinctly Disney. Magic Kingdom needed–and deserved–the same.
That was almost 15 years ago, and shortly thereafter, Disneyland Paris actually did replace its Christmas tree (new tree pictured above). When that was announced, my hope was that maybe Magic Kingdom would inherit its ornaments and effects, as even with the old tree, DLP did a really cool lighting ceremony (complete with one of my all-time favorite Disney songs, Chante, C’est Noël). Obviously, that did not happen.
Christmas trees have come and gone at several of the other parks since then.
Most recently, my “enthusiasm” for Magic Kingdom getting a new Christmas tree was rekindled by Hong Kong Disneyland (above). This charming little park has far and away the best tree of any Disney park on the planet, and it’s the centerpiece of a new lighting ceremony and holiday drone show.
While I have no delusions about Magic Kingdom getting a drone show for Christmas 2025, why can’t it have a tree like this? Why is Walt Disney World the one place with decades-old Christmas trees, even as the other parks receive new trees? (Never mind decorations and entertainment!)
I know my rant is likely to elicit this response: “Why are you so negative about everything? My daughter has loved this Christmas tree since she was 3 years old! She’s such a fan that she plans on moving to Florida to be closer to this tree next year after retiring from her successful dental practice.” That’s a fair and understandable reaction–especially since sentimentality and the holiday season go hand-in-hand.
For what it’s worth, I swear that I’m not a Grinch. I love Christmas. I think all 3 of the other Walt Disney World parks have good to great trees that, despite their age, hold up perfectly fine and are thematically strong.
Same goes for the ones in the resort hotels, many of which surpass their park counterparts. Heck, I even like the Contemporary’s outdoor Christmas tree, which is showing its age but just has something special about it–I don’t even know what.
On balance, I’d go as far as to say that Walt Disney World has the best lineup of Christmas trees of any Disney destination. Obviously, it also has the most. But I’d probably say it has pound-for-pound the best trees, too. The lone exception to that is Walt Disney World’s–and the world’s–most popular park.
How Magic Kingdom gets stuck with the worst and most outdated Christmas tree at Walt Disney World is beyond me. This is Walt Disney World’s flagship park, and one with a paid holiday event that should help ‘subsidize’ the cost of a replacement.
What makes the Magic Kingdom Christmas tree stink as compared to its counterparts? Let’s take a quick look…
I’ll start things off with what might be an unpopular opinion: popcorn garland is hideous.
The goal here is presumably giving the Christmas tree an old-timey appearance appropriate to Walt Disney’s vision of a turn-of-the-century Midwestern America town in the early 20th century. I get that, and at the very least, it gets points for being thematically-accurate.
But man is it ugly. Walt’s vision for Main Street was an idealized and romanticized Main Street, and I just have a hard time believing that anyone back in the olden days was saying, “popcorn garland truly is the height of Christmas decorations–no matter how much money we had, we’d decorate with recycled food products.”
To me, the vibe here is something out of Country Living Magazine from the late 1980s or 1990s, explaining to crafty readers how to create fun decorations on the cheap that evoke the turn of the century. I say this because my mom is one such crafty Country Living reader, and this looks like exactly the type of thing we would’ve had at home back when I was a kid. My mom has moved on to nicer decorations since.
I feel similarly about the rest of the decorations on the tree, but not as passionate as I do about the popcorn.
The gingerbread and snowflake ornaments look like oversized kindergarten art projects, but they’re not that offensive. The ball ornaments are blah. The other stuff is fine, I guess. It would be fine if it faded into the background amidst nicer ornaments and decor, but alas, there’s none of that here.
The candles would also be fine–I like the idea of those on a Main Street USA tree–but they could probably stand to be modernized with an updated look. That one feels a tad nitpicky.
While the focal point is obviously the underwhelming tree itself, it’s the base and packages under the Christmas tree where things get interesting.
Let’s start with this toy bear. Very 1990s looking, but undeniably a winner. The day I start talking smack about a bear sporting a top hat is the day you should disregard my opinions as compromised. This fella is a winner.
What the heck is this? Why is this dead-eyed doll looking directly at me?!
Magic Kingdom actually has a rich history of creepy dolls (look in the Liberty Square windows…or don’t), and this is yet another entry in that genre.
Moving along, we have a Lilly Belle train. This is another winner–a nod to Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian.
That Raggedy Ann doll, on the other hand, not so much. For anyone who isn’t an AARP member, Raggedy Ann was a popular character in the first half of the last century. I know this despite being a millennial because–and this is not a joke–my mom collected these dolls and their books.
We had a whole bench behind the couch of these dolls (and Andy). You wouldn’t believe just how many different Raggedy Ann dolls exist and aren’t just collected–they’re highly coveted. The dynamic duo still haunts me.
AHHH!!! She’s back!
Does anyone else feel like those soulless eyes are staring directly into their soul, trying to possess and control them like a puppet? No? Just me?
Nearby, the iconic toy soldiers operate a cannon.
The cannon could use a bit of TLC, but this is something else that’s just flat out cool. More of our Christmas celebrations should revolve around warfare. Maybe next year they can set up the MuppetVision penguins and their cannon nearby and have a blast-off battle between the two.
Speaking of the toy soldiers, one of my favorite things about the demonic doll is that she clearly has a possessed military unit under her command. Or at least, that’s my headcanon for what’s happening here.
Also worth noting is that this doll has changed clothes over the years (scroll back and forth between the last two photos). Is Disney’s Holiday Services team doing this, or is she doing it on her own? Nobody knows.
One thing I do know is that I wouldn’t get too close to this doll. Whether she’s simply a haunted doll, possessed otherworldly presence, or Krampus sleeper cell agent, it’s just not worth the risk.
Joking aside, if Disney+ wanted to dip its toes into the horror movie market, one about this doll haunting Magic Kingdom practically writes itself. She’s watching you, Wazowski (and everyone else). Always watching…
Honestly, I kinda like the possessed doll as an amusing, creepy thing to look for each Christmas. I know I’m not the only one. Every single time I stop up here to take photos (which is every single year at least twice), other guests are also taking photos of this doll, specifically, and commenting on her.
With that said, I also don’t think creepy and campy should be characteristics of the marquee tree at Magic Kingdom. I’m a big fan of this type of thing at Walt Disney World, but it has its place…and under the Christmas tree on Main Street is not that place.
I can already anticipate the fan responses to this, with Walt Disney World diehards defending this tree and what I’m missing that actually makes it great. Maybe there’s some voluminous Dino-Rama caliber backstory explaining how the Christmas tree was handmade by the family that inhabits Main Street, and all they could afford for decorations was popcorn and possessed dolls. Perhaps that cool bear was carved by Tiny Tim and Timothy Q. Mouse, the train is conducted by the Ghost of Walt Disney and powered by the Spirit of Tom Hanks, and the candles were inspired by the the original vision for the Polynesian tower or whatever.
To all of that, I say this: open your eyes. This Christmas tree is not good. It’s better than no Christmas tree at all, I’ll grant you that. Christmas trees are like calamari–there’s no such thing as truly bad. I’d eat the stuff put forth by the Italy booth and probably like it well enough, but I’d rather have truly good calamari.
Like anything that’s been around at Walt Disney World for more than a decade, there’s undoubtedly nostalgia for the Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree. I get that. I’ll probably be somewhat sentimental when this is inevitably retired. I’ll get over it quickly, though. Probably the instant I see the new tree and it’s 1000% better.
My fear is that I’ll reach retirement age before this Christmas tree, which is unfortunate. As more recent trees at every other castle park on earth have demonstrated, we could have something so much better at Magic Kingdom.
The Victorian theme leaves a lot of latitude for lavish, ornate, and technically-impressive Christmas trees that can offer little shows unto themselves. Disney’s most popular park on earth deserves better, and has for a long time. That’s all the more obvious now that the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights are dead, and the Christmas tree is the focal point of the holidays on Main Street.
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of the Magic Kingdom Christmas tree? Are we way off, and it’s actually a classic on par with Haunted Mansion (and a doll to match!) that should never change? Or are we right, but this is still a weird hill to die on? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? 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!
“ That’s all the more obvious now that the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights are dead, and the Christmas tree is the focal point of the holidays on Main Street.”
THIS is what they missed- spot on.
Annabelle at Disney…. lol. I agree with you. The trees, especially at MK, need to be updated. Same at USF. That tree is so boring, yet it’s been there for (what seems like) FOREVER!
Recovering from celebrating Festivus while reading this is just what I needed to shift to a Christmas sentiment! All the laughs! But it’s funny because it’s all true…the creepy, creepy doll stares, the popcorn garland from hell, the kids craft decorations that only a mother could love….it’s all covered!
This is the fever dream post none of us knew we needed. Halfway through, I actually thought I was hallucinating and dreaming this whole post up.
Merry Christmas!
Hey, Tom, was wondering if you were a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and RiffTrax. The creepy doll staring right at you and being demon possessed sounds exactly like the kind of comment Mike, Kevin, & Bill would make.
I love MST3K! Or rather, loved it growing up. Been a long while since I’ve seen it. You’re right, now that I think about it–this does seem vaguely inspired by MST3K. Wish I could say that were an intentional homage, but it’s just coincidence.
That doll’s gonna get you now for bad mouthing the tree.
Dang, probably should’ve thought of that before penning this piece. Now I know why so many people have defended the tree in the comments. Smart moves.
Guess I’ll live out my days in witness protection or something.
I blame Bob Iger for that tree. He is to Festivus as Santa Clause is to Christmas. I hope you know I’m kidding of course? Well, kind of kidding.
That tree is old enough to be Bob Iger’s grandfather! 😉
Oh, thank you Tom!! I need to have a great laugh today!
Happy Festivus! I’ve been to WDW during the holiday exactly once in almost 5 decades on the planet, so I have no happy nostalgia associated with this monstrosity. What I do have is a decade old memory of my then-three year old saying, “Mama, that girl is scary” while looking at the toys at the bottom, and we had to pull her stroller cover over her eyes every time we passed so she didn’t have to see the dolls. I’m pretty sure this is what instilled her fear of dolls, to the point that we had to leave Toy Story 4 halfway through.
Come for the amazing Disney tips, info, and strategy, stay for the hilarious creepy doll posts
Leave the tree and all the beautiful dolls and popcorn chains alone!! My grandparents and parents had this kind of tree at the turn of the century. It fits perfectly with the Victorian theme of Main Street. From someone who actually appears to like Country Bears, this is insulting. 🙂
Yes, the doll is creepy. The tree seems perfectly normal to me, though. Not that I’d ever be asked to judge a tree trimming contest. Instead of a new tree, I’d be happy with drones. Lots and lots of drones. Given that they are already operating in other parks, it would seem to be a no-brainer to generate *something* to counter the Epic Universe juggernaut.
But what I really want to know is how Tom cranks out so much high-quality content? I barely have enough time to read all of the posts, let alone write them! I wouldn’t be upset if he took a well-earned break between Xmas and New Years :-).
Hilariously witty; a great read for a holiday laugh! In my view, the tree itself isn’t ugly, per se (except the creepy doll) – it’d be fine if a smaller version was in someone’s home – but it’s so terribly outdated and Magic Kingdom definitely needs, and deserves, much, much more!
Just think! Had they really planned, Disney COULD have the biggest silvery aluminum Christmas tree in the world right here in beautiful downtown Magic Kingdom! Where IS Imagineering when you need them most!!??
Well, there’s always next year!
Tom,
I love receiving your newsletters. However, popcorn chains are wonderful. For the most part they are children’s contribution to the tree along with construction paper chains. Beautiful in my 75 year old eyes.
Come for the well researched Disney info, stay for the musings on clearly possessed dolls. Love your blog Tom, in all it’s verbosity! Happy Holidays!
NOOOO! Leave my tree alone! This tree looks like 90s Christmas threw up everywhere! It looks like waking up Christmas morning and seeing 89 gifts, fresh out of K-Mart layaway, all wrapped in the scrap ends of 14 different wrapping papers topped with stick on bows. It looks like glorious, pre-Pinterest, pre-Insta, pre-Tik Tok magic. Leave Nikki (that’s what I’ve named her) out of your grievances. She is a delight who makes me want to dig the pink and purple pack of Nerds and a cheap toothbrush out of my stocking.
Spot on. The tree is an embarrassment for Disney’s flagship park. Looks like something out of a 1990s shopping mall.
Popcorn garlands are NOT hideous! We need more of these on every tree.
Why stop with popcorn garland? They could get a bunch of stale churros and put strings through the center! The puck-like burger patties from Cosmic Rays could make nice ornaments! Maybe drizzle some plastic cheese over the tree branches, sorta like yellow snowfall! Walt Disney World could use nothing but old food as part of its recycling/green initiative! 😉
Sorry, couldn’t help myself. I know others love popcorn garland, so to each their own. I just do not get the appeal.
What’s with the toy soldiers in the parade? They don’t have hands, and they look like the ends of the arms could be shooting small cannon balls, or if you want to update it, maybe lasers?
Wait Tom, wait! You’ve indeed, if unwittingly, started a new Festivus tradition: The redecoration of the Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree with unused, semi-forgotten Disney items!
I just figured out the perfect seasonal use for the old removed, unused shrunken heads from the Jungle Cruise! They can be strung right up there with the popcorn garlands! And we can have Buzzy (If they ever find him), in pajamas, sitting under the tree, among the presents with Grandpa Dreamfinder looking benignly on!