In the eternal words of Johnny Mathis, it’s time to “Haul out the holly, put up the tree before my spirit falls again!” And this year, the decorations, trees, and holiday music around Walt Disney World deliver a feast of cheer! With the resumption (sort of) of fireworks, plus an all-new discount on EPCOT’s foods. We’ll also take you to some of the latest WDW news, plus a special tour around Disney’s Hollywood Studios to convince you that they’ve got the best (or at least, some of the best) holiday spirit in the resort. Don’t believe me, keep on reading!
Surprise Holiday Cheer: Fireworks Are Back?!
Well, sort of! What Disney has officially deemed “Pyrotechnic Pixie Dust” was added to the nighttime ambiance of Cinderella Castle during the week of Thanksgiving, and will stay for the rest of 2020’s holiday season.
Small, low bursts are let off along with all four of the castle’s projection transitions, which happens every 15 minutes after sundown.
Don’t think of this as a fireworks show, you’d have to stand there watching the castle for an hour to catch all the short bursts . . . like we did. . .
Besides fireworks testing for future shows, this is the closest we’ve seen anything close to a nighttime spectacular since Walt Disney World’s July reopening, albeit short sparkly bursts!
Surprise Discounts at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
For the first time ever, WDW annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members receive a special discount on festival food and beverage offerings!
The 10% discount applies to food and non-alcoholic beverages purchased at select Festival of the Holidays kiosks in the evenings, beginning at 7PM through park close (which is set for 9 or 10PM through the month of December). Not all kiosks are participating in the discount; it’s best to ask the cast member when ordering after 7PM, just in case!
For more on this year’s International Festival of the Holidays, check out our recent visit below:
Ho-Ho-Hollywood Studios: Holiday Decor Appreciation
While this year’s lineup of seasonal offerings have received significant modifications or outright cancellations, Walt Disney World has gone all out with their holiday decor. Thankfully, no tree, garland strand, ribbon or ornament were spared. We’ve previously shared the traditional Christmas decorations of Magic Kingdom, along with the unique and handcrafted embellishments at Animal Kingdom. While all the parks are extra lovely during the most wonderful time of the year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the winner in my book. That may not be the popular opinion, but let me break it down for you with some detail shots… it’s time for some kitschy Christmas flair in Tinseltown!
Classic holiday tunes and a kitschy Santa Claus figurine atop The Darkroom welcomes all:
There really is a lot of tinsel in Tinseltown… Remember aluminum trees of the ’50s? You’ll see a great deal of sparkling silver here!
Each of the storefronts feature a unique combination of baubles and embellishments amongst their silver trimmings.
More details! Outside Pluto’s Toy Palace, handmade felt elves, deer and gingerbread cookies poke out from the tinsel:
Mini Christmas trees are affixed to light poles around Hollywood Boulevard and Center Stage— one of the few green-leafed decorations here!
The oversized retro decorations surrounding Echo Lake and Center Stage harken back to ceramic figurines from the 1940s and ’50s.
Peppermint girls and sugar cube boys— so cute they’re almost scary?!
This sweet spaghetti poodle figurine is my absolute favorite. (Currently searching eBay for an original one!)
Approaching Echo Lake, it’s hard to miss that gigantic Christmas tree!
Of Walt Disney World’s four parks, this tree takes the Christmas cake for me. The scalloped garland twinkles upon sunset. Plus those floating illuminated ornaments are a whimsical delight. Just gorgeous!
You’ll find plenty of nods to a mid-century modern holiday theme around Echo Lake, especially near 50’s Prime Time Cafe & Tune-In Lounge. How appropriate!
Sweet baby deer figurines frolic among the fauna. They also decorate the shade umbrellas to look like a Christmas tree here!
These Santa, deer and bell fixtures recall vintage lighted ornaments:
Even Gertie is in the holiday spirit!
Finally, moving onto the star-studded Sunset Boulevard… I just love this view! Classically cute holiday songs such as Gayla Peevey’s “77 Santas” and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” play here.
And at night, varying Christmas scenes are projected upon the Hollywood Tower Hotel:
Okay, I’ll admit it. While I’ll eternally miss the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights… the decoration team has really plussed up Christmas at Walt Disney World with these retro touches throughout Hollywoodland! Plus, I could listen to that holiday music playlist all day long.
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Travel Extras!
And here’s something fun and different. Get Away Today has branched out and now offers face coverings designed for theme park fans, and kids costumes just perfect for holiday gifting (from just $14.99!!!). Here’s an example of some of the designs (scroll through the gallery below):
Let’s Hear From You
Well, what do you think? Have I won you over with Hollywood Studios’ kitschy holiday goodness? Which is your favorite park for all things Christmas? Will you be taking advantage of EPCOT’s AP/DVC discount for holiday foods? What do you think of the mini fireworks at Magic Kingdom? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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