Walt Disney World has announced their holiday plans for 2020 and two iconic events have been removed from the schedule. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot’s Candlelight Processional have been cancelled in light of the expanded health and safety regulations.
The Disney Parks Blog made the announcement in a post outlining their festive holiday offerings.
Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. We know these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by guests and cast members alike, but we’re glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.
The other notable change involves Cinderella Castle and its Castle Dream Lights. Disney will instead use projections to transform Cinderella Castle in 2020.
The appearance of the iconic 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. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights.
Shifting over to Disney Springs, guests looking for some of Disney’s magical snowfall will be able to enjoy it in select areas within Town Center, West Side and The Landing.
Disney resorts will also receive their share of the festivities, but these too will be scaled back due to the health and safety guidelines. While holiday decor will return to the resorts, the impressive gingerbread displays will not be featured in 2020.
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that our gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While we know they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, we’re not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.
The holiday season begins at Walt Disney World on November 6 and runs through December 30, 2020.
