PHOTOS and VIDEO: Here’s What the Start of the 🎄Holiday Season🎄 Looked Like in Disney World

‘Tis officially the season in Disney World!

Christmas Tree in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Halloween may have been less than a week ago, but the holiday season has arrived at the Most Magical Place on Earth! While we’ve already seen some holiday decorations at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, today the parks will start seeing new holiday treats and festive entertainment (including holiday cavalcades!). So follow along as we take you to the parks on the first official day of the holiday season!

Magic Kingdom

Earlier this week, Magic Kingdom magically transformed from spooky season to being decorated for the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas Tree in Magic Kingdom

And Molly is all decked out to match for the festive season!

Molly in Magic Kingdom

Before we hit up the parks, we were craving some of the holiday Starbucks drinks that have also debuted today. Buuut, we realized that a LOT of other people had the same idea as us since the line was very long.

Still, we were able to score our first holiday sip of the season (and we think it was worth the wait)!

Plus, while we were there, we decided to pick up the Twice Upon a Cupcake from the bakery with all its Christmas tree and string light decorations!

Although the cupcake may look like a regular ole’ vanilla treat, the inside actually has a HIDDEN MICKEY made of red velvet cake! Um, Disney, you’re setting the treat bar pretty high as early as November!

Twice Upon a Cupcake

As we walked into the Magic Kingdom, it was made all the more magical with the Dapper Dans singing holiday tunes as they made their way down Main Street, U.S.A. on the trolley.

And, those holiday decorations paired with the music just made us feel like we were walking through a Winter Wonderland.

Christmas Decorations

As we explored the park, some familiar faces made their return over in Liberty Square! The MUPPETS are back again for the holidays as Gonzo and his chickens do the “Jingle Bell Rock” for everyone watching!

Aren’t they just the cutest?!

Muppets Christmas

Take a look at the Muppets holiday show here!

But, the real hit of the day definitely was the Christmas Cavalcades that have rolled into the park! Even though Disney World has modified its holiday entertainment, the cavalcades were just as magical with festive characters, floats, and music.

While Mickey and Minnie were ready to party during their cavalcade…

Mickey and Minnie

…they were also joined by friends like Donald, Pluto, and Daisy…

Christmas Cavalcade

…along with Pooh, Tigger, the Mad Hatter, and so many more characters!

Christmas Cavalcade

Goofy’s Scrumptious Cavalcade had us craving more treats, though, as the main man rolled in on a gingerbread house…

Goofy’s Scrumptious Cavalcade

…with Clarabelle baking up something yummy in her kitchen!

Clarabelle

Max was even out cruising in a gingerbread car (wow, Goofy and Clarabelle really outdid themselves) as he drove down Main Street.

AND, Gingerbread Men even came to life as they greeted guests watching the show!

Gingerbread Men

But, many guests were the MOST excited for the Santa Cavalcade that also appeared in the Magic Kingdom!

Santa Claus on the way!

The Toy Soldiers appeared back in the parks, marching in time with one another…

…as the Main Street Philharmonic played on the drums and horns right behind them!

Main Street Philharmonic

As Santa neared closer, the Reindeer were prancing around in preparation for their long Christmas Eve flight…

Reindeer

…while Santa’s elves packaged all the gifts that would be arriving under trees around the world this year!

Elves

Of course, we wouldn’t help but get a little emotional seeing Santa Claus himself arrive in Disney World on his sleigh!

He really does make everything merry and bright, you know (especially with that jolly laugh)!

Santa Claus

After the cavalcades finished, we also spotted more of Winnie the Pooh’s friends on the Main Street Trolley as Piglet, Eeyore, and Rabbit waved to everyone.

Piglet, Eeyore, and Rabbit

Have a FULL look at the Christmas Cavalcades we spotted in the Magic Kingdom today here!

Since there is so much happening in the Magic Kingdom today, we’ve seen quite the increase in crowds throughout the park!

Holiday Crowds Magic Kingdom — November 6th

Many of the crowds were situated on the sidelines to wait for the Christmas Cavalcades (even though other areas of the park got busy as well).

Crowds in Magic Kingdom

If you want to avoid some of these tighter areas of people in the park, we recommend staying away from the busier areas when the cavalcades are expected to start up!

Crowds

Take a full look at the crowds we’ve seen in the Magic Kingdom today here!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom also has its festive Christmas tree out! This one can actually be found right outside the entrance to the park…

Christmas Tree in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

…as wreaths and garlands also put guests in the holiday spirit!

Animal Kingdom Entrance

While we’ve already seen many of the decorations at Animal Kingdom, there are a few new additions, including this gorgeous new photo spot!

Photo Spot

Additionally, you can find this beautiful holiday-themed wall in the park.

Photo Wall in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We adore all the stunning details!

Photo Wall

Pandora has even gotten a Christmas makeover as string lights, Santa hats, and more can be found around the Valley of Mo’ara.

Pandora Decorations

Animal Kingdom is the spot to see a watercade, and the holiday versions don’t disappoint!

Chip and Dale still had their dinosaur costumes on with a bit of an extra festive flair…

Chip and Dale

…as Goofy switched up his outfit to feature Christmas lights and candy cane stripes. The boat even has garland and ornaments strung all around it so you can spot it making its way across the water when you’re in the park.

Goofy

Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto are dressed up in scarves and snuggly clothes as they have a relaxing trip around the Animal Kingdom waterways too…

Holiday Watercade

…with SANTA CLAUS (!!!) following as well in his amazing water sleigh. I mean, who knew that pinwheels could be so cool?!

Santa Claus Watercade

Check out the Holiday Watercades you can find in Disney’s Animal Kingdom here!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

We’ve been keeping an eye on Disney’s Hollywood Studios throughout the week as it was one of the first spots to bring back holiday decorations!

Echo Lake Decorations

However, we also found out today that the Hollywood Tower Hotel would be getting projections in the evening as the attraction is transformed into a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and more!

©Disney

Find out all the details of the Hollywood Tower Hotel makeover for the holidays here!

While we were enjoying our day in the park, we noticed that the Christmas Tree Popcorn Bucket that usually appears in Disney World has been CHANGED this year!

Mickey and Minnie

Now, the popcorn bucket is white instead of green and features both Mickey and Minnie. Plus, it still lights up so you can snack on your popcorn no matter what time of the night it is!

White Christmas Tree Popcorn Bucket

Take a look at all the details on the new White Christmas Tree Popcorn Bucket here!

If you’re going to have something salty, you might as well get a drink to go with it! And, the returning Jingle Bell Sipper is a perfect pairing to go with your popcorn bucket!

Green Jingle Bell Sipper

This year, though, the sipper has been switched from red to green as you listen to the little jingle bells inside the cup! (How fun!!)

Green Jingle Bell Sipper

Here are the details on the redesigned Jingle Bell Sipper in Disney World!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the few spots you can have a modified character dining experience in the parks right now. And, Hollywood and Vine has switched its atmosphere from Minnie’s Halloween Dine to Minnie’s Holiday Dine instead!

Photo op at Hollywood & Vine

The special even will be running now through January 4th so guests have plenty of time to visit Minnie, Mickey, and the rest of their pals dressed up for Christmas…

Minnie Mouse

and to snack on themed eats and treats throughout the season too, of course! Advance Dining Reservations are available for Minnie’s Holiday Dine as Hollywood & Vine continues its seasonal dining events through Fall 2021.

Hollywood & Vine

Read about our experience at Minnie’s Holiday Dine here!

EPCOT

Guess who’s back, back again? Frozen’s back! Tell your friends! While Frozen Ever After was supposed to re-open to guests again on November 7th after its brief refurbishment, it opened a day early today to everyone visiting the park!

End of the queue for Frozen Ever After – reaches the China Pavilion

Find out more details of Frozen Ever After’s early re-opening here!

Disney Springs

The parks aren’t the only spots getting holiday entertainment! Disney Springs has brought back the Christmas Tree Trail in a newly modified form.

While the trees previously were on a trail that guests were able to walk up to, they have been spread across the shopping and dining district as a health and safety precaution.

Christmas Tree Trail

But, the fun themes of each tree are still in place with Star Wars decorations and even a classic Mickey and Minnie look!

Mickey and Minnie Christmas Tree

Here’s a sneak peek of the Christmas Tree Trail in Disney Springs!

After you snag some of the color-changing holiday cups we spotted at Starbucks, you can head over to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar that has lights, garlands, and an extra menu for Christmastime!

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

The inside of the bar is covered in festive tinsel, snowflakes, and bows in the dining area…

Holiday Decorations

…while the bar even celebrates the arrival of the holidays!

Jock Lindsey’s Bar

And, if you’re heading to Jock Lindsey’s, it’s practically a must to get some of the holiday menu items available now! Along with Grandma’s Favorite Sliders, Papa Noel’s Churrasco, and Milk and Cookies by the Fireside, there are so many snacks and drinks that will make your day extra merry and bright.

Holiday Treats

Take a look inside Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar here!

Be sure to follow along throughout the day, as we’ll be bringing updates from ALL FOUR Disney World parks for the official start of the holiday season!

Will you be visiting Disney World for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!

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