Christmas at Walt Disney World–New & Beloved –Plus Park Insights from D23 in Brazil

Christmas at Walt Disney World–New & Beloved –Plus Park Insights from D23 in Brazil

We have more insights to what’s coming to Walt Disney World as we share news that came out of D23 in Brazil. No it wasn’t a new World Showcase pavilion, but it along with other insights help us understand what lays ahead for this resort. Then we turn our attention toward the holiday season as we go around the four parks at Walt Disney World to share what’s happening in the weeks ahead, to include a look at Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade, plus hotels, parties, lights and more. So join us on this 499th Disney Insights podcast as we share D23 park announcements as well as what’s new and beloved at Walt Disney World this Christmas season.

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D23 Announcements

Disney Starlight Parade

Disney Starlight Parade Concept Art
Image by Disney.
Disney Starlight Parade Concept Art
Image by Disney.
Disney Starlight Parade Concept Art
Image by Disney.

Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge

The D23 experience in Brazil has shared a third image of what this might be like:

Pirates of the Caribbean themed lounge concept art
Image by Disney.
Pirates of the Caribbean themed lounge concept art
Image by Disney.
Pirates of the Caribbean themed lounge concept art
Image by Disney.

Cars & Villains Land

Frontierland Concept Art Aerial View
Image by Disney.

Josh D’Amaro confirmed the kind of technology we shared in our previous Disney Insight podcast on changes coming to this land.

Image by Disney.

Josh D’Amaro shared: “Their evil ambitions give us endless possibilities to tell new stories. This new land will be home to the villains you know and loathe. In our story, a mysterious spell has been cast, summoning villains from every realm,” D’Amaro said. “In this land, heroes don’t come to save the day — and there may not be a happily ever after!”

Queen of Hearts, Javar, The Wicked Queen, Lady Tremaine, Yzma, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Maleficent, Gaston, Mother Gothel, Ursula, Hades and Chernabog.

We can probably assume the following at this point:

  • It will be something akin in scope and size to Pandora: World of Avatar, with about as many offerings.
  • There will probably be two attractions, one of them a roller coaster, and the other perhaps a boat ride similar to Pirates in Shanghai.
  • There will probably be a formal restaurant themed to Haunted Mansion
  • There will likely be another counter service restaurant. Queen of Hearts would be my vote!
  • We see buildings in the photo on the far right that will likely transition from the Haunted Mansion into the “forest” section.
  • A villain’s makeup experience will likely be available.
  • Other gift shops will probably be available, most likely at the exits of the attractions.
  • Expect some meet ‘n’ greets–probably more formal than informal

Holidays at Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

Let’s start our holidays off this year with a visit to the Magic Kingdom, where we hear the sounds of Christmas and see the seasonal decor up and down the street. I love the decor which over the years often incorporated citrus fruit, oranges, limes and lemons, making the park seem more aligned with its Florida roots.

Some people think that the music is a little “plucky” but for me it is representative of the original Christmas shop in the Disney Village. For years they had an actual 1890s Regina Music Box playing the sounds of the holiday.

1890s Regina Music Box — Olde Engine Works

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade

Ginger Bread Cake at Harbor House

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The Gingerbread Cake is $6.29 and is a gingerbread chiffon cake with cream cheese frosting, dulce ganache, and a chocolate piece on top.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays–Presented by Advent Health

Beacons of Light Holiday Style!

Living with the Land–Glimmering Greenhouses

Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow

EPCOT Pastry team making gingerbread triangles
Image by Disney.

Joyful: A Celebration of the Season has a new stage

Three performers in Christmas themed attire singing in front of a tree decorated with poinsettias
Image by Disney.

Candlelight Processional

Singers in holiday themed attire and an orchestra performing in the Candlelight Processional at Epcot
Image by Disney.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Merry Menagerie

A penguin puppet in the Merry Menagerie at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Image by Disney.

Park Opened at Night–Fun Christmas Lights

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Tree of Life at Night Holiday Awakenings

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Concept art of Santa meeting guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Image by Disney.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Park Decor the Best

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Sunset Season Greetings

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Jollywood Nights

Glisten is taking place in front of the Chinese Theater where once a Christmas Tree and a train ran around Mickey’s Nose.

Want to visit Disney?

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Books From Your Host at Disney Insights

My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! 

Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disne and Disney, Leadership and You

Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence.

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