A staple of Disney theme park festivities, the giant Mickey Pumpkin statue towers over guests on Main Street.
Disney
It's time for Disney parks to trade pumpkins for poinsettias.
Right in the middle of the busiest season Disney's Domestic theme parks have already started changing Halloween decorations to Christmas colors. Change takes shape almost overnight, with warm fall banners being traded for festive green garlands. Complete metamorphosis takes about six weeks.
About two weeks before Halloween, Disney's crew begins installing “unobtrusive” elements of the holiday season, such as lighting fixtures. The effort is planned over a 12-month period and involves a range of different departments, from the horticulture team and technical services to crane operators, truck drivers, cherry picker operators and even culinary experts.
Most of the installation will be completed during overnight hours when the park is closed.
“While every day is special at a Disney theme park, Halloween and the holidays are two very magical seasons, and our guests return year after year for both continued traditions and new surprises,” said Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resorts. “These Disney-only experiences are thanks to our passionate Cast Members, who work magic while most of us sleep – delivering seamless and highly creative transformations to our parks year-round.”
Mickey Mouse poses during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Disney
Starting November 8th at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and November 15th at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, Disney's winter vacation offerings will be in full swing – from sparkling, decorated trees and glittering character costumes to limited-time dining offers – and beverage options as well as exclusive merchandise.
For Disney, these holidays are big business as they generate significant sales and attendance.
According to Gavin Doyle, founder of MickeyVisit.com, October and December are two of the company's most popular travel months for the parks.
“Traditionally it would have been summer, but it's actually evolved into these two months where there are additional levels of offerings and it's something unique on top of that,” Doyle said. “It kind of fits into Disney’s vault strategy. … This is something that comes out and then people are really excited about it for a limited time.”
Just in time for the holidays, there are festive foods at Disney theme parks.
Disney
Disney's experiences division – consisting of parks, cruises, hotels and consumer products – generated revenue of $9.13 billion from October to December 2023. In the other quarters of 2023 and 2024, the division generated sales between $7 billion and $8.3 billion.
This year, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party kicked off in Florida on August 9th and Oogie Boogie Bash, a major trick-or-treating event, kicked off in California on August 25th – extending the Halloween crowds into the company's summer quarter . Both events ran until October 31st.
The end of the year also brings a lot of repeat visits, particularly from local park visitors, he said. By building the infrastructure for these decorations and limited-time specials, Disney has created a tradition for guests to incorporate into their annual plans.
Annual changes to character costumes, food and drink options, merchandise, and other ambiance updates give attendees something new to explore.
The holiday overlay of Disney's Haunted Mansion attraction features Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Disney
Now that Halloween is over, Disney has turned its attention to the winter holiday season. This includes special holiday changes to rides and attractions, as well as Christmas parades and fireworks displays.
Disneyland debuts holiday overlays for Sleeping Beauty Castle, It's a Small World and Haunted Mansion on November 15th. Additionally, seasonal parades, fireworks displays and festivals will open, and Santa Claus will make his home on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
The Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party starts at Walt Disney World Resort on November 8th and Jollywood Nights begins on November 9th. At the same time, the Florida park will debut its Christmas fireworks display, parade and themed character meet-and-greets. Space Mountain will receive a holiday overlay, as will the Jungle Cruise ride, which will temporarily become Jingle Cruise, and other attractions.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse pose during Jollywood Nights.
Disney
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