It’s Christmas in July because Disney has treated us to sneak peek into what they‘re planning for the 2019 holiday season at Walt Disney World! From treats and sweets to new fireworks and sneak peeks, things will be looking a lot like Christmas all over Disney property.
Disney Managing Producer, Kate Pappas, shared with me that one of her favorite additions to this year’s holiday lineup will be Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Minnie will be the hostess with the mostess for this firework spectacular, and Kate mentioned that the focus will be on the pyrotechnic display in the sky and on Cinderella Castle, on the music, and on the moment of coming together as a community. She also shared that guests will be able to view Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks from throughout the Magic Kingdom, so there’s no need to miss out on the party fun while by staking out a spot in the Hub for hours on end.
Kate was also excited to share about the holiday offerings coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Bringing the holidays to Animal Kingdom is something that the team at Disney has been working on for three years, and it sounds like it’ll be a time filled with wonder and light. Lisa Borotkanics of the Holiday Services Team showed us samples of the animal luminaries that will be coming to Discovery Island, as well as themed holiday pieces that will grace Gran Destino Tower (picture below) and Disney’s Riviera Resort (second picture below) during their first holiday seasons. You’ll notice that the resort decorations reflect their individual theming and color palettes.
Disney Ambassador Alumni, Ken Facey, told me that he’s most looking forward to the attraction overlays that will be coming to the Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Ken mentioned that Tomorrowland Speedway will transform into a winter wonderland complete with Christmas décor and lights. Christmas will also come to Monstropolis as the lovable monsters from Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor discover what the holiday season is all about, and tell all-new jokes in the process.
Ken also shared that a new tag ending featuring Olaf and a sneak peek of Frozen 2 will both be coming to First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration in Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season. The tag ending and Frozen 2 sneak peek will appear after each sing-along performance.
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without cookies, would it? Epcot Bakery Pastry Chef, Noah French, shared the lineup of delicious cookies that will be coming to this year’s Cookie Stroll during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. From Chocolate Crinkle to Peppermint Pinwheel, from Raspberry Linzer to the Santa Mickey redemption cookie (and including the new, plant-based recipe for the Black and White cookie), the Epcot Bakery Team will be whipping up many tasty treats for guests to enjoy. There will also be 12 specialty Holiday Kitchens located throughout the World Showcase during the festival.
Disney’s Merchandise Team has come up with some fun and creative offerings for the 2019 holiday season. We’ll have new spirit jerseys (including one specifically themed to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party), Alex and Ani bracelets, Loungefly backpacks, Minnie Mouse ear headbands, trading pins, plush toys, and, of course, ornaments. Holiday merchandise prices have not yet been released.
I don’t know about you, but with all of the new and exciting additions coming to the 2019 holiday season here at Walt Disney World, I think this year might just be the merriest one yet.
Deni loves all things Disney, and, in 2013, moved to the Magic from Maryland. Walt Disney World is her happy place, and she loves getting to share it with others. Deni and her husband of almost 26 years have 2 grown children. Her favorite WDW snack? A Mickey Bar, of course. Is there any other?!
