What is the Merry Menagerie? 

See These Animal Puppets in Merry Menagerie

When Does Merry Menagerie Happen?

Find Merry Menagerie Merch at Animal Kingdom

How Merry Menagerie Spotlights Conservation 

Who Are the Artists This Year?

Rosana Iarusso – New in 2026!

Darren Wilson

 

Yesenia Moises

Dave Perillo

Jerrod Maruyama

Dylan Bonner

 

 

Josey Tsao

Will Artists Be Signing Artwork?

When and Where Can You Meet Artists?

Will Any Artists Be Creating New Art Live at the Festival?

What Other Art Experiences Are Happening at the Festival?

The Family Beach Cabanas at Disney Castaway Cay now have a new name - Sandcastle Cabanas! This name change adds even more magic and fun to the island experience for our guests. When booking a Sandcastle Cabana online under My Cruise Activities, guests will see the cabanas listed as follows:

• Castaway Cay - Sandcastle Cabana (cabana number) – Family

With this change, 'Sandcastle Cabanas' and 'Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabanas' can now be viewed on the new map of Disney Castaway Cay.

Please note, booking a cabana is based on availability. Cabanas can be pre-reserved online at www.disneycruise.com under My Cruise Activities. The cabanas can only be booked at a reservation level. When booking online, only guests in the reservation for which the cabana is being reserved should be selected to confirm the reservation. Additional Guests (up to 10) can be added to the cabana reservation onboard at the Port Adventures Desk or at Guest Services.

Cardmembers can use their Disney Visa Card to book a room with special rates at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels—valid for 2-night or longer stays (must be consecutive nights) most Sunday to Thursday nights from January 4 to February 10, 2026.

Special Cardmember Rates (Excluding Tax):

• $99 per night: Disney's All-Star Sports Resort – Standard Room
• $199 per night: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort – Village – Standard Location
• $299 per night: Disney's Art of Animation Resort – Cars Family Suite
• $399 per night: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – standard Savanna View
• $429 per night: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – 1-Bedroom Villa
• $449 per night: Disney's BoardWalk Inn – Resort View

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. See full offer details here.

Early 2026

Earlier this fall, we shared that Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures at Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will receive new updates, taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.

Today, we're delighted to share that guests can see these updated figures in February 2026! We can’t wait to sail through this beloved story while enjoying the latest and greatest in Audio-Animatronics figure technology.

And while guests are at EPCOT early in the new year – and belting out songs – they can stop by the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts from January 16 to February 23 for artisanal dishes, beautiful artwork, and sing-your-heart-out Broadway showtunes from favorite DISNEY ON BROADWAY shows and stars.

What’s the best way to end a Walt Disney World day? With Disney After Hours, of course! The favorite after-park-close separately ticketed event is back in 2026. Whether guests want to go on an adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, explore the world at EPCOT, or be enchanted at Magic Kingdom, there will be fun, magic and included snacks and beverages waiting!

Spring 2026

During springtime in Florida, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the flowers are blooming … especially at the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, returning from March 4 to June 1.

Get ready to stroll past whimsical topiaries and lush gardens, savor mouthwatering bites at Outdoor Kitchens, and jam to live tunes during the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Keep an eye out on Disney Travel News for more details coming soon!

Speaking of fresh air … fresh mountain air will be calling our names when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens this spring at Magic Kingdom, with touches of new magic and a crevasse-deep to mountain-top refurbishment. Guests might remember that we shared details about beautiful – yet menacing – Rainbow Caverns deep in the heart of this mysterious mountain. We might find more trouble than gold in that thar wilderness!

Across Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland, we're ready to take on Evil Emperor Zurg with the help of updated ride vehicles, cool new handheld blasters, and interactive targets at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin … and guests of all ages won’t need to wait too long to try for that Galactic Hero rank, because the attraction reopens spring 2026!

Summer 2026

Did you know that summer is the best time to visit Walt Disney World? Well, it’s always a good time to visit Walt Disney World to be honest, but summer is perfect for visiting the parks while kids are out of school.

Get ready to dance at GoofyCore in EPCOT, play games with favorite characters while out and about in the parks, and enjoy new and refreshed attractions this Cool KIDS’ SUMMER when even more family fun comes back to Walt Disney World in 2026! Plus, new family-friendly offers and deals for summer vacations are coming, so check back in January for more information about ways families can save on a vacation to The Most Magical Place On Earth.

Guests can start a vacation with a *splash* this summer when they check into one of the Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Whether they dream of being surrounded by a tropical paradise or a watery wintery wonderland, families can enjoy free Disney Water Park admission on their arrival day, included in their stay!

Speaking of water parks at Walt Disney World, keep an eye out for the return of Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon! During this separately ticketed event, guests can splash the night away with a DJ dance party, meet up with fun Disney pals, enjoy favorite watery attractions, and indulge in complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages – all after the sun goes down and the water park closes. 

If your clients' summer memories need a chorus of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” then this next one is for them – for the first time ever, Banana Ball is headed to ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World May 29-30.

Whether they're team Loco Beach Coconuts or team Party Animals, the trick plays, diving catches, and on-the-field shenanigans are sure to deliver a homerun of fun. The Banana Ball Ticket Lottery List is currently closed, but a limited number of Tickets Inclusive of Food & Beverage will be available for fans to purchase soon!

Beginning in summer 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort, guests will be able to take a fun excursion to Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where they can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Play some favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy.

Grab the whole family and snap some pictures alongside Blue Heeler pals to remember this one-of-a-kind adventure. Plus, as part of the wild excursion, step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia!

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will debut this summer packed with upbeat tunes. Guests will be dancing along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they embark on a road trip to find some of their best pals – Goofy, Daisy and Pluto, of course – for the party. Guests may have seen this show over at Disneyland Resort in California, and soon you’ll be able to join in on the fun in the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios area at Walt Disney World.

Later in the summer, “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open and invite us all inside the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios and its beloved, playful creations. Just like in the award-winning short “Once Upon a Studio,” animated characters come to life; characters will leap from their portraits, draw with us, and invite us into a “Drawn To Wonderland” playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art.

And that’s just the beginning! Guests will also be able to venture into “Off the Page!,” a stunning area born of collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. Here, guests can meet some of their favorite friends from beloved Disney stories across six unique departments from the animation studio:

• Story
• Layout
• Hand-Drawn Animation
• Computer Animation
• Lighting
• Effects

Each space offers incredible photo opportunities: guests can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or, step into the Layout department where Rapunzel awaits in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera. Align the photo just right, and guests will see layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like magic!

And if we rock on over to Sunset Boulevard, there’s a Muppetational transformation going down – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open summer 2026. Looking to take another ride with Aerosmith before rolling out the red carpet for The Muppets? Guests can keep ridin’ and rockin’ (and rollin’) until spring 2026!

A new mission is touching down in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World on May 22. The all-new adventure is centered around “The Mandalorian and Grogu!"

Not only is 2026 a great time to visit Walt Disney World, it’s also the 250^th anniversary of the United States of America!

The Walt Disney Company, founded over a hundred years ago in Los Angeles, California, recently announced “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating this milestone anniversary of the United States – including Soarin’ Across America, an immersive flight experience across new scenic vistas aboard the beloved Soarin’ attractions at Disney California Adventure Park and EPCOT. Soarin’ to tower, we’ll be ready for takeoff on this all-new American adventure at Walt Disney World by Memorial Day 2026!

Fall 2026

What says fall more than the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? Nothing! Come Eat to the Beat (IYKYK) and explore all that EPCOT has to offer while soaking in the fall vibes ... and munching on some delicious bites. With global flavors to explore, guests are sure to mark off a worldwide spree of good eats in their Festival Passport.

Let the gourd times roll when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns in 2026 at Magic Kingdom! Get ready to boo-gie with fan-favorite eerie entertainment, enjoy spellbinding sips and bites and well-loved mysterious character greetings to celebrate the spooky season with this separately ticketed event on select nights.

Winter 2026

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the separately ticketed event that combines holiday cheer and Hollywood glam will return on select nights in 2026! Get ready to celebrate the season in style with themed entertainment, festive food and beverage offerings, character greetings galore, and of course, all things glitz and glamour at Disney Jollywood Nights.

Cocoa, cookies and Santa – oh my! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is tied with a bow and returning on select nights in 2026. This separately ticketed event is packed with seasonal entertainment, delicious food and cozy merchandise that will make guests fall in love with the holiday season all over again.

And rounding out the holiday events at the parks is the always-wonderful EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, also returning for 2026. From the tales far and near told by Holiday Storytellers, the delicious comfort foods at Holiday Kitchens, to the glorious Candlelight Processional, this festival will always have a special spot in my heart.

Now, that’s a lot of fun to be had across the theme parks and resorts – and we would never forget Disney Springs! LEVEL99 is coming to Disney Springs West Side. This powerhouse of play will open in 2026 with over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels and art hunts that will test the mental and physical prowess of families. And, guests snag a drink and one of LEVEL99’s signature Detroit-style pizzas at the venue’s 2-story bar once we finish our games.

So Many New Reasons to Visit Disney World in 2026

Whenever you choose to visit Walt Disney World, there’s always something incredible to see and fresh to experience. Think about the newest nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom with “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away!”

And “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios … the reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors at EPCOT … and the newest 4D show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plus, the many newly refurbished rooms to call your home-away-from-home across the Disney Resorts Collection!

It's going to be a fantastic year of going back to enjoy fan favorites, checking out new magic, and spending time with the people who mean the most during your next visit to Walt Disney World – whether you’re visiting in spring, summer, fall or during the winter holidays. As a valued travel professional, be sure to visit Disney Travel News on January 5 to learn more about planning 2026 Walt Disney World vacations with an on-demand webcast, marketing resources and more helpful information ahead of the January offers mentioned above.

• Updated mobile-friendly design
• Enhanced connecting room functions
• Streamlined cart page

Other updates travel professionals may notice include the Vacation Protection Plan relocated to the checkout page and the dining time option has moved to post-booking.

A Tradition That Tops It All

Craftsmanship Behind the Magic

Discovering the Holiday Icon Trees

Holiday Magic Around Every Corner

From November 14 through December 31, 2025, get ready to deck the halls as Walt Disney World comes to life with Christmas decor, themed food and beverage items, characters in festive outfits, special holiday entertainment, new holiday merchandise across Disney World and so much more.

Holiday Foodies and Christmas Tree Lovers, Read On: Here's everything guests need to know about the upcoming 2025 holiday season at Disney World and how to make the most of their cheerful visit.

Discover Nostalgic Holiday Fun at Magic Kingdom

Dreaming of a perfect Disney Christmas? As soon as guests pass through the Magic Kingdom park gates and have a clear view of Cinderella Castle from Main Street, U.S.A., guests will realize they are in the perfect spot to check off the holiday items on their personal bucket list.

Catch the Wintry Excitement During the “Frozen Holiday Surprise”

This year, guests can join “Frozen” friends from Arendelle as Olaf and over 100 of his snowgie siblings add garlands, ornaments, wreaths and more to Cinderella Castle during the “Frozen Holiday Surprise.”

With appearances from Anna, Kristoff and a magical moment from Elsa as she transforms Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystallized palace, this show is a dazzling nighttime experience that guests won’t want to miss.

Looking to see even more magic from Elsa during the holidays? Catch her and many other Disney characters in the new “Disney Starlight” parade, debuting July 20 and available twice each night (subject to cancellation). Please note that the parade will not be available on evenings Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but the parade will continue throughout the holiday season – after all, the cold never bothered us anyway.

Witness Stunning Holiday Decor Across the Park

Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic holiday picture spots across Walt Disney World, with plenty of beautiful areas to snap a photo worthy of a Christmas card.

With jolly holiday trimmings and touches along Main Street, U.S.A. and throughout the park, guests can smile, snap and share their perfect photos along a bright and merry Main Street and at other iconic Disney World locations such as Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion throughout their multi-day vacation.

Take Little Ones on the World-Famous Jingle Cruise

The world-famous Jingle Cruise returns in 2025 for a festive-yet-familiar adventure, as a trusty skipper expertly navigates guests through some of the world’s most treacherous waters. Guests may hear and see plenty of holiday-themed gags along their 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey that goes on for Niles and Niles and Niles, so make sure to keep a close ear as a skipper guides guests through the jungle with a boat full of pun-filled fun.

Yet the fun starts as soon as guests enter the queue. Before boarding your canopied tramp steamer, you’ll see that the skippers have also decorated the loading area with plenty of lights, sights and sounds for the holidays. Look out for some hidden details throughout the wait time – guests never know what they'll discover next about the shenanigans happening each day at the Jungle Navigation Company.

Explore Holiday Traditions from Around the World at EPCOT

With fan-favorite snacks from around the world, entertainment that is sure to put a smile on your face and attractions that delight time and time again, EPCOT is the ultimate family destination for guests staying at Disney World this winter. Bells will be ringing, and choirs will be singing, so make sure to bring cameras (and an appetite) when guests pass through the entrance of this cheerful park.

Travel Around World Showcase During Festival of the Holidays

From November 28 through December 30, 2025, travel around EPCOT for seasonal offerings and good times at the International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth.

During this time, experience the spirited “JOYFUL! Celebration of the Season” in CommuniCore Plaza featuring a combination of classic songs and updated arrangements with powerhouse vocalists, while the Voices of Liberty as Dickens Carolers delight guests inside The American Adventure Pavilion with holiday tunes in signature Victorian attire.

Witness a retelling of the nativity story at the popular Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre, held nightly at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., with a runtime of approximately 50 minutes. With celebrity narrators bringing the story of Christmas to life onstage, seating is first-come, first-served and often fills up fast during this popular performance, so plan ahead and make it a priority on guests' visit if they want to experience this stunning show.

Part of the charming allure of World Showcase during this time of the year are the Holiday Storytellers, sharing festive traditions and bringing holiday tales to life in their respective countries. Here’s some unique stories and performers guests can expect to see during their visit this winter:

• Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
• Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
• China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
• Italy Pavilion – La Befana
• Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
• Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
• France Pavilion – Père Noël
• United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
• Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs

Pick Out Favorite Holiday Foods Across EPCOT

All EPCOT lovers have one thing in common: they all love trying the unique food and drink options across the park! Whether guests are someone who starts their journey around World Showcase in Canada or Mexico, there are so many items to pick out and enjoy during your next visit to the park.

This year, the Holiday Kitchens across EPCOT are making a return for Festival of the Holidays with heartwarming recipes and festive flavors from around the world. The final details and menus are still being prepared, but make sure to stay tuned for the Festival of the Holidays 2025 foodie guide from Disney Eats.

Are visions of cookies and gingerbread dancing in their head? If so, guests will be happy to know that the Holiday Cookie Stroll returns this season, with favorites like the Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with Coffee-infused Buttercream, Cocoa Nibs and Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans.

Embark on Olaf’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt

See How Nature Shines on Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses

Discover a Hub of Holiday Magic at CommuniCore Hall

Discover Seasonal Surprises Around Every Corner at the Odyssey

Celebrate a Cinematic Christmas at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Whether they are listening to “Cool Yule” as guests stroll down Sunset Boulevard, finding the perfect toy inside Mickey’s of Hollywood or stopping by Echo Lake to take a holiday picture with Gertie, Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings the perfect amount of touching holiday charm to your multi-day trip to Walt Disney World in 2025.

Gaze in Wonder During “Sunset Seasons Greetings”

As night falls, experience the return of “Sunset Seasons Greetings” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with nightly holiday projections.

Get ready to play the music and light the lights each evening, as holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

Sing Along at “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration”

Once entering the Hyperion Theater, guests can drift over to their seat and listen as the Royal Historians of Arendelle recount the frosty story of their enchanted kingdom. Watch closely as thrilling moments from the movie play on-screen and cheer as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff appear to sing along with the audience.

With projected lyrics making it easy for young kids to sing along, witness a flurry of stories, celebratory songs of the season and an unforgettable holiday finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf.

Snap a Photo with Favorite Friends Dressed for the Season

Beautiful, vintage decor is adorned everywhere throughout Hollywood Studios, including Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard and more. However, for an up-close way to spot some fun decor and meet some of your favorite toys, step into the world of Andy’s backyard and head to Toy Story Land to find larger-than-life seasonal decorations and friends dressed in seasonal attire.

Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear are dressed up in their holiday best during this time of the year, so make sure to swing by, take a picture fit for a holiday card and say “hey, howdy, hey” to some favorite toys!

See Minnie Mouse and Friends at Minnie’s Holiday Dine

Spot Minnie Mouse and friends at Hollywood & Vine during Minnie’s Holiday Dine, which hosts sensational soirees that mix festive music, decor and tantalizing menu items. Guests of all ages can celebrate the holidays with additional Disney Characters perfectly dressed for the season, while munching on great dishes.

Selections include oven-roasted herbed chicken, carved beef tenderloin, seared salmon, spice-rubbed pork loin and a plant-based roasted mushroom-farro risotto. Make sure to save room for some showstopping desserts as well, including seasonal bread pudding, Mississippi mud pie and more.

Advance reservations are highly recommended for this fun, holiday experience and same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis (subject to availability), so make sure to book early to secure your spot for guests and their whole family.

Revisit Holiday Movie Classics at Walt Disney Presents

Discover Wild Seasonal Fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Looking to take a festive journey on the wild side this holiday season? Whether you’re looking to careen through snow-capped Himalayan peaks on a speeding train while avoiding the mythic Yeti on Expedition Everest or stick to more traditional holiday activities like greeting Disney characters in festive attire, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has something in store for guests of all ages during the upcoming holiday season.

Spot Polar Puppets During the Merry Menagerie Around Discovery Island

For a truly enchanting holiday experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom amidst beautiful holiday decor, artisan-sculpted puppets of artic animals come to life around Discovery Island during the Merry Menagerie. Kids and families alike can spot penguins, reindeer, foxes and polar bears, setting up the perfect photo opportunity for your yearly holiday card.

In addition, original artwork from artist Rob Kaz will be available at Island Mercantile in Discovery Island throughout the holiday season. Kaz will also greet guests inside Island Mercantile from November 1 through November 20, so make sure to swing by to see his beautiful Disney-themed artwork. 

Watch in Awe During the “Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition”

A dazzling visual display full of bright colors and animated imagery, the “Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition” lights up Animal Kingdom as the majestic centerpiece of the park comes to life on nights when the park is open after dark in Discovery Island.

Accompanied by a series of wintry tales and a heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score, this holiday evening experience is sure to delight and inspire your whole family tree. The show begins after dark each night and occurs approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes, so make sure to catch a quick peek before heading back to your hotel after a long day of fun.

Meet Disney Characters in Adventurous, Holiday Attire

At Adventurers Outpost, meet and pose for a photo with world travelers Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at their exploration headquarters, dressed in their best holiday outfits. The globetrotting couple is preparing for their next grand expedition, so make sure to snap a postcard-perfect picture to send to friends and family.

Surround Yourself in Holiday Cheer at Disney Springs

Looking for a place to check off all the boxes on your little one’s Christmas list? Disney Springs is the place to be to find classic Disney merchandise, souvenirs and trends from some of the world’s most popular brands during the holidays, as well as world-class restaurants, casual eateries, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and unforgettable late-night fun for adults.

Spot Snowfall and Take a Walk Around the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs is the perfect spot for holiday shopping, alongside dazzling decorations and the popular Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. Discover a wide collection of extravagantly decorated Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs, including elaborately themed Christmas trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars favorites.

Want to know about one of our favorite trees returning this year? Make sure to check out the returning Haunted Mansion-inspired tree featuring musical instruments, candlesticks and more – happy haunting and happy holidays!

For even more fun once guests are done searching for a favorite tree, make sure to also check out the magical nightly snowfall in the Town Center. Yes, even central Florida gets in on the wintry fun during this sensational time.

Sip and Snack at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

As the story goes, Indiana Jones and his easygoing pilot Jock Lindsey stumbled on Disney Springs in 1938 while chasing down a mythology-based tip in central Florida. Before long, this home base became a popular stopover and watering hole for world travelers and locals alike, full of dusty mementos of glorious holidays gone by. Today, thrill-seeking families soak up the rugged charm of Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, with its spare airplane parts, salvaged equipment and plenty of holiday decorations.

Looking for a peek behind the curtain at the offerings this year? This winter, the bar will serve up select seasonal bites, brews and libations for guests looking for a joyful time in between shopping at World of Disney and catching at new film at the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres.

Listen to Live Music and Encounter Holiday Fun

In addition to the world-class retail and dining locations, guests visiting Disney Springs will be surrounded by a winter wonderland full of toy soldier stilt walkers, snowflake rollerbladers, a holiday drum line and a brass band playing holiday tunes.

On select nights, guests may be able to listen to a rotating lineup of regional and local bands play live tunes on first-come, first-served seating at the Waterside Stage, while being a quick stroll away from a variety of grab-and-go snacks. With a warm coffee from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company in one hand and some cheesy, melty goodness from The Daily Poutine in the other, this is the place to be on a chilly night surrounded by good friends and lively music.

On your visit, make sure to stop by Disney’s Days of Christmas and World of Disney, where guests can find a wide range of cheerful holiday collections.

Greet Santa at Disney World

In between his busy schedule, Santa Claus will also swing by each of the four theme parks across Walt Disney World to meet guests on the nice list this holiday season. To put the bow on top, Santa Claus will also be stopping by Disney Springs through December 24, where guests can take festive photos and share holiday wishes with jolly old St. Nick.

For specific times and locations to meet Santa on their next visit, guests can visit My Disney Experience before he heads back to the North Pole.

Spot Christmas Decorations and More at Select Disney Resort Hotels

With more than 25 Disney Resort hotels to choose from in the Disney Resorts Collection, there are plenty of ways to make this holiday season special for you and your loved ones. With special offers, stunning decor and countless moments of joy, there’s so much to see and do at each of the Disney Resort hotels during the holiday season.

Set Sights on Larger-than-Life Holiday Decor

Looking to take Instagram-worthy pictures with Christmas trees, joyful decorations and incredible gingerbread displays? Or are you looking for a place to exchange gifts with family members while soaking in the sounds of peaceful holiday music and smelling the sweet aroma of gingerbread? The Disney Resort hotels offer a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor, with several hotels offering state-of-the-art gingerbread displays to see.

Many Disney Resort Hotels offer themed food and beverage items during the holiday season, such as special holiday gingerbread treats. For even more details on where to get delightful and wintry drinks as well as hearty snacks, make sure to be on the lookout for more updates on Disney Travel News.

Maybe guests are someone like who loves to enjoy a tropical Christmas celebration at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or maybe they prefer to check out a seaside holiday by the shore at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. No matter what their ideal vacation looks like, there’s something in store for kids, parents and grandparents alike to play and plan the holiday vacation of their dreams in 2025.

Book Special Offers for Merry Holiday Savings

*Valid theme park admission required for park entry.