What To Expect At Disney World During The Holidays: Expanded Hours, Festivities And More

While Disney World is operating on a reduced schedule because of the coronavirus pandemic, visitors to its theme parks will be able to enjoy some extra hours during the holiday season.

Disney has increased its hours of operation for December at its Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Hollywood Studios.

From Dec. 1 to 5, Magic Kingdom will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Epcot will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the same dates.

Fans of Disney's Hollywood Studios will have from 10 a.m. to 7 p. m. from Nov. 1 to Dec. 6 to enjoy the park while Disney Springs will open its retail shops from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 for holiday shopping.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will keep its current hours.

The news of the extended hours come as Disney halted some of its traditional holiday celebrations. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at Epcot will no longer be held as well as the holiday show Castle Dream Lights event, USA Today reported.

Disney said that the parks will be decked out for the holiday season, starting on Nov. 6. The holiday festivities will run through Dec. 30, including seasonal food, drinks, and merchandise

New entertainment experiences will also be available for guests of the parks. This will include projection effects on Cinderella’s castle and a new lineup of Christmas characters that will make their way through the theme parks. Traditional holiday characters will also be dressed up for the holiday season.

Festive flotillas will appear at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a holiday promenade will be held at Epcot, and merry motorcades will ride throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Santa Claus will also make an appearance at each of the parks during festivities.

The changes in the Christmas season events at Disney World come as the company announced its first Halloween costume contest – the Mousequrade – a virtual event that will be judged by a series of celebrity judges and award up to $500 to the best Disney-inspired costume.