Disney Parks are shifting gears from Halloween to the holiday season, swapping pumpkins for poinsettias.
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| A staple of Disney’s theme park’s celebrations, the giant Mickey pumpkin statue towers over guests on Main Street. Disney |
During one of their busiest times of the year, Disney’s U.S. theme parks are transitioning from Halloween to Christmas, with the transformation occurring almost overnight. Warm autumn decor is quickly replaced with festive green garlands, and the entire process spans around six weeks to fully complete.
Approximately two weeks before Halloween even ends, Disney teams begin installing subtle holiday elements, like lighting rigs, to prepare for the season. This massive transformation is the result of 12 months of planning and coordination across numerous departments, including horticulture, tech services, crane operators, truck and aerial lift drivers, and even culinary teams.
Most of this work is done overnight, allowing Disney’s cast members to work their magic while the parks are closed.
“Halloween and the holidays are particularly magical times at Disney theme parks, and guests return year after year for the unique blend of traditions and surprises,” said Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock.
“These experiences are brought to life by our dedicated cast members, who work tirelessly, often while we’re sleeping, to create seamless and imaginative transformations throughout the year.”
By November 8 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and November 15 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, Disney’s full winter holiday lineup will be unveiled. This includes glittering Christmas trees, character costumes, limited-edition food and beverages, and exclusive merchandise.
For Disney, the holiday season is highly profitable, drawing large crowds and increasing revenue. According to Gavin Doyle, founder of MickeyVisit.com, October and December have become two of the most popular travel months for Disney parks.
“It used to be primarily the summer, but October and December now have unique offerings that make these months stand out,” Doyle noted. “It’s part of Disney’s strategy of limited-time exclusivity, exciting guests for these short-lived experiences.”
Disney’s Experiences division, which includes parks, cruises, hotels, and consumer products, saw revenue of $9.13 billion from October to December 2023. In other quarters, revenue ranged between $7 billion and $8.3 billion.
This past year, Disney extended its Halloween events, starting with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on August 9 in Florida and the Oogie Boogie Bash on August 25 in California. Both events ran until October 31, boosting attendance well into the company’s summer quarter.
The year’s end also brings a wave of returning guests, especially local visitors, who incorporate Disney’s holiday events into their annual plans. Disney’s seasonal updates—such as character costumes, food and drink, and themed merchandise—provide fresh attractions for these repeat guests.
With Halloween behind, Disney has fully embraced the winter holiday season. This includes special holiday-themed changes to rides and attractions, as well as seasonal parades and fireworks displays.
At Disneyland, holiday overlays will debut on November 15 for iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, It’s a Small World, and the Haunted Mansion. Seasonal parades, fireworks, and festivals will also commence, and Santa Claus will be greeting guests at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
Meanwhile, at Walt Disney World, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins on November 8, with Jollywood Nights starting on November 9. The Florida park will showcase holiday fireworks, parades, and themed character meet-and-greets.
Space Mountain and the Jungle Cruise (temporarily becoming the Jingle Cruise) will also receive special holiday overlays, along with other attractions.
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