Disney Cruise Line Holiday Celebration Details

Disney is celebrating #HalfwaytotheHolidays and Disney Cruise Line is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays!

The calendar may say July, but it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays, right? From the catchy holiday jingles, themed food and gatherings with family and cherished loved ones, there are so many reasons why it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Whether you are looking for a new family tradition or just simply want to add some cheer to the season, Disney Cruise Line has an option to make the magic of the holidays come alive – Very Merrytime Cruises!

From early November through December, the Disney Cruise Line fleet is decked from bow-to-stern with holiday cheer and entertainment during Very Merrytime Cruises. Holiday magic is unwrapped for the whole family with festive holiday decor, favorite characters in their finest holiday attire and a special visit from none other than Santa Claus.

But don’t just take my word for it! Here are some of my favorite things about these special holiday sailings on board Disney Cruise Line.

Holly Jolly Decor

When you enter the atrium for the first time on your Very Merrytime Cruise, your eyes will likely be immediately drawn to the three-deck-tall Christmas tree. That’s right – from garlands, poinsettias and shimmering lights, décor will fill the nooks and crannies of our ships during these holiday sailings, filling your vacation with holiday merriment from the moment you step on board!

Santa Claus! 

What’s a holiday cruise without Santa and Mrs. Claus? We may not be at the North Pole, but you can still be on the lookout for sightings of ‘Old Saint Nick’ while you’re on board, and you won’t want to miss one of our favorite Disney Cruise Line traditions – Storytime with Mrs. Claus.

Characters in holiday attire

Whether it’s Mickey in his winter sweater, Pluto with antlers or Goofy in a full-fledged Santa suit, your favorite characters will be dressed in their finest holiday garb during Very Merrytime Cruises.

Castaway Cay

My favorite thing to do for the holidays is trade in white snow for the white sand beaches on Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island. But even though you may be in the Bahamas, this slice of paradise is decked for the holidays as well – with a tropical flair, of course! A massive Christmas tree, holiday island music and even “snow” flurries await your family, guaranteeing that the only “blue” you’ll be feeling this holiday season is the color of the crystal-clear waters!

2021 Holiday Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World

Today Disney is celebrating “Halfway to the Holidays!” If you’re ready to plan a visit to Walt Disney World for the 2021 holidays, we have some exciting news for you! Disney has announced holiday festivities happening at all four parks, Disney Springs, plus Walt Disney World Resorts. Get ready to experience festive entertainment, whimsical décor, seasonal food and drinks, and holiday-themed merchandise will all be a part of this very special season. Here’s a sneak peek as shared by Disney below:

Magic Kingdom Park

Holidays are sure to be enchanting at Magic Kingdom Park, where quintessential decorations will return to Main Street, U.S.A. When the sun sets, special holiday projections will appear most nights on Cinderella Castle, alternating periodically with the castle’s transformation into a Beacon of Magic.* What a great way to celebrate the holidays and the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! Now, talk about an early holiday gift… Disney Very Merriest After Hours,” a new special-ticketed event, will debut Nov. 8 before all the rest of the festive fun. It will be available on select nights through Dec. 21. The four hours of festivities will delight guests with “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” Disney characters throughout the park, holiday music and décor, treats included and so much more! As with other Disney After Hours events, a limited number of tickets will be sold for this event. It’s held after regular park operating hours, with lower wait times and access to more than 20 select attractions. Tickets will go on sale next month, with an early purchase window available to guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sunset Seasons Greetings returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard will twinkle once again with projection effects, magically transforming into a snowy corner of Arendelle, a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” This holiday show will also alternate with the tower’s nightly transformation into a Beacon of Magic. Santa Claus will bring some North Pole cheer to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard. You will also be able to enjoy “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” with its festive finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf. Minnie Mouse is also returning to host her festive meal at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Minnie and her friends will be donning their holiday best – even Santa Goofy will be there! And throughout the season, vintage-themed holiday décor will shine bright across the park.

Holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

It will be a wild holiday time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with the return of seasonal décor and festive Disney character flotillas sailing down Discovery River to the sounds of joyful songs of the season. The park’s centerpiece – The Tree of Life – becomes another Beacon of Magic most nights during the 50th anniversary celebration. During the holiday season there’s even more magic inspired by nature as the holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings also takes place most nights.

Disney Springs

You can happily discover whatever you’re after this holiday season at Disney Springs. The shopping, dining and entertainment destination will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises. This year sees the return of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, with elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees – some new and some inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” A magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers in Town Center. Here, you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, including yourself. Discover holiday ornaments, matching family pajamas, festive Spirit Jerseys, and more – be sure to check your list twice so you don’t forget any holiday must-haves! There will even be themed food and beverages; one of my favorite spots, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, will once again transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, with delightful décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.

Disney Resort Hotels

Our Disney Resort hotels will be decked for the holidays, with iconic trees and other seasonal touches. And a guest favorite will return this year, as select gingerbread displays will once again be part of our holiday season! Also at select resorts, you will find restaurants offering holiday menus and specialty food and drink.

EPCOT 

Where can you enjoy traditions from around the world, with inspiring music, tasty treats and family-friendly experiences? If you guessed EPCOT … … you are correct! The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return this year, from Nov. 26 – Dec. 30, with Holiday Kitchens around the park, performances by Voices of Liberty, the guest favorite Cookie Stroll and more!

Holiday Eats & Treats at Disney Springs!

Excuse us while we fill your screen with mouthwatering goodness! Disney has released Disney Springs eats and treats for this holiday seasons and yes, we’re drooling! Check out the scrumptious images and details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

The holidays are here and we’re ready to share some jolly foodie cheer! There’s no denying that some of the best food comes out around the holiday season and that’s no exception at Disney Springs. With everything from quick, sweet bites at your favorite quick-service locations to delicious and indulgent dishes, desserts, and cocktails at our incredible restaurants, there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s taste buds. Ready to plan your culinary adventure? I’ve curated all the flavorful details for you and where to find them below: 

Black Forest Parfait, Holiday Mickey Mousse, Holiday Petit Cake, Mickey Santa Dome Cake, Peppermint Crème Brûlée, Spiced Yule Log, at Amorette’s Patisserie

Amorette’s Patisserie (All items available through Jan. 2)

  • Black Forest Parfait – Chocolate mousse with cherry cream and cherry liquor
  • Holiday Mickey Mousse – White chocolate mousse, dark chocolate with chocolate chiffon cake
  • Holiday Petit Cake – Almond Chiffon cake, Hazelnut Panna Cotta, Cherry jam, Chocolate pieces, and hazelnut liqueur 
  • Mickey Santa Dome Cake – Large Dome Cake (Ask a Cast Member for available flavors.)
  • Peppermint Crème Brûlée – Chocolate Peppermint-infused custard with crushed peppermint, meringue and sable cookie 
  • Spiced Yule Log – Red Velvet Chiffon with spiced cheesecake filling, Dark Chocolate Crisp Pearls, garnished with chocolate ganache, poinsettia, and a fondant reindeer
Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle, AristoCrepes

AristoCrepes

  • Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle – Cherry fruit filling and ice cream in a waffle (Available Dec. 1-Jan.3)
  • Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle – Sweet potato waffle and ice cream topped with marshmallow fluff (Available through Dec. 1)
  • Eggnog Crepe – Eggnog custard in a crepe with pralines (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 3)
  • Mickey Snow Globe Sipper Cup – Disney Annual Passholder exclusive novelty (Available while supplies last)
Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Warm, house-baked pumpkin bread in a rich custard topped with rich vanilla bean ice cream and finished with a golden spun sugar garnish
1871 Chili, City Works Eatery & Pour House

City Works Eatery & Pour House

  • 1871 Chili – Angus steak, milk stout, pork, chipotle peppers, sour cream, red onions, served with a cornbread muffin

The Daily Poutine (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Gobbler Poutine – French fries with shredded turkey, gravy, and cheese curds
Holiday Turkey Sandwich, Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich 

  • Holiday Turkey Sandwich – Turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and  mayonnaise
Mickey Santa Piñata, The Ganachery

The Ganachery (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Eggnog Ganache Square – Creamy bourbon eggnog covered in dark chocolate
  • Gingerbread Ganache Square – Gingerbread spices combined with creamy milk chocolate
  • Mickey Santa Piñata – Dark chocolate piñata decorated like Mickey Santa filled with marshmallow treats
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer and Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (All items available through Dec. 25)

  • Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer – Steamed milk, rich cocoa butter notes from the white chocolate caramel squares, classic caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a touch of sea salt.
  • Ghirardelli Peppermint Hot Cocoa – Peppermint with the decadence of Ghirardelli chocolate
Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs 

  • Peppermint Bark Ice Cream – Rich white chocolate ice cream blended with crunchy chocolaty peppermint bark and peppermint pieces. (Available in a cone, cup or any handmade dessert through Jan. 15.)
Milk and Cookies by the Fireside, C9 Light Deviled Eggs, Papa Noel’s Churrasco, Mistletoe Mule and Very Berry Margarita, Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Milk and Cookies by the Fireside – Butter cookies and coquito with rum
  • Child Cookies and Milk – Chocolate chip cookie and milk
  • C9 Light Deviled Eggs – Colored deviled eggs with shrimp, and caviar
  • Grandma’s Favorite Sliders – Venison sausage sliders, cranberry-bacon jam, and watercress on brioche bun
  • Papa Noel’s Churrasco – Flank steak with fried sweet plantains and spicy aji amarillo peanut sauce
  • Jock’s Holiday Nog – Cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, vodka, hazelnut-flavored liqueur, and vanilla
  • Mistletoe Mule – Vodka, lime, and passion fruit topped  with ginger beer
  • Very Berry Margarita – Tequila, coconut rum, cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, and cranberry juice
Varietal blends, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

  • Celebrate this holiday season and warm up your heart and cup with Joffrey’s new line of blends including Disney’s Riviera Resort Blend and the 2020 Holiday Blend plus Campfire Mug Gift Set
Fried Mac and Cheese, Mac & Cheese Disney Food Truck

Mac & Cheese (Disney Food Truck)

  • Fried Mac and Cheese – Crispy fried cheesy elbow macaroni with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese (Available through Jan. 3)
Jolly Holiday Float, Marketplace Snacks

Marketplace Snacks

  • Jolly Holiday Float – Cranberry orange juice with vanilla ice cream
  • Olaf Pilsner Novelty Cup 

Outdoor Vending Carts & Kiosks (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Feliz Navidad – Tequila, crème de cassis, apple juice, and lime juice
  • Claus-Mo – Vodka and orange-flavored triple sec liqueur mixed with cranberry juice
  • Mistletoe – Coconut rum, melon-flavored liqueur, blue curaçao liqueur mixed with Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice
  • Florida Yule – Vodka and orange juice topped with ginger beer
  • Winter Wonderland – Cinnamon whisky and cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur
  • Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whisky, vodka, and white cranberry juice
  • Mickey Christmas Tree Novelty Popcorn Bucket (Available while supplies last)
  • Peppermint Mickey Novelty Bottle Topper (Available while supplies last)
  • Mickey Jingle Bell Novelty Glow Cube (Available while supplies last)
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour, The Polite Pig

The Polite Pig

  • Holiday Feast – Leave your Thanksgiving meal to The Polite Pig and order the Holiday Feast featuring your choice of main course, sides, and dessert. Call (407) 938-7444 to order. (Orders must be placed by Nov. 23 for pickup on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
  • Apple Cider Whiskey Sour – Hand-crafted special blend of rye, apple cider, sour mix, and bourbon with a sweet cinnamon sugar rim.
Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread, Splitsville

Splitsville (All items available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread – Maple apple butter, smoked gouda, and goat cheese topped with crisp diced apples, grilled chicken, red onion, bacon, and cilantro
  • Spiced Pear Spritzer – Fresh pear nectar, ginger liqueur, vodka, lemon juice and allspice topped with ginger ale and garnished with star anise
Chocolate Peppermint, Christmas Cookie, Gingerbread, and Cannoli Cupcakes, Sprinkles

Sprinkles 

  • Pumpkin Cupcake – Pumpkin cake laced with fragrant ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting rim (Available through Nov. 29)
  • Double Stuffed Oreo® Cupcake – Oreo® cookie crust, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream filling, vanilla buttercream frosting with Oreo® crumble rim (Available through Nov. 22)
  • Cannoli Cupcake – Ricotta Pistachio Cake filled and frosted with mascarpone cream, topped with crushed cannoli shells, chopped chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios; finished with truffled chocolate ganache (Available Nov. 23-29)
  • Christmas Cookie Cupcake – Vanilla cake studded with red and green sprinkles topped with vanilla buttercream frosting with red and green sprinkles and a homemade sugar cookie coated in sprinkles (Available Nov. 27- Jan. 3)
  • Gingerbread Cupcake – Spiced ginger cake topped with cream cheese frosting and dusted with cinnamon sugar (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake – Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with bittersweet chocolate-peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
Tiramisù Push Pop, Vivoli il Gelato

Vivoli il Gelato

  • Tiramisù Push Pop – Tiramisù cream, cocoa powder, and cake soaked in coffee sauce
  • Cotton Candy Affogato – Choice of gelato paired with espresso, whipped cream, and cotton candy
Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Butternut Tortellini, Heirloom Apple Salad, Fall Spiced Sangria, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (All items available through Dec. 31)

  • Roasted Pumpkin Soup – Cardamom cream, spiced pumpkin seeds
  • Butternut Tortellini – Delicate Squash, cranberries, pumpkin butter
  • Heirloom Apple Salad – Local burrata, baby kale, pear butter, currants, ver jus
  • Fall Spiced Sangria – Apples, pears, cinnamon
Saganaki On Fire, Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George 

  • Saganaki On Fire – Made with vlahotiri cheese and metaxa (a Greek spirit), this traditional dish from Greece is set on fire tableside and served with crostini
  • Hooten Young American Whiskey –  Discovered by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – American whiskey with notes of maple, vanilla, ripe apple. and a long smooth finish. Available in the Hoot Cocktail, Wine Bar George Old Fashioned, or however you like to enjoy your whiskey.
Santa’s White Christmas Cookie, Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie,  Gideon’s Bakehouse

I know we’re all anxiously awaiting the upcoming opening of Gideon’s Bakehouse! As a sneak peek, I’m excited to share two of their limited-time cookies that will be available through Dec. 31 when they open soon at Disney Springs:  

  • Santa’s White Christmas Cookie – White Chocolate Chip Cookie filled with notes of Coconut, Sweet Caramel, Vanilla, and Nutty Flavors with freshly ground locally roasted coffee beans throughout. The cookie elves have also added the crunch of coarse sugar, the Gideon’s signature sea salt, and a pinch of Christmas glitter.
  • Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie – Deep, dark Triple Chocolate Velvet textured cookie filled with Andes Mint and available in its own special packaging. 

Looking to enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal? A few of our table service restaurants are offering their own unique menus on Thanksgiving Day including: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, City Works Eatery & Pour House, Paddlefish, Paradiso 27, Taste of the Americas, Planet Hollywood, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, Terralina Crafted Italian, The Edison, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made at disneysprings.com or opentable.com. 

Remember to allow at least 60 minutes to reach your destination when traveling to Disney Springs and be sure to follow @disneysprings on social media for more delicious happenings across property. 

Disney’s Toys for Tots Campaign

Of all the wonderful traditions, activities and celebrations that come with the holiday season, none are as special as the seasonal opportunities we have to help others. At the heart of Disney is a love for the magic and mystery of childhood.

From a Disney Cast Member;

A big part of the holidays are about giving back and we are thrilled that shopDisney.com and Disney store are teaming up with Toys for Tots for the third year in a row to help bring joy to children in underserved communities this holiday season.

This year, we have a little help from actor and self-proclaimed Disney super-fan Neil Patrick Harris to kick off the initiative and spread the word that from now through December 13, 2020, you can donate a toy online at shopDisney.com/ToysForTots, or a new, unwrapped toy at any Disney store in the U.S. or World of Disney at Disney Springs and the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort  World of Disney, and Disney will donate an additional $1 to Toys for Tots.

In addition to donating a new, unwrapped toy, guests can support Toys for Tots by purchasing a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Gingerbread pin. Disney will donate $1 to Toys for Tots (toysfortots.org) for every Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Gingerbread pin purchased at a U.S. Disney store or on shopDisney.com from Nov. 1 – Dec. 24, 2020.

As the magic of the holidays arrives, you can also celebrate at Disney Parks around the globe. Among the many discoveries, guests will find enchanting experiences, delectable dining options and merry-making merchandise that welcome new and returning favorites to the season.

Bring the Disney Parks magic of the season home with new holiday-themed merchandise available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in California and online at shopDisney.com.

“Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla” & More At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The holidays have officially arrived at Magic KingdomDisney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Disney has released information for what to expect beginning today and throughout the holiday season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as shared by DisneyParksBlog below.

Holiday fun returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, bringing unique seasonal décor and a flurry of festive flotillas with favorite Disney characters sailing down the Discovery River to a jolly holiday soundtrack.

“Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla” takes its seasonal celebration to the water, with character friends waving to everyone as they pass, and Chip ‘n’ Dale jingle through the jungle, bringing their own style of holiday flair to the river. The Discovery Island Drummers cruise along, too, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic holiday beat. And when Santa Claus makes the trek to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he’ll spread the joyous spirit of the season to all he sees along the way.