When you walk down Main Street, U.S.A. on the first morning of November, it’s clear something has changed. The pumpkins that greeted you a day earlier are gone, and the first hints of Christmas are starting to show. That moment is coming around again soon, and this year it lands on Sunday, November 1.
It has been a long, spooky season at Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party started in early August, about two months ago, and has filled the calendar with a large number of hard-ticket nights since then. The last one is on October 31. As soon as the final guests head for the exits, cast members get to work taking down the fall decor.
The holiday installation happens in stages rather than all at once, so November 1 is more of an opening act than the full show. Even so, early risers that morning should find festive touches appearing on Main Street, U.S.A. and elsewhere in the park. The fall decor comes down across Walt Disney World Resort, which makes November 1 the starting line for one of the busiest and most popular stretches of the year.
What we’re looking forward to
There is plenty ahead. The Frozen Holiday Surprise takes over Cinderella Castle, Jungle Cruise becomes Jingle Cruise for the season, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back for another year.
Mark these dates: the party opens on November 8, and the official Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort season begins on November 13. If you hope to attend the party, you may want to move quickly. Ten dates were already sold out at the time of publication, a clear sign that fans still see value in themed nights with lighter crowds, even at higher ticket prices.
A note on Lightning Lane
Before you plan your holiday ride strategy, there is one less cheerful update. November 1 also brings higher maximum prices for Lightning Lane Single Pass at four of the major attractions that offer it. At Magic Kingdom, that includes both TRON Lightcycle / Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, two rides where many guests already rely on paid access.
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is also coming back to Magic Kingdom from November 1. If you decide to add it to your day, expect to pay $449.
So whether you are sad to see the Sanderson Sisters go or already humming carols, the change is just around the corner. Santa Claus is on his way.
How do you feel about the end of this season at Disney World? Let us know in the comments down below!
