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Will EPCOT and Animal Kingdom Join the Holiday Festivities with Their Own Christmas Parties?

Success of Christmas Parties at Disney

Disney World has blossomed into a winter wonderland each holiday season, capitalizing on the festive spirit with its signature Christmas Parties. Among these, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party stands tall as a crowd favorite, offering families a magical experience filled with exclusive attractions, enchanting shows, and delightful treats. This annual event has consistently sold out, proving its popularity and appeal among park-goers.

Guests stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, at Christmas.
Credit: tribbles1971, Flickr

In addition to Mickey’s party, Disney also hosts Jollywood Nights, a celebration that takes visitors back to the glitzy Hollywood of the 1940s and 1950s. Initially struggling in its debut, Jollywood Nights has turned a corner, reaching new heights of success with record attendance this year. Both parties not only enhance the holiday atmosphere but also highlight the increasing demand for special events during the festive season at Disney parks.

Potential for EPCOT’s Holiday Party

With the recent successes of Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, the spotlight now shifts to EPCOT. Traditionally, EPCOT has offered a range of holiday experiences, including festive decorations and culinary delights, particularly during its Holidays Around the World event. However, these offerings lack a cohesive theme akin to those of Mickey’s and Jollywood.

Disney Santa
Credit: Disney Dining

For EPCOT to introduce its own Christmas Party, it must develop a unifying theme that resonates with its diverse attractions. While the World Showcase offers a feast of cultural celebrations, there remains potential for a centralized holiday production, perhaps a dazzling show on the Showcase Lagoon that incorporates music and visuals celebrating each participating nation. Such innovations could draw larger crowds and create a sought-after holiday experience at EPCOT.

Considerations for Animal Kingdom’s Festivities

Animal Kingdom presents a different set of challenges for Disney regarding its own holiday party. Known for its early closing times, often before sunset, the park faces limitations in creating a nighttime festive atmosphere. Disney has cited the well-being of animals as the reason behind these closing times, yet many areas of the park could remain open after dark.

Tree of Life Awakenings
Credit: Disney

Imagine an after-hours holiday event that showcases Animal Kingdom’s beautiful landscapes under the stars. This experience could incorporate themes related to nature and conservation, encouraging guests to appreciate the beauty of wildlife and the importance of preserving it. Nighttime could bring unique insights into animal behavior and highlight the park’s ecosystems, thus elevating its appeal during the holiday season.

Future of Holiday Events in Disney World

As Disney continues to invest in creating memorable experiences, the chatter around a possible third holiday party at Disney World only grows louder. There is a palpable excitement among Disney fans regarding whether EPCOT or Animal Kingdom will be the next to join the festive celebrations. Many believe that EPCOT’s diverse offerings, combined with a powerful theme, could resonate well with guests who crave something new.

EPCOT International Fesitval of the Holidays at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

Factors influencing Disney’s decision-making will undoubtedly hinge on audience demand, operational logistics, and creative potential. Disney fans eagerly await the announcement of which park will host the next Christmas Party, keen to secure those much-coveted tickets as soon as they become available. The success of the current parties presents an undeniable opportunity for Disney to redefine holiday celebrations at its parks, ensuring that each venue captures the magic of Christmas in its unique way.

The stage is set for Disney to take its holiday festivities to the next level, potentially making it a season to remember for fans in Orlando.

Rick Lye

Rick is an avid Disney fan. He first went to Disney World in 1986 with his parents and has been hooked ever since. Rick is married to another Disney fan and is in the process of turning his two children into fans as well. When he is not creating new Disney adventures, he loves to watch the New York Yankees and hang out with his dog, Buster. In the fall, you will catch him cheering for his beloved NY Giants.

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