Christmas at Disney World During Covid-19

Christmas at Disney World in 2020 will look much different due to Covid-19. Many of the Disney World Christmas events have been canceled due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

While Christmas as Disney World during Covid-19 might put a damper on your holiday spirits, there are still many things to do for Christmas at Disney World.

What Can You Expect at the Parks?

Disney World is looking out for your health this holiday. In compliance with the CDC and Florida Department of Health, Disney World has made modifications to their Christmas events. Here is what you can expect:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Cancled Due To COVID-19

Disney’s Magic Kingdom will not be holding their annual Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2020. This event often sells out and brings in large crowds. There are many snacks, drinks and people cramming into a small area to enjoy the Disney Christmas Parade. Due to COVID-19, Disney has decided to not hold the event to reduce the risk of exposure to their guests.

Christmas Cavalcades At Magic Kingdom

Even though there won’t be a Christmas party this year, that doesn’t mean you won’t get to see Mickey and friends dressed up in their best Christmas attire. Similar to what Disney’s Magic Kingdom did with Halloween, you will find Christmas cavalcades moving through the park. These are normally one to two floats featuring Disney characters and even Santa.

No Ice Castle at The Magic Kingdom for Christmas at Disney World

One of our favorite things every year is the nightly show where Elsa freezes Cinderella’s castle. This creates one of the most beautiful and picturesque castle views. Unfortunately this year, Disney has canceled the Ice castle. This is most likely because of the lack of performers due to Disney’s recent layoffs of much of the entertainment staff. The show that precedes the lighting of the castle not only includes this staff, but also draws a large crowd. In addition, Disney’s Magic Kingdom has reduced their hours, limiting how late the park is open after dark.

Christmas Decorations Up At All the Disney World Parks

Just because there is no Ice castle this year, Disney has not skimped out on their Christmas decorations around their parks. All the parks are fully decked out for Christmas. You will find most of the decorations you have come to love throughout all four Disney parks.

Limited Park Capacities

The Disney parks will continue to limit park capacities and require reservations to enter. This could mean you will enjoy a less crowded park than typical during this time of year. The downside is getting a park reservation may be difficult.

What to Expect At Disney Springs?

Disney Springs is a great place to visit during Christmas to complete that last minute shopping. This year, a few things have changed at Disney Springs for Christmas due to COVID-19.

Christmas at Disney Springs During COVID-19

Disney Springs is completely decked out for Christmas despite COVID-19. You will find snow, ice skaters, stilt walking nutcrackers, plenty of decorations and Christmas music.

What you will find missing is the community groups performing at the various stages. These are replaced with a DJ on the main stage with a couple of solo music acts at various stages around Disney Springs.

Several of the restaurants and food stands have special holiday treats. Be sure to swing by Amorette’s to pickup one of these special holiday treats.

NEW: Watercades Featuring Santa Clause

Calvacades are not only reserved for the parks. Disney Springs is hosting “watercades” featuring Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause cruising around on a pontoon boat during the daylight hours.

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail COVID-19 Changes

Typically, during the holiday season, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail opens in The Disney Springs Marketplace. This is often packed with visitors in a tight space. Due to COVID-19, Disney has made a few changes to promote social distancing.

Rather than putting all the themed Disney Christmas trees into one trail, they have scattered them throughout Disney Springs. You will often find them in planters along the paths of Disney Springs. They have renamed it to Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll.

The Disney Springs Christams Tree Stroll includes a free scavenger hunt to find the location of all the trees. Once you find all the trees, you can hand in your card for a special badge.

What to Expect at Disney World Resort Hotels?

There is nothing more fun than visiting the different Disney World Resorts during Christmas. Similar to the Disney Parks and Disney Springs, modifications have been made to keep guests safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disney World Resort Hotels Christmas Decorations During COVID-19

Walt Disney World Resorts will have Christmas decorations around their different resorts. These decorations will be similar to the decorations they had during previous years. A cast member confirmed that most decorations will be put out at the different resorts. Some decorations may be setup in different areas to promote social distancing.

No Gingerbread Displays at Disney World Resorts This Year

Our favorite Christmas tradition is to view the Gingerbread Displays at the Disney World Resorts each Christmas. This year, these displays have been canceled. This includes the displays at The Grand Floridian, The Contemporary Resort, The Boardwalk Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Fort Wilderness Lodge.

In addition, the Christmas village display at Disney’s Yacht club will not be setup.

Disney World Resorts Will Have Their Christmas Trees

While many of the Christmas Displays are not being setup, Disney will still be putting up the Christmas Trees at the different resorts. This includes the large Christmas trees at the Grand Floridian and Fort Wilderness Lodge.

Limited Capacity in Resort Hotel Lobbys

To promote social distancing, Disney may limit how many guests can enter a hotel lobby. A cast member confirmed that if a lobby becomes too busy, a resort may limit access to the lobby. It would be limited to resort guests via their Magic Bands. During these times, non-guests may need to return at a less busy time or wait in a socially distanced line to enter the building.

Limited Decorations at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is currently undergoing some renovations. Due to this ongoing project, decorations will be limited at this resort. This is not due to COVID-19 but rather to the construction.

More Information

If you are looking for more information, head over to the Holiday Section at Disney Parks Blog to learn more. This article will cover Christmas at Disney World during COVID-19 in-depth.

Will You Still Visit Disney World for Christmas in 2020?

Let us know in the comments below if you still plan to visit Walt Disney World Resort during the COVID-19 pandemic. What modifications have you made to your plans?