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Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, things at Walt Disney World are changing. Keeping in mind the health and safety of their visitors and staff, they’ve begun making announcements of cancellations. While frequent visitors to the park may be upset, it seems that Disney is doing their best to come up with “magical alternatives” to traditional Holiday favorites.
Disney World Cancels Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Halloween at the most magical place on earth is going to be different this year. Shockingly, Tampabay.com reports that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is canceled. Historically the event is an after-hours party. The extra ticket event used to run a couple of nights per week from August through the beginning of November. However, for the first time ever, Disney will allow Halloween costumes in the Magic Kingdom. This change will begin on September 15th. According to DisneyParks, the Disney blog, costume masks are not permitted for adults; only children younger than 14 years old.”
With all the upcoming changes, Disney recently announced on their blog, giving insight to their decision. “While assessing … Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined that many of its hallmarks – stage shows, parades, and fireworks – are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.”
However, other favorite Fall Disney park activities are still available. This includes Epcot’s A Taste of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Sadly, the event will take place without the festival’s traditional Eat to the Beat concert series.
Rest assured Disney will still have their popular fall treats. These delicious treats include a Pumpkin-spiced Waffle Sundae found at the Magic Kingdom Park. Visitors can enjoy their fall treats while enjoying the festive Autumn decorations around the parks. Additionally, Halloween-themed merchandise will be available around the park.
Unfortunately, that’s not all of the upsetting Disney Holiday news, WESH2 , NBC Affiliate news station out of Orlando, Florida, reports a couple of cancellations of major Walt Disney World events this Christmas Holiday season.
What’s in store for the Christmas Holiday at Disney World?
Heartbreakingly, Disney announces that they will not host Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. Consequently, the decision was made due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Undoubtedly, these are major holiday events that draw a large crowd.
However, Disney is still planning to celebrate the holidays with decorations and seasonal food and beverage offerings from November 6th until December 30th. Disney goes into more detail on DisneyParks.
While things may not be as magical as Holidays past, But Disney officials seem confident that there will enough festive Holiday spirit. For example, Disney’s blog says, “Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.”
Disney assures guests that there will be festive flotillas around the Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT, and “merry motorcades” at Hollywood Studios. Additionally, characters will take on a Christmas twist accompanied by gingerbread men, elves, reindeer, and toy soldiers.
Alternatives to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Additionally, Disney acknowledges that visitors cherish Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Candlelight Processional. Like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party, they’ve made alternate arrangements. “We know these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by guests and cast members alike, but we’re glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.” Disney will present a unique projection at Cinderella’s Castle. This projection of what Disney describes as “a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation is in lieu of the Castle Dream Lights.
There are other festive events to look forward to, including a dinner hosted by Minnie Mouse. Joined by special guest, Santa Goofy, dine with friends and family at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This yuletide gathering starts on November 6th.
Labor Day Weekend successful ahead of Fall woes
According to Forbes, Disney World and other theme parks hit capacity over the long Labor Day weekend. Additionally, Forbes highlights that the theme park industry is up against a tough fall season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This is in part due to reduced attendance since they reopened in July. Now that Labor Day is over, Walt Disney World will reduce operating hours.
While Disney cancels favorites like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween and Mickey’s A Very Merry Christmas for 2020 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it’s hard to tell what the future holds for the theme parks. Additionally, it’s hard to forecast how the parks will do, even with the alternate activities in place. Would you still like to go to Disney World without these major events? Let us know in the comments.
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