Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
We can’t believe that a new month has started already. As we quickly approach the end of 2021, so much magic and holiday spirit are heading into Walt Disney World. This November, we have what you can expect in Disney World if you have a Disney vacation planned and what you won’t want to miss throughout the Walt Disney World Resort this holiday season.
Credit: Paula K
Holidays Have Arrived
Once October 31st was done, the Christmas season arrived in Walt Disney World. All four Theme Parks, as well as the Disney Resorts have started to transform for Christmas. Magic Kingdom has beautiful new decorations featuring touches of gold to help celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. Hollywood Studios has retro decorations throughout the Theme Park and Sunset Season back on the Hollywood Tower Hotel. We are thrilled that in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Merry Menagerie is back. These gorgeous puppets are so amazing and really shouldn’t be missed. You can also see the holiday Tree Awakens on the Tree of Life. In Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the beloved gingerbread house is starting to go up, and over at Yacht and Beach Club, they have the great gingerbread carousel. These decorations bring the holiday season to life throughout Disney World, and if you are visiting in November, you will want to make sure to take time to experience all of it.
Credit: Disney
Food and Wine Festival
It might be surprising, but EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival continues through November 20th. Even though this festival has been going on this summer, there is still time to experience all the outstanding food booths offered. With almost 30 booths, there is so much food and drinks to try out. Remy’s Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt is still going on if you have little ones that would like a fun activity, and don’t forget to pick up some festival merchandise as well. You won’t want to miss out on some delicious options if you are visiting the Theme Park this November.
Festival of the Holidays
If you are visiting EPCOT after November 20th, you might be able to catch the Festival of the Holidays. This festival will bring holiday delights to different food booths with their holiday kitchen around the World Showcase. This festival is a lot shorter, running only until December 30th, so making it a priority if visiting the end of November would be key. It isn’t just the food booths that are coming with this festival. You can also enjoy entertainment throughout the Park. We can’t wait to learn more about this beloved festival that transforms World Showcase in EPCOT.
Indoor Meet and Greets are Back
We are beyond excited that indoor meet and greets are back in Disney World. Mickey Mouse has been greeting Guests at Tony’s Town Square Theatre in Magic Kingdom for a few weeks now. Guests can take pictures with Mickey as he wears his EARidescent suit for the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Over at Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom, Guests can once again talk with the princesses one-on-one. We have seen Cinderella, Rapunzel, Elenor, and Tiana all making an appearance. Moving forward, we look to have Minnie Mouse back in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Red Carpet Dreams and our favorite Disney Junior character return to the Animation Courtyard. Even though these meet and greets are slightly different (no hugs or autographs), we are thrilled to have that special moment with Mickey.
runDisney is Back
Runners are thrilled to have a runDisney event come back to Disney World. November 4th to 7th, the Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend will kick off throughout Walt Disney World. This event will bring runners from all over as they come together to celebrate their hard work with races throughout Disney World. These races filled up quickly when registration opened in July, so we expect crowds to reflect that, although most runners head to bed early on race days. There is a post race party at EPCOT following the half marathon on November 7th so keep that in mind if you plan to visit EPCOT that day. We are so excited for runners to be back in the magic once again.
Very Merriest After Hours Event Begins
Magic Kingdom will have the new Very Merriest After Hours Event starting November 8th through December 21st on select evenings as part of the holiday celebrations. This is a special ticketed event that allows Guests extra time in Magic Kingdom to experience exclusive entertainment. A new castle stage show will premiere. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will be returning, as will the beloved Once Upon a Christmastime Parade- who’s ready for toy soldiers and dancing reindeer on Main Street, U.S.A.? Along with these special features, Guests will also enjoy low wait times on many attractions and get special treats. This is a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit if you are heading down in November.
Crowds
Disney World crowds have been hard to predict with everything adjusting and changing to so much; however, in November, there will be an increase in crowds throughout. Not only will we see a larger crowd early on with the runDisney events, but the holiday season will pull a lot of locals and Annual Passholders into the parks. Make sure you have that Park Pass Reservation made, and think about investing in Genie+ to help limit your wait time.
November will be another magical and festive month in Disney World. If you are heading down for a Disney vacation, make sure you take time to enjoy some of these special experiences that are coming to the Parks and Resorts.
