Changes for the Holidays at the Magic Kingdom

The Christmas Season rolled in at most of Walt Disney World on Friday, November 6. I was at the Magic Kingdom that day, and I loved every moment! This year is unlike any that we’ve experienced, but things didn’t feel out of place at the most magical place on Earth. Of course there are still special food items and holiday themed merchandise. There are decorations on Main Street, U.S.A. That doesn’t mean that everything is the same. There are a couple of changes that I want to share with you. Remember, change is not always a bad thing.

There are no parades running at Walt Disney World right now, and there are no character meet and greets. Instead, we have Character Cavalcades. These have now switched over to holiday themes at the Magic Kingdom. You’ll see many of your favorite characters, and they are dressed up for the holidays. Disney is not skimping on the number of cavalcades for the season! You might find Mickey and Friends, Goofy and Company, princesses, Main Street Philharmonic, and Santa. These all walk along the normal parade route. Elements from Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade have been added, so you’ll still see reindeer and gingerbread men. There is also a trolley with Piglet, Eeyore, and Rabbit, but they stay along Main Street because they need the trolley tracks.

The Character Cavalcades run throughout the day. There is no set schedule, because Disney does not want crowds to gather. The last cavalcade will take place right before dark. If there is a crowd on Main Street, head over to Frontierland. There are usually fewer people along the route in that part of the park. If you catch one in Frontierland and want to see it again, weave your way through to Main Street after the cavalcade has passed. You might be able to see it twice that way.

The second change that I need to tell you about takes place after dark. There are no Castle Dream Lights this year. Instead, we are treated to projections on Cinderella Castle. It is not a show, instead it is more like a series of scenes. There are four total, each lasts about 15 minutes. If you’re watching from in front of the castle listen for quick jingle bells, then watch the spotlights in the sky. The scene will then change. The transition is quick, and it is worth watching for.

You can see the projections on Cinderella Castle from Main Street, but you can also see them from the sides of the Castle. I think that my favorite spot is on the bridge to Liberty Square. It’s a great angle, and you can see the reflections of the projections in the water. The effect is stunning and makes great pictures, even for a talent-challenged photographer like me. If you’re on the Fantasyland side of the castle you will not see the projections.

Honestly, I like the projections just as much as the Castle Dream Lights. The colors are vivid, and they really make Cinderella Castle come alive. Out of the four scenes, my favorite is the Christmas sweater. Since Ugly Sweater Parties have become a holiday tradition for many, this scene fits right in. Then again, I love the way that projections can totally transform a building. Anyone who knows me well is not surprised that I enjoyed the projections so much.

The holiday season may be missing a couple of things this year, but it does not actually feel like anything is missing. There is plenty of holiday cheer to go around. If you’re on the fence about visiting the Magic Kingdom without the lights on Cinderella Castle or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, I’d recommend making that trip. I left humming Christmas carols, and I’m sure that I wasn’t the only one.