The holiday season is approaching and Walt Disney World is giving us a peek into what’s coming. Some things are changing.

At Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is out and Disney Very Merriest After Hours is in. It’s a special four hour ticketed event running November 8 through December 21 on select nights. Tickets will go on sale next month. If this is like the BOO Bash, they will be quite pricey. You’ll have access to more than 20 attractions, Disney characters throughout the park (They don’t say if they will still be socially distanced.), holiday music and decor, treats, and “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”

If you’re not going to the party, there will be projections on Cinderella Castle most nights. They will alternate periodically with the castle’s transformation into a Beacon of Magic.

The Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard returns to Hollywood Studios. This holiday show will also alternate with the tower’s nightly transformation into a Beacon of Magic. Santa Claus will be joining the motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard. “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” will have a festive finale featuring Olaf. Vintage-themed holiday décor will don the park. Minnie and friends, including Santa Goofy, will be hosting a festive meal at Hollywood & Vine. Maybe we’ll get lucky and see Santa Goofy in the park like we used to be able to.

Seasonal décor and festive Disney character flotillas sailing down Discovery River to the sounds of joyful songs of the season will be at Animal Kingdom.  The Tree of Life becomes another Beacon of Magic most nights during the Walt Disney World 50^th anniversary celebration. There’s a special holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return this year, from Nov. 26 – Dec. 30. I love this festival! There will be Holiday Kitchens around the park, the Cookie Stroll, and performances by Voices of Liberty.

I didn’t see any mention of that special Florida “snow,” but I’m hoping to see some at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios like past years. Holiday time is really magical at the parks and I’m looking forward to them this year. Which park is your favorite for the holidays?

Beacons of Magic will begin October 1 for the 50th Anniversary celebration. The World’s Most Magical Celebration will light up with wonder as the theme park icons are transformed into Beacons of Magic, beckoning all to come and celebrate.