If you’re someone who likes all things holidays as early as humanly possible, you’re in luck. Disney is right in line with you, and this week, we’ve seen the return of the holidays to three of the four Walt Disney World parks. Let’s take a look at the decorations that have come to the Magic Kingdom!
First of all, let me just say that I love when new touches and elements are introduced to the normal holiday offerings. This year’s Christmas tree reflects Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in its new gold ribbon and golden ornaments.
Victorian era toys, angels, and ornaments all give a nod toward the celebration, and the extra care that went into providing guests with something that is updated and intentional is greatly appreciated.
Lush garlands and swags line City Hall, and I don’t know about you, but this spot just never looks better. The holiday decorations elevate the Victorian architecture beautifully.
Over at the train station, guests will see the more greenery. If you take a close look, you’ll see that the garlands and wreaths throughout the entrance area are studded with artificial fruit, including pineapples.
Those pineapples in the entrance area wreaths have extra meaning as they symbolize hospitality and welcome. How cool is that?!
The Emporium’s tall columns are clad in garland that’s filled with all sorts of golden and rose-striped bows, artificial fruit and flowers, ornaments, and golden bells.
The artificial juniper swags hanging on the exterior of Tony’s Town Square Restaurant take on a slightly different tone with deeper red ribbon and pomegranates. These swags are a personal favorite of mine. They’re just lovely.
But the prize for “Most Appropriately Themed” goes to the garland lining The Confectionery’s columns and Confection Kitchen. Oversized gum balls and candy can be found throughout the greenery.
Take a closer look and you’ll find artificial hydrangea and large spiced gumdrops, peppermints, spiral lollipops and other assorted candy (I call it “Grandma candy;” I picture every Grandma having a little candy dish filled with the cellophane-wrapped treats). The variegated English ivy trailing down from the columns is a nice touch. Again, it’s the differences that are delightful, right?
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor’s sign is encircled by a wreath sporting a bold red and green tartan bow. Bunches of red poinsettias and traditional red and green ornaments and pinecones are found throughout the wreath and the location’s coordinating swags. And take a look at that freshly painted lamppost. We saw golden touches appear throughout Main Street, U.S.A. ahead of the 50th Anniversary, and the area’s just never looked so good. The shinier the better, right?
Over at Casey’s Corner, we see garland that’s just a bit different than the other examples we’ve seen as holly is introduced. The deep reds and greens tie in with the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor right across the street.
The Victorian-themed wreaths hanging from the lampposts tie in with the use of artificial fruit that we’ve seen scattered around the area. I think that the added hanging lanterns are a nice touch.
Of course, you have to turn around and get one last glimpse of the Christmas tree before you get on the monorail, right? Just seeing the top of it peeking over the train station is enough to make any holiday-loving Disney fan happy.
And now I feel the overwhelming need to start my holiday shopping. If Disney says it’s the holidays, it must be so.
Which Walt Disney World park is your favorite to visit during the holiday season?
Ps If you missed the behind-the-scenes video that Jackie shared earlier in the week of the overnight holiday transformation of the Magic Kingdom, click here to check it out.