Every year, Disney’s theme parks undergo a six-week transformation as they transition from Halloween to the winter holiday season. This change, planned over 12 months, begins about two weeks before Halloween with crews working overnight to maintain the parks’ magical atmosphere during operating hours.
The seasonal shift from autumn-themed decorations to holiday adornments has proven to be a significant revenue driver for Disney. The experiences division, which includes parks, cruises, hotels, and consumer products, reported revenue of $9.13 billion for October – December 2023, which was notably higher than other quarters’ earnings of $7-8.3 billion.
Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort offer unique holiday experiences while maintaining their distinct character. Walt Disney World features Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the new Jollywood Nights, while Disneyland is known for its extensive holiday ride overlays, including “it’s a small world” Holiday. Both destinations showcase sparkling ornamented trees, festive character costumes, limited-time food and beverage options, exclusive merchandise, and special entertainment by mid-November.
Over time, the transformation has evolved to include light shows and projection mappings. The parks have also embraced cultural inclusivity through events like EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Disney’s sustainability efforts have intensified in recent years with energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly decorations. This combination of tradition and innovation has been successful in encouraging visitors to make annual traditions and repeat visits. Particularly from local parkgoers, the holiday season typically sees increased attendance which helps makes it one of Disney’s most successful periods.
