Welcome back to planDisney! We’re so glad you brought us your question.
Jay, you're in for a treat!
Visiting during the holidays is magical; truly, it's my favorite time of the year to be at the most magical place on earth! The filming dates for the special televised shows and parades are not usually announced officially. However, historically, they’ve been known to film in the first or second weeks of November.
If they happen to be filming during your visiting dates, you won’t need any special tickets to attend! I’ve actually stumbled upon filming days myself, and it was such a fun surprise to be part of the crowd. It all depends on the dates, but no extra tickets are required outside of theme park entry.
Now for the Christmas fun you can actually plan for!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is a must if you're there on a select night—it’s full of festive parades, fireworks, and even snow!
Over at EPCOT, the
International Festival of the Holidays is perfect for exploring holiday traditions and enjoying delicious food from around the world. And don’t miss the Candlelight Processional—this majestic entertainment experience is a must! With a 50-piece orchestra, the angelic voice of a massive choir led by the Voices of Liberty, this is a Disney tradition that cannot be missed!
Holiday decorations are another highlight.
The Grand Floridian Resort has a life-sized gingerbread house where you can actually purchase gingerbread to taste. The entire resort smells like the holidays.
I hope this helps get you so excited for your trip, Jay! Let me know if you need any more tips. I’m hEAR to help you make the most of your Disney holiday!
See ya real soon,
Emille