The holidays are officially rolling at Walt Disney World. Starting Nov. 13, several seasonal favorites return, and Disney has added extra park hours for Thanksgiving week.
Santa Is Back at Hollywood Studios
Santa Claus returns to Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from Nov. 13 through Dec. 24. He’ll be meeting guests from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To make room, the Ariel meet-and-greet is moving to Echo Lake.
Tree of Life Awakenings: Holiday Edition
At Animal Kingdom, Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition returns Nov. 13 and runs through Jan. 3, 2027. The projection show begins at sunset and repeats about every 10 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long to catch it.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is already underway at Magic Kingdom on select nights. Every party ticket includes a 2026 ornament featuring Mickey driving a holiday train, plus free cookies at six locations.
Extended Hours for Thanksgiving Week
Planning a trip during Thanksgiving break? Good news. Disney has extended park hours during Thanksgiving week at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
- Magic Kingdom on Thanksgiving Day: Open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Animal Kingdom: Extended hours on Nov. 22, 23 and 24, staying open until 8 p.m. on Nov. 23
Other Holiday Changes
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios now has a Muppets holiday overlay.
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom is closed for refurbishment and is scheduled to reopen Dec. 18.
Tips for Holiday Visits
- Expect crowds. Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the year.
- Use the app. Check the My Disney Experience app for updated hours and wait times.
- Plan around shows. Evening shows and the Tree of Life projections are best after sunset.