How Disney delivers its parks between Halloween and winter holidays

It's time for Disney parks to swap pumpkins for poinsettias.

In the middle of the busiest season, disney National theme parks have already begun transitioning from Halloween decorations to Christmas colors. The transformation begins to take shape virtually overnight, with warm autumn banners replaced by festive green garlands. Complete metamorphosis takes about six weeks.

About two weeks before Halloween, the Disney team begins setting up “low-key” elements for the holiday season, such as lighting platforms. The effort is planned over 12 months and involves several different departments, from the horticulture and technology services team to crane operators, truck drivers, aerial lift drivers and even culinary experts.

Most of the installation is completed at night, when the park is closed.

“While every day is special at a Disney theme park, Halloween and the holidays are two very magical seasons, and our guests continue to return year after year for continued traditions and new surprises,” said Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock. “These only-Disney experiences happen thanks to our passionate cast members, who make magic while most of us sleep, delivering seamless and wildly creative transformations of our parks year-round.”

Starting November 8 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and November 15 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, Disney's slate of winter holiday offerings will be in full swing, from sparkling ornate trees and dazzling costumes characters to limited time events. food and beverage options and exclusive merchandise.

For Disney, these parties are big business that generates significant revenue and traffic.

October and December are two of the most popular months to travel to the company's parks, according to Gavin Doyle, founder of MickeyVisit.com.

“Traditionally, it would have been summer, but it's actually evolved into these two months where there are extra layers of offerings and it's something unique on top of that,” Doyle said. “It kind of fits into Disney's vault strategy… This is something that comes out, and then people are really excited about it for a limited time.”

Disney's experiences division, made up of parks, cruises, hotels and consumer products, generated $9.13 billion in revenue during the period from October to December 2023. In other quarters in 2023 and 2024, the division generated between $7,000 and 8.3 billion dollars.

This year, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicked off on August 9 in Florida and the Oogie Boogie Bash, a huge trick-or-treating event, kicked off on August 25 in California, extending Halloween crowds into the quarter. company summer event. Both events ran until October 31.

The end of the year also brings a lot of repeat visits, especially from local park visitors, he said. By building the infrastructure to accommodate these limited-time decorations and special offers, Disney has created a tradition for its guests, who incorporate it into their annual plans.

Annual changes to character costumes, food and drink options, merchandise and other mood updates give attendees something new to explore.

Now that Halloween is over, Disney has turned its attention to the winter holiday season. That includes special Christmas changes to attractions and rides, as well as Christmas parades and fireworks.

At Disneyland, the holiday overlays of Sleeping Beauty Castle, It's a Small World and The Haunted Mansion will debut on November 15. Seasonal parades, fireworks and festivals will also be launched, and Santa Claus will set up shop on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

At the Walt Disney World resort, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party launches on November 8 and Jollywood Nights begins on November 9. At the same time, the Florida park will debut its Christmas fireworks, parades and themed character encounters. Space Mountain will have a holiday overlay, as will the Jungle Cruise ride, which will temporarily become Jingle Cruise, and other attractions.