6 Reasons to Head to Disney Springs this Holiday Season

December 3, 2016

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this Holiday Season, you’ ll definitely want to set aside some time to enjoy all the fabulous Christmas-themed offerings at the newly revamped Disney Springs. With live entertainment, scavenger hunts, and breath-taking holiday displays, Disney Springs is much more than just a place to go shopping. Here’s 6 Disney Springs holiday happenings that are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

1. Enjoy live holiday entertainment around very corner. Spreading across the length and breadth of Disney Springs will be live entertainment designed to put you in the festive spirit. From living statues that will surprise the little ones to amazing troupes sharing the traditions of Hanukkah and Kawanza there is something to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Here’s a sampling of the entertainment on offer:

Carolers- found at the Marketplace near Santa’s Chalet
Toy Soldier stilt walkers – at Marketplace
Living Statues- found near World of Disney/Poutine Courtyard
Kalinka a Hanukkah-inspired troupe At Waterview Park (The Landing) from December 24th-30th.
UHURU (celebrating Kwanza)- At Waterside Stage at the Marketplace December 26-27.

2. Experience Disney’s first drone show. Disney and Intel have joined forces to come up with Starbright Holidays, Disney Springs’ amazing Christmas-themed drone show. The awe-inspiring production opened on November 20th and is wowing audiences as is the first show in the US to be created using this technology. Guests are encouraged to look up into the sky and wish upon a star as over 300 drones are deployed to create a series of breathtaking holiday-themed images in the night sky. This nighttime pageant is accompanied by classic holiday songs recorded by a full orchestra. Performances will run until January 8, 2017 and occur twice nightly at 7:00pm and 8:30pm.

3. Go on a scavenger hunt with Stitch. If you find it difficult keeping the kids entertained while you do your Christmas shopping then Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt may be just the ticket. The premise is that Stitch is still in the midst of his Christmas shopping and needs you to help him find items for 12 of his family members. The hunt will lead you through different Disney Springs shops where you’ll look for a tiny Stitch figure. Once all 12 have been found, guests will receive a Stitch festive pin (while supplies last). In order to start the quest guests must get a Holiday Gift Hunt booklet which can be obtained by asking any of the Disney Cast Members near the Christmas festivities. Happy hunting!

4. Dance with your family at The Festival of Toys. Held from 4pm – 10pm each evening, at The Once Upon a Toy Fountain, families will be able to enjoy a DJ spinning holiday tunes, buy a deluxe hot chocolate, mingle with some over-sized toy characters and engage in fun Pin Trading activities. One lucky family will also be selected each evening to turn on the holiday lights during the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Festival is so jam-packed with festive holiday fun that you’ll want to take some time away from the theme parks to enjoy. The Festival will be charming guests until January 2, 2017.

5. See the 15 amazing Disney-themed trees at the Christmas Tree Trail. Head over to Disney Springs early evening to see the array of delightful Disney Christmas trees lit up in all of their holiday splendor. The Christmas Tree trail located between Earl of Sandwich and Once Upon a Toy features trees inspired by favorite Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie or by much-loved Disney films like Tangled and Lilo and Stitch. Adding to the ambiance is Christmas music played throughout as well as gently falling snow truly evoking the theme of a Winter Wonderland. The trail will remain open until January 8, 2017.

8. Meet Santa at his Chalet. Finally what would a trip to Disney at Christmas be without a visit with Santa Claus. This year Santa is not only greeting guests at the theme parks but he’s also had a special chalet created at Disney’s shopping district especially for the occasion. Pop over to Santa’s Chalet near Ghirardelli’s Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop from November 11th – December 24th between the hours of 12pm and 10pm. As larger crowds are expected, guests are asked to pick up buzzers upon arrival. You can then head out for a bit of holiday shopping and should return within 10 minutes of being buzzed. Santa will be holding court until December 24th. On the 25th – 31st Santa Goofy will be taking his place.

With all of these fantastic holiday offerings, the Christmas Season and the newly revamped Disney Springs just got a lot more magical!

Planning a visit to Disney? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect resort to helping you nab those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.

6 Reasons to Head to Disney Springs this Holiday Season 1

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.