Guests visiting Magic Kingdom for the holidays, whether during the day or during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, can take photos at step-in photo ops. The “Merry Stitchmas” and “Mele Kalikimaka” photo ops have returned from last year, with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary logo removed from them.
‘Mele Kalikimaka’ Magic Kingdom Photo Op
This photo op, located in Adventureland, features the bird hosts of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and Orange Bird, all wearing Santa Hats. Flowers and string lights are around the border of the photo op. “Mele Kalikimaka” is on the top with a red ribbon. The backdrop features palm trees and a volcano.
‘Merry Stitchmas’ Photo Op
This photo op is in Tomorrowland, near the old entrance to Stitch’s Great Escape. The backdrop is a view of space with a ringed planet and spaceship. On the frame are Stitch, Pleakley, and Jumba in festive outfits. The alien lettering along the top reads “Happy Solstice,” while “Merry Stitchmas” is in English at the bottom.
Disney PhotoPass photographers are sometimes stationed at these photo ops.
Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party began on November 9 and runs through December 22. During the after-hours party, guests can enjoy Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, character meet and greets, and holiday attraction overlays. There are also complimentary treats, special menu items, and exclusive merchandise.
The new “Frozen Holiday Surprise” Cinderella Castle show is performed at Magic Kingdom once during regular park hours and once during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Disney Jollywood Nights is a new separately ticketed, adults-centric party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It takes place on select nights from November 11 through December 20.
Entertainment includes the variety show “Disney Holidays in Hollywood,” “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along,” and the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” nighttime spectacular. Character meet and greets include Mickey & Friends in new outfits and retro characters like Max in his Powerline garb, Chip ‘n’ Dale as the Rescue Rangers, Phineas and Ferb, and Edna Mode.
A Tip-Top Club-inspired soiree is held in the courtyard of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction. Several party-exclusive food and beverage options are also available, read our full guide to them here.
The roaming Merry Menagerie puppets have returned to Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays featuring holiday kitchens, storytellers, and the Candlelight Processional will run from November 24 to December 30, 2023.
At Disney Springs, guests can enjoy a Christmas Tree Stroll featuring new trees inspired by “Wish” and Disney Vacation Club. A new roaming character named Douglas Fir is a walking, moving tree.
Also, check out the full lineup of 2023 gingerbread displays at Walt Disney World Resort, including the Victorian-style gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
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