Disney's known for being the Happiest Place On Earth, and during the holidays, the cheer factor is off the charts. Every detail is meticulously considered to surprise and delight people, from late-night parties to fireworks displays that light up the whole Kissimmee skyline. But there's a lot of hidden gems that guests — especially first-timers — can miss. Some Disney employees (or "cast members," in their lingo), shared their biggest holiday secrets with Delish, and explained the top things that every Disney fan, new or old, should do during the holiday season.
The Candlelight Processional
Epcot at Walt Disney World
One of Walt Disney World's biggest and oldest traditions is the Candlelight Processional, which takes place every night during the month of December in Epcot. Every night, a celebrity narrator tells the nativity story while backed by a 50-piece orchestra and special holiday choir. The processional takes place three times a night, and you can even save a guaranteed seat with a special dining package — at your restaurant of choice — as seats tend to fill up for each event. Celebrities who are scheduled to speak at the processional this year include Neil Patrick Harris, Chandra Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jodi Benson. "Every year, I go with my parents," Disney chocolatier Amanda Lauer says. "We always go and see that together as a family."
It's A Small World Holiday
Disneyland Resort
Only available at the Disneyland Resort, this special edition of the classic It's a Small World ride is only around from November until the beginning of January. The usual song is played, along with traditional holiday songs, and the holiday makeover features thousands of lights both inside and outside the ride. "They change out everything. It's very beautiful, [and] just to see and to experience it is very cute," says Kelly Oxley-Halbreich, area leader for Disneyland Resort's candy production team.
The festive edition of the ride features a North Pole room, a 14-foot snowman, and various children of the world dressed in traditional holiday costumes. Pro tip: Get a FastPass to avoid the lines on this one, and be sure to see it at night, when a special projection is featured outside the ride for guests to watch as they wait.
Life-Size Lilo & Stitch Christmas Carousel
Disney Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World
Guests and visitors at the Disney Beach Club Resort will be able to witness one of Disney's biggest holiday traditions. Currently in its 18th year, the hotel's life-size gingerbread Christmas carousel is Lilo & Stitch themed for 2017, and even has its own commemorative pin for Disney pin collectors. "It's a job where we start already in July or August to make the honey dough for the display. And also, in August we start to decorate the horses," says pastry chef Thomas Hubler. "It takes us about half a year to get ready for this display, and about 12 to14 hours to put the display up."
The carousel contains a motor underneath to keep it moving while it's on display. You can even take a piece of the carousel home — gingerbread shingles are sold at various locations in the Beach Club Resort.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
Only held on certain nights throughout the month of December, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is the ultimate celebration for Disney superfans. This separately ticketed event includes the Once Upon a Christmastime parade and Holiday Wishes fireworks. Before the fireworks display, guests can see a Frozen show featuring Elsa changing Cinderella's Castle into a palace of ice.
"As you stroll down Main Street, they make it snow," says Amy Goodpastor, pastry sous chef for Magic Kingdom. "It's just that feeling of warmth and comfort with your family, and the holidays with all the decorations, it's a memory you're making."
There are also exclusive snacks for the event, including Scrooge McDuck Eggnog. "It has a specially made Scrooge McDuck chocolate coin on it. He is one of our characters that you can only meet at the party," said Goodpastor.
Those who wish to spend a little extra time on rides can take advantage of smaller crowds on rides that continue to operate throughout the night.
Christmas Holiday Mini-Cakes
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World
Located in Disney Springs, Amorette's Patisserie is well known for its various cakes and treats. Their specialty, though, is their mini-dome cakes. While the classic Mickey dome cake is available year-round, there is a special Santa Mickey version for the holiday season and a new ornament version, too. Amorette's sells about 300 Mickey cakes a day, and guests can even take a dome-cake making class with the pastry chefs there.
They also sell a special-edition gingerbread ornament that guests can take home with them in the shape of a purse and a shoe, celebrating the lore behind the shop. "It's the story of Amorette's. Two sisters: one was a designer and the other was a pastry chef, and they combined their ideas. That's the reason why Amorette's exists," said Pastry Chef Yoly Lazo Colon. "They call it 'little love,' the little love between two sisters."
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party
Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort
Located in Paradise Garden at California Adventure, guests hoping to take a break during the day can enjoy the ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party. The event features the Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, Panchito, and José Carioca, along with Mickey and Minnie. The street party transports visitors to Mexico, as dancers and musicians take over the park. The street party also has a parade which includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, and a special dining menu. "We have all sorts of different traditional Mexican dishes we find around the holidays," says Oxley-Halbreich. "There's wonderful tamales, there's wonderful carnitas that are down there right now. It's a great menu."
The party continues until the beginning of January, capping off with a special Three Kings Day celebration.
Gingerbread S'mores
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World
Created by The Ganachery in Disney Springs, these gingerbread s'mores are specifically made to order. The gingerbread and marshmallows are all created in-house by chocolatiers. Each s'more features a special cinnamon ganache and is topped off with a powdered-sugar Mickey. But what makes it truly unique is the inclusion of Disney's special Dark 65 percent chocolate.
"You literally cannot get that piece of chocolate anywhere else in the world," says Lauer. The chocolate is a custom dark chocolate blend handmade at the Ganachery; it's made from cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic.
Festival of Holidays
Disney California Aventure at Disneyland Resort
Inspired by the traditions of Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day, the Festival of Holidays gives you a glimpse into all of the different holidays in one location. There are 12 different marketplace locations where you can try traditional foods from all around the world. For added fun, they can even pick up a passport and collect different stamps along the way. "It is quite an adventure. ... Each kiosk has its own set of flavors supporting each holiday festival," says Oxley-Halbreich. "The last two years, it's been a big hit with my family."
Every night, the festival ends with a special version of the Disneyland-classic, World of Color, called "Season of Light," which features favorites like Inside Out, Beauty and the Beast, and Fantasia in a colorful water and light show, along with holiday hits from "Let it Snow" to "Feliz Navidad."
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