What happens at Disney World the night after Halloween
How long does it take your family to pack away Halloween and decorate everything for the holidays? If you groaned and thought days, weeks or longer, you're probably in good company. Heck, the Halloween sugar hangover itself can last at least a few days. And pumpkins totally work for all of November, yes?
While true in the real world, those sort of real-life issues don't apply at Disney where magic -- or at least the illusion of magic -- prevails, even in 2020.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips, please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
When the final Disney's Magic Kingdom closes for the night on Halloween, the real work begins.
FOR NO COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS. HERE'S WHY USING A FREE VACATION PLANNER CAN MAKE YOUR NEXT DISNEY TRIP BETTER.
Disney cast members work some serious magic under the cover of darkness on the night of Oct. 31 and probably into the wee hours of Nov. 1. Any traces of jack-o'-lanterns and all things spooky disappear and the halls are instead decked at Disney World with red and green trimmings. Typically, lots of red and green trimmings.
While the fall holiday decor was a bit subdued at Magic Kingdom this year, Christmas decor looks to be ready to celebrate the holidays based on some looks around social media.
Related: Should you visit Disney World right now?
The massive Disney World resort as a whole will unleash the rest of its holiday décor over the coming weeks, but the Magic Kingdom traditionally made its big seasonal shift literally overnight before the park reopened to guests this morning.
Related: TPG's guide to maximizing a trip to Disney World
Some years on Nov. 1, Disney park visitors note that even Christmas music is playing the day after Halloween.
To give a sense of how massive the transition is, Disney's Magic Kingdom alone is usually home to 590 garlands (measuring a total of 5,188 feet), 40 Christmas trees and 147 wreaths. The tallest tree in all of Disney World -- measuring in at 70 feet -- can normally be found at Disney's Contemporary Resort, a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom.
Making the quick leap from Halloween to holidays is a big job that, according to Disney, requires 41 people's full-time attention year-round and an extra 90 cast members added this time of the year to get everything up (and down) quickly.
Related: 5 changes at Disney World that I hope become permanent
While Disney's typical Christmas festivities like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party won't take place this year, you will still be able to get a dose of 2020 holiday magic in the Disney World theme parks and resorts. There are holiday will be decorations, music, themed mini-parades, treats and more starting, well, right this very minute.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app