The holiday season is already in full swing at Walt Disney World! This year Disney’s Holiday Studios started its Christmas celebrations on November 2nd with a double dose of festivities to mark the second anniversary of the launch of the streaming service Disney+. Come along with the Unofficial Guides as we check out the exclusive Disney+ Day 2021 events and seasonal decorations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Disney+ Day 2021 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
November 2, 2021, marked two full years since the launch of the Disney+ streaming service, and the date was celebrated at Disney theme parks across the world, including Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Subscribers who showed up at the park 30 minutes before park opening were allowed inside early and received commemorative hats and pins.
Those who arrived later in the day didn’t get the freebies, but they did find the park’s entrance corridor decked out in Disney+ blue, with banners and ground signage set up for taking selfies.
Guests were encouraged to commemorate Disney+ Day at special PhotoPass locations.
In fact, it seemed like there was more acknowledgment of Disney+ Day in the park than there had been inside the Magic Kingdom on October 1 to mark the park’s big birthday.
During the day, you could spot production crews filming footage inside the park, presumably for future Disney+ programming.
Disney+ Day 2021 also offered Hollywood Studios guests a one-day opportunity to spot rarely seen characters, like Darth Vader and the classic Imperial Stormtroopers who held court on the former Jedi Training stage outside Star Tours.
Disney has also introduced a new augmented reality photo lens featuring Grogu from The Mandalorian in its smartphone app, which was free for everyone to try on November 12 without having to pay for Genie+. I took the opportunity to snap some selfies with “Baby Yoda” on Batuu!
However, if you were hoping to be able to see The Child in the flesh, or any other characters exclusive to Disney+ programs, the hyped one-day-only motorcade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios proved to be a disappointment.
Princess Tiana appeared in an outfit that looks to be inspired by her newly announced Disney+ series, but otherwise the mini-parade featured characters that are regularly seen around the park, including Mickey, Minnie, and some Pixar pals.
2021 Holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Much like the Magic Kingdom’s magical transition from Halloween to Christmas, Disney’s Hollywood Studios wasted little time breaking out its holiday decorations.
The park’s traditional tinsel is concentrated along Hollywood Boulevard, as well as the surrounding Sunset Boulevard and Echo Lake areas.
As always, the park’s towering Christmas tree commands the center of Echo Lake, which is ringed by old-fashioned displays in the style of classic Coca-Cola advertisements.
Gertie the Dinosaur has her Santa hat on again, and this year she’s munching on a 50th anniversary ornament in honor of Walt Disney World’s big milestone.
From now through the end of the year, attendees at the “For the First Time in Forever” Frozen sing-along show get to experience a special holiday finale right now, featuring a musical appearance by Olaf the friendly snowman.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays at Walt Disney World without special treats to eat and seasonal merchandise to purchase. Be sure to grab a guide from the map racks at the park entrance if you want to know where all the limited offerings are.
Mickey’s of Hollywood near the front of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a great one-stop shop for holiday gifts.
You’ll find a varied selection of this year’s Christmas merchandise, and even a small section of Hanukkah items.
For all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, or to plan your family’s trip to Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
