Walt Disney World is no stranger to change, but November 2025 feels special. This month blends something new with something familiar, making it one of the most anticipated stretches of the year.
Guests will see entertainment debuts, festive parties, and crowds rolling in for Thanksgiving week. It’s a month that’s equal parts tradition and transformation.
Animal Kingdom Kicks Things Off
November 7 is the day things officially start rolling. That’s when Zootopia: Better Together opens its doors at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Tree of Life Theater, previously home to It’s Tough to Be a Bug, has been reimagined to welcome guests into Zootopia.
The show blends projections, lighting effects, and beloved characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. It’s fast-paced, funny, and filled with heart. But beyond the spectacle, it also hints at the bigger picture. DinoLand U.S.A. is being retired, making way for the Tropical Americas expansion—a major park transformation already underway.
Christmas Party Lights Up Magic Kingdom
That same evening, Magic Kingdom shifts into full holiday mode as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns. It’s one of the park’s most beloved events, turning Main Street, U.S.A. into a sparkling holiday postcard. Lights twinkle, garlands drape across the buildings, and the castle glows like something out of a storybook.
Guests can expect seasonal entertainment, cocoa and cookies, exclusive fireworks, and meet-and-greets with characters dressed for the holidays. Shorter waits for rides make it even better. For many, it’s the most magical way to kick off the season.
Hollywood Studios Turns on the Glam
Just one day later, Jollywood Nights returns on November 8 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This event takes the classic Disney holiday look and gives it a glitzy, golden-age twist. Think vintage lights, live music, themed cocktails, and a glamorous Hollywood holiday vibe.
Unlike the family-focused Christmas party at Magic Kingdom, Jollywood Nights offers something more sophisticated. It’s a holiday celebration with style, making it a standout experience for guests looking for a different kind of magic.
Thanksgiving Week Brings the Crowds
November 27 marks Thanksgiving, and with it comes a surge of parkgoers. Families pack the parks to celebrate the holiday together, creating some of the busiest days of the season. Ticket prices climb, Lightning Lane access costs more, and popular attractions see long lines.
The upside? November brings more comfortable weather, making it easier to enjoy the parks even when they’re crowded. For many guests, this is the perfect time to experience the holiday season at Disney before the December rush.
EPCOT Closes Out the Month
To end the month, EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays begins November 28 at EPCOT. This festival transforms the park into a global celebration with storytellers, cultural performances, and holiday-inspired food booths.
Guests love the Candlelight Processional, which combines narration, a choir, and a live orchestra in one moving performance. EPCOT at night during this festival has a cozy, festive energy unlike anything else at Disney.
The Perfect Blend of New and Classic
November at Disney World brings together everything fans love: a brand-new show at Animal Kingdom, timeless holiday traditions at Magic Kingdom, a glamorous party at Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT’s cultural celebration. Add in cooler weather and the Thanksgiving rush, and it’s clear why this month stands out on the Disney calendar.
