Disney World Begins Christmas EARLIER Than EVER Before!

We’re seeing and hearing Holiday offerings earlier than ever before at Walt Disney World!

While many Disney World visitors are focused on Halloween pumpkins and trick-or-treating, the holiday magic is already in full swing at EPCOT. September 30 marked the start of something special—Christmas filming for Disney’s annual holiday specials.

As Ashley Carter revealed on X, “World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT is blocked off tonight as filming is underway for the holidays.”

World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT is blocked off tonight as filming is underway for the holidays. pic.twitter.com/YH14apROn9

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) October 1, 2024

For longtime Disney fans, this early start to holiday preparations comes as no surprise. Each year, Disney transforms its parks into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas lights, festive music, and holiday cheer. What might surprise some, though, is just how early those preparations begin. This year’s September 30 filming is the earliest in recent memory, and while Halloween decorations are still up, it’s clear that Disney is already looking ahead to Christmas.

It might seem strange to see Christmas trees and wreaths in EPCOT while other parts of the park are decked out in fall decor, but that’s one of the things that makes Disney World special.

The parks are able to seamlessly transition from one holiday season to the next, often blending them together for a brief time. For guests at EPCOT that evening, it was a rare opportunity to see Disney’s holiday magic in action, even if just for a TV special.

Disney’s holiday offerings are well-known and beloved by fans. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is a must-attend event for families, featuring parades, fireworks, and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in their holiday best.

Over at EPCOT, the International Festival of the Holidays celebrates Christmas traditions from around the world, offering guests the chance to experience holiday customs from different cultures. Hollywood Studios joins in with its Sunset Seasons Greetings, turning the Tower of Terror into a shimmering holiday display.

This filming is all part of the lead-up to the holiday season, which officially begins in early November. By the time Halloween wraps up, the parks will be fully transformed into a Christmas paradise. But for those who were lucky enough to be in EPCOT on September 30, it was a sneak peek into the holiday magic to come.

What makes this early filming even more special is the sense of anticipation it creates. Seeing holiday decorations in September is like getting an early Christmas present—unexpected, but delightful. It reminds guests that the most magical time of year is right around the corner, even if the pumpkins and skeletons are still hanging around.

And while the holiday season is still a few weeks away, Disney fans know that once the parks are fully decorated, there’s nothing quite like it. From the twinkling lights on Cinderella Castle to the heartwarming Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, the holidays at Disney World are truly a magical experience. The early filming at EPCOT is just the start of what promises to be another unforgettable holiday season.

With September 30 marking the start of holiday preparations, it’s clear that Disney is ready to bring the Christmas magic sooner than ever. So whether you’re a fan of Halloween or eagerly awaiting the holidays, Disney World is the perfect place to experience the best of both worlds this fall.