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Credit: Nicholas Fuentes, UnsplashSomething big is about to happen at Walt Disney World. The resort has been rolling out wave after wave of updates lately, but what’s coming in November 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stretches of the year.
Guests can expect packed parks, plenty of magic, and some long-awaited experiences finally taking center stage.
Zootopia Takes the Stage at Animal Kingdom
It all kicks off on November 7 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That’s when Zootopia: Better Together officially opens to the public inside the Tree of Life Theater. The theater, once home to It’s Tough to Be a Bug, has been reimagined to bring the vibrant city of Zootopia to life.
The new show blends colorful projections, physical sets, lighting effects, and beloved characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde to tell a story about teamwork and unity. Guests will step right into a bustling city full of humor and heart, making it an instant must-see for families.
But this debut is more than just another entertainment offering. It’s part of a larger transformation already underway at Animal Kingdom. DinoLand U.S.A. is being phased out, with plans to replace it with an entirely new land, Tropical Americas.
The addition of this Zootopia show signals the start of a new era for the park — one that’s more immersive, more modern, and designed to connect with today’s audiences.
Holiday Magic Arrives at Magic Kingdom
While Animal Kingdom welcomes something new, Magic Kingdom will also light up on November 7 as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns. For many fans, this is the moment the holiday season truly begins at Disney World.
Main Street, U.S.A. transforms into a winter wonderland, glowing with twinkling lights, festive wreaths, and larger-than-life Christmas trees. Cinderella Castle becomes the centerpiece of a holiday dreamscape, while snow flurries gently fall at night. The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade fills the street with marching toy soldiers, dancing reindeer, and Santa Claus waving to cheering crowds.
This after-hours event is beloved for its festive extras — exclusive entertainment, seasonal treats, character meet-and-greets, and much shorter wait times for popular attractions. It’s one of those nights where Magic Kingdom doesn’t just feel decorated for the holidays… it feels transformed by them.
Jollywood Nights Brings the Glamour
Just one day later, Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 8. This event made a splash in its debut and is coming back with its signature retro-Hollywood holiday vibe.
Guests can expect the park to shimmer with golden lights and vintage glamour, blending holiday cheer with a touch of old-school Tinseltown. From live music to themed entertainment and specialty cocktails, Jollywood Nights has carved out its own space in Disney’s holiday lineup.
Unlike the family-focused festivities at Magic Kingdom, Jollywood Nights leans into a slightly more elegant, grown-up holiday party. Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard glow with carefully crafted lighting, and classic attractions serve as backdrops for exclusive shows and photo ops. It’s an entirely different holiday atmosphere — one that’s quickly become a favorite for many returning guests.
Thanksgiving Crowds and Cooler Weather
Of course, not everything in November is about after-hours events. Thanksgiving Day, which falls on November 27 this year, will bring one of the busiest crowd surges of the season. Families from all over the country flock to Disney World to spend the holiday in the parks, making it one of the most high-demand weeks of the year.
With big crowds comes higher pricing. Guests can expect some of the most expensive single-day ticket prices of the season, as well as steeper Lightning Lane costs during this period. Wait times typically climb, and planning becomes more critical than ever.
But here’s the upside — the weather. November typically brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures to Central Florida, creating a perfect backdrop for long park days. For many, Thanksgiving week is the sweet spot between the start of the holiday celebrations and the massive wave of Christmas and New Year’s crowds in December.
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays Begins
To close out the month, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays kicks off on November 28 at EPCOT. This festival is a fan favorite for a reason. It takes the park’s World Showcase and turns it into a global celebration of holiday traditions, complete with cultural performances, holiday storytellers, and seasonal food booths.
Guests can stroll from country to country sampling festive dishes and drinks, hear holiday legends from around the world, and soak up the atmosphere. One of the most popular parts of the festival is the Candlelight Processional — a moving retelling of the Christmas story featuring a celebrity narrator, choir, and live orchestra.
The transformation is stunning. EPCOT at night during the Festival of the Holidays has a different kind of magic — warm lights, holiday music, and the scent of fresh-baked treats drifting through the air. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes the park feel cozy, even as thousands of guests fill its walkways.
A Magical Month Across All Four Parks
November 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable month for Disney fans. With new experiences opening, beloved holiday events returning, and the parks fully leaning into the festive season, it’s a time of year when the entire resort truly shines.
Animal Kingdom is starting a new chapter with Zootopia and its upcoming Tropical Americas expansion. Magic Kingdom is embracing classic holiday charm with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Hollywood Studios is adding a glamorous twist with Jollywood Nights. And EPCOT is delivering its signature global celebration with Festival of the Holidays.
Add in Thanksgiving week crowds, cooler weather, and the build-up to the peak holiday season, and you’ve got a month that’s buzzing with excitement. Whether you’re visiting for a party, a festival, or just a day in the parks, November will be packed with moments you’ll want to remember.