Hey DFB fam! October has officially come to an end, and it’s time to look toward November in Disney World.

November brings the beginning of the holiday season in Disney World and the ending of a certain festival, as week as LOTS of other changes. Let’s get into it!

Holiday Decor

The official beginning of the holiday season in Disney World is November 12th, even though already we saw some holiday decorations appearing in October. But in November, it’s time for ALL the holiday decorations to go up.

November 1st brought us magical holiday decorations in Magic Kingdom, and we’ve also seen holiday decorations appear in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We can’t WAIT to see snoap!

Photos and video: The holidays have arrived in Magic Kingdom!

Character “Sightings”

November also marks the official debut of character “sightings,” or Disney’s word for modified character meet and greets. Since the reopening of 2020, we’ve experienced socially distanced characters in Disney World, but this will be a new opportunity for more one-on-one time with your favorite Disney characters.

Characters will still be socially distanced, but you’ll have a bit more time to take selfies and have a chat. There are no hugs or autographs allowed yet, but getting that time to have a brief conversation is a plus! We’ve seen Disney start some of these modified meet and greets early, but the “official” return is November.

FULL list of modified meet and greets coming to Disney World!

Coco Scene Added to Mickey’s PhilharMagic

On November 12th, Mickey’s PhilharMagic will reopen with a new scene from Coco! This scene will feature the “Un Poco Loco” scene from the Pixar film, and it follows the rest of the scenes with Donald chasing Mickey’s sorcerer hat.

Mickey’s Philharmagic has been closed in Disney World since October 11th, so we’re excited to finally get to watch this new scene!

More photos of the new Coco scene in Mickey’s PhilharMagic!

Closures

Kali River Rapids is closing for refurb

Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom closed for refurbishment on November 1st. According to Disney’s website, it should reopen sometime mid-December 2021.

Kali is a water ride that can definitely soak your clothes, so you may not want to ride it anyway as the Florida weather cools down.

Read more about Kali River Rapids refurbishment here!

Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe

On November 7th, the Tam Tam Drummers will resume performances in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! You can catch them in Africa, where they drum AND dance.

You can find their performances in the streets of Africa and you don’t want to miss the exciting beats from the Congo.

MORE live entertainment is returning to Animal Kingdom!

Minnie’s Holiday Dine

On November 4th, Minnie’s Holiday Dine returns to Hollywood and Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This seasonal dining experience features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto dressed in their holiday best, with Goofy dressed as Santa!

You’ll also find holiday decorations around the restaurant. Remember, character dining is modified, so while you can take photos, interactions are limited.

Check out our review from the 2020 Minnie’s Holiday Dine!

Wine and Dine Half Marathon

From November 4th to the 7th is the runDisney Wickedly Delicious! Wine and Dine Half Marathon. This marathon is Disney Villains themed, so of course, all the medals feature fan-favorite villains.

If you’re a runner in the Wine and Dine Half Marathon, good luck and have a blast! If you’re a visitor during those dates, Disney World might be a bit more crowded than usual.

Everything you need to know about the 2021 Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend!

Very Merriest After Hours

Disney World’s new holiday after-hours event, the Disney Very Merriest After Hours, will debut on November 8th and last through December 21st on select nights. This separately ticketed event will take place at Magic Kingdom, with tickets ranging from $169 to $249 depending on the night. The event will run from 9PM to 1AM.

This event will be filled with special entertainment, such as Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey & Minnie’s Very Merry Memories stage show, and more. There will also be Disney characters in holiday outfits, holiday treats, and a few rides will receive holiday overlays. Included with the price of admission are complimentary popcorn, beverages, and treats.

Read more about Disney Very Merriest After Hours here!

Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil

On November 18th, the new Cirque du Soleil production Drawn to Life will debut! This show will combine Disney animation with acrobatics for an incredible show featuring a collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, and of course, Cirque du Soleil.

Disney has even referred to this production as “a love letter to the art of Disney animation.” We’re excited to see this epic collaboration and tickets are on sale now!

Read more about both the Drawn to Life story and the show here.

2021 Food and Wine Festival Ends

November 20th is the last day to get your fix of the 2021 Food and Wine Festival in EPCOT. If you were hoping to taste some of the Food and Wine offerings from 2021, you need to get to EPCOT soon. And it’s not just food either — you can also shop for exclusive merchandise or participate in the Remy’s Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt!

Not sure where to start? Make sure you check out our best of the fest lists, both part 1 and part 2 for some guidance on the dishes you HAVE to try before the festival closes for another year.

This is the most controversial 2021 Food and Wine dish!

Dapper Day

From November 20th through the 21st you can celebrate Dapper Day in Disney World! What’s Dapper Day, you ask? It’s a special day for guests to dress up for Disney Parks with vintage style, or basically how guests visiting Disneyland and Disney World used to dress once upon a time!

You can wear true vintage clothing, buy vintage-inspired clothing in Disney World, or just visit to admire everyone’s beautiful outfits! It’s a really fun time to experience in Disney World, whether you dress up or not.

PHOTOS of Dapper Day in Magic Kingdom!

Reopenings

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Over in Disney Springs, the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will begin serving holiday foods on November 5th. Jock Lindsey is the pilot for Indiana Jones in the films, and you can find nods to the travels of Jack and Indiana throughout the lounge.

This lounge’s menu features cocktails and tapas dishes, along with Air Pirates Everything Pretzels (made with house-made mustard and beer cheese fondue) and Snakebite Sliders (of course).  You can find this uniquely-themed lounge in The Landing area of Disney Springs.

Check out the treats we found at Jock Lindsey’s last year!

Candlelight Processional

After being canceled in 2020, the Candlelight Processional will return to EPCOT on select nights beginning on November 26th through December 30th. This show takes place as part of the Festival of the Holidays, and it will be held at the America Gardens Theatre with a celebrity narrator, live orchestra, and cast choir.

Some of the celebrity narrators have been announced, and there is also a Candlelight Processional Dining Package for people who want guaranteed seating at this special holiday event.

Learn more about the Candlelight Processional Dining Package here!

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

And we can’t forget this special event coming this November! The 2021 Festival of the Holidays will begin in EPCOT on November 26th, running through December 30th. This is where you’ll find holiday treats, entertainment, and more.

You can visit Holiday Kitchens for special holiday foods, eat a whole lot of cookies on the Cookie Stroll, and even listen to storytellers around the World Showcase.

Check out all the Festival of the Holiday booths!

And that wraps up everything changing in Disney World this November! Keep reading DFB for all your Disney World news.

Beware of these Disney World changes!

What are you planning to do in Disney World this November? Tell us in the comments!