The holidays have begun in Disney World! Well, not officially, but there are a BUNCH of decorations up around the parks.
Some holiday decor actually showed up over 2 weeks before Halloween this year! And, as soon as Halloween ended, the decorations invaded, with Christmas trees, wreaths, and more popping up overnight. And, while we love the holidays at Disney World, we do have some very serious questions about some decorations in Magic Kingdom right now!
Disney…why are there pineapples everywhere? What’s going on? Are you okay?
Fruit is usually on these holiday decorations. We’ve seen apples, pears, oranges, lemons, and more on the wreaths and garlands. And, there have been pineapples in the wreaths before, but this year it seems like Disney is really focusing on the tropical fruit — they’re a lot more prominent in the decorations!
Don’t get us wrong, pineapples totally fit in with the gold decor thanks to their coloring, but it still seems a bit too tropical to be paired next to snowflakes. Does the pineapple have some sort of significance to the 50th anniversary that we’re totally missing? We know the Polynesian opened in 1971 too, but then these wreaths should be over at the hotel instead of lining Main Street, U.S.A. Or, they should at LEAST be in Adventureland where pineapples makes sense.
Maybe it’s some sort of strange subliminal marketing message to get you to crave Dole Whips as soon as you walk into the park! But, come on…we don’t need to be reminded to buy a Dole Whip, we’re one step ahead of you, Disney.
While the pineapple might seem random, it does have historical significance to Christmas. The fruit had long been a symbol of status and wealth, with it being featured at the center of lavish dinner parties, according to Southern Kitchen.
But, after the Revolutionary War, the pineapple became an image associated with rebellion. George Washington was even said to have grown the fruit at Mount Vernon! The pineapple was a symbol of individuality and independence for the new United States of America. So, maybe this decor ties into Liberty Square and Walt Disney’s love for American history?
But, what does the Revolutionary War and pineapples have to do with Christmas? Well, the war moved the fruit away from being a symbol of status. And, it was during Christmas in 19th century America that the pineapple turned into a symbol of a generosity, neighborliness, and hospitality instead. According to Southern Kitchen, The fruit was displayed at the top of a tower of apples, pine cones, and holly and fir leaves at holiday celebrations. The juice was also used to sweeten rum or brandy punches at holiday parties, and the fruit used in sweet treats.
And, the pineapple is still a symbol of hospitality today — especially in the southern United States (which is where Disney World is located, after all). So, the Disney designers of these decorations might actually be leaning into historical Christmas decorations, which is so cool! Or, there was just a surplus of little fake pineapples at Michael’s😉.
Either way, the pineapples definitely make for some pretty unique Christmas decor, which we’re not complaining about! We’ll be on the lookout for even more holiday decorations going up around Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Click here to see which Disney park just got its Christmas tree!
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Why do you think there are pineapples all over these holiday decorations? Let us know in the comments!
Kristin says
I am really into these pineapple Christmas decorations. Tropical Christmas fun. I would totally take these home. If they could just sell the tree and the wreaths. 🤣
Jennifer says
That’s why King’s Hawaiian bread and Williams Sonoma have pineapples in their logos too. Good info about why WDW has many in the holiday decor this year. Thank you!!
cc says
its all looking out of place and gawdy. Much prefer the beautiful red and green, they are over doing it with all the gold and the plastic pineapples symbolic or not just still seem out of place and tacky. disney is really losing its touch lately and doing strange things, whos in charge of this stuff?