Filming has begun at Disney World for ABC's Disney Parks Holiday Specials

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Filming has begun at Disney World for ABC's Disney Parks Holiday Specials

Filming Begins for ABC’s 2025 Disney Parks Holiday Specials at Walt Disney World

The most wonderful time of the year has officially arrived early at Walt Disney World, as filming is underway for ABC’s annual Disney Parks Holiday Specials. This year’s festivities kicked off at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where singer-songwriter Mariah the Scientist was spotted performing in front of the park’s iconic Tree of Life.

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Filming has begun at Disney World for ABC's Disney Parks Holiday Specials

Crews were seen setting up lighting and camera rigs throughout the central Discovery Island area as the R&B star recorded her segment, bringing a touch of holiday sparkle to the wild heart of the park. While details of her performance haven’t yet been revealed, the combination of her soulful sound and the park’s glowing, nature-inspired backdrop promises to be a visual and musical highlight of this year’s broadcast.

The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade and The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration traditionally feature performances from across all four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disneyland Resort, blending celebrity appearances with scenes of park guests enjoying seasonal magic from around the globe.

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Filming has begun at Disney World for ABC's Disney Parks Holiday Specials

Disney hasn’t yet confirmed the 2025 air dates or the full performer lineup, but historically, one special airs around Thanksgiving weekend, with another hitting screens on Christmas Day. These specials stream on Disney+ and Hulu in addition to their ABC broadcast, making them accessible for fans far and wide who want a little Disney cheer from home.

If you happen to be visiting Walt Disney World over the next week, keep an eye out — filming may continue at other parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You never know when a festive performance might light up Main Street, U.S.A., or echo from Cinderella Castle.

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