Archive for August, 2009

#4 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Yes, the holidays are a festive time throughout Walt Disney World, but there’s something special about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  Maybe it’s the breathtaking spectacle of the Castle Dream Lights which debuts on the first party night.  Perhaps it’s the Christmas Parade which seems so much more special when seen at night.  Was the old parade better?  It sure was; but many of the best bits have made the cut:  the toy soldiers, everyone’s all time favorite; the skating snowflakes; the gingerbread men.

The fireworks are certainly at their most spectacular in Holiday Wishes which concludes with a jaw-dropping finale that surrounds the park.  There’s snow, of course, on Main Street U.S.A., lights in fanciful holiday shapes wash the buildings with color, and the hot cocoa and cookies are a welcome treat.  The landscape glows in red and green, the cast members sport seasonal costumes; it just feels like Christmas.

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of the Party:

• The weather can be very unpredictable at this time of year so be prepared for anything from warm to wintry.

• The Party is generally less crowded on the earlier dates and on weekdays, but guests won’t experience the crush of the daytime crowds.

• Plan on a very early evening meal in the Magic Kingdom or at one of the nearby resorts.

• Confirm the time for the Castle Dream Lights presentation and find your viewing spot early.  Although a lot of the action takes place on stage and in the castle balcony just above, the real show is the spectacular lighting of the entire castle, which can be seen from many areas around the Magic Kingdom.

• Choose to watch the second parade and spend the time during the first showing enjoying the rides.

• Remember that most guests leave well before midnight, so consider an afternoon nap to help stay the course at night.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Magic Kingdom

Late November to mid-December

7:00 p.m. to midnight

Contact your Concierge for pricing and tickets

#3 The Lights of Winter

Yet another of those lovely things that bring us back to Walt Disney World year after year – the beautiful Lights of Winter in EPCOT.  During the late fall, we watch the arches go up over the walkway between Future World and the World Showcase; the bare white structures giving little hint of the dazzling show that awaits.  Just after Thanksgiving, the parks and resorts seem suddenly to burst forth in holiday dress. Now, each evening, the modest archway transforms, becoming a brilliant canopy of color.  It’s an ever-changing tapestry as continuous patterns compose and fade away, twinkling and pulsating in harmony with a holiday musical score.

We love the charming ceremony that takes place at nightfall, when characters arrive for the lighting of the EPCOT tree.  As the lights on the tree begin to twinkle, the magic moves to the archway, and it comes alive for the first show of the night.

Lights of Winter

EPCOT

Nightly throughout the holiday season

Park admission required

#2  The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

OK, I’m going to admit that, when the lights were first strung up over at the television houses in the backlot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I did think they were over-the-top tacky.  Now, keep in mind I never missed the chance to go see them, I just thought they were too, too much; not very pretty but definitely a spectacle.  While I missed the former location for a while, their new home on the large buildings and little side Streets of America began to grow on me.  But, when they added the “dancing” feature, I was hooked!

Appearing nightly from just after Thanksgiving until the new year, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is a must-see attraction.  Several times each hour, after a brief opening ceremony, more than five millions lights burst into their dazzling choreography synchronized to seasonal music, including holiday favorites performed by the Trans Siberian Orchestra, Jose Feliciano, and Barbra Streisand.  Look for additional embellishments: angels and reindeer overhead, twirling trees, dozens of shapes outlined in lights, and, of course, snow flurries.

Visitors can also look for some of the more than 40 Hidden Mickeys found throughout the installation. It’s an astonishing display of holiday fun designed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Nightly from late November to early January

Shows every 15 minutes

Park admission required

#1 Castle Dream Lights

One of the world’s most famous and well-loved structures, Cinderella Castle has endured its share of temporary embellishments through the years, some of them earning considerably less than universal approval.  Few would argue, though, that the current holiday enhancement is nothing short of astonishing.  Maintaining its usual façade by day thanks to cleverly-colored components which blend nearly invisibly with the blue and tan colors of the roof and walls, the Castle is transformed at night into an icy, sparkling confection.

A brief and charming ceremony at dusk ushers in the metamorphosis.  Slowly, turret by turret, the Castle begins to shimmer with a frosty glow as thousands of tiny lights work their magic to cover it with “icicles.”  Throughout the evening, the colors change imperceptibly, moving through the spectrum and providing an unforgettable backdrop for the holiday fireworks.

Cinderella Castle Holiday Lights

Magic Kingdom

Nightly throughout the holidays; stage show at approximately 5:45 p.m.

Park admission required

Our website and blog would be much poorer without the many contributions of Jeff Bergman.  Beautifully composed, and processed with a sure hand, his photographs bring us all the color and excitement of our favorite destination.  Glowing nightscapes, brilliant parkscapes, the landmarks we love and the minutiae we often miss; Jeff presents them all to us in images so vivid, they’re almost three-dimensional.

This amazing shot of EPCOT’s Lights of Winter bursts with movement and color.  It’s enough to make you pack a bag and head off to Walt Disney World today!  Thanks so much, Jeff!

The schedule for the 2009 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival was recently released, and reservations for the special events open on August 11, 2009.  From September 25 to November 8 this year, it’s a great time to visit Walt Disney World.

Nonetheless, it remains a challenge for anyone hoping to do some advanced planning.  Fourteen years after its inception, it continues to be a seat-of-the-pants endeavor.  There’s always an aura of disorganization surrounding this event despite so many years of practice.  The announcement of the schedule barely six weeks before the opening date, as usual, leaves guests little time or flexibility to make their arrangements.  With hotel bookings strong due to numerous special offers and reduced rates, anyone hoping to see the schedule before making reservations risks disappointment.  Reduced air capacity often translates to high ticket costs for those making last-minute bookings.  There are also frequent issues with cancellations and changes after the schedule is published, upsetting many a well-laid plan.

Consequently, savvy Festival veterans have learned to decide on their dates first and make their arrangements well in advance, then choose from the available events offered during their trip.

This season features a number of interesting additions to the Festival line-up including offerings from Rio de Janeiro, Thailand, and Puglia.  Everyone will enjoy the Edy’s Ice Cream Experience, and those guests who embrace the tradition of “drinking around the world” will appreciate the tequila tastings Friday through Sunday at Cava del Tequila, and the new champagne and dessert kiosk at the entrance to the World Showcase.

While the previously complimentary tasting seminars at the Festival Welcome Center will now cost $8.00 per person, visitors will still discover a great many events and presentations each day that are included in the regular park admission.

Returning visitors will find many old favorites on the roster including the Party for the Senses, Eat to the Beat Concerts, Wine Schools, Signature Dining, and the Food and Wine Pairings. There are dozens of demonstrations, book and bottle signings, seminars, and, of course, the wonderful kiosks showcasing the foods and beverages from countries around the globe.

A special Disney Gift Card has been designed for the Festival to make purchases fast and convenient and is available at a number of locations throughout the park.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

EPCOT

September 25 to November 8, 2009

Park admission required

Reserved events available at additional cost

Those looking for something unique can skip over to Downtown Disney and jump on Characters in Flight. Soaring 400 feet in the air, the tethered balloon offers a glorious panorama of the Disney property for many miles.  Up to 29 passengers are welcomed aboard for a one-of-a-kind view. Unlike the usual hot-air balloons, this helium-filled model doesn’t require a noisy heater, and guests can enjoy a tranquil experience floating above the ground. It’s fun to pick out familiar landmarks from a completely new perspective high in the sky.  The pilot, certified by the FAA, is happy to point out famous sights up to ten miles in the distance.

On windy days, the maximum capacity is reduced and flights may be cancelled due to inclement weather.  Consider going when there’s a bit of a breeze as fewer passengers make for better viewing.  Keep in mind that the “night flights” are completely different from the daylight voyages and worth another ride!

Characters in Flight

Downtown Disney

Daily 9:00 a.m. to midnight, weather permitting

Approximately 8 to 10 minutes

$18.00 adults

$12.00 children ages 3 to 9

What do dwarves, dinosaurs, and Dumbo have in common?  They’re all topiaries at Walt Disney World.  This fanciful foliage is found throughout the parks and resorts all year round, but each spring, EPCOT becomes a gallery for this leafy art during the International Flower and Garden Festival. 

Look for Mary Poppins over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and don’t miss the wonderful Bison gracing Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Mickey and Minnie are there to welcome you to the Magic Kingdom, and elephants march along the walkway that leads from the park entrance to the Contemporary Resort.  

During the holidays there are characters dressed for the season and each Flower and Garden Festival features amazing new installations.  Guests never know if they’ll see perfume, Pluto, a panda, or Pooh.  From a fluffy Lion King fashioned of long grasses, to an extraordinary dragon bristling with bromeliads, these charming creations are some of our favorite Disney Details.

Often overlooked by non-camping visitors, Disney’s Fort Wilderness is home to some of the most spacious and appealing accommodations at Walt Disney World – the Wilderness Cabins.  Each cozy cabin is tucked into the trees and boasts a well-equipped full kitchen and living room area with dining table and chairs, sofa, and a miniature table and chairs for kids; separate bedroom; generous closets; even a deck with charcoal grill and picnic table.  With a space-saving Murphy bed in the living room and both a double bed and bunk beds in the bedroom, this woodsy retreat accommodates up to six guests.

Vaulted ceilings with wood beams, country curtains, and rustic furniture and accessories add to the charm.

Since many of the resort rooms have a maximum capacity of five guests, this is a wonderful option for the larger family.  Although it’s just a pleasant boat-ride from the Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness feels like a different world, perfect for those guests who want to get away from it all at the end of a day in the parks.  Home to the popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, the Fort offers many fun outdoor activities for the family on more than 700 acres of woodland beauty.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness is the resort of choice for our Boo to You! vacation itinerary for the Halloween season.  We include everything you need for a spooktacular celebration.

With the big shows at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo –The Musical, drawing all the crowds, one of the most appealing attractions at Walt Disney World is often overlooked.  It’s the wonderful Flights of Wonder, presented several times each day in its own atmospheric amphitheater located in Asia. 

Much attention has been paid to Groucho, the amazing singing parrot with his repertoire of seven songs and engaging personality, but there are more than twenty species of fascinating birds showcased in this mesmerizing presentation.  Many of the “stunts” performed by these creatures are actually examples of their natural abilities. It’s always amazing to watch demonstrations of the instinctive behaviors, the sheer cleverness, of these beautiful animals.

Next time you’re in the park, fly on over to the Caravan Stage – we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Flights of Wonder

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Caravan Stage, Asia

25 minutes

Presented several times daily, check Times Guide for show times

Park admission required