Posts Tagged ‘Christmas at Walt Disney World’
Trio of Trees
From traditional and timeless to the trees of tomorrow, Walt Disney World has a Christmas tree to suit every taste.
For cutting edge, we’ve chosen the monorail tree at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights offers the lights and only the lights, with trees fashioned entirely of brilliantly-colored bulbs.
At the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the tree in the rotunda references one of the vintage black and white photographs that grace the lobby – “Wildflower Excursion.” The branches are festooned with ornaments, lights, and bunches of wildflowers – a wonderfully woodland tree!
Postcard Perfect – Dreams’ Reflection
The holiday decorations are up for 2009; none more beautiful than the Castle Dream Lights in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. A breathtaking display of shimmering beauty that photographer Joe Penniston has captured in perfect reflection.
Coming Soon to a Galaxy Near You
The Magic Kingdom is setting the stage for a new holiday show, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, scheduled to be up and dancing for its debut during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Appearing on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, the interactive musical revue will feature the faces of Tomorrowland: Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, and Mike Wazowski.
Many were hoping that Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas Show, which lost its home when the Galaxy Palace Theater was demolished, would reappear on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, but the announcement of this new production seems to confirm the demise of that much-loved show.
Rehearsals start on November 2nd and visitors staying at the Magic Kingdom resorts may be able to get an early preview of the music. The rehearsal schedule for new shows and parades typically runs well into the early-morning hours. Guests of the resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon can often step out onto their balconies in the wee hours and hear the sounds of music coming from the Magic Kingdom as cast members run through the productions.
Kids From One to Ninety-Two
It’s what makes Walt Disney World such a perfect destination – there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re a great grandmother riding Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, or a two-year old riding Dad’s shoulders to see the parade, you will find something to enchant you.
As travel agents, we’re often asked why Walt Disney World does not offer a discount for senior citizens. I always use the explanation I heard years ago from a cast member: there are no discounts for seniors because at Walt Disney World, everyone’s a kid!
Although it’s been said many times, many ways, we think this beautiful image by Jacob Nadolski, which captures all the warmth and fun of a Disney holiday, says it as well as any song.
Merry Christmas to you!
Do Reindeer Really Know How to Fly?
Reindeer are another recurring theme at Walt Disney World, and are found in some unexpected places. At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there’s a twinkling deer family grazing on a ledge over the main entrance. They add to the beauty of the lobby in the evening, when it glows with light and good cheer.
For the holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom, Santa’s reindeer have left their post to join the dancing on Main Street U.S.A. Wearing their “hollyday” bows and sleigh bells, they’re a favorite year after year.
Nestled in fields of flowers, the beautiful twig deer at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa draw visitors outside to enjoy the perfectly manicured grounds of this splendid resort.
Look for a reindeer motif featured on everything from antenna toppers to chocolate. Take the time to visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness and enjoy the fantastic holiday displays at the campsites. You’ll see lots of reindeer prancing through the woods.
But, do they really know how to fly? Oh, yes!
Santa’s on His Way
Santa is a familiar sight at Walt Disney World, showing up in many locations. In EPCOT, the different countries participate in “Holidays Around the World” and storytellers present their nations’ own special traditions which often include some type of Santa or Father Christmas figure. Find the familiar jolly “American” Santa Claus at the American Adventure.
He also makes appearances during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and, of course, is always part of the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade. There’s generally a Santa Claus meet and greet in the Magic Kingdom during the day, beginning in early December. In addition, he somehow manages to make his way to Downtown Disney for Christmastime in the City.
Those looking for something a little different in a Santa will find Santa Goofy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Look for him at Santa Goofy’s Wild Wonderland reading to pose for pictures. He also makes his appearances in the Jingle Jungle Parade.
On Christmas Eve, he visits the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels to discuss gift lists and provide photo opportunities.
Families with small children who have decided to spend Christmas at Walt Disney World will often arrange for packages to be shipped to their resort hotel to ensure that there are lots of toys and goodies on Christmas morning!
A Turkey and Some Mistletoe
There are some traditions worth keeping wherever you may find yourself during the holidays. At Walt Disney World, the familiar Christmas dinner is served as an option at many restaurants throughout the parks and resorts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Of course, the Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom celebrates this favorite meal year round with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing as part of the everyday menu. Turkey is also regular fare at the Garden Grill in EPCOT.
A number of venues, including many of the Signature restaurants such as the California Grill, Artist Point, and Citricos, have a special prix fixe holiday menu. Some offer holiday items as well as a la carte, while others serve only the holiday meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Most buffets feature holiday items in addition to the usual array of choices. Those looking for “tradition” with a twist can find the enormous turkey legs at carts located in the parks. If you’re planning a visit over Christmas in 2009, contact your travel agent, or call 407-939-3463 (407-WDW-DINE) for more information. The 90-day window will still be in effect for the holiday this year, and it will open up in just a few days. These reservations go very quickly, so be sure to make your plans early.
While you may come across some mistletoe growing in the water oaks of Florida, we suggest you bring along your own. Holding a sprig over the head of a character makes for some great holiday photos, and decorations brought from home add a bit of Christmas cheer to your hotel room. You can also order a Christmas tree from the Disney florist which arrives complete with lights and decorations. Disney will pack it up and ship it to your house at the end of your vacation.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying in a suite at a Walt Disney World Resort over the holidays, most will already be decorated in keeping with the themes of the hotel.
