Posts Tagged ‘Main Street U.S.A.’

Photo by S.E. Smith

#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

 

Perhaps no other element is more intrinsic to the magic of Walt Disney World than the architecture.  It is used to set a scene; to transport us to another place and time; to tell a tale.  Even visitors who walk right by the art deco facades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the thatched roof of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, or the wondrous exterior of the Haunted Mansion, are unwittingly pulled into the moment and surrounded by the story being told. 

Dan Pratezina has a special affinity for these details, and we think he has captured perfectly the soaring beauty of the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in the photo featured on our Grand Indulgence itinerary page.  Here we get a pleasant glimpse of the lace-curtained windows, extravagant gingerbread,  and gentle, small-town charm that is Main Street, U.S.A.  Thanks, Dan!