Posts Tagged ‘Once Upon a Christmastime’

It is a month of contrasts.  The beginning of December is a favorite of Disney veterans who take advantage of the great weather and lower crowds during the first couple of weeks.  The week between Christmas and New Year is the single busiest one of the year.  During this holiday period, it’s not unusual for the Magic Kingdom to reach full capacity and close the gates to new arrivals as early as 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.

It is festive and beautiful – perhaps the single most beautiful time of year to visit Walt Disney World – with parks and resorts dressed to impress and the daily schedules a whirlwind of special events, activities, and holiday performances.  There are so many different things going on it’s impossible to list them all!  As the calendar counts off the days until Christmas, each resort begins to add its own roster of special holiday happenings.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party continues, typically until about December 19th, at which time the Christmas Parade replaces the daytime parade in the Magic Kingdom for the remainder of the season.  The Castle Dream Lights sparkle and Wishes becomes Holiday Wishes for a few special days.  There are regular performances of the Candlelight Processional and the storytelling of Holidays Around the World in EPCOT.  Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom can enjoy Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.  The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights draws the crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Festival of Seasons offers seasonal entertainment and Santa meet-and-greets.  In fact, Santa really gets around the Walt Disney World Resort!

The Voices of Liberty don their holiday finery for concerts of seasonal music at the American Adventure and many of the resort lobbies ring with good cheer as various choruses, choirs, bell ringers, soloists, and musical groups serenade guests.

Attendance levels: From the sublime to the ridiculous – expect lower attendance for the first couple of weeks escalating to the highest numbers of the year during Christmas week.  Guests visiting for the first time after the middle of the month should understand that crowds will be fierce.  The parks are crowded, the parking lots are jammed, the roadways are busy, the buses and monorails are full; it’s difficult to overstate just how massive the crowds are.  Expect long waits for attractions and transportation; be prepared to wait at every turn.  Be certain to make dining reservations well in advance and plan to visit with a relaxed attitude, knowing that this will be a time to slow down and enjoy each moment as it comes.

Weather: It can be breezy and balmy or crisp and cold.  In the past few years, the temperatures have climbed well up into the 80’s and crashed into the 20’s.  December of 2010 was the coldest ever recorded for this area.

Packing: If there was ever a time to pack for all possibilities, this is it.  As the departure dates nears, we suggest checking the ten-day forecast at weather.com!

Even though it’s still summer, in “Disney Time” the holidays are right around the corner.  Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts in just a few weeks and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, one of the highlights of the Christmas season, begins on November 8^th and runs on selected nights until December 19^th.

 

It’s a magical night filled with special entertainment, spectacular fireworks, and the only opportunity to see the Christmas parade after dark.  Also, the first presentation of Castle Dream Lights takes place on the night of the first party, November 8.

The 2010 dates for this merry annual event are:

November – 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, & 30
December – 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, and 19

7 p.m. to 12 midnight

Ticket Prices for 2010, not including taxes, range from $53.95 to $59.95 for adults and $47.95 to $53.95 for children.  Lower prices reflect advance purchase savings which are not available for all dates.

If you’re booking your Walt Disney World vacation package with Whimsical World Travel, your Concierge will be happy to make arrangements for your party tickets.  You can choose to have them waiting at Will Call for pick-up after you arrive, or request downloadable e-tickets.  For an additional charge, your tickets can also be shipped.

 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families – why not make it one of yours?

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Winnie the Pooh

Current Address: tree (the former home of Mr. Sanders), Hundred Acre Wood

Interests: creating hums, playing Poohsticks, spending time in the Thoughtful Spot

Favorite Food: hunny

Facebook Friends:  Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Rabbit, Gopher, Christopher Robin

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed.  Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional.  Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• EPCOT, World Showcase, England, Toy Store
• EPCOT, Holiday Character Bus
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame
• Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, Pooh’s Playful Spot
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island boat landing
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat

Character Dining

• Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 1900 Park Fare, breakfast

Attractions

• Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Shows

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animation Courtyard, Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Once Upon a Christmastime