Top 5 Reasons to combine the Holiday Spirit with the Magic of Disney
The Holiday Season at Walt Disney World holds a very special place in my heart. For the past 20 plus years my family has made it a tradition that is never missed. I mean, we plan the entire month of December around when everyone is available to make it to the happiest Christmas destination on Earth. We enjoy it so much that we took our 4 week old to see Santa; and I mean the real Santa. There is something about standing inside The Magic Kingdom and talking to Santa Claus that makes the magic tangible. Take a deep breath in of that warm Hot Cocoa and read my top 5 reasons to spend your holidays at Walt Disney World.
5. Magical in-room Celebrations.
Starting with a banner on your door to welcome you, to a room full of surprises left by your favorite characters personalized to your special loved ones, your room has been decked with Christmas cheer. It is packed to the brim with presents from Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and of course Santa. Disney Floral and Gifts provides an array of additional Christmas services for in room Holiday extras that make this time of year so magical. This surprise will be one to remember for a lifetime, and the smiles on the faces of your Littles will prove it. I have my eye on some adorable Mickey Stockings.
4. One word: Decorations.
From the 65-foot tall Christmas Tree welcoming you onto Main Street USA to the 16-foot high life sized Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa -- Walt Disney World does décor on a huge scale. One could spend an entire day touring just the resorts and taking in all of the beautiful adornment. Just see if you can spot the Gingerbread Castles, the holiday villages with trains, and the life sized Holiday Carousel with ponies made of chocolate (and that is outside of the parks). Inside the parks you will find 1,300 decorated trees, over 300,000 yards of ribbon, and millions of pretty twinkling lights. My favorite decorations are the themed trees with specially created ornaments to fit. One beautiful tree inside of the Be Our Guest Restaurant had glowing stained glass representations of each Beauty and the Beast character. I was in love. Disney knows detail!
3. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. (Sadly in it's FINAL year)
“Marvel at millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music. Share in an awe-inspiring seasonal treat for the entire family. Brilliant multi-colored bulbs wrap the buildings, changing hues and brightness throughout the show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As joyful music surrounds you, a sea of twinkling lights form twirling carousels of heavenly angels, toy soldiers, a spinning Earth, and even Santa and his trusty reindeer. It’s something you have to see to believe!” While you’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios hop over to see our friends Anna and Elsa in the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration too.
2. Celebrities.
Imagine having the opportunity to hear someone like Amy Grant, Neil Patrick Harris, or Whoopi Goldberg in person, reading the Christmas Story, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, and a mass choir? The breathtaking Candlelight Processional at Epcot is an experience that produces goosebumps every time I go. They have 800 performers involved every night, and throughout the season will have invited over 200 guest choirs to participate. The best way to enjoy this Christmas delight is by purchasing a Candlelight Dining Package. “Each package includes lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theater during the Candlelight Processional.” Dinner and a show, without the hassle of waiting in a long line hoping to get seats. While at Epcot go on a journey of Holidays Around the World while touring the World Showcase and meet storytellers sharing holiday folklore from their country and you may even encounter France's Père Noël, Italy's La Befana and America's Santa Claus.
1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
I get excited just typing it. Though this does require a separate admission ticket, the investment is so worth it. From 7:00pm-12:00am you have access to live music, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas!, Celebrate the Season Show, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, AND GUARANTEED SNOWFALL on Main Street, USA. Did you hear me shouting? Typically they go through 300,000 cookies, and 1,200 gallons of hot cocoa in single night. Yes…they are that yummy. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski, Stitch, Tinkerbell, Jiminy Cricket, Pooh, Tigger, Scrooge McDuck, and of course Santa are just a few of the characters ready to wish you a Merry Christmas in a magical night that all will enjoy.
