By Glen Garnett
Just after Halloween the Disney parks transform themselves into the a Christmas winter wonderland ( in 80 degree heat that is.) The four parks, Disney springs and their hotels get a visit from Princess Elsa. It even snopes (
fake snow) in some of the parks during the nighttime actives.
At the magic kingdom Main Street USA is all decorated for the holiday. At the train station there is a huge icon tree decorated with traditional decorations. There are nutcrackers and toy soldiers with poinsettias all over the place. This leads all the way down Main Street to Cinderella castle that during the evening is draped with white ice like lights. The Dapper Dan’s are in their Christmas vests and sinning all your Christmas favorites. There is even a place for Santa next to city hall. During the day there is plenty to do that is holiday related, but at night is where the magic happens. The castle lights up with a special show with Queen Elsa that light projections. The Jungle cruise gets a holiday layover and becomes the Jingle cruise with trader Samta at the very end. The only other area that is decorated for the holiday is Tomorrowland with a space aged décor and a stage show featuring Stich, Buzz and Sully and a cast member singing all the holiday favorites. During select dates the magic kingdom closes at 6pm and reopens for a special ticketed event called Mickey’s very merry Christmas party. There guest are treated to special character meet and greets shorter wait times and free treats in all parts of the park. There is also a special stage show, parade and firework show for those guest.
Epcot also gets in the holiday spirit in the world showcase. Each area of the world showcase had a show on how that country celebrates the holiday. From England Father Christmas to the Chinese holiday experience. In the American pavilion they stage is transformed into a wonderful holiday concert called the candle light processional where Christmas carols are sung by volunteer cast members and the story of the birth of Christ is told by a celebrity guest. This year just like food and wine there are special food booths just set up for the holidays with traditional holiday foods from that country.
Each of the hotels get into the holiday spirit with all having a decorated tree, but nothing like the Grand Floridian where they have a life size gingerbread house that sells gingerbread cookies. Just a short trip on the resort monorail and your there. The other must see is Disney Springs, a huge shopping district decorated from one end to the other. There is a Christmas tree trail that have special themed trees for most of the movies ranging from Frozen to snow white. Just past the world of Disney hear the bippity boppity boutique and it’s free for all guest. No ticket required and free parking as always.
The holiday season is something to see at least once here at the Walt Disney world resorts. Make a memory and come on down if you have a chance.
