Top 10 Holiday Must Do’s At Walt Disney World
There is always magic abound at Walt Disney World, but the Holidays bring about some pretty extra special experiences. Some of my favorite Disney memories took place this time of year. It is truly an enhanced vacation as well as holiday experience. In typical Disney fashion, there is something for everyone! Here are my Top 10 Holiday Must Do’s:
10. During the holidays, there are beautiful Christmas Trees all over the property. You can easily make a day of it and make your own tour to view all the trees. They are usually themed based on the park or resort. For example, the tree at Hollywood Studios is film themed. The one at Animal Kingdom is Animal/Safari themed. You should also check out the trees in the resort lobbies. My favorite is the one at the Wilderness Lodge, but every resort is adorned for the season.
9. The Jungle Cruise ride was transformed for the first time in 2013 into the Jingle Cruise. All of the boats and docks are decorated for the holidays and the snarky and sometimes silly jokes the drivers tell are also revamped with a holiday theme. I prefer to ride after dark when the boats are lit up with twinkle lights.
8. Gingerbread Artwork at the Resort lobbies is a feast for the senses during the holiday season. WDW pastry chefs work diligently to present what are true works of art. You will be in awe of the visual artistry but then there is the yummy smell of the gingerbread that fills the air. The Grand Floridian has a humongous gingerbread house that is so immense and intricate. The Boardwalk Resort has a Carousel made out of gingerbread and the Contemporary Resort has a Gingerbread Holiday Tree. All three have a shop where you can purchase a little taste of gingerbread heaven.
7. The Christmas Day Parade at Magic Kingdom is certainly a special event. Many people are not aware the television taping of the parade is actually in early December. The floats are characters are dressed in lots of red and green and the finale is Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves!
6. Specialty Food & Drinks pop up all over WDW in November. I admit to being a Disney Foodie so I have to include this as its own “must do”. The wonderful flavors of gingerbread and pumpkin make it into cookies, ice cream, cupcakes and many other treats. I love to wash it down with Hot Spiced Cider, especially on a chilly night. Another favorite can be found at the French Pavilion at EPCOT. It is the Buche de Noel au Chocolat. You will be hooked once you try it too! But these tantalizing treats are seasonal so grab them while you can.
5. The Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney is pretty amazing! It is more than just a typical holiday shopping experience. DTD is decorated with breath taking decorations. There is holiday music everywhere including carolers, live performers, and dance parties. Your little ones can visit with Santa here as well. The Christmas shop is open year round but it is extra awesome this time of year!
4. The Very Merry Christmas Party is an extra special ticketed event at Magic Kingdom. For an extra fee, guests can attend the best holiday party you will ever be invited to. The party starts at 7PM and guest with a ticket will have special access to lots of merry fun! Select rides will be open. Cinderella Castle is covered in “ice” and is truly a breathtaking sight. You can grab some free hot cocoa and cookies and even stand on Main Street while it snows. There are special characters and parades. It is truly a unique holiday experience.
3. Another favorite is the World Showcase Storytellers. Each country tells holiday stories from their homeland. Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza are all represented. You can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the American Pavilion. Mrs. Claus even sets up a bake shop at the American Adventure. You can get in the holiday spirit with these special stories and also learn about different cultures.
2. Illuminations is always a wonderful show but there is a holiday themed ending tagged on this time of year. This fireworks/light show is beautiful to watch and all about peace, love and harmony in the world. Also at EPCOT is the special Candlelight Processional. Located at the American Gardens Theater, there is live music and a celebrity narrator that tells the story of Christmas. You can also couple this with a dinner package to get special guaranteed seating.
1. My favorite at Hollywood Studios. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is a holiday attraction is overwhelmingly gorgeous sight to behold. Set in the Backlot area of the park, the lights are all encompassing. There is music and choreographed “dancing” of the lights as they twinkle and sparkle all around you. It snows here as well. This experience is included in your park admission. The experience will bring you yuletide cheer for sure!
There you have it…the top 10 things to do at Disney World during the holiday! Please contact me to learn more about planning your MAGICAL Disney vacation during the holidays or any time of year!
For other Top 10s To Do at Disney visit:
Top 10 must-dos at Disney World
Top 10 Walt Disney World Attractions For Toddlers – #3 is a MUST do!
Jennifer Robertson
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC
(888) 400-1845
jrobertson@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com
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