Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Christmas Tips 2014

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's that time of year! Halloween is over and that means one thing at Disney: it's time for Christmas!

Every year, Walt Disney World transforms into a Winter Wonderland. This year, there are some new changes to look out for. This is a long one, so grab some cocoa and snuggle down by the fireplace.

Without further ado, let's get to the festive fun!



Without a doubt, the most exciting part of the holiday season at Disney is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! Unlimited cookies and cocoa, Christmas music, a parade and fantastic Fireworks display all go into this night. MVMCP is a separate, hard ticketed event, but it's well worth it. The park is less crowded, and the night really is wonderful.


 There are two shows to watch: A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas! and Celebrate the Season. The former is (obviously) in Tomorrowland, and features Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski, and Stitch. The latter stars Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald getting ready for Christmas.


NEW this year is a Frozen Holiday Wish. In years past, Cinderella's fairy godmother was called upon to make the castle sparkle with ice and lights. This year, everyone's favorite ice queen will takeover, along with Kristoff, Anna and Olaf. This is sure to be impressive! Note: This can actually be seen at 6:15 with regular admission, and then again at 8:00, during the party.



It wouldn't be a Disney party without characters! All the favorites make appearances in the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, as well as gingerbread men, toy soldiers, and of course, Santa. NEW this year to the parade will be a Frozen processional, as well as Ralph and Vanellope from Wreck it Ralph.

NEW this year characters can be found in dance parties. The Holiday Hootenanny! in Liberty Square will feature the Country Bears and Clarabel, Horace and Clara. At Club Tinsel in tomorrowland, Phineas and Ferb will be dancing the night away.

NEW this year guests will be able to meet Sandy Claws aka the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, in his Christmas gear! The seven dwarves, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy are also available to meet in their winter clothes, too!


Finally, snow on Main Street! While this is just a little thing, kids especially (or native Floridians :-p) will be amazed to see snow, especially at the Happiest Place on Earth.

While it's certainly amazing, not all fun at Magic Kingdom is at the Christmas Party! Many things are available with a general admission ticket.


Holiday decorations, for example, are up all day. On main street you can meet Santa, or even just take a beautiful Christmas themed Disney picture of your family.



Gift shops are all decked out too! You might even find a few things to add to your Christmas list.



NEW (from last year) is the Jungle Jingle Cruise! The ordinary boat ride is given a makeover, completely with holiday decorations, yuletide skipper nicknames, and of course, corny Christmas jokes.


Be Our Guest restaurant, as well all the other restaurants, also gets in the spirit. Featuring the tree and angel from Beauty and the Beast: An Enchanted Christmas. 

 
Liberty Tree Inn is all dressed up.


Finally at Magic Kingdom, keep your eyes open! You may come across the Citizens of Main Street dancing to Christmas songs, or the Dapper Dans singing your favorite carols.

Pop Century Christmas Tree
Of course, there's more to WDW then the Magic Kingdom. The Resorts go all out too, and they're definitely worth seeing. Grand Floridian builds a life sized gingerbread house! Even the Values have gorgeous trees. Drive, hop on bus or monorail, and check it out!

Pere Noel in the UK at Epcot.

Holidays Around the World at Epcot are a fun way experience how different cultures celebrate. Also at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional, featuring Disney Cast Members, student choirs, and celebrity hosts telling the Christmas story. Candelight Processional dinner packages can be purchased for an additional fee, which includes a reserved dinner, priority seating for the show, and a reserved area for that evening's Illuminations!


Rumor: ENDING this year is the Hollywood Studios Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights. The Streets of America is covered with Christmas lights, which are set to music. For this year, a Frozen premium package will be available for purchase. With the package, you'll get preferred seating to a performance of the For the First Time in Forever sing-a-long show, as well as a dessert party during the Osborne lights, and a collectable pin and lithograph. Todd and I have done many of these premium packages, and they are well worth it.

Well, that about wraps about this post! There is so much to see and do this Christmas at Disney, so look out for some reviews!

Until then, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!





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