By: Stephanie Martin, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
The holidays are upon us, time for sleigh bells, hot cocoa and….. sunny, tropical Florida?
That’s right! It’s been our tradition to kick off the month of December every year with a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World. While there may not be snow and a need for winter coats (most nights), holiday cheer is definitely NOT in short supply at the Disney Parks during this time of the year. Here are my top 5 things to get you into the holiday spirit at Walt Disney World:
Beginning in early November, Walt Disney World Resort’s magical holiday transformation begins with Magic Kingdom Park as they prepare for the ultimate celebration of the season- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. A special ticketed event that takes place on select nights in November and December, guests have the opportunity to celebrate with Mickey and his friends throughout Magic Kingdom. Watch all your favorite characters in a magical holiday show, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, then grab a spot under the tree and watch for Mickey and his friends to come marching down Main Street USA in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Don’t run away from that in-demand spot under the tree, stick around as the night sky joins in the celebration with Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show. In between all these holly jolly events, you can snack on specialty treats or one of the complimentary cookies and holiday drinks included with admission. Dance the night away at numerous dance parties, meet your favorite characters in their holiday best or enjoy the best gift of all- the gift of shorter ride wait times! Reach out to your travel agent to learn more about this special event for your family next year.
The reason for the season comes alive every December at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. A feature of this beloved festival is that of the Candlelight Processional. Begun by Walt Disney himself 60 years ago at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World has adopted this holiday tradition as well. Join special celebrity guest narrators, the Voices of Liberty and visiting choirs in a reading of the nativity. Complete with some of your favorite Christmas carols, this special event takes place three times every night at the American Adventure Amphitheater. While reservations aren’t needed, be sure to line up early for your preferred show time or, better yet, ask your travel advisor about booking a special Candlelight Processional Dining Package for guaranteed seating!
You don’t have to have admission to the parks to experience the holidays at Walt Disney World. Head to Disney Springs, Disney’s outdoor shopping and entertainment venue and find your Christmas Tree Stroll map! While shopping for Christmas gifts, grabbing a bite to eat or waiting for your movie to start, find all of your favorite Christmas Trees inspired by popular movies. From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, to Encanto, Frozen and more, the kids and adults will love this holiday hunt.
‘Tis the season for festive treats and libations! Throughout the parks, resorts and Disney Springs you’ll find all sorts of menu items to get you in the holiday mood. Eat your way around the world (literally) with traditional holiday bites at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, sip on holiday cocktails at your resort bar or grab a little something to take home from Amorette's to share with the ones you love.
Remain immersed in holiday cheer when you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. While all resorts transform for the holiday season, a quick trip to a few specific resorts to see their unique decor should be on your list! Hop the monorail to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to view this years gingerbread castle display and learn about the chefs who created this masterpiece. Continue your journey on Disney’s highway in the sky to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for pictures with The Gingerbread House, including 1,050 lbs. of honey, 600 lbs. powdered sugar, 800 lbs. of flour, tons of creativity and a little Disney Magic, you’ll want to stop in at the back of the house to purchase a few gingerbread goodies of your own to take home!
Whether you plan to start your holiday season with a short trip or celebrate the actual holiday from Christmas through New Years, there is something extra magical about this time of year at Walt Disney World. There are so many things to do and see that aren’t even mentioned above! So, reach out to your travel agent today to book your family experience at the most magical place in earth during the most wonderful time of the year!
Please reach out to Stephanie, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
