If you are lucky enough to visit Disney in Orlando at Christmastime, then you are in for a real treat. It really is one of my favourite times to visit, and if I had the choice of staying at home in the UK or visiting our beautiful villa in Orlando for Christmas, then there really is no contest – Orlando wins hands down.
It is difficult to put my favourite Disney Christmas events in order, but I think that the firework and laser show at Epcot has to rank first. It is always a wonderfully exhilarating and emotional occasion, but at Christmas they add on a special display right at the end. Introduced by the great Walter Cronkite, for me, it heralds the beginning of the Christmas celebrations. It is utterly magical with its theme of ‘Peace on Earth. ’ Who cannot believe, for just one moment, that such a thing could happen – that all the peoples of the earth could live together in harmony and peace? It certainly gives me goose bumps when I hear the music swell, and the fireworks make their loud and splendid climactic finale.
So what is my second choice? Well, my next is a more traditional Christmas event, the Candlelight Processional, which takes place in an outside theatre opposite the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. This exquisite carol concert features a wonderful 300 voice choir as well as a 50 piece orchestra, but the highlight is the celebrity narrator reciting ‘The Christmas Story. ’ There are three performances each night, lasting approximately an hour, and it is a truly moving experience due to the breathtaking quality of the music and the singing. Don’t miss it if you are making your first visit to Disney World at Christmas. You will come away feeling so uplifted.
So what about the other parks? Well, all of the parks are decorated for Christmas, but one of our favourite attractions is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, which takes place in Hollywood Studios, in the Streets of America. Millions of sparkling lights decorate the buildings with wonderful displays of angels, reindeer, and seasonal decorations. There are around 60 snow making machines to add to the magic, and now the lights ‘dance’ to music. Make sure you find time to walk down the streets and take in this wonderful show of lights and music.
One of the most famous Disney Christmas attractions is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, at Magic Kingdom. This is a special event which requires separate admission from that of your regular park admission. There are special shows, including the Celebrate the Season show outside the castle, storytelling, and of course parades and the Enchanted Christmas Wishes Firework Spectacular. Guests can also enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Children of all ages will enjoy the festivities.
So if you can manage it, start your Christmas celebrations off in style by visiting the Disney parks.
It is difficult to put my favourite Disney Christmas events in order, but I think that the firework and laser show at Epcot has to rank first. It is always a wonderfully exhilarating and emotional occasion, but at Christmas they add on a special display right at the end. Introduced by the great Walter Cronkite, for me, it heralds the beginning of the Christmas celebrations. It is utterly magical with its theme of ‘Peace on Earth. ’ Who cannot believe, for just one moment, that such a thing could happen – that all the peoples of the earth could live together in harmony and peace? It certainly gives me goose bumps when I hear the music swell, and the fireworks make their loud and splendid climactic finale.
So what is my second choice? Well, my next is a more traditional Christmas event, the Candlelight Processional, which takes place in an outside theatre opposite the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. This exquisite carol concert features a wonderful 300 voice choir as well as a 50 piece orchestra, but the highlight is the celebrity narrator reciting ‘The Christmas Story. ’ There are three performances each night, lasting approximately an hour, and it is a truly moving experience due to the breathtaking quality of the music and the singing. Don’t miss it if you are making your first visit to Disney World at Christmas. You will come away feeling so uplifted.
So what about the other parks? Well, all of the parks are decorated for Christmas, but one of our favourite attractions is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, which takes place in Hollywood Studios, in the Streets of America. Millions of sparkling lights decorate the buildings with wonderful displays of angels, reindeer, and seasonal decorations. There are around 60 snow making machines to add to the magic, and now the lights ‘dance’ to music. Make sure you find time to walk down the streets and take in this wonderful show of lights and music.
One of the most famous Disney Christmas attractions is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, at Magic Kingdom. This is a special event which requires separate admission from that of your regular park admission. There are special shows, including the Celebrate the Season show outside the castle, storytelling, and of course parades and the Enchanted Christmas Wishes Firework Spectacular. Guests can also enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Children of all ages will enjoy the festivities.
So if you can manage it, start your Christmas celebrations off in style by visiting the Disney parks.