Disney Resorts Look a Lot Like Christmas

Usually, I do not like to see Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, but when the decorations and celebrations are as elaborate as those at the Disney Resorts, the longer they are on display for guests to enjoy, the better.  Don’t believe me?  Check this out:

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

The seasonal events last through January 3, 2011 and offer everything from an ice castle to international customs to a world famous light display and lots of holiday cheer around every corner:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held at Magic Kingdom (map) on select nights beginning at 7:00 pm, through December 19.  This extra ticket, after hours, family event allows guests to sip cocoa while catching “snowflakes”, enjoy live entertainment, fireworks synchronized to holiday tunes, parades featuring dancing gingerbread men and tin soldiers, even special meet and greets with Disney characters.
• The world famous Osborne family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will be illuminated for all to behold until January 3.   Millions of bulbs blanket the backlot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios (map) with dancing lights, animated displays and flying angels all amid whirling snowflakes create a true holiday wonderland.
• Throughout the World Showcase of Epcot (map), storytellers share the customs and lore of the traditions celebrated in their countries during Holidays Around the World.  Sharing messages of goodwill, guests may come face to face with La Befana , the Italian witch, the United Kingdom’s Father Christmas or American children’s favorite  holiday figure, Santa and Mrs. Claus.  The celebrations of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are showcased as well.
• The star-studded Candlelight Processional takes place in Epcot as well, as celebrity narrators share the heartfelt Christmas story backed by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra. The performance takes place on the America Gardens Theatre stage.  Open to all theme park guests, seats can be reserved by purchasing a special dinner package at select Epcot restaurants.

DISNEYLAND RESORT

The magic of the holiday season can be shared with family and friends through January 2, 2011 at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure theme parks (map) through themed entertainment, dazzling displays and holiday treats.

• Full of holiday tradition, A Christmas Fantasy parade is a tradition at Disneyland and showcases Disney characters preparing to celebrate the magic of the season.  From wrapping gifts, baking holiday treat, even ice skating it is all highlighted by the arrival of Santa who shouts greetings to gleeful guests.
• Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle has been adorned with snowdrifts and icicles while three times nightly a holiday light show and magical snowfall takes place.  The grand finale takes place with the Believe In… Holiday Magic fireworks show.
• A few of the iconic attractions have been transformed for the season as it’s a small world Holiday shares the worldwide celebrations of the season, while Haunted Mansion Holiday shows what happens when Jack Skellington takes over the mansion in a combination of Halloween and Christmas.  Guests won’t want to miss Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland as Santa and his reindeer have come for a visit and are anxious to chat with children.

Photos: wdw news and disneyland news, Paul Hifflemeyer photographer