I heard a recent statistic that stated during the December holidays, most people travel to visit family. Of those traveling for pleasure, the top vacation destination is Orlando, Florida.
If you are among those heading to Central Florida this holiday season and if you travels might take you to the Happiest Place on Earth, Walt Disney World Resort (map), might I make a few suggestions of events that will make your trip more eventful:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Held at the Magic Kingdom theme park (map) on select evenings through December 19, this after hours party requires a separate admission ticket. Filled with special entertainment including a Christmas Parade attended by larger-than-life gingerbread men and giant toy soldiers and the Holiday Wishes fireworks show.
What could be more magical than Cinderella’s castle draped with 200,000 sparkling white lights? How about “snowflakes” falling from the Florida night sky?!
Guests are also served complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and apple slices while enjoying unlimited access to favorite Magic Kingdom attractions. Of course, Mickey and several of his famous pals will be there dressed in their holiday finest to greet you.
Candlelight Processional
One of Disney’s favorite holiday traditions takes place nightly through December 30 as a line-up of celebrity narrators retell the story of Christmas. Held three times nightly at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre, the narrators are joined by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra.
Among the celebrities scheduled to appear, though subject to change, include Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, Whoopi Goldberg, Trace Adkins, Brad Garrett and Marlee Matlin. I can only imagine that this moving story would be all the more chilling told through the booming voice of Trace Adkins or Brad Garrett.
The performances are included with admission to Epcot theme park (map) and because of their popularity, guests are advised to arrive to the theatre early. To add to the performance and ensure a seat, guests may purchase a Candlelight dinner package at select Epcot restaurants which includes guaranteed seating. Dinner packages may be booked by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
New Year’s Eve with Cirque du Soleil
New Year’s Eve will be a little more special when attending a performance of La Nouba at the Cirque du Soleil theater at Downtown Disney. La Nouba features an international cast of acrobats, athletes and performance artists presenting mystifyingly graceful acro-gymnastics in vibrant costumes and choreographed to lively music.
Guests of the artful performance will toast with champagne and receive a special limited-edition pin created for the event. Tickets for the event may be purchased by calling 407-939-7328 or at the theatre box office.
Other not to be missed holiday happenings at Disney World Resort include the dramatic Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios featuring millions of tiny twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music and Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Whether you are visiting family or traveling with you family to Disney World, here’s hoping you have safe travels.
Photo Selections: WDW News, Diana Zalucky, Photographer
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