I’m a Disney geek. I’m a Christmas nerd. Is it any surprise that I LOVE visiting Walt Disney World at Christmastime (which actually begins almost overnight after the last Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)?! Here are my three favorite Christmas activities at Disney World.
1. Resort Hopping
While it’s no secret that Disney does everything on a grand scale, I think they really outdo themselves at Christmas! With giant trees, life-size gingerbread and candy creations and Christmas carols (themed to the resorts, of course!) wafting through the lobbies and grounds, you really feel like you’re in a wonderland. Peek in the gift shops for fun Christmas merchandise, and you may even find special gift shops selling gingerbread goodies and chocolate deliciousness in select resort lobbies.
Get Christmas Wise: Our favorite resorts to visit are Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian and the Boardwalk for their great Christmas decor, but all resorts on property get decked out for the holidays, so be sure to take some time to take in the decorations.
2. The IllumiNations Holiday Tag
This may not count as an “activity,” but this is not only one of my favorite Christmas extras, but it’s one of my favorite “Disney things” period! The special ending is so beautiful, hopeful and wonderfully written that it gets me a little teary every time.
Get Christmas Wise: Other nighttime spectaculars and parades also take on a holiday flair. Holiday Wishes takes center stage at Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and then nightly starting December 21 through New Year’s Eve. The Once Upon A Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom follows a similar schedule. Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom morphs into the Jingle Jungle Parade, which is loads of fun!
3. Spectacle of Dancing Lights
This is my piece de resistance during the holidays at Disney World. Our family loves a good light display and even enjoys driving around our hometown on a cold evening with a hot chocolate looking for great lights. You can imagine how much time we spend poking around the millions of lights at Hollywood Studios. From looking for hidden Mickeys to finding that elusive black (well, more purplish) cat to taking TONS of pictures and video, we love an evening with the lights. And who doesn’t love snoap in the Florida weather?
Get Christmas Wise: Be sure to stick around the area for a little while, as the lights dance approximately every ten minutes. This is a great time to capture some video, while the “intermissions” between dances offer great backdrops for pictures, as the lights stand still.
What’s your favorite Disney Christmas activity?
EDITORS NOTE: Please join us in wishing one of MiceChat’s brightest stars a very happy birthday. Our best to you today and always Ms. Jessica! -Dusty and the MiceChat Crew