So, you didn't take a family vacation this summer? Or, maybe you did, but it wasn't fun for the kids? Maybe you didn't even bring the kids. Here's your chance to redeem the whole year: Christmas at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. You will again rise to the rank of family hero.
Don't pack too heavily, since November and December usually stay in the mid 70's to 80's. Swimsuits and shorts--and be sure to save suitcase room for a few gifts and souvenirs to bring back!
Disney World is the epitome of holiday magic. A huge Christmas tree greets visitors on Main St. Each evening, Mickey Mouse hosts a tree lighting ceremony (and somehow teleports himself to get ready for the parade). Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand for a meet and greet while holiday music fills the air. Wait, take a deep breath.smell the cinnamon and gingerbread? (Leave it to Disney to pipe in some holiday scents while you spend the cents!)
Call ahead to get tickets to "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party." This extra-ticketed event features special fireworks, an early preview of the "Very Merry Christmas Parade," stage shows like "Celebrate the Season," and the Fantasyland Pavilion Cotillion. There are also meet and greets of beloved Disney characters. This is an after-hours event and the rides stay open. Although it sounds like an added expense, remember two things: There will be fewer people than during the rush of the day, and you are trying to regain family hero status. Cost of the tickets: priceless. Besides, they serve hot chocolate, cookies, provide a family photo and make "snow", which is no small feat in 70-degree weather! One last piece of advice--tickets sell out pretty quickly, so don't tell the kids until you land the tickets for this special celebration (Call 407-W-DISNEY).
Once Disney cycles through all the dates for this party, then the rest of the public gets the grand fireworks show and the "Very Merry Christmas Parade". (Check the dates this parades starts as it changes from year to year). "The Holiday Wish" stage show features 200,000 lights that twinkle on turret and tower, granting Cinderella her wish for all to share.
Staying through Sunday and looking for a religious service? The Contemporary Resort's Fantasia Ballroom offers both Catholic and Protestant services. Call ahead for current details.
If you want to open gifts at home, and then go on vacation for New Year's Eve, no problem. Disney provides a special New Year's Eve fireworks celebration that wraps around the visitors 360 degrees. This is especially orchestrated to music (some of which is holiday themed).
Insider tips: Take the family on the monorail (you don't have to stay at a Disney property to ride). Get off at each of the Polynesian, Contemporary and Grand Floridian Hotels to see their life-size gingerbread creations. (Don't go hungry.) Also, ask for dinner packages that include character meet and greets (just in case you don't land the tickets mentioned above). Above all, buy a silly Christmas ornament with the year on it (as soon as you get there, because the holiday stuff sells fast). That way, no one can ever dispute the dream vacation was a reality, and you really were/are a hero!
This guide to the "Happiest Holiday on Earth" at Disneyworld in Orlando was brought to you by Vikki Spencer.