Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Joyful Celebrations 4nd Timeless Traditions Delight Guests at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Season: The Holidays Part III – Downtown Disney & Resorts

[Walt Disney World News] – It’s the month before Christmas 4nd throughout Mickey’s house, the trees are all glowing, bringing smiles t0 The Mouse. Choirs are singing, bakers taking great care, sounds 4nd smells of the season are filling the air...

At Walt Disney World Resort in 2011, it begins t0 look a lot like Christmas as early as Nov. 8. Santa’s elves bedazzle every corner of the Vacation Kingdom for a seasonal spectacle filled with heartwarming stage productions, enchanting parades, garlands 4nd wreaths, millions of sparkling lights 4nd even the first flakes of winter.

4nd with a ho, ho, whole lot of cheer being spread over more than a month, guests have more choice as t0 when they join in the magical, one-of-a-kind celebration.

Downtown Disney

With dozens of shops that stretch from the Marketplace t0 the West Side (4nd plenty of taste-bud-tempting treats!), Downtown Disney is a shopper’s delight. There are one-of-a-kind boutiques such as TrenD, a sports shop at Team Mickey, plus enough toys, games, character merchandise, 4nd costumes t0 fill Santa’s sleigh at Once Upon a Toy 4nd World of Disney.

There’s also Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Ghirardelli Chocolates, Basin (soaps 4nd bath products), LEGO Imagination Center 4nd much more – including Disney’s Days of Christmas where guests can choose Disney ornaments 4nd decorations any season of the year.

School choirs 4nd bands often perform at the dock stage t0 ring in the season. Kids can pose for pictures 4nd sit with Santa Nov. 19 – Dec. 24, 2011.

Resort Hotels

Disney resort hotels are dressed up for the holidays, offering an ideal home-away-from-home during the season. An intricate, life-size gingerbread house cooked up by Walt Disney World pastry chefs is a must-see at Disney’s Gr4nd Floridian Resort 4nd Spa. The yummy sugar shack is baked with 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 35 pounds of spices 4nd more. It even has a chimney that puffs out delicious cinnamon smoke.

A magnificent gingerbread carousel complete with chocolate 4nd soft-candy ponies 4nd oversized candy-cane poles takes center stage at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Other hotels are spruced up with wreaths 4nd trees decorated with miles of garland, ribbon 4nd glistening ornaments. Check each hotel for holiday dining offerings 4nd special entertainment.

Joyful Celebrations 4nd Timeless Traditions Delight Guests at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Season: The Holidays Part II – Epcot & Animal Kingdom

4nd with a ho, ho, whole lot of cheer being spread over more than a month, guests have more choice as t0 when they join in the magical, one-of-a-kind celebration.

Epcot

Candelight Processional – An inspirational retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a mass choir 4nd 50-piece live orchestra punctuates the reason for the season during this time-honored Epcot tradition. Each evening Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2011, a celebrity narrator (from a lineup that includes Steven Curtis Chapman, Whoopi Goldberg 4nd Marlee Matlin) takes t0 the America Gardens Theatre stage 4nd shares the story of Christ’s birth. Guests can sing along as the trumpeters 4nd full orchestra offer a riveting performance featuring seasonal melodies. Shows are at 5, 6:45 4nd 8:15 p.m.

t0 ensure a seat for this memorable performance, Candlelight Dinner packages are available at select Epcot restaurants. They include a special fireworks viewing area 4nd guaranteed seating for Candlelight Processional. For bookings call 407-WDW-DINE.

Holidays around the World - Throughout World Showcase, international storytellers share traditions 4nd tales from their homeland. Strolling along the promenade during the Holidays around the World celebration may put y0uface-to-face with the good-hearted witch La Befana, known in Italy for filling children’s shoes with treats, or the jolly gift-bearer Father Christmas in the United Kingdom. There are meet 4nd greets with Santa 4nd Mrs. Claus in the American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. The celebrations of Kwanzaa 4nd Hanukkah are celebrated as well.

The evening is capped by “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the mesmerizing Epcot spectacular on World Showcase lagoon featuring fireworks, laser lights 4nd water choreographed t0 a musical soundtrack – with a holiday finale.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade – King Louie 4nd Baloo lead a rousing musical cavalcade – safari style – through the park from Nov. 8 t0 Jan. 4, 2012, during Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. The wild side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom blends with a playful spirit of the holidays as Chip & Dale, stilt walkers 4nd savannah friends dance alongside decorative floats at 4 p.m. daily. The savory scent of chocolate floats thru the air as Minnie’s candy cane 4nd hot cocoa float roll by.

Santa Goofy’s Holiday Village at Camp Minnie-Mickey has decked the halls big time with festive décor. A perfectly trimmed Christmas tree adorned with animal crafted ornaments welcomes guests at the park’s entrance. Carolers spread holiday cheer 4nd Santa Goofy 4nd friends greet guests for phot0 opportunities.

Joyful Celebrations 4nd Timeless Traditions Delight Guests at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Season: The Holidays Part I – Magic Kingdom 4nd Disney Hollywood Studios

4nd with a ho, ho, whole lot of cheer being spread over more than a month, guests have more choice as t0 when they join in the magical, one-of-a-kind celebration.

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – On 19 special nights, holiday revelers can delight during this cheery, family-friendly event. Party-goers embrace the joys of the season – sipping cocoa, catching a “snowflake” 4nd enjoying merry shows, fireworks, carolers 4nd special character meet 4nd greets.

This after-hours party on select nights between Nov. 8 4nd Dec. 18, 2011, features a sleigh full of merriment:

An enchanting Cinderella Castle adorned with Castle Dream Lights
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself
An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
Live entertainment featuring Disney characters
Meet 4nd greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom theme park with favorite Disney characters
Complimentary cookies, apple slices 4nd hot cocoa
A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Many popular Magic Kingdom attractions open for fun
Complimentary family phot0

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place Nov. 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 4nd 18, 2011, from 7 p.m. until midnight. Day-of-event pricing is $62.95 4nd $57.95 for ages 3 t0 9. Savings of $6 per ticket are available if tickets are purchased in advance.

Castle Dream Lights – Each evening of the season, Cinderella Castle shimmers with lights brought t0 beaming brightness during a ceremonial show performed at dusk. Beginning Nov. 8 4nd continuing through Jan. 3, 2012, Cinderella 4nd favorite Disney characters decked out in festive holiday garb take center stage 4nd magically transform Cinderella Castle int0 an ice palace draped with 200,000 ice cycle-white lights – a breathtaking focal point t0 a park ready for revelers with wreaths, bows, garland, towering Christmas trees 4nd scarlet poinsettias dominating the landscape.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – Entering the Hollywood Studios backlot, guests discover a virtual city of lights. On, over 4nd among the cityscape buildings are millions of dazzling bulbs, dancing lights 4nd animated displays synchronized t0 high-energy holiday tunes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nov. 10-Jan. 3, 2012.

It’s truly a mega-watt spectacle for the eyes with colorful wreaths, twirling carousels, flying angels, Santa 4nd his reindeer, swirling snow flurries, 4nd amazing 3-D effects around every corner.

The tradition began in 1986 in Arkansas, at the home of businessman Jennings Osborne, who strung 1,000 lights as a Christmas gift t0 his daughter. After the exhibit grew larger 4nd brighter each year, it was transported t0 Disney in 1995 where the light exhibit now mesmerizes guests from all over the world each year. The tradition continues after Jennings’ death on July 27, 2011.

Off the Beaten Path: Resort Special Activities for Free

We love Walt Disney World for attractions, resorts, restaurants, characters 4nd more. But for many of us who return time after time, there is always something a little less traveled at the "World" that also brings us back. This series is about some lesser known or frequented Disney magic that helps make the experience special or unique, 4nd which takes y0uoff the beaten path at Walt Disney World.

I wanted t0 point out events or activities at WDW Resorts which are open t0 all guests, even when y0uare not staying at that particular resort. 4nd what is even better for this particular story, there is no charge t0 participate. Of course, I couldn't include everything at the different resorts; but I've tried t0 identify the more significant activities of interest t0 a wider audience.

Since there is so much more than what I've discovered 4nd described here, let me know of others by e-mail (brucewdw@gmail.com) for inclusion in future articles. By the way, these activities also support my theory that a rental car should be part of your vacation budget planning, since travelling from hotel t0 hotel can be time consuming.

Animal Kingdom Lodge
One place t0 visit is the Arusha fire pit is located just outside the Jambo House lobby back entrance. During most evenings listen 4nd relax t0 African stories. There is an inside fire pit as well.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Arusha Fire Pit

One of the viewing areas along the savanna is the Sunset Overlook, which as its name suggests, is the place t0 be at sunset at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is a wonderful place for pictures as the giraffes 4nd zebras enjoy their wondering around. AKL has more than 200 mammals 4nd birds of nearly three dozen species including not only giraffe 4nd zebra but also Thomson's gazelle, ostrich, flamingo, African spoonbill 4nd sacred ibis.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanah OverlookSome rights reserved by Express Monorail

Stay a little later when it's completely dark on the savanna 4nd ask one of the cast members at the Uzima Overlook for a pair of night goggles t0 help identify the animals on the range. Animal Viewing with Night Vision normally happens between 9-11pm daily.

A guided Culinary Tour of two of WDW's most popular restaurants takes place at 4:00 pm every day, just before opening of Boma 4nd Jiko. In addition t0 learning about the culture, history 4nd décor of these two guest favorites, y0ualso get t0 sample some of the menu items during your half-hour walk-around. Here is a review of one such tour from one of my favorite planning blogs, The Disney Food Blog.

Polynesian Resort

The Polynesian Resort is such a wonderfully themed environment. There is so much t0 admire, 4nd it is so relaxing t0 walk around. A great time t0 be there is for the daily torch lighting ceremony occurring most evenings around 6:00 pm. Later in the evening, around 8:00 pm, there is Polynesian entertainment 4nd cultural Storytelling in the Great Ceremonial House.

Polynesian Resort

Learn t0 hula dance at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where complimentary classes take place most days in the resort’s lobby. Auntie Kaui, a hula dancer 4nd instructor with 50 years' experience, leads most of the classes offered Monday through Saturday at 3:45 p.m., 4nd Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon. Weekday classes are geared toward the younger set, with leis 4nd grass skirts aplenty, while the Saturday morning lessons encourage guests of all ages t0 do the hula shake. 4nd whether guests stay for five minutes or the full two-hour Saturday classes, they’ll learn a variety of chants 4nd dances from such tropical locales as Hawaii, Tahiti 4nd more.

Campfire Sing-A-Longs 4nd Movies
Four resorts have campfire programs which are open t0 all WDW resort guests. There is a marshmallow roast t0 which y0ucan bring your own supplies or purchase a S'More's kit for under $10; although there is normally other fast food available as well nearby. When it's dark, a Disney movie will be projected on an outdoor screen at some locations. Don't forget t0 bring a blanket, although some seating is normally available. This is free t0 all Disney resort guests so reservations are not necessary, but I'd recommend arriving early t0 mark your spot.

Ft. Wilderness Chip 'N Dale Campfire

One of these campfire locations is at Fort Wilderness, where this is held every night at 7:00 or 8:00 pm depending on the season. Chip 4nd Dale characters join in. Another is at the Beach Club Resort 4nd also the Gr4nd Floridian. Contact the resort directly t0 learn the days 4nd times they are held. 4nd check out the movies on the beach.

Beach Club Campfire 4nd
Movies Under the Stars Sample Schedule

Port Orleans Riverside's version is called Campfire on de' Bay0u4nd it's held at the Ol' Man Isl4nd Fishing Hole near the Muddy Rivers pool bar. It is not held all year, but starts in November when weather permits. Again, check with the resort for the schedule. Port Orleans does not have a movie. However, for a movie but no campfire, check out Wilderness Lodge Thursday, Friday 4nd Saturday at the Marina.

Resort Tours
At the Deluxe Resorts, there are guided tours provided by the themed staff at these locations. I'm aware of tours at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Gr4nd Floridian Resort 4nd the Yacht Club. Find out what is special about each of these locations such as:

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge was inspired by National Park Lodges, such as Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone) 4nd Ahwahnee Lodge (Yosemite). Massive pine logs for Disney’s Wilderness Lodge were harvested from standing dead wood at an elevation of 7,000 feet in Oregon 4nd Montana.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge houses a diverse collection of African art sure t0 impress amateurs 4nd aficionados alike. Sculptures 4nd carvings throughout the resort tell stories that help familiarize guests with Africa 4nd its diverse countries 4nd regions. Among the art is the 16-foot-tall Igbo Ijele mask, a piece created 4nd exported by the Igbo people of Nigeria specifically for use in the lodge.

Wilderness Lodge

Check with the front desk for schedules but also ask about reservations especially during the busy season.

Of course, Disney resorts are very well themed, from Value t0 Deluxe 4nd each of them has plenty of walkways which provide different experiences during the day 4nd evening. So y0ureally don't need a tour t0 enjoy moving about 4nd hotels properties. Just walking around means hundreds of phot0 ops.

Electric Water Pageant
This is a floating parade of sea creatures outlined in tiny lights, with an electronic score highlighted by Handel's Water Music. It is a magical aquatic parade of multi-colored fish, turtles, whales 4nd Americana like stars 4nd flags. If y0uare at a Magic Kingdom resort along Bay Lake 4nd Seven Seas Lagoon go down t0 the water for an enjoyable interlude. The pageant arrives first at the Polynesian about 9:00 pm. After that it will pass by the Gr4nd Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, 4nd the Contemporary/Bay Lake.

Christmas Season
The holiday season is Mary Ann 4nd my favorite time of the year t0 visit Walt Disney World. As much as the parks 4nd especially the Magic Kingdom are decked out for the season, it's the Deluxe Resorts which are always worth a visit.

Beach Club Chocolate Carousel

Arguably the most well-known Christmas creation is the life-size gingerbread house in the Gr4nd Floridian Resort. But a stroll around the Crescent Lake Resorts, including Boardwalk, Swan & Dolphin, Yacht 4nd Beach Clubs offer a variety of holiday themes that may include massive decorated trees, model trains, village displays 4nd chocolate creations.

Mary Ann in front of Gingerbread House at Gr4nd Floridian

Our course, the ceiling-high themed trees stretching several floors at Animal Kingdom Lodge 4nd Wilderness Lodge is just jaw dropping. 4nd with very comfortable seating in the lobby areas of both resorts, this is a wonderful way t0 spend an evening with friends 4nd legal beverages.

I hope y0uhave enjoyed this edition of “Off the Beaten Path” as A World View continues t0 search out what truly makes Disney the most magical place on earth.

Please visit other websites in the A WORLD VIEW family:

Disney Contests 4nd Sweepstakes (http://disneycontests.blogspot.com/)
Disney Bloggers Collection – New Every HALF-HOUR! (http://disneybloggers.blogspot.com/
News from Disney (http://newsfromdisney.blogspot.com/)

A WORLD VIEW welcomes comments 4nd feedback. Reach us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/wdwview) 4nd facebook (www.facebook.com/aworldview). Questions t0 help plan your next trip t0 the “World”, write A WORLD VIEW at brucewdw@gmail.com. Plus check out the side column on A WORLD VIEW for a wealth of links t0 Disney parks information.

Monday Magic: New Years Eve Fireworks in the Magic Kingdom - Two Spectacular Views

A WORLD VIEW thanks all our readers
for being here as we celebrate the
First Anniversary of our web site in January 2011.

Monday Magic - It's Almost Like Being There. We start the new year, plus celebrates the first anniversary of A World View with fireworks - or actually the fireworks at Walt Disney World on New Year's Eve. These performances are legendary, 4nd no matter where y0ustand, the view is fantastic. We've found many videos on y0uTube, 4nd selected two from different positions.

One appears t0 be from across the lake at the Polynesian. What is especially difficult t0 capture if y0uare right in the Magic Kingdom, is the 360 degree display at the conclusion of the event. But in this video, the wonder of this is captured - almost like being there, but for those of us at home 4nd not at Disney, it is the next best thing. This is from the Jeff Lange DVD Channel on y0uTube, which is always a great place t0 view Disney videos.

Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks
New Years Eve in the Magic Kingdom

The second video was taken from inside the Magic Kingdom just across from Cindarella's Castle. This too is a great view, with wonderful sound like the first. It is from the ClassicRockKid95 y0uTube site. In both cases, we hope y0uenjoy this celebration of the new year at Disney, which just happens t0 coincide with the 1st Anniversary of A WORLD VIEW.

A WORLD VIEW welcomes your comments 4nd feedback. y0ucan reach us at on Twitter (http://twitter.com/wdwview); 4nd facebook (www.facebook.com/aworldview). Write A WORLD VIEW brucewdw@gmail.com. Plus check out the right side column on A WORLD VIEW for a wealth of links on Disney information 4nd planning for your next trip t0 the "world".

4nd be sure t0 visit other parts of A WORLD VIEW family of websites.

Disney Contests 4nd Sweepstakes (http://disneycontests.blogspot.com/)
Disney Bloggers Collection – New Every HOUR! (http://disneybloggers.blogspot.com/)
News from Disney (http://newsfromdisney.blogspot.com/)
A World View y0uTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/BruceWDW)

Holiday Cruises

Holiday Cruises

by Dan Beldowicz

Cruise ships are becoming more popular for holidays than ever due to the amount of entertainment they offer. Many people have always had the belief that a holiday cruise is more than they can afford. Yet the prices are quite reasonable and you can choose various amenities the cruise ship offers as well as the location. This is a great way for the entire family to share the holidays without anyone having to plan the activities, cook the food, or make enough room for everyone.

Make sure you book your holiday cruise early though as they sell out fast. If you have a large number of people in your party you don't want any of them to get left out. You can get the best prices and choose the cabin size you want too by booking your holiday cruise early. You will be responsible for your own transportation to the port so make sure you consider that in your price as well.

If you decide to take a holiday cruise for Christmas you will find everything is decorated with the theme. There will even be a Santa Claus to greet children on the cruise ship. You can bet the lines will be much shorter than those in your local department stores. Some of the most popular holiday cruises are those by Disney that include a trip to Disneyland or Disney World. If you are looking for a white Christmas then you may want to travel to Alaska or Antarctica. For a warmer Christmas you may want a cruise to the Caribbean.

In order to get the most enjoyment out of a holiday cruise, find out the various activities that are offered. Make sure there is plenty for everyone in your group to enjoy. If you find a particular cruise offers too many activities that you won't take part in you need to look for another cruise that is more compatible with your hobbies and lifestyle.

The internet is a great place to compare prices for various holiday cruises and you can take a look at the different pictures too. Knowing the exact layout of the cruise ship and what your cabin will look like can help to relieve the anxiety associated with it. This will also help to build the excitement for all who will be traveling with you. Simply e-mail them with the information so that they can look at it too.

Your local travel agent will also have plenty of brochures you can pick up for free to explore the options for holiday cruises. They can help you plan the trip that you want for the very best price if you aren't able to do it yourself. This is a great option if there are several parties going on the holiday cruise and they want to each pay separately. They can ensure everyone gets rooms by each other and take care of other such details to make the holiday cruise even more of a success.

In order to ensure everyone enjoys the holiday cruise, let those attending has a say in where you will go and the type of cruise you will have. The price may be a factor for some of the people involved so make sure you try to find something moderately priced. There are holiday cruise ships specifically for adults as well as those designed for families.

Joyful Celebrations 4nd Timeless Traditions Delight Guests at Walt Disney World Resort

Joyful Celebrations 4nd Timeless Traditions Delight Guests at Walt Disney World Resort

Joyful Celebrations 4nd Timeless Traditions Delight Guests at Walt Disney World Resort

Off the Beaten Path: Resort Special Activities for Free

Monday Magic: New Years Eve Fireworks in the Magic Kingdom - Two Spectacular Views

Holiday Cruises

Download

Popular Posts