Christmas in the Rest of "The World"

Everyone knows that the Magic Kingdom is the place to be during the holidays.  At least everyone that read my last article, Christmas in the Magic Kingdom.  Now, I'm going to continue my Christmas series and discuss what happens during the Holiday season at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney is like Santa's Workshop.  Everything you need to fill your stockings surrounds you at every turn.  If I had an unlimited shopping experience at Downtown Disney my first stop would be the LEGO imagination center.  Actually it's where my husband and kids would blow the most money.  They would stock up on unique Lego pieces and then get a set to put together when they got home.  Me, well I would take my half and spend it all at Once Upon a Toy and Disney's Day of Christmas.  Once Upon a Toy is where I would splurge on some Mr. Potato Head pieces (for my sons of course) and get a few board games for the upcoming winter months.  Disney's Days of Christmas store not only has ornaments, but holiday goodies such as cocoa, chocolate and cookies.  Great gifts to bring home for those unlucky enough not to be at Disney with you.  Everywhere you turn there is a variety of one of a kind shops to make everyones holiday merrier.

After  you've completed your holiday shopping, Downtown Disney boasts some holiday events.  Here is where you will find the big man himself, Santa Claus.  Starting November 14th through New Years Day (times vary), you can meet Santa and give him your wish list in his chalet.  Note:  In past years, December 25th through January 1st, Santa was replaced by Santa Goofy.  My guess is that Santa has a few things to do?  Santa's Village is located next to the World of Disney Store.  Purchase a cocoa at Ghirardelli and stroll through to take in the lights, stilted Toy Soldiers and Holiday musical
performances.  Treat your children to a ride on the small holiday train or the elegant carousel.

Mickey Mom's Tip:  Have someone stay with your children and make a night of it.  Either use Disney's childcare options or beg Grandma to put them to bed.  Then head out to do your shopping in peace and privacy.  Enjoy a couples dinner at any of the fantastic restaurants in Downtown Disney.



Hollywood Studios

Like the other parks, Hollywood Studios has a specially decorated tree at its entrance.  Covered in movie feel and old reels, reminding you where Disney began.  However, the reason to visit Hollywood Studios at Christmas is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.  Jennings Osborne from Arkansas once has an extravagant display of Christmas lights and decorations.  So much so that he purchased the property next to his so that he could make his display larger.   In 1995 Jennings decided to give all his lights and decorations to Disney so they would be on permanent display during the holiday season.  I think there might have been some push from the local residents in his hometown to make this happen.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is not to be missed.  The show begins at dusk and ends at midnight, beginning November 7th and is included with your admission to Hollywood Studios.  Every building in the Streets of America section is covered in millions of lights and lighted sculpture.  There are lights between the buildings and over your head. Every 10 minutes or so these lights are set to music and the magic begins.  Grab a hot cocoa and take it all in.  I can't seem to find the words to express how breathtaking this experience is. If you are lucky, your evening will be capped off by a little Disney "snow.

Mickey Mom's Tip:  This is not to be missed if you are in Disney for the holidays.  Make the evening special by treating yourself to a cocoa and a holiday dessert.  Then find a park bench in the Streets of America.  There are tons of hidden gems in the show, so don't forget to look at the windows on the buildings.

Animal Kingdom

Of all the parks, there is definitely less of the "typical" Christmas characteristic here; more organic but magical none the less. When visiting you will notice less of the holiday decor for the protection of the inhabitants and considering the theme of the Animal Kingdom. That is not excuse not to make a visit during your holiday trip. Their Tree is filled with African and Asian art pieces, animal themed of course. 

Mickey Mom's Tip: The characters at Adventurers Outpost will be in their holiday costumes. Swing by for a unique photo opportunity that will be sure to remind you of your special trip to Disney.



Epcot

Epcot during Christmas is one of my favorite places. This is actually where we spent Christmas Day during our trip. It was less crowded and we had our Christmas Dinner at Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion. Epcot has many special events during the holiday season. The most popular is the Candlelight Processional. The story of Christmas is read by celebrity narrators and accompanied by an orchestra and choir. In 2014 it will be held nightly from November 29th to December 30th at the American Gardens Theater. Times are 5pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm, but get there early to get a seat. This performance is free with your paid Epcot admission, but Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages are also available for an additional cost. Your reservation will guarantee seating and premium fireworks viewing. They include a meal of your choice at many Epcot restaurants. Reservations can be made with your Disney Travel Planner or by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE and selecting "special dining events". Tickets are on sale now. At of this time here are the announced celebrity narrators:

2014 Candlelight Processional

Another reason to make time at Epcot during the holidays is to tour the World Showcase. Each pavilion boats a Storyteller who shares to traditions of Christmas in their country. Each Storyteller takes a different approach to entertaining the visitors. In Mexico the Three Kings put on a show and in China they share how the New Years celebration is most important to them. Several pavilions boast a Santa Claus, La Befana (Italy) or Father Christmas in detail detailed costume. In 2014 from November 29th through December 30th, Storytellers are available daily. Santa and Mrs. Claus can be seen in the American Pavilion from November 29th to December 24th.  Check your times guides for a schedule when you arrive at the park. Each pavilion also sells in their shops treats, ornaments and holiday treasure that you will not find anywhere else without a passport.





Mickey Mom's Tip: If you children still believe in Santa be sure to have some answers to their questions about all the different Santa's. We told our son that these were just actors pretending to be Santa and that the real Santa changes his clothes depending on which country he visits. Just be ready for THAT question!

Are you looking to book a Holiday vacation to Walt Disney World?  Contact me at maria@snapshotgetaways.com for a quote.