New Years Eve Events at Walt Disney World

New Years Eve Countdown at Magic Kingdom

The New Year kicks off with fireworks at Magic Kingdom.  Holiday Wishes is joined by a "Fantasy in the Sky" Fireworks and musical show.  Check out these special fireworks displays on December 30th and 31st at 11:50pm

New Year’s Around the Globe at Epcot

Soak in the countries' traditions in the World Showcase at Epcot.  Enjoy the sounds of favorite bands and DJ's at the different pavilions.  New Years Eve will feature 2 showings of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at 6pm and 11:40.

Celebrate at Hollywood Studios

Always full of family fun at Hollywood Studios, New Year's Eve will feature the cover band Mulch, Sweat and Shears for some iconic Disney songs.  Right before midnight, there will be an amazing shower of fireworks light up the magical night.

Dining and Entertainment at Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney will have special food and beverage tents on New Years Eve.  It's also the place to be for dining, movies, entertainment, and shopping.  Please note:  Unlike previous years there are NO fireworks displays at Downtown Disney due to ongoing construction.  Also, keep in mind parking will be at a premium so use Disney transportation if you are a resort guest.

Maria is a Travel Planner with Snapshot Getaways and a mom 2 two boys (who are unlikely to be awake at midnight).  Contact her at maria@snapshotgetways.com or follow her on Facebook.

Holidays at the Disney World Resorts

With so much to do at the parks during the Christmas season, many people forget, the atmosphere at the resorts the is just as magical. Many have special displays like gingerbread houses or giant Christmas trees. Here is a rundown of where to go when taking some time away from the parks.

SPECIAL DISPLAYS
The deluxe resorts have the most elaborate displays and are worth a trip on the monorail or bus to check out. Below are what the resorts have offered in the past but who knows if they may surprise us this year so check with your hotel concierge before you head out.

• The Grand Floridian boasts a life-sized gingerbread house which they actually use as a Bake Shop. Visitors can purchase Christmas Delights and watch Gingerbread House Demonstrations. The Victorian charm of their decorations brings one back to a more elegant time.
• The Contemporary Resort offers a 17 foot tall Gingerbread Christmas Tree and a huge lighted wreath (Mickey shaped of course), visible as you take the monorail through the resort. We did Chef Mickey’s for dinner here on Christmas Day.  
• Beach Club has a working gingerbread carousel with white chocolate horses and Yacht Club features a miniature train set running through a candy and sugar-coated landscape. The decor here is light, airy and most decidedly nautical.
• The Boardwalk has a gingerbread and chocolate gazebo display and a gingerbread bake shop. Don’t miss the chocolate seaside amusement park display in the Lobby!
• The Polynesian is decorated throughout and has small gingerbread displays in the Ceremonial House.  They do a great job working with their tropical atmosphere so it doesn’t seem tacky.
• Wilderness Lodge boasts homey decor and a cozy, rustic feel the Christmas traditionalist will love.  There is a huge tree in the center lobby with plenty of pine cones. Fireplaces grace the main areas and make you want to curl up in front with a hot cocoa and a copy of The Night Before Christmas.

All the resorts boast beautiful trees and decorations throughout. Always in line with the theme of the hotel. Some also have gingerbread displays or train setups, but nothing as elaborate or consistent as the Deluxe Resorts. If staying at a Value or Moderate Resort, check out your lobby none the less, you will be surprised at what you find.




Gingerbread Tree Assembly at Contemporary Resort

RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Contemporary Resort holds all religious services in their Fantasia Ballroom on Christmas Day.  Catholic Services are held at 8 am and 10:15 am. Protestant Services are held on 9am. The resort will usually limit parking on that day to their guests only, so you must take resort transportation. Leave extra time if taking the bus system from your resort to the Magic Kingdom,, hoping to catch the monorail. Magic Kingdom is so popular that it will take several full buses before you catch one. Ask your resort concierge for an alternate way if possible, depending on your resort.

THINGS TO DO

• Ft. Wilderness Sleigh Ride-Ft. Wilderness offers a 25 minute, horse-drawn, holiday “sleigh” ride throughout the woods of the campground. The rides leave on the half hour and cost $60 per ride. Each sleigh can hold 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children (under 9). The rides begin at 5:30 am to 9:30 pm and reservations can be made at 1-407-WDW-PLAY.
• Children's Activities-Many of the resorts have activities available in the lobby for the kids to do. Often a craft or coloring page. Let them color and watch a little Vintage Mickey as you admire the Christmas displays.
• Dining-Some restaurants will have special Christmas menus they announce as the holiday time nears. I'll be sure to post an update when they are announced.  Some will offer cocoa and cookies on certain nights. Check in your lobby when you arrive.
• Visits with Santa-Most of the resorts will have Santa set up in the lobby on Christmas Eve. Traditionally he is available from 5pm to 8pm. There are schedules at each hotel with other days is “available”. He was there for several days before when we stayed at Coronado Springs. Reminder: Santa is also available at the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney.

I hope this article gives you a taste of what to find during the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World. Keep in mind that the exhibits can change at any time and I’m only representing what was available in years past. If you are interested in planning a holiday trip to Walt Disney World, contact me at maria@snapshotgetaways.com.  

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.

Christmas at the Magic Kingdom

This is the first of several articles I will be writing this month about Christmas in Disney. I experienced the most Magical of times at Walt Disney World in December of 2010. We stayed the week before, including Christmas Day. The articles will feature some stories and tips to help you plan your holiday visit. If you haven't already started planning your holiday trip, now is the time!

The Holidays at Magic Kingdom

The decorations begin going up in the first weeks of November for the Disney Parks holiday spectacle. They are usually completed the week before Thanksgiving. The Magic Kingdom boasts the most beautiful decorations of all. The huge Christmas tree on Main Street is the first sign you are going to experience something extraordinary. No boring red balls and silver tinsel for a Disney tree. All the decorations are custom-made by Disney and each park has a Christmas tree with its own theme.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Here is where you need to plan if this is something you would like to experience during your holiday visit. During select nights in November and December the Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This is a separate ticket you must buy in addition to your park ticket for the day. Tickets are sold in advance on Disney’s website or through your travel agent, and may be purchased at the Park. Tickets are limited so there’s the chance they may sell out on a particular evening, so I suggest buying in advance. You will also save roughly 10% by purchasing ahead of time (some dates are not discounted based on popularity). Prices range from $62 to $71 based on the ages in your party and date you select. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party goes from 7pm to 12pm. During those times the park is restricted to those with party tickets. The published dates for 2014 are as follows:


November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21 and 30
December 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, and 19

What happens during the party?  Disney Magic is what happens at the Christmas Party. Your eyes will not know where to look; colorful lights, Disney characters in holiday costume, magical decorations and snow. Yup, I said snow! During the parade Disney will fill the air of Main Street with their own version of “snow”. Here are some exclusives for party goers:

• Complimentary Hot Cocoa and Cookies
• Live Entertainment from Disney Characters in Holiday Dress
• Access to select rides and attractions
• Meet and Greets with select characters
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Time Parade featuring Santa Claus
• Fireworks Extravaganza-Holiday Wishes

*Note, after the 19th the parade and fireworks will be available to all guests

Not exclusive to the party but amazing none the less is Cinderella’s Castle. The castle is decorated with hundreds of thousands LED lights which change the color of the castle and make it look like a Winter Wonderland. This year the castle will be themed after Disney's Frozen.  The parade is also done on other days, but its a little larger on Christmas Party evenings. Not to mention the crowd is limited, so parade watching is much easier and the lines for rides practically nonexistent.

I highly recommend visiting Disney World at some point in your life during the holiday season. The walk down Main Street decked out in holiday regalia is not to be missed. The bakery and candy shops have unique holiday treats to tempt your inner child (and the ones you bring with you). The parade is a menagerie of all your favorite Disney friends, with the Princesses dressed up even more glamorous than usual. Future articles will elaborate on all the other things to do in the World during the holidays, but the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a good placed to start! 

Here are some Disney Devoted tips:

• Buy your tickets ahead of time, they sell out fast.  Money Saver-consider purchasing tickets for your arrival day. You may enter the park at 4pm with your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets. Eliminate the cost of buying a park ticket for that day. Go to Downtown Disney or enjoy your resort until you can enter Magic Kingdom.
• Do bring your video camera. Sometimes the camera just can’t get it all in at night. If you have one, a tripod will help with the night shots.
• Give the kiddos a nap earlier in the day. The party runs late and everyone can enjoy themselves a bit more if they are rested. This is one of the few times you won’t surrounded by mobs of people, take advantage of it! 
•  Keep in mind the week between Christmas and New Year is the busiest time of the year. Magic Kingdom often closes in the mid morning because it is full on Christmas Day. The weeks where kids are traditionally in school are a not as busy. We found the week before Christmas manageable with the crowds increasing by Christmas Eve.

Maria is a Travel Planner with Snapshot Getaways and loves planning holiday trips!  Contact her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com for more information.  Follow her Mickey Mom Facebook Page for future articles.

Freebie Friday: Doc McStuffin's Free Disney Store Events this Weekend

Do you have a Doc McStuffin’s fan in your life?

Then you do not want to miss this event at your local Disney Store. Celebrate Doc McStuffins School of Medicine at Disney Store! Get a sneak peak of new episodes and enjoy fun-filled activities. Saturday, September 20th: 10:30am - 12:30pm and Sunday September 21st: 12:30pm - 2:30pm. *Minimum age for participation is 3 years. Event limited based on store capacity. No lineups prior to 30 minutes before event begins. Event subject to change or cancellation without notice. While supplies last. You may want to call and check to make sure your local Disney Store is holding this event. Not sure where your local Disney store is? Click the following link Disney Store Locator. The Doc McStuffin show premieres on Disney Junior, Sept 26 at 9 am/8c.

Photo courtesy of Disney Junior

Amanda Hansel is a self proclaimed Disney nerd who has 2 boys. She is also a travel agent with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her on Facebook and on Twitter. She would love to hear from you or chat about Disney with you.