I’m sitting inside Innoventions at EPCOT tonight waiting for some friends to join me for Candlelight Processional and wishing there was a certain innovation called Wifi available to me whilst I wait. Wifi would make uploading the following a lot easier, not to mention faster.
This is my first time seeing the holiday decor during the day. So I took a few pictures to share. I’m going to walk around a bit and then upload some more pictures later.
Those are big ornaments on a big tree.
Joyful it was not as the last show was over at 4:15, too early for us evening guests.
A lovely floral hidden mickey (not really hidden, is it). I wish they’d do more with this view.
For anyone who wants to spread a little Christmas cheer while dreaming of a golden ticket to the next American Idol audition, the folks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have you covered. In addition to the regular line up potential stars can choose from 8 Christmas… Read More »American Idol Experience add Christmas Songs to List
Every year my mother and I travel to “The World” and go resort hopping to check out the Christmas Decorations…but mostly to see the beautiful Gingerbread creations the resorts create. This year was no different. We started at the Boardwalk at around 12:15. (Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to explore hotels! Even though there are guards before you enter the parking lot, they are more than happy to let you in if you say you want to check it out!)
Boardwalk is the newest to the Gingerbread party. They have recently found their “niche” with a Gingerbread gazebo. This year’s main character was Stitch, with Donald playing a supporting role as Santa coming down the chimney. A train circles the gazebo with each of the cars representing a store or restaurant on the Boardwalk. (Tip #2: All Gingerbread displays have Hidden Mickey’s! Look at the sign in front of the display to see how many there are to find!)
This they have also added a store. When I went, they were only selling Stollen Bread and Mini-Gingerbread houses. I have heard they will start having more of a variety of products soon, but I can’t confirm that. The store has a cute Stitch overlay as well. Thanks to the cast member for smiling for the picture!
After that we took a stroll along the boardwalk, heading left. We looked around in the store for a bit, received a lecture from a Disney Vacation Club cast member, and then entered the Yacht Club. Yes, I know, the Yacht Club doesn’t have a gingerbread…well anything! None the less, we go every year, since it is next to the Beach Club.
Universal Orlando Resort showed a bit of restraint waiting until after Thanksgiving to launch its Christmas celebration. That’s appreciated by us purists, but means you only have a short window of time to get yourself to the resort and enjoy the festivities. For a list of their offerings, read our earlier post.
I recommend arriving early and exploring both parks. They have a lot of decorations up and the Holiday Village has fun games and treats for the whole family. I would have liked to see more entertainment options like they had for Mardi Gras, but there was still plenty to see and the treats all smelled delicious.
This year marks the 10th year the Macy’s Holiday Parade has run through the streets of Universal Studios. In theory these are the floats and balloons from the actual parade in NYC and I think I saw a few (the Polar Bear float and some of the balloon characters), the rest are from past parades. But it is the next best thing to being at the real parade, and it was a balmy 78 degrees instead of 42 degrees.
The highlight of the parade was Santa Claus lighting the Christmas Tree. But you have to be standing near the tree (opposite the Macy’s facade near Revenge of The Mummy).
Also returning is Grinchmas – a fun ‘wholiday’ stage show. The show was moved indoors a few years ago, which means you won’t encounter any weather issues. You will have to leave Suessland in Islands of Adventure and venture to one of the Soundstages, however. I found all of the featured performers to be quite talented. That includes Max the dog. Definitely catch this show when you visit.
Wrapping up the evening on the studios side is a special concert from Mannheim Steamroller. We didn’t stay to see the whole concert, but if you like their music, like I do, it is fun to see it made live and in person.
Please join me below the fold for more photos of our special evening at Universal Orlando Resort for their Christmas celebrations:
SeaWorld Orlando’s new show “O Wondrous Night” features puppets…. yep it’s officially a trend. While Walt Disney World has owned the winter holidays since opening in 1971, the other major players in town are beginning to make some inroads into the lucrative tourist market with… Read More »SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Offerings Continue to Grow
Photographer Tom Bricker has nearly outdone himself with this one. It’s a fast paced time-lapse video of Disneyland and California Adventure all decorated for this year’s Christmas events. Keep in mind he didn’t have any special access or help from the theme park to do… Read More »A Time-Lapse Disneyland Christmas
I had the luck of having a work trip in Paris, and I was able to sneak off to Disneyland Paris for a day. Below are a few photos, but if you want to see more (including a full trip report) you can find that on my personal blog. ( apologize that some of the photos are lower quality; my camera died and I had to use my iPad.)
I think this little boy thought I was taking his picture. He saw me with my camera (trying to take a picture) and stopped for a few moments. I snapped one, and then walked ahead of him to take more. But I just live this picture so much! (More below the jump)Read More »Disneyland Paris at Christmas (Photos)
Thinking about what to get your favorite theme park for Christmas? SeaWorld has been thinking of you! This December 1 – 25, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (SEA) is celebrating the spirit of giving with an online promotion that features 25 days of prizes. During the… Read More »All SeaWorld Parks Join for 25 Days of Giveaways
