For our first Christmas as a married couple we decided to go to Walt Disney World. My husband had never been to the parks and I had never visited at Christmastime. The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Epcot were all mega-decked out for the holidays. It was one of our best Christmas vacations ever and we would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Christmas at Walt Disney World
Nothing prepared us for the magnitude of Disney’s Christmas magic. Gorgeous 60-foot Christmas trees were covered with oversized, park themed decorations. The decorations were so well placed; it was as if Tinkerbell had waved her magic wand to perfectly decorate the parks. Another Christmas surprise included real, life-sized gingerbread houses that housed cast members who sold hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies.
Animal Kingdom – A Christmas Parade Like No Other
Animal Kingdom celebrated Christmas via Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. This wonderful parade included all of the most popular Disney characters bedecked in safari style Christmas costumes. The irresistible festive music had us tapping our feet while we watched huge puppets and floats make their way down the street. We were so amazed we watched this parade twice!
Disney Hollywood Studios – A Not-to-be-Missed Christmas Display
At Disney Hollywood Studios, we were overwhelmed by the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights display. We happened upon the million plus light display after rounding the corner of a building. The sight literally took our breath away and brought tears to our eyes. Every 10 minutes or so, this epitome of Christmas lights’ display “dances” to Christmas music. We were so swept up in the magic that my husband and I spontaneously waltzed to Christmas music in the middle of the Streets of America.
Magic Kingdom – Magical Christmas Events
As attendees to the exclusive Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the Magic Kingdom, we quickly found ourselves partaking in free treat stations that offered hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and apple slices. We enjoyed an even more special treat at the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party.
This all-you-can-eat dessert buffet was heaven for us chocolate lovers. Gourmet desserts in every imaginable form of chocolate abounded, along with a variety of hot drinks and milk. Words simply cannot describe the experience of a combination of delicious desserts and drinks, while fireworks explode over an ever-changing, Tinkerbell lit, Christmas light covered Cinderella’s Castle.
Epcot – Christmas Around the World
Epcot held special memories as we watched the inspiring Holidays Around the World – Candlelight Processional. The multiple live choirs and full 50-piece orchestra made us feel as if we were audience to a heavenly choir. In the World Showcase all 11 countries displayed their traditional Christmas decorations and their version of Santa Claus.
We made Christmas memories to last a lifetime that year, and we still talk about that vacation to this day. Thanks to Walt Disney World we have priceless memories and we can’t wait for our next trip, to the place where magic always lives.