Celebrating the Holidays at Walt Disney World

By: Rebecca JonesJanuary 18, 2018The winter holidays are an amazing time to be at Walt Disney World in Florida.  Almost every theme park has special events planned, and the resorts are decked out in all their holiday glory. Magic Kingdom has Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Epcot offers Holidays Around the World.In the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you can see a life-sized gingerbread house, and purchase your own gingerbread creation to take home! The BoardWalk Inn has a working gingerbread carousel, and you can see more gingerbread creations at the Contemporary Resort.In the Magic Kingdom, you can purchase an additional ticket to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Held on select evenings from 7pm to midnight, this party features free hot cocoa and cookies, “snow” on Main Street USA, special shows, dance parties, and a holiday-themed parade. Most of the rides are open, and there are special characters available for meet and greets that aren’t normally out.This event takes place along the World Showcase, and encompasses several chances to get into the holiday spirit. In each pavilion along the World Showcase you will find a Storyteller, who will spend 10-15 minutes sharing with you the traditions and stories from their country.  Actors portray different characters and people, and tell stories about how the holidays are celebrated in their countries.  For example, in Germany you’ll learn about the first Nutcracker, while in Italy you’ll hear from the good Christmas witch. In America you can learn about Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, and in China, you hear from the Monkey King, who tells of celebrating the Chinese New Year.Possibly the most well-known event at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional.  This amazing retelling of the Christmas story features a full orchestra and an amazing choir, led by the Voices of Liberty.  There are guest conductors, as well as celebrity narrators who read the story of the birth of Jesus, accompanied by some of your favorite Christmas songs. The Candlelight Processional is typically performed multiple times per night, and only on select nights. Seating at the American Adventure Pavilion can be very limited for the Candlelight Processional, so the best bet for reserved seating is to schedule a Candlelight Processional dinner package.  Available at most restaurants in Epcot, these dining packages give you access to preferred seating for the show, although you still need to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure access.   If you are taking advantage of the Disney dining plan, these packages will use two table-service meal credits, even at those locations that are normally one table-service credit.As you can see, there is so much to do at Disney during the holidays! If you have any questions, or would like a complimentary quote for your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World, please contact Rebecca Jones at Rebecca@wishesfamilytravel.com, (325) 733-8399, or your current Wishes agent.