Holiday Happenings: 2017-2018

​As the holiday season begins, the best place to celebrate (my personal opinion) is Florida!!!  With so many places to visit it will be hard to decide where to go.  This year, make way for some old favorites and some new debuts for Christmas and New Year’s!!!

Walt Disney World 

Of course, who can visit Walt Disney World during the holidays without thinking of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, or Epcot’s Candlelight Processional?!?! 


​NEW NARRATORS! The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas Story by celebrity narrators.  Throughout the event, a choir and a 50 piece orchestra will accompany the story.  Returning favorite narrators will be Neil Patrick Harris and Trace Adkins.  New additions for 2017 include:  Pat Sajak and CCH Pounder, Matt Bomer (White Collar and The Last Tycoon) and Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars Episode VI:  Return of the Jedi!!!

NEW FOR NEW YEARS EVE -2017! 
In addition to Disney’s Countdown to Midnight at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can bring in the New Year with two new events – a romantic Creole dining and a fun Pixar adventure for the entire family!
 
Dining Down in New Orleans:  As you arrive at the Contemporary Resort, make your way to the Grand Republic Ballroom and prepare yourself for an evening of fine dining!  Inspired by Disney’s “Princess and the Frog” New Orleans themes, you’ll be surrounded by French Quarter décor, listen to a classic jazz band playing authentic sounds of N’awlins and enjoy a fine dining experience. At the end of the night, view the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from a private viewing area.  NOTE:  This experience is for guests 21 and older.
 
Pixar Party:  Another possibility is to ring in the New Years with the entire family.  Enter the Contemporary Resort’s “Ballroom of the America’s”.  The décor is themed after family favorites like:  “Andy’s Room” from the Toy Story series, and adventure in “Metro City” with The Incredibles and a fantastic journey inspired by Up.  There are character Meet and Greets with Disney – Pixar Characters and fun activities, like face painting, and balloon artists.  There is a buffet – style dinner with a DJ playing Radio Disney hits.  At the end of the night, you can usher in 2018 by watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from a special viewing area right in the Contemporary!
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​Disneyland

​For 2017 – you can expect to see a return of Disney’s Festival of Holidays in California Adventure Park.  You can celebrate holiday festivities inspired by diverse cultural traditions!

Some of Christmas fun will even start as early as September!!  The Haunted Mansion will receive a holiday makeover inspired by Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas”
 
The World of Color will experience its own makeover as you see the “Season of Light” projection and water show.  Not only will you see scenes and stories from your favorite Disney movies, but you will hear holiday music accompanying the show!

​Disney Cruise Line 
Planning on spending the holidays on a Very Merry Christmas sailing?  #1 – I’m totally jealous!  #2 – Be sure you enjoy all these activities!!! 
 
Kids should be sure to check out the holiday themed activities and crafts!  Enjoy decorating stockings, creating festive cards and participating in a holiday scavenger hunt.  Teens and Tweens even have their own dance parties!
 
In addition to Pirate Night, will also have a “Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party” with candy-cane limbo, dancing and games.  Don’t worry – you won’t need a special costume for this party!
 
Along with all your favorite characters, you’ll also get a chance to gather in the atrium and hear Mrs. Claus read Christmas stories as she rocks by the tree! 
 
And of course – nothing says Christmas like an island tram decorated to resemble a reindeer!  Even Castaway Cay under-goes a North Pole transformation with Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in holiday outfits and even the occasional “snow” flurry!

Let me know your favorite Disney holiday tradition!!!