Christmas At Disney
Be sure to check out my other fantastic Disney lenses before you leave.

A Special Christmas Gift - If only it was for me!
Christmas Events at Disney
What is happening at Disney over the Christmas Holiday?
If you are visiting Disney over the Christmas period the parks can get extremely busy, especially the week between Christmas and New Year.You should be aware before you book that the main Christmas events start in November and actually finish before Christmas itself.
If you intend to travel to Disney on the 22nd or 23rd of December you are quite likely to miss a lot of the key activities.
If you just want to catch the Christmas Celebrations without being at Disney over Christmas itself, you may be better going during November, just be sure to avoid Thanksgiving....
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney
Great Disney Extravagance at Mickey's Christmas Party.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held at the Magic Kingdom on a number of occasions and is a special event that requires you to buy a separate ticket. Your standard Park admission ticket will not give you access to the party.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2009 DatesThere are a number of dates, for 2009 these are:
November 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29
December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18.
The number of people attending is restricted, so if you want to go on a specific date be sure to book early. Tickets go on sale since May 1st!
Whilst in the party there are a number of rides open, and queues will usually be a lot less than you would expect to see during the day.
There are also a large number of characters out in the park for meet and greet. Most of these will be dressed in festive costume giving opportunities for alternative character photos.
Also there are refreshment stations open where you can get free treats, usually cookies and hot chocolate.
The park map printed specially for the party will show locations of all these events. Make sure you pick up a copy on your way into the park.
The party generally starts at about 7.00pm with a parade early in the event, this gets repeated later on so if you have young children you may want to take them to see the early parade, if not you can wait for the later parade when viewing is less congested.
There is also a special fireworks show usually at 9.00pm.
If you want to go to the party you can either spend the day elsewhere or spend the whole day in the park.
You have to collect your party wristband at some point. If you are already in the park, you can collect your wristband at the rose garden, between the castle and tomorrowland. This saves you having to leave the park and re-enter.
Alternatively if you are entering the park just before the party starts you will get your wristband as you enter through the turnstiles.
More Pictures from Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party Parade. Click on any picture for more, larger pictures.
Snow in Florida!
Experience Snow whilst at Disney over the Christmas period.
This picture was taken at MGM Studios now renamed Disney Hollywood Studios.This is 'hard' snow, but makes a great photo opportunity.
If you want to see it snowing in Florida the best place to go is Celebration just off 192 on the way to Kissimmee.
On the run up to the Christmas holiday it 'snows' every evening on the hour most nights of the week. This is in conjunction with many other Christmas activities.
You can meet Santa, get hot chestnuts, and take a ride on a horse drawn carriage amongst many other activities.
Celebration itself is a beautiful residential area where all the houses are decorated with lights, the kids will be amazed. Well worth a visit on one evening of your holiday.
You can also see it 'snow' in Main Street, Magic Kingdom if you attend Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party.
Click on the picture for a larger view.
Not Going to be at Disney this Christmas?
Then bring Disney to you!
My Disney Guide Lenses
Check out these great Disney Theme Park Guides
Have you been to Disney at Christmas?
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Disney Guide Books
Get the latest, most up to date guide to Disney!
Don't borrow your mates copy that is a couple of years out of date, get your own, the cost is small compared to your trip and you will recoup your spend by getting even more enjoyment out of your holiday.
Check these out, they all come recommended.
UK Buyers click the UK Buyers Link to save on Postage charges.
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2008 (Unofficial Guides)
UK Buyers Click this Link The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2008
UK Buyers Click this Link Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2008
New Year Celebrations at Disney
What happens after Christmas at Disney.
As you can imagine New Year is huge in Disney.Take your pick of the parks and get there early or you will not get in.
Remember Magic Kingdom does not allow alcohol so if you want a drink go elsewhere.
Magic Kingdom is probably the most popular and park gates are usually closed by 10:30 in the morning. There are two firework displays in the evening, the first at 7.00pm and then a later one at midnight.
Choose your viewing location carefully as there is always a rush for the bus/ferry/monorail after the fireworks.
If you want to get away quickly, watch from near Main Street Station. Better still take your time and wait for the rush to go.
Why not put a Happy New Year! Banner
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Extreme Christmas light display at one of Disney's best parks.
Each year Disney Hollywood Studios is home to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.Part of the Hollywood Studios Park is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights that dance to music during the evening. There is also snow falling during the performance.

This is a spectacle that is certainly worth staying in the park until after dark to see if you are visiting Florida in the period before Christmas.
This year the lights are scheduled to be on display from November 10, 2009 through January 3, 2010.
Don't Forget Friends and Family at Home
Give a little Disney Magic with these greetings cards
Other Christmas Celebrations
What else is happening at Disney over the Christmas period?
As mentioned above Disney's Hollywood Studios usually hosts a fantastic display of Christmas lights which is definitely worth seeing.
Epcot also has a light display and nightly lighting of the Christmas tree celebration.
Throughout the different countries of Epcot you can meet each countries version of Father Christmas.
All the Disney Resort Hotels have huge Christmas trees and various activities throughout the period. Remember you do not have to be staying in a Disney Resort to take part in these activities.
The Disney parks are extremely busy during the Christmas holiday period and there is no guarantee that you will even get into a park.
On Christmas Day most of the parks are full to capacity by mid-morning and the gates are closed to prevent more people entering.
Obviously this also has an affect on the length of queues for the rides and attractions, so be prepared to wait. This is true for much of the Christmas break.
On top this you will need to decide where you want to eat, especially on Christmas day. Most of the popular Disney restaurants will be fully booked. Remember that you can book a table up to 180 days in advance, this is well worth doing.
If you are considering visiting Disney at Christmas it is well worth planning ahead and deciding where and when you want to eat.
The same applies to New Years Eve. It is vital that you decide where you want to be for New Years Eve Evening, and get there early.
If you want to be in one of the parks get there early, ie before 10.00am. After this you may not get in especially at the Magic Kingdom which is the most popular park.
Also remember that if you want an alcoholic drink to celebrate Christmas or New Year, don't go to Magic Kingdom as Alcohol is not allowed.
Outside the Parks
What is there outside the Disney Parks over the Christmas period?
There are many alternatives to spending Christmas Day in Disney Park. Do you really want to have to get up early and then spend most of your Christmas Day queuing?One year when we visited Disney over the Christmas Period we did not go to a Disney Park on Christmas Day.
Instead we got up and let the children open their presents, there was also a Christmas present left by Mickey on the handle of our Hotel room door.
After a leisurely breakfast we went for a drive up International Drive and spent the morning in Wonderworks.
This was really quiet and the children were able to try all the activities.
This meant that we were able to arrive for our 1.15pm reservation at the Renaissance Resort (next to Seaworld) with plenty of time to spare.
After relaxing with a drink we then enjoyed the superb Christmas Buffet taking as much time as we wanted.
Once full up we then went to Downtown Disney and spent the late afternoon and evening wandering around the marketplace letting the children choose some special Christmas gifts.
All in all a relaxing, enjoyable Christmas Day leaving us fresh and ready for another day in the parks on Boxing Day.
The week following New Year, we have found the parks to be very quiet and superb for spending lots of time in the parks with minimal queues.
Gaylord Palms Resort - Christmas Celebrations
Great non-Disney Christmas display worth seeing.
Gaylord Palms Resort hosts "The Best of Christmas" exhibits as part of their Christmas celebrations.Generally open from mid November through to early January, these exhibits are worth going to see.
The 4.5 acre atrium in the resort is transformed into a magical Christmas Wonderland, filled with elegant decor and a huge 50ft plus Christmas Tree.

There are a number of holiday activities, the first of which and probably better known is "ICE".
This is an exhibit of Ice Sculptures ranging from small models up to full rooms.
The Temperature in the exhibit is kept low at 9 degrees F to stop the ice from melting.
Coats are provided to keep you warm but these only come down to your knees so you need to wear something that covers your legs.
It is cheaper to visit this exhibit Monday to Thursday, and it is also quieter on these days.
It will take between an hour and an hour and a half to go around the exhibit, but this does depend on how long you spend on the ice slides.When you have finished with the ICE exhibition there is then the rest of "Best of Florida".
You can go Ice Skating in the purpose built skating rink. Tickets are required for this.
There is also "Luminescense - A Christmas Fantasy". This is a heartwarming musical tale that is part Rock and Roll, part Holiday tale, and part aerial exhibition.
You can also see "The County Wreath Collection". An exhibition of wreaths decorated to reflect Florida's diverse destinations from coast to coast.
Next you can go on the Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt featuring the Roaming Gnome, visit Santa and get something to eat at the Gaylord Palms Holiday Dining.
Finally there is the Gaylord Palms model railway display to finish your visit.
You do not have to be a guest at Gaylord Palms Resort to experience these attractions and it is well worth taking the time to visit.
Just remember to keep warm.
Some More Pictures from Gaylord Palms ICE Exhibition. Click on any of the pictures to see more pictures from Gaylord Palms Resort ICE Exhibition.
How to find Gaylord Palms Resort
Directions to the Christmas Ice Show just off Disney property.
Free Stuff to do whilst at Disney
Christmas at Disney on a budget - still plenty to do.
Sometimes you can't afford to spend money all the time, who can?Well there are a lot of extra things to do in and around Disney that cost nothing or very little and a lot of people miss out on.
Check these out and let me know what you think. Have you got any ideas to add? Let me know below...
- First, take nothing - like my daughter in the picture, try going out with nothing to carry, spend, or cost you money. Try going to a park with only you park ticket! You will be surprised at how much clutter you can do without. Carrying no money means you can't spend it! Don't even take your credit card! This works especially well if you are staying in a Disney Resort. Just remember that you will need to keep this kind of visit short as there will come a point where you will need a refreshment of some sort.
- Disney Christmas Trees -
All the Disney Resorts have spectacular Christmas Tree Displays. You can use the Disney Transportation to go around all the different resorts to view them.
- Disney Resort Activities -
Whilst you are at the different Resorts check out the activities that they have going on for Disney guests. You can join in if you wish.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has activities throughout the day for children and a nightly parade of children playing African musical instruments.
Other resorts have other activities like making Gingerbread houses and so on....
Whilst at the Animal Kingdom Lodge check out all the animals on the Savanahs. These can be seen from the large windows and balconies along the hallways leading to the rooms. - Ride the Monorail -
You can take the Monorail to the different resorts on the circuit. If you ask a station cast member you can get to ride up front with the driver. You will be awarded a drivers licence if you do this, but remember you have to ask the station cast member first.
- Go to the beach -
You don't have to travel to the coast to go to the beach. If you are going to the lake side resorts you can spend some time on any of the beaches by the lakeside or just wander around the splendid resorts.
- Take a ferry ride -
You can take a ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom from some of the resorts around the lake. There are ferries running to EPCOT from some of the EPCOT Resorts. Also there is a ferry that runs from the Port Orleans Resorts into Downtown Disney.
These ferry rides give you a different view of the approach to the parks and also gives you a chance to see some of the local wildlife.
- Visit Downtown Disney West Side -
If you are in Downtown Disney you can watch the magic displays in the magic shop near Disney Quest on the West Side.
Whilst at Downtown Disney go to the Lego shop, the children (and often the Dads aswell) can build Lego racers to race down a ramp.
If you dare to venture to the Market Place you can get free chocolate samples at the Ghirardelli store. Just beware that you will almost certainly end up buying something either in the chocolate shop or one of the other stores!
- At Epcot you can -
If you are at Epcot you can go to Innoventions and spend loads of time on the electronic hardware. You can send video postcards by email to your friends at home, free of charge, just remember to take their email addresses with you. You can also do this at Disney Quest in Downtown Disney.
Visit all the different versions of Father Christmas at each of the countries in World Showcase. Kids love this!
Let the Children visit all the KidCot Stops throughout all the different countries in World Showcase. They will get a mask which they can decorate and collect a charm from each country along with a stamp. The masks are FREE.
Don't forget to visit the Coke sponsored Club Cool alongside the central plaza. You can try different Coke products from around the world all for FREE. These are served from self serve soda fountains so you can try as much or as little as you want of each one. Last time I checked there were 8 different varieties to test. Be warned some may not be to your taste!
- Visit places outside Disney -
Go to Celebration where you can see the snow fall every evening.
Old Town in Kissimmee has many activities going on including a Hot Rod and Custom Car Cruise. This can take up a whole evening and you don't have to spend a penny!!! Check locally on the current evening for the cruise, it is often held on a Friday evening.
Whilst in Kissimmee check out the Harley Davidson Store, you can spend ages looking over the latest bikes, dreaming of the open road.
If you are on a tight budget, you may wish to take a look at Mom's Miserly Guide To Orlando On $25 A Day! full of tips and ideas on how to have that great vacation you have been dreaming about, without is costing a fortune. Disney Christmas DVD's
Great Christmas Stories told in the Disney way.
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Why not Visit these Great Websites
Disney Website worth visiting.
- Disney Pin Collector- See my Disney Trading Pin Pages
- This site is being created to let people know about our disney pin collection, we still have some work to do. There are pages on Disney Tips and Florida Holiday tips. Take a look and let us know what you think.
Recent Disney News
Find out what is happening at Disney.
Take a look at some recent Disney News Stories.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMore Good Books about Disney
Disney books for everyone, great as Christmas gifts.
UK Buyers click the UK Buyers Link to save on postage costs.
The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation
UK Buyers Click this Link The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation
Disney Princess Ultimate Sticker Book (Ultimate Sticker Books)
UK Buyers Click this Link Disney Princesses (Ultimate Sticker Books)
Inside the Magic Kingdom : Seven Keys to Disney's Success
UK Buyers Click this Link Inside the Magic Kingdom
Let me know what you think.
What is your Disney Christmas experience?
Do you need more information? Is there something you would like to add? This is your chance to let me know. Leave you feedback, questions, comments, and tips here for all to read. If you liked this lens you can help others to find it by giving it a star rating by using the stars at the top of the page. Thanks for reading.
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Reply
- Nov 12, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
- I haven't spend Christmas in Disney yet. But this is a fantastic suggestion.
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Reply
- Portable_eBay Portable_eBay Oct 28, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
- One of this days I'm going to Disney. *****
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Reply
- LucyVet LucyVet Oct 27, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
- I've never been to Disney, but this was great information for if I do go!
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Reply
- WhitU4ever WhitU4ever Oct 27, 2008 @ 11:40 am
- Lived in L.A. near Disneyland for a while and my children and I grew up watching Disney movies. I would have to say we always watch them at Christmas time... the Muppets Christmas Carol is one of our favorites.
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Reply
- daria369 daria369 Oct 27, 2008 @ 10:23 am
- Hmmmm... you know so much about Disney world - are you a resident or something? ;)
Great resource, thank you!
- Load More
Current Weather in Florida
Check out the forecast for your Disney Trip.
Current weather conditions in Kissimmee, FL
Local Pollen Reports
49°F (Feels like 43°F)
Last update: 12/20/09 9:53 AM EST
Humidity: 56%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 34°F
UV Index: 2 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.19in rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 15mph From: Airport Conditions

Today
Mostly Cloudy
High: 63°F
Low: 40°F
Sunrise: 7:13 AM
Sunset: 5:34 PM

Monday
Dec 21
Mostly Sunny
High: 63°F
Low: 42°F
Sunrise: 7:14 AM
Sunset: 5:35 PM

Tuesday
Dec 22
Partly Cloudy
High: 70°F
Low: 46°F
Sunrise: 7:14 AM
Sunset: 5:35 PM

Wednesday
Dec 23
Partly Cloudy
High: 74°F
Low: 59°F
Sunrise: 7:15 AM
Sunset: 5:36 PM
Other Disney Christmas snippets from the Web
Check these links for more Disney Christmas info
- Jonas Brothers Shares Christmas Joy in 2009 Disney Christmas ...
- Before 2009 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade hits the small screen, Entertainment Tonight has shared a sneak peek at the special event and Jonas Brothers are among those highlighted in the preview video. Giving a glimpse of the pop ...
- Disney's A Christmas Carol (USA) ~ Download Free Roms
- Download Disney's A Christmas Carol Links: http://rapidshare.com/files/322853714/4559_-_A_Christmas_Carol__U__SUXXORS_.rar http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CWF7HI7K. Note: Copy any of the above Disney's A Christmas Carol (USA) rom download ...
- Book Online Cheap Disney World Tickets For Christmas Vacation
- The spirit of Christmas is in the air. As we wake up in the morning, we reminded by the cold season that in just few days we would celebrate the season of joy and gift giving. This is also the time for family bonding.
Disney Trading Pins on eBay
A great Selection of Disney Holiday Trading Pins
Looking for that special Holiday Pin or want one from a previous year to add to your collection? Check these out.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byMore Disney Pins on eBay
New Year celebration Disney Pins to Complement those from Christmas.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byby ByRoy

Spent loads of time researching and getting involved in all sorts of different things, some successful some not so. Time I think to start sharing some...
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