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From a sparkling ice castle and symphony of dazzling lights … to legendary international customs and wondrous displays … to magical entertainment and musical delights, Walt Disney World Resort unwraps an enchanting celebration of the holiday season in 2010.
Electrifying fireworks, charming parades and all the sounds of the season help transform the 40-square-mile resort into a winter wonderland where holiday fun begins as early as Nov. 8. Guests who believe “there’s no place like home for the holidays” can enjoy the merriment at Disney and still curl up in a cozy place at home for Christmas ... while other guests can spend the holidays at Mickey’s place, since many seasonal happenings continue through Jan. 3, 2011.
| | Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World | |
Throughout World Showcase, storytellers share customs and lore from their heritage from Nov. 26-Dec. 30. Strolling around the promenade during the Holidays Around the World celebration may put you face-to-face with the good-hearted witch La Befana, known in Italy for filling children’s shoes with treats, or the jolly gift-bearer Father Christmas in the United Kingdom. There are meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in The American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. The celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are showcased as well.
The evening is capped by the visual splendor of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the mesmerizing Epcot spectacular featuring fireworks, laser and water – all spruced up for the season with a spirited holiday finale.
| | Candlelight Processional at Epcot | |
The poignant story of Christmas unfolds during this renowned event featuring celebrity narrators, a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra at America Gardens Theatre. On Nov. 26, Isabella Rossellini is scheduled to lead off the star-studded celebrity lineup that later in the season is scheduled to include Whoopi Goldberg and Jodi Benson among others (lineup of narrators is subject to change without notice). To ensure a seat for this joyous favorite, Candlelight Dinner packages are available with dinner at select Epcot restaurants, a special spot for fireworks viewing and guaranteed seating for the heartfelt Candlelight Processional. For bookings call 407/WDW-DINE.
Scheduled celebrity narrators for 2010 have not been announced yet, but to give you an idea here are last years(2009) narrators:
- Isabella Rossellini
- John O’Hurley
- Steven Curtis Chapman
- Anika Noni Rose
- Andy Garcia
- Vanessa Williams
- Abigail Breslin
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Brian Dennehy
- Edward James Olmos
- Angela Bassett / Courtney B. Vance
Performances are included with Epcot admission, and guests are advised to arrive early. Entertainment is subject to change without notice. Special dining packages that include guaranteed seating for this beloved event will be available for booking beginning Aug. 29 by calling 407/WDW-DINE.
| | Castle Dreamlights at the Magic Kingdom | |
When daylight has passed during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom guests can behold a breathtaking transformation during the Castle Dream Lights ceremony. Each evening Nov. 8, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011, Cinderella and favorite characters decked out in holiday garb take to the stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace aglow with 200,000 white lights – a perfect centerpiece to a park all decked out with wreaths, bows, garland and towering Christmas trees.
| | Holiday Happenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom | |
“Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade” The wild side of Animal Kingdom blends with a playful spirit of the holidays during “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.” Mickey and pals present seasonal melodies with a world beat twist during a whimsical cavalcade throughout the park. The high-energy afternoon parade runs daily from Nov. 26, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011.
Santa Goofy’s Holiday Village is adorned with festive décor and perfectly trimmed Christmas trees and crooning carolers. And Santa Goofy and spirited friends greet guests for photo opportunities.
| | Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney | |
Santa Claus is coming to town – to Downtown Disney, that is – and he’ll be meeting kids, listening to wishes and posing for pictures daily from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24 at Santa’s Chalet.
Santa is at the center of Festival of the Seasons, during which school choirs and bands often perform at the dock stage to help ring in the season … and shoppers can enjoy holiday gift buying every day.
With dozens of shops from boutiques to gigantic toy stores, there is something for every style and budget. Tren-D has hip fashions and accessories, D Street offers all the latest Vinylmations, the World of Disney store showcases character, princess and pirate merchandise, and lots more. And you could fill Santa’s sleigh with all the games and goodies at Once Upon a Toy. There’s also Ghirardelli chocolates, Basin (soaps and bath products), LEGO Imagination Center and much more.
| | Christmas Confections Sweeten Vacation Kingdom | |
Each holiday season, Disney chefs deck the halls in fanciful fashion, creating larger-than-life displays from edible ingredients all across Walt Disney World Resort. The sweet scent of gingerbread fills the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where a life-sized Victorian gingerbread house is constructed for the holidays. To create the 16-foot-high dream house, Walt Disney World pastry chefs use 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a life-size carousel silently spins in the lobby, featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters.
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