It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Well, yes, we just got our extra hour of sleep back from Daylight Savings Time. But I’m talking about the other most wonderful time of the year: the holidays have begun in many spots around Walt Disney World. This week – today, in fact – two beloved traditions get underway: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The powers-that-be have transformed Magic Kingdom from the spooky, orange-clad fall scene into a winter wonderland of delights. Over the next couple of months, guests can enjoy the beautiful decorations throughout the day with general admission.
On select nights beginning today, the park closes early for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The celebration, which requires separate admission, takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight, and features a special parade and fireworks display.
The parade, “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade,” is great fun! Dancing gingerbread men, rollerskating snowflakes, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, all appear twice every evening of the special event. The nightly fireworks also take on a festive theme with the advent of “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” complete with music to set a jolly mood.
In addition, guests experience perhaps the most beautiful display of lights anywhere, ever: as night falls, Cinderella’s Castle is transformed by thousands of lights, which gently change color throughout the evening. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s truly a breathtaking site.
Round out the evening with live entertainment, complimentary cookies and cocoa, and even a snow shower on Main Street, U.S.A., and you have the makings of some terrific memories.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30 and December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19. When purchased the day of the party, tickets are $59.95 for adults and 53.95 for children ages 3-9 (children under 3 are free.) Discounts may be available if purchased in advance online at www.disneyworld.com/christmasparty.
Not to be outdone, Disney’s Hollywood Studios also begins their celebration of the holiday season this evening with the The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Every evening from now through the beginning of January, guests can experience this lighting extravaganza on the Streets of America. The display was originally the work of Jennings Osborne and his family in Arkansas. Every year, Mr. Osborne set up his collection of lights to celebrate the season, and over time, the display grew until it became too large for a residential display. In 1995, the family decided to share their magic with the world…and Disney became the logical home for the beautiful tribute.
These days, literally millions of tiny lights, in every color, blanket buildings, illuminate decorations, twinkle, and blink, to the delight of visitors. And approximately every ten minutes, the lights come alive and “dance,” synchronized to holiday music.
Viewing of the lights is free with regular park admission, and will be available every nite through January 3, except for December 1.
We’ll be taking a look at other holiday celebrations, like the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, soon. Check back for more merriment, and Happy Holidays!
