Walt Disney World Announces Festive Holiday Happenings for 2010

The winter holiday season is perhaps one of the most special times of the year at Walt Disney World. Every nook & cranny is topped with holiday merriment & festive decor, including the dazzling Cinderella’s Castle. Disney has released it’s official roster of special events and activities for 2010 sure to leave any mouseketeer on a hot summer day wishing for snowmen & candy canes. Set your countdown timers!

Please note that many of the hard-ticket events, like “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” & spots for the “Candlelight Dinner” packages, book very fast. It’s always wise to make a plan early for your holiday-time trip to avoid any disappointment.

So without further delay here is the sleighful of holiday happenings, thanks to an official “Walt Disney World News” Press Release:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom

Disney’s headliner holiday event! A special Christmas-themed parade, “Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks display, complimentary hot cocoa & cookies, live shows, special character meet & greet opportunities, and a forecast for flurries on Main Street are just a few of the fun party highlights.

“Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” takes place after regular park hours, requires a separate admission ticket, and buying advanced tickets provides a discount.

Taking place Nov. 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30 and Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19. The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. and continues until midnight. Day-of-party ticket pricing is $59.95 ($53.95 for ages 3-9). Advance Purchase: $57.46 for adults 10 and older / $51.07 for ages 3-9 (Not available December 7, 10, 12, 17 or 19). Annual Passholders and DVC Members can order discounted tickets at the rate of $53.20 for adults and $46.81 for kids (Not available December 7, 10 through 19). Guests can visit Disneyworld.com/christmasparty or call 407/W-DISNEY.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Imagine a whole backlot filled with millions of colorful holiday lights covering every inch your eye can see & more! The “Spectacle of Dancing Lights” is a ‘not to be missed’ holiday event taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nov. 8, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011. Dancing lights and animated displays synchronize to high-energy holiday tunes in a display that Show Director John Phelan calls “the ultimate Americana Holiday lights display.”

“Spectacle of Dancing Lights” is included with park admission and starts around dusk on the nights stated above.

Epcot

Holidays Around the World

Throughout World Showcase, storytellers share customs and holiday folklore from their heritage from Nov. 26-Dec. 30. Meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in The American Adventure, celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, and interactions with many international holiday icons are highlighted.

A holiday-version of “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” caps off a festive evening in the World Showcase.

Included with park admission.

Candlelight Processional

The poignant story of Christmas unfolds daily 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.

To ensure a spectacular view & prime seat for the show guests can book a “Candlelight Dinner Package” that includes dinner at select EPCOT restaurants, guaranteed seating for the “Candlelight Processional,” and a special spot for fireworks viewing.” For bookings call 407/WDW-DINE.

“Candlelight Processional” shows happen at pre-determined scheduled times and is included with park admission, but seating is not guaranteed unless you book a “Candlelight Dinner Package.” Guests have been known to line up for seating at the show as early as one hour, or more on prime park attendance days.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade

A high-energy holiday character parade featuring “Mickey and pals presenting seasonal melodies with a world beat twist during a whimsical cavalcade.” The afternoon parade runs daily from Nov. 26, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011.

Included with park admission.

Santa Goofy’s Holiday Village

Santa Goofy will meet & greet with guests in a whimsical Christmas environment featuring festive trimmed trees, holiday carolers, and Christmas decor.

Included with park admission.

Downtown Disney

Festival of the Seasons

Santa Claus is the star of the celebration! He’ll listening to wishes and posing for pictures daily from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24 at Santa’s Chalet. Local school choirs and bands will also help entertain the merry crowds.

This post is part of the DisMarks Disney Blog Carnival! Check it out for more great Disney-related content and information.

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