Tag Archives: holidays

2017 Holidays at Disneyland Resort Returns November 10 through January 7

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Happiest Place on Earth will get merrier once again when 2017 Holidays at Disneyland Resort returns November 10, 2017 through January 7, 2018! This festive season will bring back favorite experiences throughout the entire resort.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

At Disney California Adventure park, Festival of Holidays will again bring the spirit of the season to life through delicious food and special entertainment, including the return of Disney ¡Viva Navidad! For its second year, the celebration will feature a new take on the popular Festive Foods Marketplace, presenting a side-by-side mix of holiday comfort dishes that bridge many diverse cultures and family traditions. And at night, “World of Color – Season of Light” will illuminate Paradise Bay with a sparkling winter fantasy combining classic holiday songs with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

At Disneyland park, seasonal fan favorites return, including Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks, “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday (which begins September 15).

It’s not too late to plan your vacation to enjoy 2017 Holidays at Disneyland Resort!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Celebrate Christmas in the Wizarding World During Holidays at Universal Orlando

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Get ready for this year’s all-new Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort! From November 18, 2017 to January 6, 2018, Universal Orlando Resort will be bringing you more holiday cheer than ever before.

For the first time ever at Universal Orlando, you’ll be able to celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and I’m beyond excited. You’ll see Christmas decorations, garlands and lights as you walk through Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. There will even be special holiday-themed food and festive performances by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. At night, state-of-the-art projection mapping and lighting will illuminate the Hogwarts castle to bring Christmas moments inspired by the Harry Potter series to life.

The holiday spirit continues at Universal Studios Florida with a brand-new parade. Universal’s Holidays Parade featuring Macy’s will feature more than a dozen new festive balloons and 15 incredibly detailed floats – all designed exclusively for Universal Orlando. The parade will also include some of your favorite characters from Despicable Me, Madagascar, Shrek – and the jolly man himself, Santa Claus.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll also be able to:

  • Listen to Mannheim Steamroller as they take center stage on the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios on Nov. 18, 19, 25, 26 and Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17.
  • Watch the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes during a live musical retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic in “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”
  • Make a reservation for a festive Character Breakfast with the Grinch and his friends on select days. (separate purchase required, full details here)
  • Celebrate the New Year at Universal CityWalk’s EVE. As you countdown to midnight, you can dance on Orlando’s largest dance floor, enjoy live entertainment and savor endless dishes and signature drinks.

You’ll never feel like a Grinch at one of Universal’s on-site hotels. You can keep the festivities going throughout your entire vacation with buffets, festive activities, tree and menorah lightings, and more.

3-Park Vacation Package

This holiday season, you can save $100 with the 3-Park vacation package when traveling between November 8, 2017 and January 6, 2018. It comes with a 5-night hotel stay at a Universal Partner Hotel or – better yet – you can upgrade your package to stay at an on-site hotel. Additionally, this package also comes with tickets to all three theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort – including Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Starting at $99 per adult per night, tax inclusive

  • 5-night hotel accommodations at a Universal partner hotel or you can upgrade your package to stay at a Universal Orlando on-site hotel and enjoy other exclusive benefits
  • A 3-park 2-day Park-to-Park ticket with two days free when booked by Nov. 30
  • Access to all three of Universal Orlando’s theme parks including the all-new Universal’s Volcano Bay
  • And you’ll get a chance to save up to $100 when travel between November 18, 2017 – January 6, 2018

Let the countdown begin! Less than two months till the celebration of the holidays at Universal Orlando begins.

Start packing and planning for your holidays at Universal Orlando vacation now.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

2016 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort By the Numbers

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2016 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort By the Numbers

Have you ever wondered how many miles it takes for the balloons to travel from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York to Universal Orlando Resort? Or just how many feet of garland are draped over the resort every holiday season?

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Well, Universal’s Art & Design team just shared some festive figures on the holiday cheer they spread throughout Universal Orlando each year:

  • 100,500 – Lights on the tallest Christmas tree
  • 56,000 – Cubic feet of helium used in Macy’s Holiday Parade each year
  • 50,000 – Linear feet of garland strung about Universal Orlando each year
  • 7,000 – Lights on the Universal Studios Florida arch wreath
  • 1,081 – Miles The Macy’s balloons travel from New York City to Universal Orlando
  • 1,000 – Pounds of confetti used in Macy’s Holiday Parade each year
  • 864 – Feet of garland on the Universal Studios Florida arch wreath
  • 222 – Performances of “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
  • 90 – Performers in Macy’s Holiday Parade
  • 80 – Approximate feet of the tallest Christmas tree
  • 12 – Balloons in the Macy’s Holiday Parade

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Come on out and see a holiday celebration of epic proportions for yourself with Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, now through Jan. 1.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Top 10 Holiday Celebrations at Disneyland Resort

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Top 10 Holiday Celebrations at Disneyland Resort

Even though Disneyland doesn’t offer a Christmas party like Disney World, there are still a number of ways to enjoy holiday celebrations at Disneyland Resort. You can make your days more merry and bright by adding a dash of Disney magic to your seasonal celebration at Disneyland! Here are the top ten holiday celebrations at Disneyland Resort:

Disneyland Park Turns Winter Wonderland

Discover the dazzling decorations and magical attractions that make holiday dreams come true at Disneyland Park! ‘Tis the season to deck the halls and enjoy our very merry festivities. Here are some of the special events coming in 2016:

A Christmas Fantasy Parade
Join Santa and his reindeer for a musical yuletide salute featuring some of your favorite Disney Characters and Princesses dressed in their holiday best!

Jingle Cruise
Navigate the wilds with a twinkly twist! Lights and decorations turn this iconic jungle journey into a unique Christmas-themed voyage.

“it’s a small world” holiday
Share love from every corner of the globe! Set sail for an enchanting world filled with peace, joy and goodwill toward all.

Haunted Mansion Holiday
Tour the delightfully frightful mansion sporting a Christmas spin! Takeover-makeover courtesy of Jack Skellington and the gang from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Santa Claus at Critter Country
Meet the holly-jolly old elf himself! Mingle with Kringle when he lands in Critter Country before heading back to the North Pole.

Check back for dates and additional info as the 2016 holiday season approaches!

Unwrap Fun at Disney California Adventure Park

Add oodles of seasonal attractions, events and surprises to your holiday list! You better watch out, no need to cry, we’re spreading good cheer and telling you why—here’s what you can look forward to in 2016:

Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting
Gather family and friends as we light up the most wonderful time of year with spectacular sparkle!

World of Color 
Celebrate the spirit of the season with a special World of Color extravaganza bursting with music, laser effects and delightful Disney magic!

Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
Visit our holiday street fiesta to share in the lively traditions of Mexico—dancing, music, storytelling, crafts and mouthwatering Mexican fare!

Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos)
Cap off the Christmas season with a host of special activities and events in this festive farewell!

Meet Santa Claus
Stop by for a meet-and-greet with St. Nick—he’s coming to town to meet old friends and new!

Are you going to be visiting California this year to enjoy the holiday celebrations at Disneyland Resort?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations to Explore, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationstoexplore.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Top Five Reasons to Book a Holiday Cruise on Royal Caribbean

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There’s no better time to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation than during the holiday season. Give yourself and your family a royal gift during the holiday season, and break free from the stress of doing it all on your own. Today, we want to share with you the top five reasons to book a holiday cruise on Royal Caribbean:

New Memories for Kids

On ships offering the DreamWorks experience, even Shrek and Puss in Boots dress for the occasion. Family story time and movie screenings are even more special while sailing on a Royal Caribbean ship. The stateroom attendants can’t wait to show off their folding skills with some new towel animals.

Holiday Inspired Cuisine 

Christmas onboard brings roasted Vermont turkey with a savoury apple and chestnut stuffing and festive drinks. During Hanukkah, order a traditional brisket with potato pancakes, apple sauce and sour cream. You can keep traditions from home, eat cookies with Santa and have a hot chocolate while watching a movie.

Traditional Holiday Entertainment Reimagined 

The season is brought to life with traditional events on December’s festive season voyages. See Santa Claus in a parade, take photos with him, and join in with the festivities. The entire family can build ornaments and decorate cookies. Don’t forget to drop off your letter to Santa in the promenade.

Holiday Shopping at Sea

Once at sea, you can stock up on all the gifts and gift packages you need with special festive deals that you can only get on our cruises. Save on all onboard shops and be the first to snag a bargain when we countdown to our festive shopping events. Best of all: shop duty-free!

Religious Services

Attend religious services at sea on all cruises sailing during Hannukah and Christmas. Services are performed by rabbis, priests and reverends, so you don’t have to miss the reason for the season.

Plus, if you book your cruise with us by October 31, you will receive an onboard credit!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). She would love to help you plan your next cruise at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Save on Holiday Disney Cruises from Galveston in December 2016

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Save on Holiday Disney Cruises from Galveston in December 2016

Are you tired of the stress and hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Would you like to take time away to just reconnect and make memories with your family? A Disney Cruise Line Very MerryTime cruise may be the perfect solution for you! Plus, you can save on holiday Disney cruises from Galveston in December 2016!

Celebrate the holiday season at sea and save 20% on select Disney Cruise Line Very MerryTime Cruises departing from Galveston, Texas.

No matter what you desire―exciting adventures, lively entertainment or pool-time play―there’s so many captivating activities for everyone in your family to discover, both on-board and at exciting ports of call.

Your family can set sail from Galveston, Texas aboard the newly enhanced Disney Wonder. Explore the itineraries eligible for this offer:

  • 7-Night Very MerryTime Western Caribbean Cruise on December 2, 2016 – Offer valid for Inside Staterooms with Restrictions (Category IGT)
  • 7-Night Very MerryTime Western Caribbean Cruise on December 16, 2016 – Offer valid for Oceanview Staterooms with Restrictions (Category OGT)

Discover the Value of a Disney Cruise

From the moment you step aboard the ship, to your last wave goodbye, each carefree cruise comes with just about everything you could want on your vacation—and much more.

  • Accommodations – Staterooms are designed with your family in mind—with comforts you won’t find elsewhere.
  • Dining – Savor a wide variety of dining options sure to satisfy even the pickiest of palates, thanks to fresh, expertly prepared dishes available 24 hours a day.
  • Entertainment – Behold Broadway-caliber musicals and fireworks at sea, celebrate at deck parties and catch a movie.
  • Aquatic Adventures – Splash it up in freshwater pools, fun play areas and wild waterslides.

Important Details for This Offer

  • Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses not included:
    • 7-Night Verry MerryTime Western Caribbean Cruise on December 2 and December 16: approximately $103 per person
  • Based on double occupancy.
  • Full, nonrefundable payment and all Guest names required at time of booking.
  • No name changes permitted.
  • Specific stateroom assigned at later time, based on availability.
  • Rate does not include Gratuities or Port Adventures.
  • The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
  • Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

Plus, if you book any cruise with us by October 31, you will receive an onboard credit for a little extra spending money as well!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). She would love to help you plan your next cruise at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam: New Holiday Nighttime Spectacular Coming to Hollywood Studios

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Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!: New Holiday Nighttime Spectacular Coming to Hollywood Studios

Great garland – Santa Claus is missing!

And the search-and-rescue mission to get The Big Guy back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve is all part of the fun in the all-new “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” holiday spectacular coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 14. The show comes to life on, above, and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score.

Led by elves Wayne and Lanny, the duo from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” the spirited yuletide adventure to the North Pole features memorable holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and more, all building to a festive finale that’s “So tinsel!”

And did I mention there will be snow?

A sweet way to enjoy this new holiday spectacular is with the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages and more. Each dessert party guest will get a pair of 3D HoloSpex® glasses to use while watching the show. The glasses create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.

Memorable, heartwarming, and enchanting for the entire family these one-of-a-kind holiday experiences will dazzle Disney’s Hollywood Studio guests through December 31.

What holiday experiences are you most looking forward to at Disney Parks?

This story originally appeared on Disney Parks Blog.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Five Reasons to Visit Buena Vista Street During the Holidays

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One of the best places at Disneyland Resort to visit during the holidays is Buena Vista Street. This beautiful entrance to Disney California Adventure Park is reminiscent of Los Angeles in the 1920’s and 1930’s. During Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, the decor becomes even more spectacular. Here are our top five reasons you should visit Buena Vista Street during the holidays.

1. The Christmas Tree

Holiday decor DCA

There is a magnificent 50 foot Christmas tree right behind the “Storytellers” statue. This beautiful tree is “the can’t-miss sight of the season on Buena Vista Street.” The tree is covered with charming, vintage-style ornaments that pay tribute to Christmas in the 1920s and ‘30s.

2. Santa Claus

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You can meet Santa Claus himself in a classic department store setting at Elias & Co.

3. Carol of the Bells

You can listen to or even join in a carol with the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers. Throughout the day, they perform renditions of classic Christmas carols, accompanied by handbells.

4. The Decorations

Holiday live remotes 2012

In addition to the vintage-style ornaments on the 50 foot Christmas tree, the 1920s and ‘30s theme continues all the way down the street with garlands, ribbons and special decorations on the light poles, storefronts and even inside the stores. All the holiday decor combines to create the feeling of stepping back in time to Christmases of the past.

5. Character Meet and Greets

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You can meet Mickey Mouse and his friends in their vintage-style attire.

What is your favorite part about the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationstoexplore.com for more information. 

Tips for Visiting Disney World During the Holidays

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Are you planning to visit the Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday week? The week between Christmas and New Years is one of the busiest times at Disney World so here are a few tips if you are visiting Disney World during the holidays.

Preparing For & Traveling To Walt Disney World Resort

  • Use the on-property resort buses, boats and Monorails to avoid traffic and parking fees.
  • Valet parking is now available at Downtown Disney near La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil.
  • When utilizing your own car, plan for additional travel time.
  • Limit your time at theme park bag check by traveling light. Bags can also be checked at Bell Services at resorts or at lockers within theme parks.
  • If staying at an on-property Disney resort, don’t forget about Extra Magic Hours. Different theme parks offer Extra Magic Hours on different days, so check the calendar here for more.
  • Want to stay longer or visit more than one park in a day? Visit Guest Relations or a ticketing window to modify your tickets.
  • Designate a spot inside the park for your party to meet, should someone get separated. Lost and Founds are located at park Guest Relations.
  • Grab a Times Guide on your way into the park to stay informed on showtimes, character greeting locations and more.

Attractions & Entertainment Tips

  • Download the My Disney Experience app for your smartphone. This vacation-planning tool can help you access current attraction wait times, find the nearest entertainment and more. Or visit the Tip Board at the center of each park to see which attractions have the shortest wait times.
  • Utilize the park’s FastPass options. Don’t forget that in addition to attractions, FastPasses also may be available for some character meet and greets, such as Town Square Theater and Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom Park.
  • Catch a show in the middle of the day when attraction wait times are typically longer.
  • Some extra performances have been added to the calendar to accommodate our holiday guests. Pick up a Times Guide on your way into the park to see your options.

Dining Tips

  • Avoid crowded restaurants by grabbing a snack from quick service carts located throughout the parks.
  • Use the My Disney Experience app, visit Guest Relations or call 407-WDW-CNCL to modify dining reservations.

Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog for sharing tips for visiting Disney World during the holidays with us!

Siera is a Disney travel specialist who would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

The 2013 Holiday Season at Disney World and Disney Cruise Line

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Disney elves blend yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry wonderland ready for holiday visitors at the Walt Disney World Resort and on board Disney Cruise Line .

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have 19 magical nights between November 8 and December 20. For twenty five years, Walt Disney World Resort guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit. The dates for 2013 include:

  • Nov. 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22
  • Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20

Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, you can enjoy all of the new experiences and attractions at New Fantasyland.

Entertainment, Fireworks and More: Santa’s elves have transformed the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland with festive wreaths, bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas trees.  The fun includes the Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season nighttime fireworks spectacular, plus live entertainment with Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays.

Jungle Cruise Goes ‘Jingle Cruise’: For the holiday season, the Jungle Cruise has been transformed into the “Jingle Cruise” for Magic Kingdom guests with festive decor in the attraction queue and boathouse, holiday names for the Jungle Cruise boats and a number of seasonal jokes from the Skippers to their passengers.

Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays — thanks to a special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 shimmering white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the dramatic castle celebration and stage show.

Epcot 

Candlelight Processional is a timeless holiday offering at Epcot that combines seasonal music with the reading of The Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a mass choir performing seasonal melodies, and a 50-piece live orchestra nightly November 29 – December 30, at 5:00 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:15 p.m. at the America Gardens Theater stage on select nights. (Show times on December 8 are 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. only) Whoopi Goldberg and Ashley Judd highlight the list of narrators this season:

  • Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 – Gary Sinise
  • Dec. 2-3 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 4-5 – Ashley Judd
  • Dec. 6-7 – Whoopi Goldberg
  • Dec. 8-10 – Sigourney Weaver
  • Dec. 11-13 – Dennis Haysbert
  • Dec. 14-16 – James Denton
  • Dec. 17-19 – Edward James Olmos
  • Dec. 20-22 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 23-25 – TBA
  • Dec. 26-28 – Blair Underwood
  • Dec. 29-30 – Amy Grant

You can even purchase a Candlelight Dining Package, which combines lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional and VIP viewing of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”

Holidays Around the World: You can become immersed in the festivities, as you experience a celebration of the holidays from the various countries throughout World Showcase.  The merriment continues with meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” laser, light, fireworks display capped with a seasonal finale.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: This massive seasonal display features millions of dancing lights, plus animated displays and 3-D effects perfectly synchronized to electrifying holiday tunes amidst snowfall.  The rich tradition takes place on the Streets of America, dazzling guests through January 5, 2014.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Celebrate safari style as Disney’s Animal Kingdom is wilder than ever this winter season. Mickey and his pals rejoice in traditional holiday music with a world beat twist during the daily “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” through Jan. 2, 2014.

Downtown Disney

Get all your holiday shopping done at Downtown Disney during Festival of the Seasons. From Harley Davidson to gigantic toy stores like Once Upon A Toy, there’s something for just about every style and budget. The shopping mecca is draped with yuletide cheer through December 29 featuring live entertainment, holiday carolers, a lively street party, plus photo ops with Santa and Santa Goofy.

Glow with the Show Ears Brighten the Holiday Season at the Walt Disney World Resort 

During the holiday season guests of the Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy a dazzling addition to festive favorites with Glow with the Show Ear hats.

Beginning in November with the premiere of Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom, the Glow With the Show Ear hats will place guests in the middle of the magic. With every dancing light, musical note and vibrant explosion in the sky, the Glow ears will illuminate, change colors and patterns to synchronize with every spectacular moment during these yuletide shows.

The new Glow With the Show Ear hats debuted at Walt Disney World Resort during the 15th anniversary of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and were added to Wishes and Celebrate the Magic castle projection show at Magic Kingdom.

These magical Ear hats glow in myriad colors, commanded with the latest technology to complement the imagery and beat of the fireworks and spectaculars. When not activated by these experiences, more surprises are in store for participants as the magical ears glow with other ears and settings around the park.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

The resorts are dressed up for the holidays with festive décor, gingerbread houses and more. And guests can experience even more magic this season with great pricing.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship, beginning early November through the new year, with Very Merrytime Cruises that include traditional “turkey day” fanfare, Christmas feasts, “snow flurries,” New Year’s Eve galas and Disney friends dressed for the occasion.

Special stem-to-stern holiday events include a nightly tree lighting in the atrium lobby, visits from Santa Claus and his elves, traditional holiday feasts, family holiday crafts, holiday storytellers and more. When the ships stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, during the holidays, the celebration continues with “snow flurries,” a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday island music.

Guests will enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving Day feast, with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. On Christmas Eve, guests can leave milk and cookies for Santa when he visits the ship at midnight. Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, and Hanukkah services will be held each day, Nov. 28 – Dec. 5. To celebrate the New Year, voyages include a special New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2014, complete with music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown with balloon drops.

Adventures by Disney

A Wyoming Adventure awaits those dreaming of a White Christmas adventure together. This December, Adventures by Disney is taking a frosty trip to a true “Winter Wonderland.”  This five-day, four-night inspiring journey walks guests through a picturesque, snow-capped winter in the untamed terrains of Wyoming.

From the moment guests arrive, scenic views of glistening snow and the awe-inspiring Teton Mountain Range in Jackson, Wyoming, will greet them. Throughout the adventure, notable sights will follow, including a close-up view of Old Faithful in the Yellowstone National Park during its snow-covered season, complimented by both frozen and flowing waterfalls and a vast array of roaming wildlife.

As guests travel through your adventure, exciting seasonal activities await. Guests will learn the art of “mushing” through powdery white snow with a trusted team of eager sled dogs, guiding them through the Wyoming wilderness. After sledding, dip into the remarkable and relaxing Granite Hot Springs, a hidden oasis containing rejuvenating waters.

Throughout the trip, guests’ two Adventure Guides will take care of every detail.

New Year’s Eve Dining Across the Walt Disney World Resort

From lunches and dinners to a New Year’s Day brunch, there are more than a dozen spots for ringing in the New Year.

At Epcot World Showcase:

  • Biergarten Restaurant in Germany is offering both lunch and dinner celebrations;
  • La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico is offering a New Year’s Eve dinner;
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada has three seatings;
  • Monsieur Paul in France starts celebrating at noon with seatings throughout the day and evening.

In the Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland Terrace will feature a New Year’s Eve fireworks dinner and dessert party.

In the resorts, special dining for ringing in the New Year is planned at:

  • Disney’s BoardWalk – Flying Fish Cafe
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Citricos, Victoria & Albert’s and Narcoossee’s
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort – California Grill and Chef Mickey’s (New Year’s Day brunch)
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Boma – Flavors of Africa (New Year’s Day breakfast)
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Whispering Canyon Cafe (Lunch and dinner)

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your holiday vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information.