Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
other favorite Disney characters all dressed in their holiday finest. If you don't mind
the lines, this is the perfect place for taking holiday photographs.
You thought we were done? No way—there's much more to see outside of the
parks.
The
holiday decorations
at the Walt Disney World resorts are attractions in their
own right. Generally speaking, each resort incorporates its theme into its holiday
finery. At
Port Orleans Resort
, for example, expect Mardi Gras colors in the trees,
while the
Yacht Club
has trees adorned with miniature sailboats. Also make sure
to visit the
Grand Floridian
, where the mother of all Christmas trees—five stories
tall!—dominates the lobby, flanked by a gingerbread dollhouse and a miniature rail-
road. Don't miss the free daily classes in decorating gingerbread houses, led by a
Grand Floridian pastry chef; guests get a free recipe brochure and a taste of freshly
made gingerbread. At the
Beach Club
, poinsettias, artificial snow, and a gingerbread
carousel are the big draw. For a more natural approach, visit the
Wilderness Lodge
and
Animal Kingdom Lodge
. Check out Liliane's 2014 writeup about Christmas
decorations at the resorts—again, with lots of pictures—at
tinyurl.com/disneyre-
Ifyou'restayingataWaltDisneyresortoverChristmas, checkwiththeconcierge
to see what holiday events might be going on. Happenings can range from carolers,
brass bands, and country singers to Christmas-cookie decorating, visits with Santa,
and readings of
The Night Before Christmas
.
During December, Disney offers 25-minute
“sleigh” rides
through the woods
from the Fort Wilderness Campground. (The horse-drawn vehicle is wheeled but
made to look like a red sleigh, complete with sleigh bells!) Rides are offered every
30 minutes 5:30-9:30 p.m., departing from Crockett's Tavern at Fort Wilderness. The
cost is $64 per sleigh. (Each sleigh can accommodate up to four adults or two adults
plus up to three children age 9 and under.) You can book up to 180 days in advance
by calling 407-
WDW
-
PLAY
(939-7529).
Downtown Disney
features holiday decor and offers photo ops with Santa but
is mainly about shopping. The atmosphere is festive, and shops and restaurants have
special window dressings. If you're looking for the perfect Christmas card, this is the
place to get it. Santa appears in his chalet at Downtown Disney Marketplace, and you
can take pictures with your own camera or use Disney's Memory Maker service. For
