Holiday in the World

This year I was thrilled to finally see Walt Disney World in all its Holiday splendor. Over the years of visiting in the Fall I noticed the lights strung along the Streets of America in Hollywood Studios and could only imagine what it must look like all lit up for Christmas. This year I got to see it. I have to say that I could have never imagined it to be what it was in reality. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights moved to Disney World in 2004 and now uses over 5 million lights in the display of dancing lights. At dusk the sounds can be heard from Commissary Lane and the Star Wars tour ride and you know the show is underway. It's like being in the Magic Kingdom when you hear those first notes of the SpectrOMagic Parade as is nears, you just know the thrill of another Disney Magical Moment is beginning. Through out the Streets of America the lights begin to dance with the rhythem of Christmas Classics and Holiday tunes all the way to the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" enterance. Buildings are covered from top to foundation with lights including free standing objects made from lights as well. If you are in the Walt Disney World Resort during the Holiday Season this sectacular display is a must see. It is a walk through show that begins at dusk and ends at 10:00 pm on most evenings.

That is only one of many sights to see in the World, another is Cinderella's Castle dripping with icicles. There are more than 200,000 tiny white lights strung along 40,000 square feet of fishing net to create this enourmus display. The fishing net is carefully died to match the colors of the castle before the lights are hooked on. The castle changes colors throughout the evening and then takes the staring roll in the Holiday Wishes each evening. This special version of Wishes brings to life the songs of the holiday, like the Nutcracker's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and O Christmas Tree just to mention a couple.
Another must see while at the Magic Kingdom is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Guests need to purchase a separate ticket for entry. Walt Disney World limits the number of tickets sold in order to keep the crowds down and many dates sell out in advance.
It features:
*The enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle,
*Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade(complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself)
*An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
*Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters
*Meet and greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom theme park with some of your favorite Disney Characters.
*Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
*A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.

Another Must See takes place in Epcot, an international celebration of Yuletide traditions filled with festive decorations and live entertainment that will be sure to get you in the Christmas Spirit. Each Evening a special holiday event held nightly at the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot theme park as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir of up to 400 members. We saw Pere Noel in France, that was a nice treat.