Candlelight Processional Updates

Updates for Holidays Around the World at Epcot:

Copyright: Disney - Garth Vaughn, Photographer

Candlelight Processional: One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional - a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir.
World Showcase, America Gardens Theatre - 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.
Narrators for this year:

Dates	Narrator
Nov. 23 - 25 Nov. 26 - 29 Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 Dec. 2 - 4 Dec. 5 - 7 Dec. 8 - 9 Dec. 10 - 13 Dec. 14 - 16 Dec. 17 - 19 Dec. 20 - 22 Dec. 23 - 25 Dec. 26 - 28 Dec. 29 - 30	Geena Davis Neil Patrick Harris Whoopi Goldberg Andy Garcia Blair Underwood James Denton Jodi Benson Olivia Newton John To be announced Trace Adkins Gary Sinise Amy Grant Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason

Please note that narrators are subject to change without notice.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey and the gang invite guests to this all-ages celebration of fun frights held on multiple nights each October.

The clouds added to our ominous night!

 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.
In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

The tone of the event is, well, "Not-So-Scary", and is appropriate for children of all ages.

One of the parties! Chip and Dale partied with us!

Christmas at Disneyland

From Santa Claus and real reindeer to the biggest holiday lights you’ve probably ever seen, the Disneyland Resort is glimmering with holiday magic through January 8, 2012. If you’re bringing along friends and family to visit this season, you could treat them with a fun way to discover all the special cheer: A Merry Holiday Hunt!
Gather your group with this list, or break into teams for some competitive fun. For extra points, take photos at each location and share them with friends using Facebook or Twitter.

1. The lively street show “Phineas and Ferb’s Rocking’ Rollin’ Dance Party” gets a merry twist at Disney California Adventure park, with holiday décor and songs. What’s the vehicle they arrive on for this interactive party?
2. Decorators trim nearly 700 trees throughout the resort. Which character shape is represented on the ornaments of the large tree at Disney California Adventure park?
3. What adorns the top of the 60-foot, Town Square Christmas tree in Disneyland park?
4. Even in Southern California, it snows during the Holidays at Disneyland Resort. Where does this happen and what might you smell while you’re there?
5. Where are two places you can see Toy Soldiers during the holidays?
6. A wonderful transformation turns a classic attraction into “it’s a small world” Holiday. What three songs are heard as you ride through this world of laughter?
7. Where can you find Santa in Disney California Adventure park?
8. One of the most playful places at Disney California Adventure park is “a bug’s land.” What bright objects do you find here that make fun photo backdrops?

What item would you add to this Merry Holiday Hunt?
Note: Special thanks to our partners at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, who shared some of their pointers. Guests at those hotels can check in at the concierge desk and ask for a copy of their exclusive hunts to enjoy in the parks.
Click here for the answers to the Merry Holiday Hunt.

Thanksgiving at WDW is Here

What is Happening This Week at Walt Disney World?

With crowd levels at an 8 with two days left to go before all schools are out, Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World can be busy. If you are planning on being there hopefully you have already made your dining reservations and the plans are in motion. But just in case you haven't and for those of us stuck at home.....here is some great information!

Now prior to Liberty Tree Tavern changing from a Character Dining experience to a non-Character Dining experience this would have been our choice. The food is great BUT come on you are at Disney World, you need to dine with the Mouse (or one of his friends)!

Tusker House

Animal Kingdom

Tusker House Lunch/Dinner  Thanksgiving Day Entree: Rotisserie Turkey, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Orange Chutney, Yam Casserole, Herb Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Beef Strip Loin and Smoked Salmon and Rotisserie Chicken. (Chicken at Kids' buffet only.) 

50's Prime Time Cafe

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Brown Derby Thanksgiving Lunch/Dinner: Regular menu being offered, plus Roasted Breast of Turkey with Apple-Pecan Cornbread Dressing, Acorn Squash, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Beans, Cranberry-Orange Relish, and Natural Pan Gravy. Add Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingerbread Crust, Pumpkin Seed Brittle or Ruby Port Pear Glaze for Dessert.

Hollywood & Vine Thanksgiving Menu: In addition to the regular buffet, the following Traditional Thanksgiving meal will be offered: Carved Turkey Breast, Cornbread Stuffing, butternut squash with root beer bourbon sauce with candied pecans and marshmallows, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, and Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Hollywood & Vine Fantasmic! Thanksgiving Menu: In addition to the regular buffet, the following Traditional Thanksgiving meal will be offered: Carved Turkey Breast, Cornbread Stuffing, butternut squash with root beer bourbon sauce with candied pecans and marshmallows, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, and Pumpkin Cheesecake.

50's Prime Time: In addition to the regular dinner menu a special holiday offering is available: Carved Turkey breast, Cornbread Stuffing, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry, Pumpkin Torte offered a'la carte. 

Akershus

Epcot

Akershus - Princess Storybook Dining - Some regular menu items available and Holiday offerings: Roasted Turkey with accompaniments; Mustard-glazed Salmon; Grilled Vegetable-stuffed Pasta; Grilled Pork Chop; Traditional Kjottkake (adult menu); Pizza, Hot Digs, Cheese Ravioli, and Children Portion Turkey Dinner (kids' menu).

Biergarten – Germany: In place of some regular menu items, the following Holiday offerings will include: Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing, Green Beans with Almonds and Butter, Cranberry Sauce and Gravy.

Coral Reef - Lunch and Dinner - Traditional Turkey Dinner, Dessert - Pumpkin Cheesecake. Regular menu also being offered.

Garden Grill: Characters (subject to change): Chip and Dale, Mickey Mouse, Pluto. Garden Grill Thanksgiving Menu will be regular menu items, including the following holiday menu items: Basket of Warm Breads with Maple Butter, “Living with the Land” Harvest-inspired Farmers Salad, Char-grilled Beef Strip Loin with Herb Sea Salt, Roasted All Natural Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Orange Relish, Sustainable Fish of the Day with Florida Citrus Crumb, Garden Fresh Vegetables, Smashed Potatoes, Turkey Dressing, Freshly Baked Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp (Dessert is subject to change) with Hand-whipped Vanilla Bean Cream.

Le Cellier Lunch and Dinner: Holiday Entree & Regular a la carte menu. Traditional Turkey Dinner, Dessert: Pumpkin Brulee.

Rose and Crown Lunch/Dinner - Holiday Entree & regular a la carte menu. Traditional Turkey Dinner, Dessert - Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Liberty Tree Tavern

Magic Kingdom

Diamond Horseshoe: The Diamond Horseshoe is Family-Style Dining in a Western Frontier Style Atmosphere. Thanksgiving Day Dinner, on 11/24/2011, will be offered 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch/Dinner: Thanksgiving Entree: Patriot's Platter -- Roasted Turkey Breast, Carved Beef, and Sliced Pork with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Bread Stuffing, and Macaroni & Cheese.

Tony's Town Square Lunch/Dinner: Holiday Entree & Regular a la carte menu. Thanksgiving Entree: Turkey with Marsala Mushroom Gravy, Cornbread Sausage Sage Stuffing, Romano Leek Mash, and Green Beans.

NOW Let's go PLAN!

Holiday Prep

Photo From Tours Departing Daily

Prepping Your Family For The Holidays At Disney!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…..we all know the tune!  Disney is truly amazing during the holiday seasons.  No one can top the job Disney does prepping the grounds and cast members for the holidays. When visiting Disney World during December there a few things to know. 

CROWDS: There is no other time during the year that gets as busy as WDW the week between Christmas and New Years. Insane crowds, claim your stake for the parade at 10 am kind of crowds. When we went several years ago, the park closed for periods throughout the day so the crowds could clear out some! That kind of crowded.

Now it’s manageable and if you are going to be crowded what better place than WDW? Fastpasses are a must! Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours and expect the experience not the quantity of rides!

DINING: Disney has done a fabulous job of marketing their table service restaurants. So much so that you need to think about where you want to eat long before you finalize your trip! If you don’t have a reservation you probably will be eating counter service food!  I say, reserve the meals then book the room!

RESORTS: The resorts are all decorated. Their theme will depend on the resorts overall theme, but there will be trees and there will be ornaments and there will be wreaths.  On extremely busy days we took to the monorail or buses and went resort hopping. This way you get to see as many as you want or can! Some of the best are Wilderness Lodge, The Grand Floridian, campsites at Fort Wilderness (at night) and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

PRICES: Disney never and I mean NEVER does a discount during the peak Holiday week! You will pay a premium for this week.  Prices for dining don’t increase except on the actual Holiday (Christmas Eve too) and usually only at certain restaurants that serve “Holiday Fare”.  I have tried to book a campsite one year in advance and the premium spots were all booked! It’s a VERY popular time of year!

ADVICE: My advice is this, go, know that it will cost you, know that you won’t see everything, but go! Your vacation will be as much about memories and warm fuzzy feelings then “doing” Disney. I love our pictures and memories of that week. Our favorite was New Year’s Eve. We had hats and horns. Went down to the beach at the Polynesian snagged some loungers, laid down (quickly went and bought some blankets LOL) and waiting for the New Year. While laying there, my 2 year old fell asleep and rang in the New Year snoozing on mama…..priceless!

NOW Let's Go PLAN!!

St. Augustine, Florida

It's almost time for the traditional holiday lights in St. Augustine

POSTCARDS FROM FLORIDA

• 

November 05, 2011|By Jim Abbott, Orlando Sentinel

St. Augustine is lovely at night any time of the year, but the holiday season is always special.
Starting Nov. 19, a tradition returns with the 18th annual edition of St. Augustine's famed Nights of Lights, in which the historic district of the nation's oldest city will be illuminated with more than 3 million tiny white lights. The event earned St. Augustine a 2009 ranking by AAA as one of the 12 best places in the United States and Canada to experience holiday cheer. Last year, Nights of Lights was named one of the Top 100 events in the U.S. by the American Bus Association.

It runs through Jan. 31.
This year's light show will mark the return of the iconic Bridge of Lions into the mix. For the past five years, the bridge has been dark during the festival because of renovations. This year, the bridge and two new parks at each end of the span will be home to thousands of new lights in the display.
Activities on the opening weekend will feature the inaugural St. Augustine Marathon on Nov.19 and 20. Race events include a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids' races. Winners will get to drink from the Grail of Endurance filled with fresh spring water from the world-famous Fountain of Youth. (Uh, I've tasted that Fountain of Youth water, and I'd rather have Gatorade.)
Winter Wonderland returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Nov. 26, with outdoor ice skating, a giant ice slide, carriage rides and snow each night. There also will be appearances by Santa Claus and adult refreshments (for ages 21 and older) in the Igloo Lounge. It runs daily through Jan. 1, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
On Dec. 10, there's a Sunset/Moonrise Tour that offers a view of Nights of Lights from atop the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, hors d'oeuvres and a presentation of lighthouse history. Fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required. Visit staugustinelighthouse.com or call 904-829-0745.
Check out floridashistoriccoast.com for details on other St. Augustine holiday events.

Halloween at Fort Wildnerness Campground

Fort Wilderness Campground (and its campers) know how to do holidays!!  No where else on Disney property will you find so many fun and unique ways to celebrate holidays. And HALLOWEEN is NO exception!

First you need to check out the Sleepy Hollow Halloween Carriage Ride. A ghostly storyteller hitches a ride with the group as you make your way to the "tavern". Here you meet Ichabod Crane and you decide which path to take. Ichabod takes one while you go another, where you see a ghostly figure coming to the schoolhouse: the Headless Horseman! 

Disney holds another Parade with the guests, including a Headless Horseman and all the decorated carts. Plus, they have a Site Decorating Contest and a Pet Costume Parade and Contest! Prizes are awarded for all three of these. If you would like to be part of any of these, get a registration form at the Outpost, the Settlement, or the Meadows Trading Post.

The OTHER Holidays coming soon!