So help me God, I've never been one of those anal Disney visitors that has to have every single second plotted and planned and if we don't stick to a schedule my head falls off and rolls into a corner HOWEVER, this trip seems to be the semi exception.
Disney does so much good stuff for the holidays and I'd really like the boys to see and experience as much of it as I can.
In that vein...
Main Street Philharmonic 12-piece brass and percussion ensemble re-creating a turn-of-the-century ambience with tunes like "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "76 Trombones" and "Alexander's Rag Time Band." Sunday-Thursday at 11:20am*, 12:20, 1:35, 2:50, 3:55 & 5:00pm Length of show: 20 minutes *Not Tuesday
During Christmas they do all Christmas music. I'd really like to catch them at least once.
Dapper Dans Barbershop Quartet on Main Street U.S.A. Sunday-Wednesday at 9:00, 9:55, 11:05 & 11:45am, 1:00, 1:50, 2:35*, 3:35 & 4:50pm Thursday at 8:00, 9:00, 9:55, 11:05 & 11:45am, 1:00, 1:50, 3:35 & 4:50pm Friday & Saturday at 9:00, 9:55, 11:05 & 11:45am, 1:00, 1:50, 2:35, 3:35 & 4:35pm Length of show: 20 minutes *Not Tuesday
Again they do all Christmas stuff.
Main Street Trolley Parade Sunday-Wednesday, Friday & Saturday at 9:15 & 10:10am, 12:00pm Thursday at 8:20, 9:15 & 10:10am, 12:00pm
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party Daily at 11:00am, 12:30 & 5:40pm It’s party time when a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and other performers process down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle to high-energy tunes such as “Breakout” and “I Like To Move It.” Floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages are part of the procession, and near the castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian – the life and light of the party – pop out of four huge boxes. They join about a dozen other Disney characters headed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to mix and mingle and dance in the street with Magic Kingdom guests during a 12- to 15-minute party that takes place three times daily. Sign language interpreted performances Monday & Thursday at 11:00am. Processional down Main St., USA with stop in Castle hub area. Arrive at least 15 minutes in advance and meet interpreter wearing a blue shirt at the Partners statue (Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse). Interpreters located to the right of the Mr. Incredible/Genie float. NO SEATING.
I just like this parade...
JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season featuring D'Vine Voices D'Vine Voices uniquely blends the soulful expressiveness of Gospel and Inspirational music with the sounds of Jazz, R&B, and urban music. When this versatile ensemble of vocal and instrumental artists of Central Florida takes the stage, the results are simply...D'Vine! Their joyful voices will touch, uplift, and inspire you to celebrate the season! Fountain Stage: Friday & Saturday at 1:15, 2:15, 3:15 & 4:15pm Length of show: 25 minutes
These guys are really good.
Holiday Story Teller - United Kingdom Did you know that the custom of decorating with boughs of holly began in the United Kingdom? So did Christmas cards! Meet our jolly Father Christmas and hear his tales of Christmas past as you prepare for Christmas present. Friday & Saturday at 2:45, 3:55, 4:35, 5:25, 6:10, 6:45, 7:30 & 8:25pm
FRANCE Disney Characters Princess Aurora(Sleeping Beauty) daily at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30pm Belle daily at 11:15am, 12:15, 1:15, 3:15, 4:15, 5:15 & 6:15pm Beast daily at 1:25, 2:25, 3:25, 4:25 & 5:25pm Marie(Aristocats) daily 11:30am-2:15pm & 3:10pm-6:45pm
Holiday Story Teller - France Père Noël awaits your visit as he unfolds the story of little Babbette and her wishes at Christmastime. You can share your wishes with Père Noël, too! Celebrate and enjoy the foods that make up le rèveillon, our Christmas Eve feast. Friday & Saturday at 11:20 & 11:55am, 12:30, 1:15, 2:05, 3:30, 4:20 & 5:05pm
Voices of Liberty Inspired a cappella renditions of the best loved Americana music. Sunday-Thursday at 12:30, 1:15, 2:00, 2:45, 3:30, 4:15 & 5:00pm Friday & Saturday at 12:30, 1:15, 2:00, 2:40, 3:10 & 4:15pm Length of show: 15 minutes Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps A resounding tribute to America’s fight for freedom. Tuesday-Thursday at 12:15, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15, 4:00 & 4:45pm Friday & Saturday at 12:00, 12:45, 1:30, 2:15, 2:55, 3:45 & 4:30pm Length of show: 15 minutes Santa Greetings - America Whisper your Christmas wishes in Santa's ear and take your picture sitting on his knee. Even Mrs. Claus will be on hand to help wth your wishes! Friday & Saturday at 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 & 7:30pm Read the "Holidays Around the World" sign. Length of greeting: 90 minutes
Holiday Story Teller - Germany Did you know that many of our modern day holiday customs originated in Germany? Come hear about the very first Christmas tree, the first Nutcracker, and the Christmas pickle. You can help decorate our tree or listen as our band plays some of your favorite Christmas carols. Friday & Saturday at 1:00, 2:00, 2:55, 3:55, 5:30, 6:05, 6:40 & 7:15pm
Holiday Story Teller - Norway If you've ever wondered how they celebrate Christmas in Norway, you must go and visit our storyteller Sigrid, a beautiful farm girl, who will give you all the details, and tell you of the mischievous Julenissen, or Christmas Gnome. Be forewarned though, Julenissen has been known to play a little trick or two on the storyteller herself. Julenissen's antics will delight and confound you. A true Norwegian Christmas experience. Friday & Saturday at 3:10, 3:50, 4:30, 5:10, 5:50, 6:35, 7:15 & 7:55pm
Jedi Training Academy Taking a cue from the popular Star Wars Saga, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for an original and intergalactic entertainment experience. Young Jedi hopefuls learn lightsaber moves before facing off against the evil Darth Vader. Near Star Tours. 20-minute shows 9:20, 10:10, 11:00 & 11:50am, 12:40, 1:30, 2:20, 3:50, 4:40, 5:30, 6:20, 7:10 & 8:00pm Space is limited, and participants (ages 4-12) must be present to register. Please see a Cast Member at Sounds Dangerous - Starring Drew Carey early in the day to make same-day reservations.
Phineas and Ferb Near Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano 9:30am-2:00pm & 3:10pm-7:00pm
So I've been instructed by the powers on high that I need to move heaven and earth and make a reservation for the Wishes Boat.
I'm on hold with Disney now with fingers tightly crossed.
WOOHOO!! Success
December 10th
Polynesian pickup 9:00pm
10pm fireworks
Not allowed to bring our own booze. Boat will have chips and soda. Anything additional you need to call the Polynesian marina to arrange to have it on the boat.
Here is the number:
407-824-2165 - Poly Marina for booze orders
Confirmation number:413101738403
WISHES Cruise Options
MAGIC KINGDOM WISHES CRUISE (BASIC) 21' Tracker Pontoon
Price: $292.88, tax included for up to 8 guests. Price includes pontoon boat, driver, water, soda and bagged snacks -Guests may order Private Dining to be delivered to the cruise. The sound from the fireworks show is not provided on the boat..
•Magic Kingdom Wishes Fireworks Cruise Photos
MAGIC KINGDOM WISHES CRUISE (PREMIUM) 25' Tracker Pontoon
Price: $346.13, tax included for up to 10 guests. Price includes pontoon boat, driver, water, soda, bagged snacks and and audio feed of the fireworks music -Guests may order Private Dining to be delivered to the cruise. The sound from the fireworks show is provided on the boat
So here is what I have as far as our dining goes. We have a TON of reservations in EPCOT for a few reasons
1. The food is amazing
2. We are walking distance from our hotel to EPCOT
Just beacuse we have our meals there does not mean we have to spend the day there.
The first two day don't apply to you guys. To see the menus for the restaurant click the blue link.
Dec 7th Kouzina 6:25pm - Confirmation Number: 413071609428 Dec 8th Crystal Palace 8:40am - Confirmation Number: 413071608838
____________________________________________________________________________ December 9th MGM Studios Momma Melrose 6:05pm- Confirmation Number: 413071602390 December 10th EPCOT Italy Pavilion Tutto Italia 4:30pm - Confirmation Number: 413071601891 December 11th EPCOT France Le Chefs de France 12pm - Confirmation Number: 413071592443 December 12th EPCOT Morocco Marrakesh 5:15pm - Confirmation Number: 413071597372 December 13th EPCOT England Rose & Crown Pub 4pm - Confirmation Number: 413071599918
Morocco Pavillion:
Dad, I know you aren't a big fan of Middle Eastern food. (Have you ever tried it or is it simply your aversion to garlic?)
So this blog is specifically for you. Since you are agreeing to try a new restaurant and be adventerous, you should know that with the yummy food comes a show.
My ONLY request for you "adult" males at dinner is to please, please remember there are two little boys at the table with you, one of which will go out of his way to try to be adult and cool and is not above behaving like a total fool to try to impress you.
Don't be surprised if Lion jumps up and tries to dance with her. The kid is a dancing machine and cannot sit still when he hears music.
If you promise to behave, I will see what I can do about getting a table close to the musicians and to the belly dancer of the day.
If for some reason we miss the dancers or we can't get a table close don't fret. These gals are in the Moroccan Pavilion during the day as well
I'm so excited to share the holidays with you all and to be able to spend them in Disney World just makes the season that much more special.
I'm torn between telling you every little single thing so we don't miss a moment of the merry events or sights and keeping the whole thing under wraps so you both have that "moment".
I'm going to share becuase I've done this celebration a few times and every single time I see the castle lit and watch the snowflakes fall I get tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. It never fails. It's that magical and that special.
Seeing it on video and in person are two completely different events and showing you a sneak peak won't ruin it.
I've just ordered our tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or MVMCP. (Yes, I've ordered everyone's tickets. We are all going, together, as a happy family. We will pick them up the night of at the ticket window at Magic Kingdom.)
Here is a little bit about it:
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP)
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special night of holiday entertainment in the Magic Kingdom that includes: Castle Dream Lights; Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade featuring Santa Claus; special Holiday Wishes - Celebrate the Spirit of the Season Fireworks; Celebrate the Season Castle Stage Show; snow on Main Street, U.S.A.; complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. The party runs from 7 p.m. to midnight; Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is at 8:15 and 10:30 p.m.; Holiday Wishes fireworks is at 9:30 p.m.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features:
Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade Holiday Wishes Fireworks A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show Celebrate The Season Show Meet and greet opportunities with Disney Characters Character Dance Parties Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa Magical snow fall on Main Street Many of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions
Hours:
The official hours of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) are 7 PM to midnight. However, guests attending the party are admitted as early as 4 PM. The turnstiles on the right hand side are used for party guests and the turnstiles on the left are used for day guests. Note, even though you may enter the park before the party starts, the special events do not begin until 7 PM.
Times of MVMCP shows, parade and fireworks:
Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade: 8:15 and 10:30 PM
"Celebrate The Season" Show: 7:45, 10:05 & 11:20 PM
Character Meet & Greets: 7:00 - 11:30 PM
Magic Kingdom attractions that will be in operation:
Adventureland: Pirates of the Caribbean The Magic Carpets of Aladdin Swiss Family Treehouse
Frontierland: Splash Mountain Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Country Bear Jamboree
Liberty Square: The Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland: Peter Pan's Flight Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Dumbo the Flying Elephant Mickey's PhilharMagic Snow White's Scary Adventures It's A Small World
Tomorrowland: Astro Orbiter Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Space Mountain Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Stitch's Great Escape Tomorrowland Speedway Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Where to purchase something to eat:
Main Street: Casey's Corner Main Street Sweets
Frontierland: Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (closes at 10:00 PM) Westward Ho Turkey Leg Cart Frontierland Churros & Pretzels
Liberty Square: Sleepy Hollow
Fantasyland: Storybook Treats
Tomorrowland: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe The Lunching Pat at Rockettower Plaza
What Special Holidays Happenings are at the Magic Kingdom?
Castle Dream Lights -- When daylight has passed during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom guests can behold a breathtaking transformation during the Castle Dream Lights ceremony. Each evening November 8 and continuing through January 3, 2012, Cinderella and favorite characters decked out in holiday garb take to the stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace aglow with 200,000 white lights – a perfect centerpiece to a park all decked out with wreaths, bows, garland and towering Christmas trees.
Mickey's Once upon a Christmastime Parade celebrates the many festive moods of the holiday season, showcasing a series of holiday themes including a Friends and Family Christmastime Party, a sleigh ride through a Winter Wonderland, a romantic Fairy Tale Christmastime, a scrumptious display of Christmastime sweets, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus in a grand finale. And for longtime Disney Christmas parade fans: Soldiers, Snowflakes and dancing deer are all still in the parade. The parade features original music as well as both classic and current holiday tunes.
A number of special holiday shows take place from mid-December on.
The Magic Kingdom Tree lighting ceremony takes place most nights on Main Street.
Celebrate the Season at Castle Forecourt Stage is performed daily beginning mid-December.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special "hard ticket" event.
Tell me more about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which kicks off at 7 p.m. on select evenings (after regular Magic Kingdom closing), is pure, time-honored Disney magic.
Holiday revelers can sip cocoa, catch a "snowflake" on a fingertip and catch the spirit of the season through enchanting entertainment that includes live shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets.
Dancing gingerbread, marching soldiers and Santa's sleigh parade down Main Street, U.S.A. to seasonal melodies during the twice-nightly "Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade". Cinderella Castle is draped radiantly with 200,000 glistening white lights and "Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks lights the night sky during a pyrotechnics show orchestrated to holiday melodies.
The night wouldn't be complete without the forecasted flurry of snowflakes along Main Street, U.S.A. and a warming cup of cocoa in hand. Party-goers also enjoy complimentary cookies and apple slices and enjoy unlimited admission to favorite attractions.
Holiday stage shows include the following: Celebrate the Season at the Castle and Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show in Tomorrowland's new theatre.
The parade is spectacular and is accompanied by great Disney Magic and Music.
How much does MVMCP cost? Is it offered every night?
A separate admission ticket is required.
Hours – 7 p.m. - midnight
2011 party dates and times:
November 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, and 30; December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 18
Prices for the party are as follows (all prices listed include tax):
Advance Purchase for November 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 29, and 30; December 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14: $60.66 for adults 10 and older / $55.33 for ages 3-9
Passholder and DVC Member Discounts for November 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 29, 30; December 4, 6: $56.40 / $51.07
Day of Event (if still available): $67.05 /$61.72
Tickets go on sale May 8, 2011.
Children under 3 are admitted free.
Buy your tickets early! A number of MVMCP events SELL OUT! For more information, call 407-W-DISNEY.
In previous years, the park would close and then reopen. Now the park stays open through regular closing time. Be sure to get a special MVMCP wristband before 7 p.m. Cast Members will direct guests without the bands to leave the park.
This sounds like a lot of fun, but is it overly crowded?
WDW limits the number of tickets sold in order to keep the crowds down and many nights do sell out in advance. It is estimated that tickets max out around 20,000.
I have never been, what tips can you give me?
Buy a Disney Holiday Hat and Join in the Fun! Santa Hats with Mickey Ears and Reindeer Horns with Mickey Ears are Available.
Ride the Mountains during the First Parade!
Enjoy the special shows.
Take in the Snow on Main Street!
Visit the characters in Fantasyland later in the evening.
Make sure to watch the Special Fireworks!
Watch the second showing of the parade.
Pace yourself -- the park empties quite a bit by midnight and you'll have most attractions to yourself.
The very first MVMCP was held on December 16, 1983.
Character Meet & Greets –
If you want to meet all of the characters at the Party, this is one area where you might want to employ a bit of strategy. First, get in line early (prior to 7 pm) for the Seven Dwarfs.
As long as you visit the Dwarfs early before a line accumulates, you should be fine. The stars of the party, the Country Bears, rarely attract crowds (more like, “who are you?” questions) as they wander the parks, and they are an incredible amount of fun if you stick around to ‘play’ with the bears.
If you happen to find them inside the Adventureland Veranda (the hot cocoa spot in Adventureland) or the Golden Horseshoe, you can really have some fun with them. We spent nearly an hour at one party doing this.
In years past, Mickey & Minnie have been most accessible near the very end of the party. The same may not be true in 2011, as people may try to meet them as they exit the park. Keep this in mind when contemplating when you should visit them, and Santa Claus.
Complimentary Cookies & Hot Cocoa –
There are stations to get these all over the park. Although reasonable mind can differ on this, I think these free refreshments are delicious. Just thinking about them as I write this makes me hungry, and transports me back to memories of many a cold night sipping on hot cocoa to keep warm (it doesn’t work, but hey, why not try?!). Lines for refreshments can get bad near the front of the park (Crystal Palace especially) near the parade-time, but most of the time, you won’t encounter too bad of crowds.
I know that when it comes to our planning I don't have much say and I often leave the decision making to Mike. At this time of year though, there are a few things I really would love to do and will totally whine like a bitchy baby to get my way.
One of the things I really want to do again this year is visit as many of the resorts as I can to see their Christmas decorations.
Clearly we will see the Boardwalk and I'd like to go over one night and see the Yacht & Beach and maybe one afternoon we could do the Monorail circut and see the decorations at the Contemporary, then the Poly and then then Grand Floridian. I've also heard that the decorations at the Wilderness Lodge are not to be missed.
One of the other things I'd really like to do this year is a sleigh ride. I think the boys would get a huge kick out of it.
Price: $60.00 per group
Can accommodate 4 adults or 2 adults with 3 children ages 9 and under.
This 25 minute sleigh ride departs every 30 minutes from 5:30 - 9:30pm.
Check in at the Blacksmith's shop near the Settlement area.
This excursion can be booked up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY
Disney World Carriage Rides
A relaxing and cozy 25 -minute carriage ride through Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
$45.00 for 25 minutes (includes tax)
Tickets are sold by the carriage drivers
Cash and Disney Resort guest room charge only. No credit cards are accepted
Small carriage holds 2 adults and 1 small child.
Large carriage holds 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children.
Reservations nightly (weather permitting)
Begins at 6:00 pm with the last ride departing at 9:30pm
Departs from Crockett’s Tavern at Pioneer Hall.
Beverages are permitted
Advance reservations can be made up to 180 days ahead by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. A $45 fee for no-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will apply.
Carriage Rides may be cancelled due to weather problems
A relaxing and cozy 25 -minute carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
$45.00 for 25 minutes (includes tax)
Tickets are sold by the carriage drivers
Cash and Disney Resort guest room charge only. No credit cards are accepted
Large carriage holds 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children.
Reservations nightly (weather permitting)
Begins at 6:00 pm with the last ride departing at 9:30pm
Departs from in front of the Boatwright's Dining Hall
Beverages are permitted
Advance reservations can be made up to 180 days ahead by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. A $45 fee for no-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will apply.
Carriage Rides may be cancelled due to weather problems
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I would also love to get a group photo with Santa Claus at Downtown Disney.
At Downtown Disney you can enjoy theFestival of the Seasons. Window shopping takes on a whole new meaning as you enjoy the wonderful holiday displays celebrating traditions from different cultures.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
At the Marketplace, you'll find Santa Claus waiting to greet you at his chalet in front of the World of Disney store. You can take your own pictures or use PhotoPass:
November 19, 2010 - November 26, 2010 (Santa Claus)
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm daily
November 27, 2010 - December 24, 2010 (Santa Claus)
12:00 pm - 9:30 pm daily
December 25, 2010 - January 3, 2011 (Santa Goofy)
3:00 pm - 9:30 pm daily
Throughout the Holiday season, you'll find school choirs performing at the Dock Stage as well as DJ Dance Parties.
If we can't catch him there we can meet him at the Magic Kingdom:
MEET SANTA CLAUS Santa Claus will be meeting and greeting Magic Kingdom guests from 10:00am - 6:00pm at the Tour Guide Gardens next to City Hall.
You can also visit Santa during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party until he's needed for his very important role in the parade.
One of the other things is photos with the characters. I know, we did a lot in April and why the hell do we have to go and see Mickey Mouse AGAIN but we do. I have two small guys who are growing insanely fast before my eyes and I need to document them as often as I can. That means a photo or two with some of the characters.
One of the other things I do at Christmas is I bring a string of lights with me along with a couple of suction cups and I hang lights out on our balcony and if I'm feeling extra festive, I bring some decorations for inside the room. Makes it a little more fun to come "home" to.
Pack as much of your holiday spirit and joy to the world and kindness and patience. It's a crowded time of year but insanely magical and I'm super excited to go!
