Hey all!
One of the first things my clients ask me when first considering a Disney vacation is:
“What is the best time of year to go?”
As a travel planner, I know that every guest’s schedules and needs will vary. Some families have kids in school or sports, some may not have kids but have limited vacation time, some just want to get to Disney ASAP! So, really, there may not be a “best time” that works for everyone!
But believe me. There is a best time to go on a Disney vacation. And that time is
Just think about it: the holidays are magical. Disney parks are magical! If this were a mathematic equation, the formula would be Holidays + Disney = Magic²!!
My first ever Disney trip was over Christmas 2010 and I cannot think of a better way to be introduced to the Disney experience. Everywhere you look, there’s something to fill you with the spirit of the holidays; from topiaries of Mickey and Goofy in Santa Claus hats, to Cinderella’s castle sparkling with so many lights it looks like it’s covered in a magical frost, to the spine-tingling Candlelight Processional.
Even before the Christmas excitement overtakes us all (on, you know, November 1st), Disney kicks off the holiday season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party which runs from September through Halloween and has a ton of fun and family-friendly Halloween themed events. But that warm feeling of anticipation that you remember from your childhood is really recaptured during November and December at the Disney parks. Here are some of the ways that Disney gives you that kid-again feeling… or helps your children make those memories they’ll keep forever:
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Hollywood Studios – November 8th – January 5th
Free with park admission
Ok, I have to admit, I did not know until recently that this exhibit is not named for Ozzy and Sharon Osborne. It’s actually named for a family in Arkansas who started their own tradition of elaborate holiday decorations at their home; in 1995, after the display got SO big the neighbors started to complain, Walt Disney took an interest and set up the display on the Streets of America at Hollywood Studios! I also have to admit that I was not excited by the sound of this event, but my family and I were at Hollywood Studios late one night during our Christmas vacation, and we happened upon the exhibit…. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. It’s a sight beyond words, and one of my favorite memories from that trip.
Photos don’t do it justice!
The Candlelight Processional
Epcot – November 29th – December 30th
Reservations highly recommended
While the Osborne lights are my Disney Christmas must-do, my fiance Eric cannot spend the holidays at Disney World without seeing the Candlelight Processional. The Biblical story of the baby Savior born in a manger is told at the America Gardens theater; the story is read by celebrity narrators while a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir provide an inspirational backdrop with the rich sounds of your favorite Christmas songs. This year, the celebrity narrators will include Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Ashley Judd, Trace Adkins, Sigourney Weaver, and Amy Grant.
Guests can pre-purchase admission to this high-demand event with a Candlelight Dinner Package. Choose from dinner at one of 12 of Epcot’s tastiest dining locations; pick up your show tickets at dinner and then enjoy the show!
Disney’s Holiday D-Lights
5-hour Multi-Park Tour – November through December
Reservations required
This seasonal tour is a great event for folks enjoying an adults-only escape! Your tour guide takes you through the Candlelight Processional, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and up Main Street USA for a nighttime viewing of Cinderella’s glittering Castle. Meet Disney’s Event and Decorating support team who produce and coordinate these spectacular seasonal events! You even get to enjoy a holiday-themed buffet, plus I know those pin collectors among us will appreciate the special keepsake pin exclusive to this tour!
If you and your family want to take part in any of these special events and make some incredible Christmas memories, contact me today! I can be reached at 972-763-5567 or at Amie@GatewayToMagic.com! And don’t forget to check out all of the great deals, sales, and specials going on now at Disney parks, on the Cruise ships, and at all of your favorite Disney destinations!
Related articles
- Rhymes with “Schmiveaway”… (howtoplanavacation.wordpress.com)
- More Disney Updates! (howtoplanavacation.wordpress.com)
- Epcot Candlelight Processional Narrator Lineup (mix1051.cbslocal.com)
Memories Ever After - by Amie 