Holiday Happenings Announced & Passporter Giveaway!

Disney released a bunch of information regarding the Christmas Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World.

Here's the pertinent information:

Castle Lights at Magic Kingdom - Nov. 8 through Jan. 3
This is has been a huge hit in the past few years.  Imagine Cinderella's Castle full of icicle lights that shimmer in blues and whites.  It totally puts you in the Christmas spirit.  I've been fortunate to see the Castle Lights each year since it's inception.  Here's a picture from one of my visits:

The show that leads up to the lighting of the castle is very sweet. It's one of those things where everyone is gathered around Main Street to take in the show.

Mary's Rating:  Totally Awesome!

The Osbourne Family Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios - Nov. 8 through Jan. 3

I won't repeat the history of the Osbourne Family Lights, but read about it here if you aren't familiar with it.  The Backlot of the Studios is decked out with more than one million lights.  Be sure to check out the section that's set to music a la Transiberian Orchestra.

Mary's Rating:  Must See!

Holidays Around The World at Epcot - Nov. 26 through Dec. 30

I love Epcot at Christmastime. There are just so many things that you can take in.  I could go to Epcot every day over Christmastime. Here are a few of my faves:

Holiday Storytellers - Each country in the World Showcase has its own traditional storyteller based on the Christmas/ New Year time of year.  Each story is usually less than ten minutes and it makes for a really great way to tour Epcot.

Christmas Tree at the World Showcase Lagoon - While there is no longer a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, this tree is very cool because it has not only versions of the traditional ornaments, but banners with the words, "Merry Christmas" in many different languages.

Candlight Processional - Every day, at the American Gardens Theater, the Story of Christmas is read by a celebrity and the music of Christmas is sung throughout the reading by different choirs from around the country.  There are three performances each day and the theater tends to fill quickly.  Want to guarantee yourself a seat?  Purchase the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package on the day you want to attend the CP. Reservations aren't being taken as of yet.  But stay tuned; word is July 25 is the currently rumored opening day for those reservations.

Holiday Illuminations - Epcot's fireworks show usually has an extra 12 minute ending choreographed to, "Let There Be Peace On Earth."  I'm not hugely emotional to fireworks shows, but if you don't tear up during that holiday ending...well, you are a much stronger person than I.

Mary's Rating:  Totally Must-Do!

Jingle Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom -  Nov. 26 through Dec. 30

The parade at Animal Kingdom gets a holiday makeover in this parade. When we've taken this parade in, we've had great Cast Member interaction and a seriously enjoyable time.  The fact that Animal Kingdom closes earlier in the day at that time of year makes it easy for you to take in this parade and be able to hop to another park for the rest of the day.

Mary's Rating:  If you aren't a parade person, then you probably could pass on this.

This is just a snap-shot of some of the bigger happenings.  Like everything else at Disney World, all the little touches make the experience.

You know that O.D.D. I have...I'm a total believer in that Disney World IS the Place Where Magic Lives. But I especially live and breathe it at this time of year.

Now that I have gotten the news out of the way, let's get on with the giveaway.

I'm a huge planning type person.  Maybe you aren't or maybe you know you should be.  Maybe you are going to Disney soon, or maybe you know someone who's thinking about planning a trip.  Or maybe your friend is planning a trip and they haven't really done any planning.

I LOVE the Passporter!  I have a brand spanking new Passporter to give away.  AND you can choose if you want the Passporter for Walt Disney World OR the Passporter for Disneyland!

I know what you're thinking...how can I get one?

It's totally easy!  Make a comment on this post of the blog with your first name and first initial of your last name (e.g. Mary A.).  On July 28, I'll take the list of names and use Random Name Picker to select a winner.  I'll post the winner's name in a post after July 28 and we'll connect to get you your choice of Passporter!

Let me know if you have questions!

Mary