Our flight arrived early at JFK airport and it then took 2 hours in a crowded and stuffy immigration hall to get through. We had a booked a shuttle bus to get to our hotel in Manhattan that was easy enough but by the time he had set off, come back to the airport to pick up more customers and picked up more on the way it was rush hour and it took another 2 hours to get to the city, 15 miles away! So an inauspicious start but once we got there it was fantastic.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on W 45th Street which couldn’t have been better placed for Times Square and 5th Avenue. The rooms were a little smaller than usual so with four of us in there it was a bit of a crush but we only slept there so it was fine.

We had 2 great days sightseeing both on the open top bus and on foot. We went to the Top of the Rock which was amazing, you could see the whole city for miles around, we also went on a boat trip around the island so we could see it from the East River and the Hudson River. It was very, very cold! You really do need thermal underclothes. The Christmas decorations and shop window displays were awesome, very impressive.

We also visited Central Park and watched the ice skating. Then on the Saturday before Christmas it was time for the Orlando part of our holiday and we were all ready for some sunshine. Unfortunately when we got to JFK all flights had been cancelled due to the incoming bad weather, there wasn’t a flake of snow at that point. Again we stood in line for 2 hours to be told we had been allocated a flight on Monday morning. Bad news but at least we weren’t on standby.

We then had to find a hotel and it really was a case of there being no room at the Inn. The only room we could get was at La Guardia airport 6 miles away which we took. Another 2 nights of sharing a room, eating takeaway food as there was nowhere to go and just kicking our heels in Queens! Actually there was a shuttle bus to a shopping mall so at least we got out for a while, by that time the snow had arrived and it was bad everywhere.

We finally got to our villa in Florida on Monday afternoon, greatly relieved to have actually got there and to feel the warm sunshine. Although the weather in Florida this winter has been colder than usual, for us at was positively balmy!

ICE! at Gaylord Palms

This is a truly memorable place to visit and one you will never forget.  We visited this atttraction a couple of years ago with my two young children and it was spectacular.  It very different to anything that we had visited before and the children really enjoyed themselves. 

ICE is an attraction made entirely out of “Ice”.  The attraction’s main scene is a life-size Nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice.  There are sleighs and reindeers where you can sit in the sleigh and have your photo taken.  There are also great slides which the children (or even the parents) can go down, all made out of ice!

Be prepared though it gets extremely cold in the attraction and you are supplied with Parka coats - do wear them as I have never experienced cold like that before.  Also wear closed in shoes/trainers. 

ICE! is open daily, including holidays.  Event hours vary throughout “ICE! season.”  For further information visit the website http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/best-of-florida-christmas/index.html?source=http://www.gaylordpalms.com/ice

SeaWorld The Polar Express Experience

Guests are invited to jump aboard The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld for a magical trip to the North Pole.  SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic transforms into a thrilling expedition to the fabled Santa Town. The Polar Express Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros.  The Polar Express Experience provides guests with lighting, scent, sound and motion to transport them to the North Pole … and into the spirit of the season.

When guests arrive at their destination, they step off the train and into the movie itself. Temperatures drop and holiday spirits soar as the travelers arrive at the frozen North Pole, complete with towering Christmas tree, gift-laden sleigh, village decor and Santa himself. The journey continues as guests also encounter other inhabitants of the North Pole — the animals themselves — including graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses.

Visit http://www.seaworld.com/ for further information.

Christmas in Magic Kingdom

We have visited Magic Kingdom during a many trips to Orlando, but I do love going there during Christmas time.  You get lots of Christmas sprit along Main Street, where you will find Disney elves have decked the halls with towering Christmas trees, colourful lights, bows and garland. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, toy soldiers, and giant gingerbread men greet guests during special daytime runs of “Mickey’s Once Upon a ChristmastimeParade.” The parade is included in regular park admission on select dates.  Pls visit the website for further details.

This is only a few ideas of what to do. Just enter “Christmas in Orlando” on the Interet and you will find plenty of information. 

Happy Holiday!!! 

During the holiday period at Epcot, from November 27th - December 30th. the Park is transformed into an International Celebration of Christmas traditions from throughtout the World. It is highlighted by the Candlelight Procession with the live entertainment and decorations a sight to not to be missed.

Candlelight processional is held on Selected Nights at The American Gardens Theatre, telling Christmas stories narrated by Celebrity Speakers, accompanied by a 50 piece orchestra and a Full Mass Choir. Whoopi Goldberg is one of the narrators this year. It is very popular, as you can imagine and fills up very quickly, so you need to get there early. You can pre book with a meal package which guarantees your seat at the show and the fireworks. (We didn’t and took our chance by getting there early). 

It is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and to see and share the magic feelings with people from all over the world but most importantly, your own family. It is truely an amazing atmosphere which we will share again when our next visit takes in Christmas.

Add this to you “Must Do” list, not forgetting The Osborne Lights.

Have a great Christmas at Disney

Mary & Larry

It was fabulous to be able to put up a Christmas tree and decorations to get the real feel of Christmas without the UK wind rain and bad weather.

We visited Old Town which is a must for any time of the year on Thursday and Saturday to see the car and motor bike display. but what we really thought was nice was that because Old Town was decorated up so nice with a very large Christmas tree in the centre of the town, excited the children,  that much that they wanted to spend more time in the town walking in and out of the shops and eating and drinking  rather than the “fun-spot” fair.

We also thought it would be nice to have a look at what was going on at Celebration, early evening on New Years Eve. It was fantastic with the hourly snow fall the live music which allowed the children to dance in the snow in the street, there was also face painting, bouncy castle, horse and cart ride, the water fountain and food stalls for the children, for the adults there were plenty of drink stalls which allowed you to buy a glass of wine and wonder around Celebration in a fantastic atmosphere. There were plenty of restaurants open where you were able to sit in and order meals. Overall we thought it was excellent.

We also took a little walk in and out of the back streets to look at the Florida homes decorated up, we took some lovely photos and all pointed out which house we would love to buy, mine of course would have to be one with a large porch and two identical rocking chairs, so we could just watch the world go by……

Visiting the parks during the day was also good, the sun was out, giving you the feel of our UK summer not to hot and not cold, looking at how the parks were decorated for the Christmas theme was amazing; the size of the Christmas tree was out of this world.

Very very enjoyable Christmas and hope we can do it again…..   

If you are visiting Orlando this December, why not visit Celebration and enjoy their “Now Snowing”  & “New Years Eve” Event.

Now Snowing is a month long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM. This event runs up to New Years Eve and Now Snowing Nightly parking and admission are FREE!
 
On Saturday 20 December Celebration hosting the Radio Disney Holiday Concert.  Radio Disney is a 24/7 radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families. Kids help pick the music that is played and are encouraged to interact via a toll-free line to the Radio Disney studio.  The snow starts falling at 6.00 pm and the music begins immediately after with performances by some of the Radio Disny artists. 
Again the event is free and everyone is welcome. 

New Years Eve will be the exciting new family friendly FREE New Years Eve Bash in Celebration Town Center.  On Wednesday December 31st, Celebration Town Center will bring the New Year in with a bang at an all new fun, family friendly celebration like none other. The event will kick off with special performance by Robbie Carrico (American Idol Season 7 Finalist) and Johnny Bulford (Colgate County Music Showdown Challenge winner) followed by the great sounds of multi-talented The Reflections Band and live music throughout the streets. Then as the clock strikes midnight, catch the fireworks spectacular while standing in the final ‘snowfall’ of the year. 
 
I have personally visited the Now Snowing event with my family every Christmas we have been to Orlando.  There is plenty of snow for everyone and the children love playing and throwing the snow at each other.  Christmas music is played whilst snowing and it really makes it a festive occasion.  I actually prefer the snow here than in Disney as a lot more snow falls here and its FREE!  As it takes place on the hour the children get to enjoy it more than once.  We have also visited some of the great restaurants whilst there and it has made a really great evening out.  I would definately recommend a visit if you are visited Orlando during December, Christmas and lead up to New Year.
 
Celebration is conveniently located between Highway 192 and interstate 4 near Walt Disney World.
 
Further information can be obtained by visiting http://celebrationtowncenter.com

A Family called Osborne started decorating their own home in Arkinsaa in the 90s. They grew so much that the crowds of people who travelled for miles to see them were causing traffic jams and the neighbourhood complained until they were stopped. Every year thousands of Dollars were raised for Charities.

When Disney heard this they decided to offer The Osborne lights a place at MGM, which is now Hollywood Disney Studios. Over 1 MILLION lights now are in place with most of the original lights still in the display. 

Disney Hollywood hold this wonderful event every year. Every Fifteen minutes the masses of lights and displays ”Dance” to Christmas Tunes as the SNOW Falls around you. Only in AMERICA but it is certainly a site everyone should see. It is FREE with the admission into the Park during these Christmas dates.

We are fortunately arriving on the 4th of January and will head straight for DHS to catch the last night and it will help us get into the Florida Time Mode, a great way to start anyones holiday.

Mary & Larry Phillips

 MAGIC KINGDOM

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:  tickets are required for the merriest Christmas party. This usually starts at 6.00 and you can see the snow fall on Main Street, also enjoy cookies and cocoa to help keep you warm, and watch a magical holiday parade with characters in festive costumes, and a special presentation of Wishes fireworks around the castle. All the rides are open as usual.

You can meet Santa Claus at the small garden next to City Hall.

EPCOT

The entrance to Epcot has beautiful poinsettia trees. The Lights of Winter illuminate the walkway between Future World and World Showcase, they light up with festive musical scores. Also the fountains at the entrance dance along to the music.

There is a Tree Lighting Ceremony each night at 6pm. All the lights go out and then the tree comes to life.

Candlelight Processional: There is a wonderful choir and orchestra together with a guest narrator. Lots of carols and festive songs to listen to.

Storytelling around World Showcase: As you stroll around the World Showcase, there are storytellers from each of the countries.

IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth: Not forgetting the daily firework and music spectacular with extra fireworks at the end just for Christmas.

 DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights: Lots of lights on the buildings and they twinkle along with the music. Snow is falling as well!!

The parade has lots of characters in their Christmas finery!

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

Jammin’ Jungle parade has characters dressed in their Christmas finery.

Camp Minnie-Mickey has carolers and photo opportunities with the characters in their Christmas get ups.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

There are carolers and live music at Downtown Disney and Father Christmas can be found in his hut by the lake.

DISNEY HOTELS

All the Disney hotels put on a great show. There are beautiful swags in the lobbies, wonderful trees, there are roundabouts made from chocolate, houses made from gingerbread and lots of other decorations.

ICE AT GAYLORD PALMS

Have a great time looking at the ice sculptures at Gaylord Palms. You will need to be warmly wrapped up and you are supplied with extra thick coats while you walk through the Ice Pavilion.

At Downtown Disney there is an unusual and remarkable event from 7th. Nov - 9th. Nov where you can see the amazing pictures of Master Pavement Artists. The pictures have to be seen to be believed. Your children can join in as there is a section for everyone to have a go. There is also live music which creates a real Xmas atmosphere. Again, something a little different and the best thing about Downtown is there is NO Parking Charges!!!

A Very Happy Christmas Everyone.

Mary 

We booked our tickets in advance and saved a few Dollars.

We say, Go ON, Spoil Yourselves & The Kids, you will not regret it.

Mary & Larry