Well Christmas is here again and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year for 2011. Glad to say that Florida is not having the snow that the UK is having with more than a foot falling. Although I have been told it has been a lot cooler this year than past years…

I hope that everyone who has been lucky enough to go to Florida, this Christmas was able to get there without too much trouble or with any flight delays or cancellations.

 For us - we are here in the UK for the 1st time in 5years – How lovely. Sure I would have much rather been in Florida Never mind.

Let’s just hope that you have your Holiday well planed if it is over the Christmas and New Year time – lots of places such as “Old Town” and Celebration will have free entertainment.

At Celebration they have a band playing which you can sit and listen to or you can walk around the stalls and shops Celebration also has wine bars and restaurants open till late – a good selection of shops with plenty of extra Christmas ideas and that little something special to take back home with you - they have the Snow fall on the hour, which is entertainment in its self. With horse and carts rides - The little train which will take you around Celebration and then there is the water shoots for the children to play in- remember to bring a change of clothes for them or a towel to dry off with. And of course there is Santa to see – he and his helpers will be found down by the lake, a great opportunity to have a fantastic family photo.

If you’re planning to go to the parks be sure to get there early – once the parks are full they will close the gates to you. I have known this to be as early has 10.00am in the morning be prepared for a long day!!   Eat well and drink plenty. All well worth it – the fireworks are fantastic and the atmosphere is thrilling.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New year to you all!

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!!!