My Magical Christmas at Walt Disney World
Dec 08 '00
Many will tell you to stay away from Disney World at Christmas, the crowds are large, the lines are long, blah blah blah. What they DON'T tell you is how everything seems to come alive with the Holiday Spirit at Walt Disney World during this very special time and I would like to share with you my experience at WDW during the Christmas week.
My family decided to go to WDW when money was finally available to take that once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the Disney Magic on our most favorite holdiay of the year. I was at first leary at how I would like Christmas in Florida, no snow, no cold toes by the warm fire, what would I do with myself with palm trees as far as the eye could see?
Nevertheless, I had never been to WDW and to have it my first time be at Christmas was somewhat an adventure for me, which I wholeheartefly agreed to and looked to with excitement. Landing in Florida, I got off the plane to 80 degree weather, feeling rather stupid in my turtle neck and sweater.
As soon as we hit our hotel, I knew that this was one Christmas I would never forget as I changed into my shirt and shorts and watched people swim outside my window.
We would go to Epcot for our first park, and as we rode the shuttle bus, my brother complained it was to bumpy while my parents argued about how long to stay, while I dreamed of seeing the Disney Magic that I had longed for as a child.
Approaching Epcot, I saw before me the huge 'Golf Ball' as my Dad would keep calling it during the trip. It was beautiful to me. Walking in the Park, I gazed at the Christmas decorations that garnished each shop window and tree. I actually stood there and thought to myself, "WOW, I am in Florida at Disney World while all of my friends are freezing their butts off in WI!" I felt so lucky to be alive, and to be with my family on such an exciting trip.
All of the rides were everything I hoped for, and the World Showcase blew me away. I loved to hear the different types of music, and see how each country celebrated the holidays with unique traditions I had never seen or heard of before. I especially enjoyed the Carolers in America and the smell of roasted chesnuts in the United Kingdom.
As we left Epcot as night fell, we passed a huge Christmas tree in one of the courtyards in Future World- it had what seemed like millions of twinking lights and a beautiful golden star on top of its brow. Christmas had arrived at Epcot with beauty.
Christmas Eve was spent opening presents in a hotel room- that was definitely wierd without our Christmas tree, but a fun memory! I got a great camera to take pictures with plus a few odds and ends for the trip as well. Our Christmas Dinner would be Seafood! Red Lobster around the corner filled our bellies with tasty crab legs and lobster tails!
Christmas morning came, and I was a bit tired for I hadn't slept much the night before. My mind was racing with everything that was happening, and that I couldnt get over being in FL on Christmas Day! My parents took us out for breakfast and we were up bright and early to catch the bus to the Magic Kingdom for our first look at the Castle ever!
We took the monorail from the TTC and were bombarded my crowds of plenty. Honestly, I could have cared less that I was just stepped on or that somebody kept hitting my father's ankles with a baby stroller, I was at the Magic Kingdom!!! I heard Christmas Music blaring as the televised Christmas Parade had just begun, making it harder to weave thru thr endless crowds. My parents were getting frustrated, my brother was hungry, but I just stared at the dancing presents, spinning candy canes, and the reindeer who were making all the kids laugh.
The parade ended with people disbursing every which way, so we decided to check out the shops for awhile. Before entering the Emporium, we heard a Barbershop Quartet singing 'Silent Night'- it was beautiful! The shops held all different types of Christmas Candy and Goodies, along with the every day merchandise for the parks.
Across the way I smelled something wonderful coming from the corner Bakery. Begging my parents to stop and look, I saw Creme Puffs piled high with Soft Creme and donuts sprinkled with light sugar. My taste buds went into overtime as I begged to taste such delights. The lines were long, so they promised one at the end of the night. You know what that means? A parent is saying "It is to expensive and to long to wait, let's hope Amy forgets about it."
Cinderella's Castle was everything I expected and more. I must have taken a a roll of film of it, every angle, front and back. Trees surrounding the moat were lined with Christmas ornaments and lights, I got very excited for nightfall to come so I could see everything lit up in spirit.
A group of Disney singers sang with the Characters, in front of the castle, while dancing to fun up-beat Christmas Carols. The mood was incredible of the people surrounding me, it was magic.
Nightfall came, and as we left the Magic Kingdom, tired from the rides and shows, I marveled at each tree glowing with Christmas lights, and hummed along with the music they were playing overhead. A VERY tall Christmas tree placed at the end of Main Street shimmered among the night's sky, it was beautiful and I felt at peace with my Christmas spent here.
The day after Christmas for many is shopping for the best deals on wrapping paper, bows, and ornaments for the next year. Not for us, for we were headed to the MGM Studios Park for a day of fun!
Even though Christmas was now a thing of the past, decorations were still in abundant at the Park lining street posts with boughs of holly and crystal lights. Stores were selling out of all their Christmas items, so we decided to get in on the deal and buy up some neat Christmas Candies and Chocolates for our dear friends and family at home in WI.
The day was filled with movie magic as I experienced the Muppets, Indiana Jones, the Little Mermaid, and got to take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road! The highlight was the trip to OZ, as I was Dorothy in our school play of the "Wizard of Oz" not more than 6 months prior to the trip!
Christmas Carolers were still singing on corners here, and a festive parade began as we ran to get a good place in line for "Star Tours."
The day ended with us heading back to our hotel to begin the chore of packing and heading to the cold weather the next day. As I packed, I remincsed about all of the wonderful times I had had at WDW during the most magical time of the year.
That was in 1991, now they have so much more that you can read about by HepHep1 in this Category as well.
A Side Note: This would be the last time my family would spend a vacation together, as my parents divorced the following year. This trip now holds so much more meaning, so remember that when you enjoy the magic yourself, and what it will mean to you then and now:)
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Member: Amy Joy
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Love cures people- both the ones who give it and those who recieve it.
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