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Top Three Tips for Discovering Disney by Enjoying the Holidays

Sponsored by Marie Stewart The Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Vacations

By Helen Partlow, Mt Sinai & Port Jefferson Macaroni Publisher and Paul Partlow, local artist, father and avid Disney fan December 30, 2019


Thank you to 
for sponsoring this article series to keep Macaroni Kid a FREE local family community resource!  Please support our sponsor.


What makes the most wonderful time of the year even more wonderful? Celebrating it at the most magical place on earth!  There is no doubt that Disney World takes the holiday season seriously.  The entirety of the Disney World Resort property seemingly transforms to a Christmas wonderland.  Each park has its own iconic tree and displays, with special events and fun happenings that only come out this time of the year, and can only be pulled off by Disney. 

Once again we are happy to be partnering with Marie Stewart The Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Vacations who will be adding in her own professional knowledge as a Disney vacation planner.  

So hang up those stockings, trim that tree, and keep those Nightmare Before Christmas decorations right where they are, because we’re here to bring you the Top Three Tips for Enjoying the Holidays at Disney World!




TIP #1: MICKEY'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a special ticketed event that takes place at the Magic Kingdom.  On party nights, the park closes down early at 6 pm and only those with tickets to MVMCP are allowed in the parks.  Tickets are often over $100 per person and vary by date. While this can be an expensive event, Disney World breaks out special events, characters, snacks and more only during the party that you can’t get anywhere else.  As the dates get closer to Christmas, these parties often sell out. If you know you are going, buy your tickets ASAP.



→ EXTRA TIP:  Be mindful of the nights that the party is scheduled.  People that are not going to the party will most likely choose a day to visit the Magic Kingdom when it has normal hours, aka non-party days.  I would recommend visiting the Magic Kingdom on the days that it closes early and then spend the evening at your resort, Disney Springs, or park hop to another park.  


New for 2019 is Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, which replaced the Holiday Wishes fireworks show.  Four attractions are getting Christmas make overs during the show.

(1) Space Mountain has Christmas music and lights to add to the festivity.  

(2) Monsters Laugh Floor has a new show

(3) Tomorrowland Speedway has extra lights and decorations

(4) Mad Tea Party has holiday lights and music



→ EXTRA TIP:  After December 22, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade which is otherwise exclusive to MVMCP is moved to the daytime so those without party tickets can enjoy this beloved parade without having to buy a party ticket.


Your ticket to MVMCP includes free cookies and other refreshments.  There are stations throughout the park that each has their own special cookie.

TIP #2: HIT UP THE RESORTS

While the bulk of the crowds are drawn to the large and lavish displays found at the parks, we suggest heading over to one of the many Disney Resort hotels to check out one of their more intimate (though far from modest) holiday displays.  These make for the perfect Christmas card photo-op.  Many of the resorts will decorate in-line with their theme, like Port Orleans: French Quarter which gets decked out with Mardi Gras inspired wreaths and garland. The Contemporary Resort, Boardwalk Resort, and Wilderness Lodge all boast large gingerbread house displays - the Beach Resort even has a gingerbread carousel - but the flagship of these displays is the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House.  For many (holiday travelers and locals alike) the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House has become a holiday staple.  It is so large that it even has an operational snack stand inside of it.



→ EXTRA TIP: Do you prefer the do-it-yourself whimsy of your neighbor light displays.  Head on over to Fort Wilderness – many of the campers decorate their campsites for the holidays.  They’ll even hold fan-organized golf-cart parades, decked out with all kinds of homegrown, holiday cheer.  The Imagineers would be proud.

TIP #3: GOLD ANYONE?

We’re not talking about the many championship golf courses found throughout Disney World (though I’m sure for some that would make a fine holiday retreat).  Many don’t realize that Disney World has two miniature golf courses on-site, all designed with the same detail and attention one has come to expect from Disney: Fantasia Gardens (inspired by the classic musical) and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. Designed by Santa himself (wink), Winter Summerland provides a unique interpretation of mini-golf, playing through snow, sand, ice, and water.  Located right next to the Blizzard Beach water park, Winter Summerland can also be a fun place to warm up and dry off before returning to the hotel.




MAGICAL TIP FROM MARIE STEWART THE TRAVEL CONSULTANT SPECIALIZING IN DISNEY VACATIONS

My family and I went to Disney in December 5 years ago. I must say it was the most amazing than I could ever imagine. Disney is more magical than ever if that’s even possible!

Something I pass along to my clients traveling at this time of year is to be sure you go to EPCOT!  The jolly man himself is there. Decked out in an outfit coinciding with the tradition of the country he is representing.  It is the most stunning image you will see with your own eyes!  I recently posted picture of our trip with my children seeing Santa. Our eyes filled with emotional tears getting to witness the Magic of Christmas and Disney all at once. Happy Holidays to you all and a Blessed New Year.    Click here for the information at EPCOT:.



Thank you to 

Marie Stewart The Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Vacations 

for sponsoring this article series to keep Macaroni Kid a FREE local family community resource!  Please support our sponsor.


Contact Marie Stewart at 
(631) 804-5897


Free Disney consulting and planning with any booking client.
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I consult with you and get a feel of what you’re looking for in a Disney vacation. I will explain options that I think would best fit you and your family’s needs.

I walk every step of the way with you during the planning process which includes resort choices, Disney reservations, fast pass selections and much more!

Call today for a free no-obligation quote.

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Discovering Disney: Top 3 Tips (Click Image for Article)