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Christmas In Orlando

Walt Disney World: what to look out for?

From Ben Reeves
Posted December 18, 2012 at 2:13 PM
Was just told on Saturday that we're all taking a trip to Florida for Christmas, obviously everyone's excited since we leave on Friday. But, I was wondering, what is there to look out for in Orlando at Christmas, obviously the new fantasyland has opened now so that's about. But, what else is there around? Anyone that can shed some light on what to expect this year would be great!

Also what's best to pack? I was told when I visited in the summer it's like our summer's in the UK was the taxi drivers words, but is it worth bringing a pair of jeans and hoody just incase?


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted December 18, 2012 at 2:53 PM
Sea World has (arguably) the best Christmas decorations out of the Florida parks. I've heard many great things about it and seems worth a visit.

Universal Orlando has Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure. They completely turn Seuss Landing into Whoville from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. There is also a show in Seuss Landing with the same name. It's pretty spectacular. Also, in Universal Studios there is the Macy's Day Parade and all of New York is decorated for Christmas.

Disney has it's usual Christmas offerings, such as the party in Magic Kingdom. Disney's Hollywood Studios has the Osborne Lights event in the Streets of America section of the park. It's really beautiful and a great sight to see. The other Disney parks (I've heard) are decorated minimally for Christmas. (Unless someone can prove me otherwise...)

From Tony Duda
Posted December 18, 2012 at 11:17 PM
In the last 3 weeks, I've been to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld. SeaWorld, by a far amount, has the most Christmas decorations and number of Christmas shows. SeaWorld is just beyond visual overload, amazing. The Osborne Lights at DHS are also an amazing visual overload but it runs from 6pm to closing. Magic Kingdom is nice but they skimp on decorations during the hard ticket Mickey's Party weeks, after the 21st they put the Christmas party shows and parades in the daily schedule so it will be a lot better and a lot more crowded. As for new Fantasyland, it is great to look at but is only 1 new ride and 1 new show. A lot of construction still going on. Every park is going to be crowded Christmas week, be prepared.

Islands of Adventure Grinchmas show is good and the park has nice decorations. Universal Studios has lots of parade balloons placed everywhere and the Macy's parade is nice. Stand near the Christmas tree to watch the parade, there is a Santa tree lighting show. There is also a lot of construction at US.

Once the sun goes down, the temps drop too, maybe to 60 degrees. Light jackets and jeans would be about right.

From Ben Reeves
Posted December 19, 2012 at 6:07 AM
thanks guys. I didn't realise Sea World would be the place to go, we'll definitely have to check that out. I didn't realise there was a show in New Fantasyland either?

I thought jeans might be a good idea just in case so I'll take a pair with me afterall.

From Bryce McGibeny
Posted December 19, 2012 at 6:49 AM
Well, it's a Meet & Greet. But it's very elaborate and might as well be a show! As for jeans, I'd say yes. I live in Atlantic Beach, Florida (which is in North Florida) and the temperature just dropped in the course of about 12 hours. I wouldn't be surprised if it went back up and then back down a few more times. The weather is extremely inconsistent so I'd be safe and bring a few pairs of jeans.

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