Getting in the mood

The main reason we chose to go to Disney World in November/December was to be there during the Christmas time festivities. We have been to Disneyland during in the month prior to Christmas and it was a really nice to get us in the mood for Christmas. Everything was all decorated to the nines, Christmas music playing every where, and Christmas themed rides and attractions. That was Disneyland. Disney World was a little disappointing in comparison. Maybe it is because it is so much bigger than Disneyland that they couldn't possibly decorate it all. Maybe it isn't politically correct to go all Christmas-y anymore. Maybe it's the economy. (That's the excuse for everything these days isn't it.)

We couldn't get in the mood for Christmas at the pool... absolutely no decorations! ;) OK, we didn't expect it there...


The parks were nice though, just not as much Christmas as we expected. Main Street at Magic Kingdom was decorated beautifully for Christmas.

Animal Kingdom had this very tall animal themed tree.
At Epcot we were greeted by Mickey and friends topiary.
We also attended the Candlelight Processional at Epcot featuring Isabella Rossellini as the narrator. We had to use an extra table service at our dinner to get the priority seating. Not really worth it. I think we could have still gotten a fine seat without it. It was a nice Christmas concert... the Christmas story read from the Bible with songs interspersed between the verses. A little long for the kids and they liked the end better than the beginning. They also didn't like Isabella Rossellini pronounced words with her strong accent. I'm sure they would've enjoyed Whoppi Goldberg better who was doing it later in December. (They have a different actor reading each week.)

Hollywood Studios had a movie themed tree out front and an amazing light show in the Streets of America.

We spent some extra cash to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. They closed Magic Kingdom early and then have this party with Christmas themed shows, a parade, fireworks, and snacks. Snack stations dotted the park with complimentary hot chocolate and sugar cookies. They also had apples and juice for mean parents who don't let their kids have sugar... and for Holly and other lactose intolerant guests. :)

These cast members posed while I was taking pictures of the sign above them, so of course I had to take their picture too... especially because of those crazy uber-Christmasy uniforms!

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade was special. All the characters were there decked out in holiday attire. Some of the floats smelled so good. They gave off the scent of candy and cookies and other yummy Christmas cooking smells.

We really enjoyed this show in Tomorrowland featuring Mike Wazowski, Buzz Lightyear, and Stitch. Cute story, fun songs to dance to and sing along with, and snow falling of course.

It was a wonderful trip and it did get us in the mood. We needed it too because as soon as we got home we had to hit the Christmas train running! Party at our house 5 days after our return home!