Magical Moments - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Last week was the start of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, we had the pleasure of attending on Friday night. If you have an opportunity to attend than don't miss it. This is one of the best events of the entire year at WDW.

Magic Kingdom has never looked more beautiful than it does for Christmas. Cinderella Castle is covered with thousands of LED lights giving the impression it is covered with ice. Wreaths, garland, Christmas Trees and life size toy soldiers adorn Main Street USA. With the help of some Disney Magic it even snows on Main Street. It's an incredible sight to behold. Classic Christmas music (Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Perry Como, etc.) is played throughout the park.

Holiday themed shows are held on the Castle Forecourt Stage in front of Cinderella Castle and in Tomorrowland on the Rockettower Plaza Stage. There are character dance party's held in The Diamond Horeshoe with characters from Toy Story and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe with Goofy, Pluto and Chip n' Dale. Complimentary snacks (cookies, hot cocoa, apple slices, juice, etc.) are give out at designated areas (check the guide map). These are all great but for me the highlights of the party are:

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade- all of your favorite Disney Characters appear dressed in their holiday finest atop Christmas themed floats. The whole parade is choreographed to classic Christmas songs. The parade is performed twice (8:15 & 10:30) and starts in Frontierland and heads to Main Street, the second show is much less crowded.

The Magic, The Memories and You (Holiday Edition)- this is a projection show in which pictures taken of guests that day appear on Cinderella Castle. Words cannot do justice to this show. It is trully amazing the way the images appear on the Castle. At one point the whole castle is made to look as if it is made of gingerbread. This is not to be missed! Main Street USA is a great viewing spot.

Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season- The fireworks are choreographed to Christmas music. This is one of the few times in which the parameter fireworks are utilized. Anywhere on Main Street is great for viewing.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party does require a separate admission but it is worth every penny. Check the official WDW website for dates and prices. The first weeks of the party are usually the less busy, the crowds increase the closer we get to Christmas. You can check out pictures of the party of the D-Luminations Facebook Page. If you do attend we hope you have a great time, and Merry Christmas to everyone!

Magical Moments - 36th Festival of the Masters

As we noted in the last post the Holiday Season is fast approaching. Cast members at WDW are busy preparing the resort for the various holiday celebrations (which we will talk about in future posts) that will take place throughout the season. There is one event coming up that isn't part of the holiday festivities but shouldn't be missed and that is the 36th Festival of the Masters, presented by Michaels, which takes place at Downtown Disney.

Running from November 11-13th the Festival of the Masters is an open air fine arts show (ranked one of the best in the country) featuring more than 150 award winning artists. As you stroll through The Market Place, Pleasure Island and The Westside you can browse one of a kind paintings, photography, sculpture, jewlery and more, or just enjoy the live music, specialty foods and other activities taking place.

The Michaels Design Team will be on hand offering interactive craft experiences including designing your own friendship bracelet, learning how to make a custom frame for your art, and collaborative painting. Twice daily there will be a craft show on the Waterside Stage featuring ideas and tips for the crafter in your family. Times are 11am and 5pm Fri and Sat, and 11am and 4pm on Sunday.

One of my favorite things to do at the festival is to watch the members of the Florida Chalk Artists Association turn over 3000 square feet into a giant canvas. There will be 75 chalk artists participating and it's truly amazing to see the elaborate works of art created. Be sure to check this out in The Market Place.

Admission to the event is free. 11/11 and 11/12 the hours are 10am-5:30pm and 11/13 10am-5pm. The weather this time of year is great with the high in the upper 70's and a very little chance of rain. If you are visiting WDW at this time be sure to check out the Festival of the Masters, we highly recommend it.