The Walt Disney World Resort theme parks are not the only places to find a holly, jolly atmosphere this time of year. Disney Springs is celebrating its first holiday season since its re-branding, and boy is the place hoppin’!
Holiday merchandise is available 365 days a year at Disney’s Days of Christmas store, but from November 13 through December 30, the rest of Disney Springs is adorned with decorations galore. (Either that, or all the sparkly fairies in the world winter at Walt Disney World Resort!) The shopping and entertainment district features a giant Christmas tree, its boughs hung heavy with classic children’s toys while surrounding shops sit aglow in the twinkle and shimmer of its bright, colorful lights. Foliage of another design decorates the West Side, where a wreath 25 feet in diameter beckons Guests to the Cirque du Soleil building.
For the season’s greetings, each Disney Springs “neighborhood” has been uniquely transformed into a festive holiday wonderland, reflecting the neighborhood’s role in the waterfront town.
The Marketplace décor will make guests feel right at home with wreaths and trees with a handmade touch. This colorful, authentic atmosphere is the ideal inspiration while shopping for loved ones.
The Landing is decked out in a bit more illustrious style, with silver and gold décor amidst the glittering holiday lights. With a slight modern flare, the metallic decorations fit the theme of this industrial neighborhood.
The West Side neighborhood at Disney Springs transports Guests to a magical winter wonderland. The vibrant blue ornaments, beautiful white holiday lights, and contemporary Christmas trees bring holiday cheer to shoppers of all ages.
In addition to the yuletide décor, Disney Springs also offers special entertainment throughout the neighborhoods.
The Marketplace is filled with the sights and sounds of the season as Holiday Carolers perform favorite Christmas tunes from 6-10 p.m. each evening from November 13- December 30. The Marketplace holiday celebration continues with a special Kwanzaa musical group appearing at the Waterside Stage December 26 – 27.
Also at the Marketplace, Guests can visit Santa Claus to share their Christmas wish. The Chalet is in a new location this year by the Waterside Stage, where guests can meet Santa November 13 – December 24 from 12-10:30 p.m. For the second year, guests will be given a pager for a virtual queue so that they can continue their holiday shopping and be paged once it’s their turn to meet St. Nick. From December 25-29, Santa Goofy will greet guests during the same hours in the Chalet location.
Waterview Park at The Landing gives guests the chance to learn about and experience the story of Hanukkah through music. Showtimes are scheduled throughout the evenings of December 6 – 13.
In addition to the jolly musical offerings, guests will be astounded by the Holiday Stilt Walkers appearing throughout Disney Springs from 6-10 p.m. each evening from November 13 – December 30.
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Complete your visit with fine dining or gourmet sweets. Several restaurants will be serving special Christmas Day meals, including Fulton’s Crab House ($45 per person), Portobello Country Italian Trattoria ($50 per person), Planet Hollywood and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant (prices vary), Wolfgang Puck Express ($15 per person), and the beautiful upstairs dining room at Wolfgang Puck Grand Café will host an elaborate holiday feast ($75 per person). For dining reservations, please call 407-WDW-DINE or visit Disneyworld.com/dining.
Today’s Takeaway:
Email a letter to Santa! The younger kids love this activity, because not only do they get to send off their wish lists, but they also get a letter back!
Go to EmailSanta.com and follow the simple instructions. You’ll first enter the child’s name, then it will redirect to a prefabricated letter where kids can fill in the blanks. This is a great opportunity to familiarize them (if they’re not already familiar) with how electronic mail works. Although this is a safe site, I recommend using a parent’s email address for the return message.
Of course, it is fun to ask for new toys and such, but take this time to express to your children the importance of giving to others. Next week we will be taking a look at some more ways Disney gives back to the community. Encourage your kids to follow Disney’s example. It’s alright to ask for a special gift, but be sure to encourage your kids to ask for a special gift for someone else in need as well. There’s a special comment section at the end of Santa’s letter with just enough space for such thoughtfulness.
SCHOOL SUBJECT: Language Arts
SKILL LEVEL: Elementary
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The post Celebrating the Holidays at Disney Springs originally appeared on Magical Mouse Schoolhouse. Think outside the textbook and expand your home classroom with Walt Disney entertainment! ©2012 Magical Mouse Schoolhouse