It's the most wonderful time of the year...at Florida's theme parks. Disney World and the Sunshine State's other parks are magical throughout the year. By adding an overlay of Christmas and holiday cheer, the parks supersize the magic and fun between Thanksgiving and New Year's.
Of course, supersized fun can also mean supersized crowds. The week between Christmas and New Year's is among the busiest--if not THE busiest--of the whole year at Disney World and Florida's theme parks. But bustle is part of the holidays, right? Besides, the parks extend their hours, increase the capacity of attractions, and offer a bunch of special events. So, put on your Santa hat and your matching red shorts while we check out the holidays in the theme park capital of the world.
Christmas at Disney World
The entire resort gets decked out for the holidays. Special events include Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot's Candlelight Processional, and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Read more at
Christmas 2011 at Disney World.
Christmas at Universal Orlando
You'll just have to take my word on this, but I used to go to Universal Studios Florida around the holidays, saw the few measly decorations, and thought that the park really should have done something more to get into the spirit of the season. Its New York backlot area was just screaming for some tinsel. "And there's a (faux) Macy's department store," I'd ponder. "What a perfect tie-in for...a Christmas parade!" Well, they must've read my mind. Universal has been going all out the past few seasons -- and Macy's has figured prominently in the holiday hoopla.
Save money and time. Are you planning to head to Universal Orlando at Christmas time? Get discounted Universal Orlando tickets in advance of your visit. Buy direct from Universal Orlando.
Are you planning to visit additional parks? You might want to consider the Orlando FlexTicket, which offer 14 days of unlimited visits to five parks including Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando, and Wet 'n Wild as well as the two Universal parks. It's a pretty sweet deal (if you commit to visiting all of the parks at least once). There is also a six-park package deal that tosses in Busch Gardens Tampa, along with bus transportation to the Tampa park. Buy direct from SeaWorld.
Universal Orlando Holiday Season Photo Gallery
Universal Studios Florida
Macy's Holiday Parade and other holiday fun
- 2011 dates: December 3 to January 1
- Included with admission
It's Universal's version of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The theme park rendition includes some of Macy's signature giant balloons, including Uncle Sam and a toy soldier, plus floats, clowns, and guest marching bands. Santa Claus and his reindeer wrap up the parade with a big ho-ho-ho (and not just any Santa, but the actual, authentic, Macy's-certified one, straight from the Big Apple).
There will also be a Holiday Village (merch alert!) with gifts, holiday treats, and crafts-making. The park will also offer smaller holiday shows featuring some of the its characters such as the Blues Brothers.
Official Holidays at Universal Studios Florida info
Islands of Adventure
Grinchmas
- 2011 dates: December 3 to January 1
- Included with admission
A musical presentation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will be performed in the park's Seuss Landing. The furry green Grinch will also meet and greet guests. For an extra fee, the park offers a character breakfast with the Grinch.
Reservations are recommended.
Official Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure info
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
- 2011 dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Nov. 25 to Dec. 11; nightly from Dec. 16 to 31.
- Included with admission
SeaWorld adds some holiday cheer to its marine park in the form of festive decorations and live holiday music from classical musicians and carolers. The Wild Arctic motion simulator ride gets a holiday makeover into The Polar Express Experience. Scenes from the film are repurposed for the ridefilm attraction. Other features include Sea of Trees, a display of decked-out Christmas trees with lights that are synchronized to carols.
SeaWorld Orlando also features holiday-themed shows, including:
- The Shamu Christmas Miracles stadium show (featuring the iconic killer whale)
- A Sesame Street Christmas
- Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, a sea lion take on the holidays
- Winter Wonderland on Ice, featuring ice skaters, fireworks, and colorful water fountains
Official SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration info
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