Winter in Florida?

In honour of all those lucky people heading to MouseFest for this weekend, I thought it would be nice to have a little look at Walt Disney World in the holiday season. And where better to start at than Main Street USA? For all of you who have ever wondered whether it snows in Florida, have a look at this picture...

Of course, during my brief period living in Florida for the winter, one day there was actual real snow - but it only lasted a minute or two! And this snow happens in the Magic Kingdom during the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parties, and the week before Christmas itself. A magical time of year in the parks, with the decorations everywhere.

Oh, I just love Magic Kingdom Holidays! With the magical music in the air, I just love standing in front of the train station looking up at the Christmas tree.

During the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, however, there is plenty of things to do! You can have a look at the party decorations, catch a parade or a show, or watch the spectacular Holiday Wishes Fireworks display. Me? I love to do all that - and meet a character, or have some hot chocolate too (doesn't it always come back to food?)!

Main Street Winter Wonderland

One of the things I love most about the parades at Christmastime, is how the regular floats are decorated to embrace the holiday season. Such as in Disneyland Paris' Christmas Parade:




And from the Walt Disney World Holiday Parade, here are some of my favourite floats:

March On

A Disney Christmas Parade wouldn't be a Disney Christmas Parade without the famous Toy Soldiers. And the Parade at Disneyland Paris is no exception!





Can you notice any differences?

Sing Along Sing The Song Of Christmas

What exactly makes up a Disney Parade? Well, you have the characters, of course, and the music. And then you have the floats - they are usually spectacular, right? And the theme of the Parade itself is very important. But I feel like I'm missing something... Of course, it's the dancers and performers!

Performers work so hard to keep us entertained as we're waiting for the next float, or holding out to see our favourite character. And the Disneyland Paris Christmas Parade is no exception, hosting some of the best dancers and most beautiful holiday themed costumes. Let's take a little look at some examples of these cast members...

On This Day...

Taking a break from our Holiday Season Theme, on this day 107 years ago, a very special man was born. Someone whom had not been born, I would very definitely not be writing this blog right now.

On December 5th 1901, Walter Elias Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois. He would later change the world for so many of us, and so I thought it would be nice to just take a moment and remember the man who was so inspirational and changed the world with his imagination in so many ways.

T'is the Spirit of the Season

As I have said before, Disneyland Paris is breathtaking during the holiday season. Just the Castle alone is enough to leave me speechless!

Of course, in true Disney style, the Christmas Parades are just as marvellous. The past couple of years has seen a departure from their regular Christmas pararde, due to the 15th Celebratory Parade 'Once Upon A Dream Parade'. However, back in 2006 I had the opprtunity to see their full length Christmas parade.

Over the next couple of days, I thought we could have a look at the various floats and characters making an appearance. Let's start with the fab five, shall we?

Chante, C'est Noel!

Welcome to the start of the holiday season here at DF'82! The parks during the Christmas season are at some of their most beautiful - and for the next month, I think it would be nice that we experience as much of it as possible.

A very fitting way to start off the holiday season would be to look at the beautiful Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant in the Disneyland Parc, Paris.

For the month of December, the castle gets a slight covering of fairy lights, making it look like an enchanted, winter castle. It really is breathtaking. And during the 15th Celebration, it also gets 15 candles from your favourite Disney characters.