Disney is all dressed up for the holidays. The parks and resorts shine with miles of garland, twinkling trees, and ornaments galore. It’s an enchanting time to soak in the holiday splendor with your little one. Here are three top picks for young families making their first visit to Walt Disney World Resort during this joyful time of the year.
1. From top to bottom, Magic Kingdom Park is transformed into a winter wonderland for the season. Draped with thousands of twinkling lights, Cinderella Castle looks like an ice palace — fitting for the nightly “A Frozen Holiday Wish” show and tree lighting with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf. The park offers yuletide treats and merriment around every corner, but the iconic 65-foot-tall Christmas tree takes center stage. It’s actually breathtaking and it’s not just the enormous size of the tree, it’s the detail in the decorations. Kids will love to point out the giant popcorn balls or the larger than life bulbs. There’s so much cheer in store at Magic Kingdom Park.
2. The magic of the holidays comes to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom like never before. And Discovery Island is the place to be for little ones. This year the park welcomed the coolest life-size animal puppets – polar bears, fox, and reindeer – that mingle with guests. These hand-crafted puppets are artsy and engaging for youngsters; plus nearby strolling musicians play songs of the season. It’s pure magic! There’s also gorgeous rooftop luminaries and lanterns (perfect for eye spy), and new Tree of Life Awakenings with animated imagery and wintry visuals, will surely grab their attention.
3. There’s a sleigh full of cheer for little ones at the Disney Springs walk-through Christmas Tree Trail. There’s everything you can imagine, from the magical snowfall and festive music to a wondrous trail of Disney-themed Christmas trees and encounters with old St. Nick himself at his charming chalet. The Christmas Tree Trail offers backdrops for great photo ops, holiday shopping at the Elforium, and lots of good eats like Mrs. Claus’s Churro Bites, Winter Frost Cotton Candy, Frozen Hot Cocoa, and Frozen Eggnog with Captain Morgan (for the grownups.)
So whatever corner of Disney you decide to explore, I wish you a spirited, blessed holiday with family and friends.