Grinchmas?

[sashal]

My family is going to at RPR December 15-20. I am trying to find out what might be going on for Christmas. The Universal sight is so limited for that kind of info. We have never been to IOA or US.

Our children are 3 & 5. Both are pretty tall so even the smallest is over 44 inches. Any suggestions about rides or character dinners would be appreciated. We do have reservations for breakfast with Spiddy and Cat in the Hat!

I was also wondering about a good room request for RPR-i would love to be able to see the park and be close to transportation.

Thanks

Jan 2006 WDW POFQ
July 2004 WDW AS Movies

 

[Fan2CSkr]

The "grinchmas" title seems to have been dropped this year from any official phamplets, flyers, website, annual pass newsletter, and brochures. The only thing they have mentioned is the Macy's parade at USO. Oh and that the Grinch will be at IOA for pictures. I have been looking and hoping to see if there will be any other holiday festivities but so far no luck. Maybe after HHN we will see something on the subject.

Have a look at the Resort/Hotel board for a room at RPR, there is a great thread on just room locations. Each of the resorts have character meals too and maybe something special for the holidays.

When they start advertising for the Holidays we should see more on the website.

 

[aurorasleeping]

There arn't as many character meal opportunities as there at disney, but depending on what characters your kids would like to see....
There is always a character breakfast at Confisco Grill (IOA), with Spiderman
and Cat in the Hat, that's offered thursday through sunday. There are other character meals, but they seem to be seasonal...however since you're going during a decently busy time you might have more options. I suggest checking the official website frequently closer to your trip. Also ask at the front desk when you check in...If there's something new they may be able to get you a reservation. (I've never had a trouble getting a last minute reservation at universal restraunts, even on christmas eve).

Also, allearsnet has menus for many of the restraunts in the parks, citywalks, and hotels under the universal orlando section...you might want to check that out.

As far as things for the kids to enjoy, there are actually several attractions they'd probably really enjoy. Universal Studios has a Curious George Play area (although there is alot of water involved...if it's cold it might be turned off), a Fivel play area, and a barney play area (as well as a show), as well as a mini roller coaster (similar to Goofy's Barnstormer for kids). They should be able to do a fair number of other attractions (such as Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast), however keep in mind that some attractions don't have height requirements (like Terminator 2:3D)....but they might still be scary for kids...so you might want to look into baby swap.
At IOA, Seuss landing is aimed at younger kids, and they should be able to ride everything there, plus there is a "if I ran the zoo" themed interactive area, that they'd probably enjoy, also in Jurassic Park, Camp Jurassic is aimed at the little one's (it's basically a huge play ground of caves to explore, ropes bridges, and places to explore, plus a few slides)as well as petradoyn flyers, which is a kid sized (but parents can ride to) seated hang gliding attraction over camp jurassic - short but fun.

 

[yaytezIOA]

There is also the JP Discovery Center, Storm Force Excellerator (A cooler version of Teacups) Me ship the Olive, an interactive area where kids can squirt people riding by on Blutos Bilge Rat Barges. Flying Unicorn is great for kids of all ages.
I've heard it from the Universal tema that Grinchmas will return, but they will concentrate most of the efforts on the Macy's parade, which is really loads of fun. The whole park at USF is really decorated quite nicely with loads of trees and lights...and IOA is decorated in some areas. Its really a good time.

 

[phamton]

Grinchmas will still be there just minus the story-telling.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Grinchmas will still be there just minus the story-telling.

I got a Calendar of Events in the mail for PAP's and noticed the "grinchmas" title was missing. That led me to have a look on the website and I noticed the same thing there. The Grinch's Lair and Mt Crumpit and now this year The Storytelling have all be discontinued. Whats left at IOA? Pictures with The Grinch. So it seems to me that since many Grinch references have been removed the Holiday theme is no longer "grinchmas".

Now, since phamton has said Grinchmas will still be there, perhaps it will but really its only the name not all that was associated with that name.

Sorry for my "grinchmas" ranting. Its just that I miss what it used to be and now there is even less of it.

 

[yaytezIOA]

I sense something bigger for the coming years.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I sense something bigger for the coming years.

I think so too! Its a definite draw for the park to offer something special during the Holidays.