What type of Christmas things to do first (prior to Xmas week)

[tbssenterprises]

Will be with family staying offsite. They are not buying park tickets, but we know the ins and outs of what Disney hotels to see decorations and eat at, etc., and I have an annual pass to park. That being said, what can we do "outside" the entire Disney bubble? Gaylord Palms used to have that Ice thing, but now it's been sort of dummied down. Are there any other hotels we should visit to see decorations (aside from Disney). Someone mentioned the Rosen Shingle? How about the 4 Seasons or Waldorf Astoria?

Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is top notch, and is better than Disney's holiday offerings IMHO. Their festive special events are also included with regular day admission, and generally SeaWorld runs some deep discounts on their "Blue Friday" sales (on Black Friday weekend).

Give Kids the World Village has "Night of a Million Lights" again this year. We went last year (which was the first year it was held) and it was AMAZING.

Disney Springs had a Christmas Tree hunt last year that earned participants a small prize at the end. It was a good way to be sure you checked out all the holiday decor there.

Just an aside to your comment about the "dummied down" events at Gaylord Palms......the Ice sculpture artists were always flown in from China, which obviously hasn't been possible due to the Covid travel restrictions. Under the circumstances, they have had to adjust their holiday offerings, which I am sure they are equally bummed about.

 

[tbssenterprises]

Didn't mean to offend anyone with the dummied down. That was bad on my part. For years I wanted to go to the Ice Sculpture thing and regret not doing it. Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today

Seriously thinking about going over the the Gaylord for dinner....just to check out what they do have.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The comment didn't offend me, but I did think it was worth pointing out that the changes made by Gaylord Palms were definitely a result of Covid and not a lessening of the experience for cost-savings sake.

I hope you have a lovely trip and find lots of festive things to do on your vacation. Christmas in Orlando is a family favorite!

 

[tbssenterprises]

I just watched a You Tube video on the ice sculpture from 2019. OMG it looked amazing. I really wish I had attended in the past. I think it will be a long time till they can do it again here in the states.

 

[jabrown40]

Universal also has Christmas activities and you don't need to buy a separate ticket. It's all included in admission.