ZingVlog

With Thanksgiving kicking off the holiday season, I thought this would be the perfect time to reflect on some of those little holiday gems tucked away here and there that, while they may be not be as jaw-dropping and popular as the Cinderella Castle Dreamlights, still add their own share surprises and Christmas merriment. Join me as we take a quick look at five Disney holiday treats, and let us know if you have any of your own!

Window Shopping on Main Street U.S.A.
As you walk down Main Street, take some time to do a little window shopping. You’ll find that many of the stores have put all new displays just for Christmas. You’ll find Mickey and Minnie with their own Christmas windows, done up in all their “Santa” fineness, Daisy Duck whipping up some delicious holiday treats by the Confectionery, overflowing toy boxes, nostalgic jewelry and poinsettia tree displays, not to mention a series of windows that bring Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to life with a Disney twist at the Emporium.

The Yacht Club Village
Visiting the Walt Disney World resorts is a favorite holiday tradition, especially since each one is decorated in the resort’s theme. You’ll find nostalgic Victorian splendor in the Grand Floridian, northwest rustic charm at the Wilderness Lodge, and a whimsical “under the sea” motif at both the Beach Club and Yacht Club. But it’s at the Yacht Club where you’ll find an oft-overlooked gem, the miniature Mickey’s Village display in the lobby. The next time you visit, take some time to enjoy the meticulous details that can be found throughout this tiny town. See if you can spot “Marceline’s Home Made Candy Sweet Shop,” a tribute to the town that Walt Disney grew up in, Marceline, Missouri.

A Disney World Showcase…of Chocolate
Sweet treats and Christmas go hand in hand together (at least in our house), and during this time of year the Disney confectioners and pastry chefs pull out all the stops to create several delightfully delectable displays. No, you can’t eat them, but you can enjoy the incredible craftsmanship and expertise that went into creating these one-of-a-kind holiday scenes. Perhaps the most famous Walt Disney World “edible” edifice is the life size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian. The BoardWalk and Contemporary also host their own gingerbread houses and Christmas trees, and you’ll find a scrumptious chocolate carousel at the Beach Club. But there are many other confection creations to be found throughout the resorts and parks, with new ones popping up all the time. A frequently overlooked, but equally delightful display can be found in the upper level of the Land pavilion. Paying homage to Disney resorts around the world, this chocolate display features miniature candy version of some famous Disney locations across the globe, including the Aulani resort in Hawaii, the Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland’s Matterhorn, not to mention Epcot’s own Spaceship Earth. Yum!

Froehliche Weihnachten!
Speaking of World Showcase, one of the most rewarding experiences you can have during the Christmas season is to tour the pavilions of World Showcase and see the presentations of each pavilion’s storytellers. Each storyteller weaves a wonderful tale of the holiday traditions from his or her’s country. It’s fascinating to hear about the different celebrations that occur around the globe, particularly in those countries that don’t celebrate Christmas specifically, but have their own special holiday traditions. And of course you can visit Santa Claus (and Mrs. Claus) in the American Adventure pavilion. But for pure Christmas splendor, head on over to the Germany pavilion for some true holiday magic. In addition to the pavilion’s storyteller, Helga (who share the stories behind such traditions as the Christmas tree and the Advent calendar, which both have their origins in Germany), you can visit Die Weihnachts Ecke (The Christmas Corner), where you can see beautiful holiday decorations on display all year round. You can even find the legendary Christmas Pickle! During the holidays, be sure to check out the miniature train village next to the pavilion. You’ll find that it’s decked out in all of its holiday fineness…all the way down to the tiny Christmas wreathes on the doors!

IllumiNations
OK, this one isn’t really an overlooked holiday treat, but it’s one of my favorites, and definitely one that’s not to be missed. IllumiNations is a moving, spellbinding show any time of year, but at Christmas it truly transforms into something extra magical. At the conclusion of the regular show, get ready to enjoy the special holiday finale. Each of the World Showcase pavilions is highlighted in turn, wishing Guests a festive holiday season in their native language. But it’s the fireworks show that will really bring a tear to your eye. As “Let There Be Peace On Earth” plays throughout World Showcase, the sky is filled with a dazzling display of reds, greens, and shimmering pyrotechnics that will simply take your breath away. Just when you think they couldn’t possibly fire off any more fireworks, they do just that, and the jaw-dropping finale is something that you’ll never forget! In fact, the number of fireworks used during the shorter finale is the same as those used during the course of the entire regular show. But it’s the message that’s at the heart of this wondrous nighttime show…the wish “that everyone, everywhere, share in the spirit of the season, peace on earth, good will to men.”

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