My Favorite Disney Christmas Pictures

You know I love Disney. You may also know that I love Christmas. So what could be better than Disney at Christmas?!? Today I want to share my favorite pictures of our Disney Christmas memories. Enjoy and remember that it’s not too early to book your trip for next Christmas! With Star Wars Land opening in the Fall, rooms are going fast. Call me and let’s get to planning!!


Very Merrytime Disney Cruises - There's Still Availability to Book for this Christmas!!

Create a new family tradition: celebrate the holidays at sea and be immersed in a winter wonderland of fun!

Have you ever considered doing something fun like a Disney Cruise over Christmas? Now is the time to book as the availability on the Very Merrytime Cruises is dwindling. I checked today and there are still a few cabins available on these cruises (in November and December). Good news for my Oklahoma peeps - there are cruises out of Galveston this time of year. So you can save yourself airfare to Florida if you’re willing to drive to Galveston!

If you don’t know what a Very Merrytime Cruise is, then here are all of the details for you!

Onboard Festivities

Delight in seasonal magic at sea and discover a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor.

Share in the magic with festive onboard decorations that include a life-sized gingerbread house, a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias and shimmering lights, and experience numerous merriments sure to warm the hearts of the entire family, including:

  • Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party
    Candy-cane limbo, dancing and games—share in the yuletide magic of the season during this jovial celebration.

  • Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony
    Kick off the season during this festive gala where kids can help light the ship’s Christmas Tree.

  • Santa Claus Meet-and-Greet
    Share hugs and snap photos with the one-and-only Kris Kringle before he takes to the sky to deliver gifts to the children of the world.

  • Disney Character Greetings
    Meet some beloved Disney Characters in jolly holiday attire and take one-of-a-kind pictures to cherish throughout the year.

  • Youth Parties
    Teens and tweens can party it up with new friends during music and dance extravaganzas that fill the air with joy.

  • Storytime with Mrs. Claus
    Gather the children in the atrium to hear Mrs. Claus read well-known Christmas stories from her rocking chair by the tree.

  • Themed Activities and Crafts for Kids
    Decorate stockings, create festive cards, embark on a holiday scavenger hunt and more—it’s Christmas cheer for the young and young-at-heart.

  • Gingerbread House
    Made completely from edible ingredients, the ship’s gingerbread house is a life-sized treat that you can photograph, but can’t eat!

  • Holiday Merchandise
    ‘Tis the season to pick up exclusive, holiday-themed Disney Cruise Line gifts for family and friends—and make Christmas wishes come true.

Plus, on December 24 and 25, enjoy these additional treats:

  • Cookies on Christmas Eve

  • Special holiday towel animals

  • Caroling with the kids and crew

Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as on Castaway Cay! Disney's private island paradise is transformed with "snow" flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island's tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.

Sail dates for 2018 and 2019 are listed below. Remember prices are cheaper on a cruise the further out you book so it’s not too early at all to be thinking about booking for 2019! Also, my planning services are always FREE when you book your trip through me and it doesn’t cost a penny more than if you booked it yourself!! Need more info about a Disney Cruise? Check out my previous blog post about them here!

2018
Disney Magic

  • November 10, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from New York

  • November 17, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from New York

  • November 24, 2018 – 6-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from New York to San Juan

  • November 30, 2018 – 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan to Miami

  • December 5, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 9, 2018 – 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

  • December 14, 2018 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 19, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 23, 2018 – 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

Disney Wonder

  • November 2, 2018 – 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • November 8, 2018 – 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • November 12, 2018 – 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • November 16, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • November 23, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • November 30, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • December 7, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • December 14, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • December 21, 2018 – 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Disney Dream

  • November 9, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 12, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 16, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 19, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (2-stops at Castaway Cay)

  • November 23, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 26, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 30, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 3, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 7, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 10, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 14, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 17, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 21, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 24, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Disney Fantasy

  • November 10, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 17, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 24, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 1, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 8, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 15, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 22, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

2019
Disney Magic

  • November 10, 2019 - 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from New York to San Juan

  • November 15, 2019 - 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan to Miami

  • November 20, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • November 23, 2019 - 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

  • November 29, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 2, 2019 - 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 7, 2019 - 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

  • December 12, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 16, 2019 - 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 21, 2019 - 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

Disney Wonder

  • November 8, 2019 - 14-Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego

  • November 22, 2019 - 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • November 29, 2019 - 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston with 2 stops at Castaway Cay

  • December 6, 2019 - 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

  • December 12, 2019 - 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • December 16, 2019 - 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • December 20, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Disney Dream

  • November 8, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 11, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 15, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 18, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 22, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 25, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 29, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 2, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 6, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 9, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 13, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 16, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 20, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 23, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Disney Fantasy

  • November 9, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 16, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 23, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 30, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 7, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 14, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 21, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral with 2 stops at Castaway Cay

Christmas is an Especially Magical Time at Disney

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  I promise you though, it's even more Magical at Disney!  From the over-the-top decorations and lights to the most mouth-watering treats you've ever had, Disney doesn't disappoint if you're looking for a perfect way to celebrate the season.

The crowds can be crazy the closer you get to Christmas Day (do NOT go on Christmas Day unless you love wall-to-wall people!), but if you go the first couple of weeks of December, it's amazing.  Crowds are low and the weather is pretty close to perfect.  

Magic Kingdom at Disney World has a Christmas party that is an extra ticketed event and I hear that it's great but I've always been too cheap to pay for an additional ticket over the cost of normal admission.  But if you end up in the back of the park at closing time, they can't really kick you out. Ryan and I very slowly made our way out the night of the party and got to see great entertainment, amazing lights and it even snowed on Main Street.  You can't ride any attractions or shop in the stores but you can soak in as much atmosphere as possible without any extra cost!

We had a wonderful and completely Magical trip when we visited over Christmas.  Besides the free ambience, we had a great visit with Santa.  And now, he's over at Disney Springs and they'll text you when it's your turn to visit.  You can check in and go eat dinner instead of standing in line.

Visiting the World Showcase at Epcot is really great because they have authentic Christmas decorations and traditions for each of the countries.  I try not to make vacations educational, but I think we all learned something about Christmas around the world!

Be sure and check out the resorts - they are all decorated in unique ways.  The life-sized gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian is definitely worth seeing!

And save some of your souvenir money for special Christmas items.  My light necklace is one of my favorite possessions and lets me relive our trip each year while I wear it and embarrass my kids!

Celebrating Christmas isn't just for Disney World, of course.  I haven't personally visited any other Disney Destinations during the Holidays but I guarantee they are just as wonderful!  Sleeping Beauty Castle is transformed at Disneyland and even The Haunted Mansion gets in the spirit.  

Let me know how I can help you plan and book your Disney Vacation!!!

 

 

 

 

Christmas is the Perfect Time to Surprise Your Family with a Trip!

I LOVE surprising my kids and can't think of anything more fun than surprising them with a trip to Disney World.  The first time we went, they were too young to get it and I just told them with no fanfare.  Without having a clue about Disney World, they were excited about a trip but it wasn't a huge thing.  

The next time we went, I planned it out and set up the video camera to capture the moment.  No big fanfare again - although I feel like I missed an opportunity there - but at least I got it on video.  It was the best/worst reaction in the world.  Watch this video to see why...

 

Obviously, it wasn't the destination that caused the meltdown at the end, but the means of travel.  He'd never flown before and he was none too excited about the idea.  Thankfully, I had surprised them with this news months before we were going so we had plenty of time to prepare him.  In the end, he did fine, but I think if we had tried to leave that next day, he would still be screaming in the airport.

Some things to keep in mind while deciding how or when to surprise your family:

1)  Plan your surprise based on the reaction you expect from your kids.  Some will need to know far in advance to mentally prepare themselves for a flight or just a trip in general.  And some will be agonized over a long wait time.  Obviously hard to really know ahead of time, but be ready for either reaction.

2)  Don't mislead them about the destination.  If you've got a kid that loves skiing more than anything else, they might be disappointed when it's revealed that the trip is heading in the opposite direction.  

3)  If they are older, surprise them well in advance.  Then let them do research with you as to what dining reservations they'd like, FastPasses they want or even give their input on which resort to stay at.  As much as I would love someone to put me on a plane and send me to Disney, I'd be a little disappointed if I didn't have a hand in the planning.  That's part of the fun for me!

Below are just a few ideas I've found around the internet from others that have surprised their kids.  Give one a try and let me know in the comments how well it was received!  And if you've done something similar, comment below to share.

* Scavenger hunt with clues leading around the house to various hidden Disney items (great use for dollar store items), with the end clue telling them they're going to Disney.

* Print up colorful tickets for Disney showing dates of trip and wrap up.  Most fun to put in small box, then in bigger boxes for a bunch of unwrapping!

* Send your kids mail from Mickey and Friends telling them they can't wait for them to visit, and give details in the letter about the trip.

* If you've already booked a trip and have your MagicBands, wrap those up and put under the tree.

* Print pictures of the Castle and also print pictures of your kids.  Cut out the kid's pics and attach them to the front of the castle to where it looks like they are there.  Put a note with it saying it will happen soon!

* Get Mickey shirts for the whole family and let them know they'll be wearing them while meeting Mickey!

* If your kids are younger, you might enlist Santa's help or their Elf on the Shelf.  I know some elves show up in Mickey ears.

* Make pancakes for breakfast and pour the batter into the shape of Mickey ears.