admin Posted on 8:19 pm

Enjoy your Christmas vacation in Orlando, Florida

Sunny Central Florida may not go with its traditional image of a white Christmas, but Orlando theme parks put on holiday shows full of festive fun. If you’re in the Orlando area this Christmas (or any Christmas), here are the types of events you may experience:

SeaWorld Orlando has announced that it will feature a ride based on Robert Zemeckis’ “The Polar Express.”

Warner Bros. Pictures and Iwerks Entertainment are rescheduling the theme park’s Wild Arctic ride simulator and transforming it into a simulated train ride to “Santa Town” for the holiday season. When the trip is over, people will head out for a recreation of the North Pole. SeaWorld’s exhibit of polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and other Arctic animals will also fit the winter wonderland theme. The new Polar Express ride will debut on Friday and will be available through January 1, 2008.

Seaworld cost and contact information is as follows: Cost: $67.95; $57.95 children; Sea World Drive, Orlando; Phone: 800-327-2424

Walt Disney World in Orlando offers Christmas and winter holiday themed events at each of its major centers of attraction. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Very Merry Christmas Party starts through December 21 from 7 pm to midnight. Plus, when regular park hours are over, the lights come to life. The tree lighting ceremony and nearly crystallized castle are well worth the price of admission; and, for those who dream of a white Christmas, enjoy the snowfall on Main Street.

Here are the costs and contact information for Disney World: Cost: $51.07; $43.62 for ages 3-9; Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista; 407-934-7639

Not to be outdone by Disney or Seaworld, Universal Studios in Orlando offers its own version of Macy’s Holiday Parade, including the “real and authentic” Santa from New York’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Universal also offers entertainment ranging from Barney’s Christmas Show to the Blues Brothers Christmas Show.

In addition, Universal will also present a new show at Islands of Adventure, called “Grinchmas,” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Dr. Seuss Christmas story. “Back By Popular Demand,” the Grinchmas will perform seven songs on a new stage.

The celebration continues with decorations and special events at Universal CityWalk, as well as at the three world-class hotels on site: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Here are the latest costs and information for Universal: one-day/park admission: $71; $60 children; Universal Boulevard. Orlando; 407-224-4243 or visit their vacation website: http://www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

The nearby city of Silver Springs hosts a Festival of Lights, from dusk to 8:30 pm December 14-30. This is an event you should not miss. It features over a million twinkling lights and comes complete with Christmas carols, stage performances, a boat parade, and holiday concerts, too. Here is the contact information and costs for this event:

$33.99; $30.99 seniors; $24.99 ages 3-10; 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; silver springs; 352-236-2121

Busch Gardens in Tampa also offers annual Christmas events. This year it features an impressive extravaganza of music, dance and holiday cheer, as well as other holiday experiences spread throughout the park each day. Busch Gardens fees and contact information are as follows: $64.95; $54.95 children; 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa; 888-800-5447

There is! Orlando and its surrounding areas are a great place for you and your family to enjoy your winter vacation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *