This holiday season, guests can take advantage of special deals, packages, and events at several theme parks in Orlando. Here are the newest seasonal offerings from the Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
Universal Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
At Universal Orlando, guests can enjoy special holiday festivities at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Attendees walking around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley can check out the Christmas-themed decorations, then watch all-new musical entertainment inspired by the film franchise.
At Diagon Alley, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees will take the stage for a holiday performance that features songs like “Nothing like a Holiday Spell” and “Accio Christmas.” In Hogsmeade, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the “Frog Choir” will perform three new holiday songs, including “The Most Magical Yule Ball of All.” At nightfall, the Hogwarts castle will light up with “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a projection-mapping experience that shows holiday moments inspired by the Harry Potter series, played right on the castle itself.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Universal’s award-winning entertainment team has put together an all-new incarnation of its holiday parade at Orlando. The event will showcase more than 30 floats and balloons featuring traditional holiday favorites and some of today’s most popular characters. Festivities will include more than 100 performers and appearances by the Minions and other characters from Despicable Me, Madagascar, and Shrek.
“Grinchmas”
Guests can see a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday story in the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” performed in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Island of Adventure.
Mannheim Steamroller
The new-age musical act, known for its many Christmas albums, returns to Universal Orlando for a series of live concerts at Universal Studios Florida. Mannheim Steamroller will play on November 25, 26 and December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17.
For more information on these events, visit here.
Walt Disney World
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney presents a series of live stage shows, fireworks, and a holiday parade at this festive celebration in the Magic Kingdom. The live performances will include Disney characters in holiday attire singing and dancing at Cinderella’s Castle. The live shows include “Here Come Mickey and Santa,” “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” and “A Frozen Holiday Wish” featuring Anna and Elsa from Frozen.
The “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” on Main Street U.S.A sends toy soldiers marching through the park, with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Elsa, and the Seven Dwarfs walking along as well.
Guests are also invited to receive autographs and take pictures with more than 15 Disney characters at the “Season’s Greetings” event.
A “Tinsel-Town Holiday”
The celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starts off with a serving of holiday-inspired snacks, desserts, wine, beer, and specialty beverages, followed by two new shows in a reserved viewing area.
The show “Disney Movie Magic” allows guests to see classic projections of famous moments in Disney’s cinematic history at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, as well as scenes from live-action comedies and adventures like Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The second show, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” is hosted by elves Wayne and Lanny from ABC’s special, Prep & Landing. The show includes music, fireworks, special effects, and projections that display moments from films like Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The Candlelight Processional
Guests can head to Epcot for a Christmas story told by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir. Each night, a new celebrity narrator tells the Biblical story of Jesus Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. The narrators include Kurt Russell, Neil Patrick Harris, Laurie Hernandez, and Jodi Benson.
For more, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/
SeaWorld Orlando
This season, SeaWorld is offering two new holiday experiences - Dinner with Rudolph and a visit with Santa Claus at Wild Arctic - along with a series of live shows, holiday dining options, and holiday meet and greets for kids with famous holiday characters.
Wild Arctic: On this indoor flight-simulation ride, guests will take a jet-helicopter journey through a virtual world of icy landscapes. This year, guests get to meet Santa Claus, with photo opportunities available.
“Dinner with Rudolph and Friends:” This Christmas feast allows guest to dine with the famous characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, including Clarice, Bumble, and Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph himself; an ideal event for children.
For more, visit seaworld.com/orlando/events/christmas-celebration/.
Related Stories
Universal Orlando to Open Two New Hotels in 2019
Disney Expands San Diego Cruises for 2019