Calmative Christmas in Orlando

A December 2003 trip to Orlando by smileygirl Best of IgoUgo

Summer Bay ResortMore Photos

Orlando is a magical place that comes to life right before Christmas. The crowds are scarce, the lines are gone, and the weather is a bit cooler. You know what? We wouldn't have it any other way. . .

  • 5 reviews
  • 14 photos
Mickey  Very Merry Christmas Party
Our most memorable moment experienced in Orlando was taking part of "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" at Magic Kingdom.

Seeing (fake) snowfall on Main Street with the brightly lit Cinderella's castle in the background is a memory that will be forever etched into our hearts.

Imagine if you will, Christmas melodies being played in the foreground, the weather being just right, (not too cold nor too hot), the warmth of hot cocoa in one hand, and a nice sugary cookie in the other.

Imagine if you will, no crowds, no lines, calmness, yet excitement. . . "Welcome To Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party."

Quick Tips:

After being in Orlando and Disney two times prior to this visit: once in April and once in July, my best tip to supply you is this. . . Visit Orlando right before Christmas. It is simply the most enchanting and relaxing time to be there. Yes, it can be a bit cool in the mornings and evenings, but this far outweighs the other things. You know, the unbearable heat, the elbow-to-elbow crowds, the constant line waiting, and the Calgon take-me-away moods. Visit Orlando at its best! I promise, it's a completely different experience.

Best Way To Get Around:

With Orlando having so many things to do and see, it's really best to have your own vehicle. There are some hotels/accommodations that supplies transportation to and from the parks, but they are usually limited, time restricted, and some even have fees.

So get that much-needed car and experience Orlando like you've never seen it before.

Summer Bay Resort
It was love at first site!! We fell completely and hopelessly in love with our three-bedroom pool home. Well, the guys weren't too fond of the pink walls, but hey, this is Florida. Thankfully, RCI made it possible for us to exchange into the Summer Bay Resort. We surely wouldn't have been able to afford their accommodations otherwise. Oh, don't get me wrong. The expense is well worth the costs, but for a family that is on a tight budget, this was a dream come true. Summer Bay Resort has exceeded our expectations with their staff's friendliness, the decor, grounds, housekeeping, and most of all, their houses.

For more information on our stay with the Summer Bay Resort and the beautiful pool house, please take a look at my journal titled, "Summer Bay Resort's Luxurious Pool Homes". If you are seeking more information on the Summer Bay Resort, please visit the Summer Bay Resort website. I'm sure you will find their resort very appealing and simply fascinating. May your experience with the Summer Bay Resort be just as wonderful as ours.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by smileygirl on March 20, 2004

Summer Bay Resort
17805 U.S. Highway 192 Kissimmee, Florida 34711
352/242-1100

On a spur of the moment decision, we decided to go to Downtown Disney. This was on THE day where we spent the whole day at Magic Kingdom--right from when the park first opened until the stroke of 11pm, concluding our visit at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. What were we thinking at the time? I have no earthly idea. However, we were determined to squeeze this "new" adventure in right before Mickey's party. After all, we've been to Orlando twice before and never could make Downtown Disney visit possible. Now was the time to "make this happen".

If I had known then what I know now, I would have done things a little differently. I didn't know you were to leave the park entirely. I didn't know you had to go to one of the Disney's hotel to access the bus, which is what we've opted to do. I didn't even know it takes approximately 20 minutes to get to Downtown Disney. Lastly, but certainly not least, I didn't know there were three different sections of Downtown Disney itself- West Side, Pleasure Island, and Marketplace. Wow!! Needless to say, we were pressed for time.

I wish we had been better prepared for our visit with Downtown Disney. We were able to see all the many quaint little shops just begging for our company and money, of course. The dining and entertainment were not sparse in any way. The atmosphere at Downtown Disney was nothing compared to Walt Disney World. And it wasn't even crowded there! The best word that I can come up with for Downtown Disney is "soothing". Maybe this is not how it normally is, but then again, maybe it is.

Some of the wonderful things you'll encounter at Downtown Disney Marketplace are the following:

SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT

  • LEGO Imagination Center

  • World of Disney

  • Dock Stage

  • Basin

  • Eurospain

  • Team Mickey Athletic Club

  • Summer Sands

  • Disney's Pin Traders

  • Once Upon A Toy

  • Candy Shoppe

  • The Art of Disney
  • Disney's Wonderful World of Memories

  • Disney's Days of Christmas

  • Pooh Corner

  • Disney at Home

  • Marina & Boat Rental


  • DINING
  • Fulton's Crab House

  • McDonald's

  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain

  • Wolfgang Puck Express

  • Rainforest Cafe

  • Cap'n Jack's Restaurant

  • Coming Soon!! Earl of Sandwich


  • For more information on Downtown Disney, please visit their website.

    One word of warning: please don't go unprepared. Apparently, there is a lot to see and do at Downtown Disney. I only wished we had more time to explore it further. Hmmmm. That gives me a valid reason to plan for Orlando again! Until then.

    • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by smileygirl on March 20, 2004

    Downtown Disney Marketplace
    Walt Disney World Resort Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32821
    +1 407 828 3056

    Walt Disney WorldBest of IgoUgo

    Attraction | "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party"

    MVMCP
    We've made sure to purchase our MVMCP tickets four months in advance online at disney.com. After all we've heard, we certainly didn't want to arrive at the gate with them being sold out. My advice. Buy the tickets in advance to assure you and your family a party of a lifetime. This event is well worth the expense.



    *Tidbit Info* If you have Park Hopper Passes, don't use them on the day you go to MVMCP. Save them. You will have more than enough time to ride the rides, enjoy the firework shows, parades, eat, and whatever else your heart desires.



    If you are already inside the park and have tickets for the MVMCP event, you will be ushered into a certain area of the park. You can do anything at this section while the park "officially" closes.



    If you are one of the ones arriving at the gate entrance (like we were), you will present your specially purchased MVMCP tickets. From there, they will supply you a wristband, button and a brochure. Keep the brochure handy. It is very informative.



    One of the nicest things about MVMCP are the little special touches they provide. You are entitled to one free family portrait, hot cocoa and cookies, which are free throughout the whole night. It is YUMMY!!



    Once you step inside the park, you are immediately entranced. The decorated park is so beautifully bright and festive. Christmas music is being played in the foreground, the castle is at its finest moments. The castle produces snowflakes and changes into so many colors you would have ever thought imaginable. It's lively and it's magical.



    Lets not forget the show that Mickey & His Friends put on for their guests. While they are doing their dancing and singing, there are so many other things you can do. You can eat, ride the rides, walk around, or just simply sit somewhere and soak in all of the sites. You won't get bored. Remember... Only a certain amount of tickets are sold for each show. This prevents the park from being overly crowded..



    You'll also be captivated by the parades, Main Street's snow and the firework show. If you miss one parade, don't fret. There will be another one later on. The one thing my family and I liked was seeing the snow fall on Main Street. Here you walk down on Main Street and you are surrounded by (fake) snow. It's great to experience snow without the freezing temperatures!!



    MVMCP's Firework Show is outstanding. No matter where you are, you will hear and catch a glimpse of the fireworks. There are better places than others, but still, it's viewable and it's awesome! Grab your camera and get ready to take some pictures of the most colorful and extraordinary fireworks ever. What a perfect way to end our night at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

    • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by smileygirl on March 20, 2004

    Walt Disney World
    Interstate 4 at US Highway 192 Orlando, Florida 32830
    (407) 934 7639

    Sterling Casino CruiseBest of IgoUgo

    Attraction | "Sterling Casino Cruise- Las Vegas Style!"

    Sterling Casino Cruise
    Since this was our third trip to Orlando, we've decided to spruce things up by doing different amenities, yet make it more relaxing and calming. Our past two visits were hectic, stressful and simply too much crammed into too little. For those who has been to Orlando, I'm sure you understand this comment only too well.

    For an adult's night out, we've opted to book a tour on the Sterling Casino Cruise. Our stay with the Summer Bay Resort made this getaway so convenient and worry-free. We booked this tour through them and they took care of the rest. The bus transportation to and from Port Canaveral was free, by the way.

    Sterling Casino Cruise sails twice daily at 11am and 7pm, seven days a week. They offer free admission, free deli buffet (not that spectacular, but it's food!), free drinks while gambling, and free entertainment.

    Before you board the ship, there will be somebody from the Sterling Casino Cruise who will come out to the bus and hand out boarding passes. Make sure you have these and your photo ID's handy. They WILL Check. No kids are allowed.

    Once you board the Ambassador II, you will be greeted with:

  • 75,000 square feet of Las Vegas Style gambling

  • Four Main Casinos

  • Five Cocktail Lounges

  • Live Onboard Entertainment

  • Night Club and Dancing

  • Outside Deck with Reggae Music

  • Onboard Photographers

  • Onboard Massage Therapist

  • Gift Shop in Terminal and Onboard


  • Four Main Casinos:
  • 50 Table Games

  • -- Blackjack

  • -- Roulette

  • -- Mini Baccarat

  • -- Craps

  • 1,000 Slot Machines


  • And yes. . . We gambled the night away!! It was fun and exhilarating! Our sea legs must have passed the test, because we didn't get any motion sickness whatsoever. One word of caution, though: the ship does sway. So, for the people who are prone to motion sickness, you might need to prepare yourself before you take this cruise.

    Would we do this again? You betcha! I hope you'll have as much fun as we did. Ahoy there, mate!!

    For more information, please go to Sterling Casino Lines website.

    • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by smileygirl on March 21, 2004

    Sterling Casino Cruise
    Orlando, Florida

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