Holiday Getaway in Disney World Orlando

This is our holiday getaway in Orlando with the family. We chose to spend the week before Christmas to avoid the crowd this year at Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, and EPCOT. It turned out to be a great arrangement, because there were almost no lines and our children really enjoyed the theme parks, excellent shows, holiday parades, and spectacular fireworks. When you visit Magic Kingdom during the holiday season, don't miss the Disney Dreams Come True Parade at 3pm, SpectroMagic Night Parade at 8pm/10pm, and Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at 9pm. At EPCOT, check out IllumiNations Reflections of Earth at 9:30pm. At Disney MGM Studio, don't miss Hollywood Holly-Day Parade at 3pm, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights between 6pm and 8pm and Fantasmic! at 7pm/8:30pm.

Quick Tips:

Please check calendar schedules for each theme parks. If you are AAA member, you can purchase tickets in advance at discount and avoid long line at ticket booth. If you are Florida residents, you get special discount through AAA offices and must show ID at guest relations to qualify. If you stay at Disney Resort, you can get special FastPass and avoid long line at each rides.

Best Way To Get Around:

You can get shuttle from the hotel or simply drive to each park. Public transportation is also available. If you plan to stay at Disney Resort, you can hop around the parks. Don't forget to by Park Hopper tickets in order to do so.

This spectacular resort is brand-new and is situated on 34 acres in the heart of Orlando at the southwest intersection of world-famous International Drive and Vineland Avenue. Inspired by Mediterranean designs reminiscent of a Tuscany village, this resort showcases a grand porte-cochere leading to a piazza with central access to recreational centers, including the clubhouse, two swimming pools with bar, two lounge areas, three whirlpool spas, interactive children's fountains, fitness center, sports court, indoor playground, BBQ grills, supervised recreation programs, children's playground, VDO arcade, Deli, grocery store, and Pizza Hut Express with delivery service.

There are six buildings in the complex, each with its unique facade and architectural designs. The resort ground features lush landscaping, gardens, and a lakefront walking path. You can choose from cozy studios and spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with screened balconies. Each room (except the studio) features fully equipped kitchen, high-speed wireless Internet access, a whirlpool jet tub in master bath, and a washer and dryer.

Conveniently located near Walt Disney World and adjacent to the Orlando Premium Outlet Mall, this resort is in close proximity to theme parks, fine dining, shopping, and entertainment. Here you can walk across the street to Publix grocery store, Outback Steakhouse, and McDonald’s. Dixie Stampede Dinner Show and Outlet Mall are just down the street. Highly recommended.

Located on International Drive across the street from the Pointe Orlando shopping center, Ming Court restaurant is a popular spot for many. Since 1989, Ming Court has been serving up some of the most delicious food to locals and visitors from around the world. The menu features an array of grill and wok fired dishes, including dim sum and sushi. Experience a real treat from the moment you walk into the entryway crowned by engraved sea-green Chinese tiles with glass-walled terrace rooms overlooking a lotus pond filled with colorful koi. The main hall has an open court for nightly live Oriental folk music. We really enjoy dining here, and the children have a variety of menus to choose from. This award winning restaurant opens for lunch daily 11am to 2:30pm and dinner nightly 4:30pm to 11:30pm Visit www.ming-court.com.

Recommendation: Request a dim-sum menu upon seating and choose from selections like shrimp ravioli or chicken and rice cooked in a lotus leaf. Or begin with a variety of appetizers such as pot stickers, crispy wontons stuffed with vegetables and cream cheese, and shiitake mushrooms topped with sauteed scallions. The entrees include a deep-fried chicken breast served with a delicate lemon-tangerine sauce.