Christmas With The Wickets - Pretrip to the Return 22/12/08 Plus Photos to 19/12/08

[wicket2005]

We too were very surprised with the weather (one wet, 2 cold and the rest lovely hot days). We normally go in July because of the lads but I would be quite happy to go in December if we could as the weather was so nice and the parks not being as busy.

I don't know if you have been to the Hard Rock before but it definitely had more of a party atmosphere in July than in December. We love the Hard Rock but were surprised at how quiet it was in December. The pool was empty for the majority of the time whereas in the summer you struggle to find chairs and the pool has loads of people in.

 

[wicket2005]

Entrance to Dinosaur land decorated at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Xmas Tree

Close up of AK Xmas Tree

Florida Mall decorations

Islands of Adventure from a distance

 

[wicket2005]

The Hulk - I love being shot out of that tunnel, though on this day it was quite cold being jetted around the tracks.

Dr Doom's - my youngest son's favourite ride, by the end of the holidays I can just about stop myself from screaming on this ride. I am the only one to leave my seat for quite a bit of serious air time at the top.

Surprisingly some people were going on this ride, the temperature was cold on this day and I would have hated to get wet. Normally in the summer it isn't a problem and you welcome the soaking.

Signs showing the Harry Potter land underway, it is quite a long hike to Duelling Dragons now.

My favourite rollercoaster ride at this park.

The place I love to sit on this ride.

Suess Landing decorations - this whole area had Christmas music playing which was very festive and everywhere looked very pretty

 

[wicket2005]

Magic Kingdom Xmas tree

Main Street lit up

Cinderella's castle lit up with ice crystals, it also changed colour every now and then. I loved this.

Cinderella's Castle again

Wishes fireworks

The highlight of my visit to MK

 

[wils]

Just catching up - what a trip!

Thanks for sharing it with us

 

[wicket2005]

Glad you enjoyed reading it, Jo.

 

[wicket2005]

Trombones decoration suspended above staircase at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Elvis display with added Xmas decorations.

Famous singer shoes, I think the one in the middle belonged to Madonna, they were all incredibly high.

Scooby Doo saying hi

Another one of Macy's Parade balloons

 

[wicket2005]

Universal Studios

The Mummy ride with Garfield

Universal Studios

The new rollercoaster being built at Universal, looks class and you can select the genre of music you want to listen to.

Suess Landing entrance

 

[wicket2005]

River Adventure ride at Islands

Popeye statue with poinsettas

Suess Landing decoration

The Grinchmas show

The Grinch

 

[wicket2005]

It's snowing

Hard Rock Cafe at Citywalk

Universal Studios Entrance

Mall of Millenia

Mall of Millenia

Chipolte, our favourite

 

[Snowy-girls]

Great trippie Bev,thanks for sharing.And fab piccies as always from you.x.

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks Michelle.

 

[wicket2005]

I just love the new Toy Story Mania ride, Mr Potato Head is in the line area but to avoid lining up you must go there straightaway as the park opens, grab a fast pass, then do the ride. The fast passes run out extremely quickly.

I hated this ride, but tried it again after a 10 year absence and having gone on every ride Orlando has to offer which has descentised me to the horror and one this occasion it was fine.

This is the Christmas Shop at Hollywood Studios. I eagerly snapped up a couple of half price ornaments, went to the counter to pay and the young CM turned round and laughed. I thought this was a bit of an unusual reaction and couldn't figure out why she had laughed. It was only as I was sitting outside having my pizza I thought it's my Minnie Mouse hat that has made her laugh with me under it.

I photographed everything festive as I don't know if we will ever be back at this time again plus it is nice for people who have not been at this time of the year to see the differences.

Hollywood Studios

 

[buzz for boys]

Thanks so much ive loved ur trip report - got me all excited now about our trip - who knows one day when my kids are older I may well follow ur idea and swap xmas for a holiday.
Thanks again for sharing !!

 

[wicket2005]

I am glad you enjoyed it. We didn't totally swap Christmas for a holiday as I did buy them a few surprise presents to open on Christmas morning and they did get spending money in Orlando to use to buy stuff they actually wanted for Christmas. Sometimes stocking fillers end up in drawers so this year they have got nothing they will not use. It was a lovely way to spend Christmas and we felt we had been celebrating Christmas since 10th December, we spent Christmas with all my family which was lovely.

It did feel a bit strange to me not having loads of presents to put out on Christmas Eve but I felt better having the surprise presents to open on the morning. They were delighted with these bonus presents.

It was a nice thing to do with our 'children' being grown ups now.

It will not be long till your holiday and I hope you have a fantastic time.

 

[wicket2005]

I love this rollercoaster when it sets off - Rock n Rollercoaster

Rock n Rollercoaster entrance

My lads and the hubbie - now they have said for quite some time they didn't want their photos on the web, however, on New Year's Eve, they all said they didn't mind as long as they are nice ones.

Lights Motor Action Show

The Great Movie Ride

 

[wicket2005]

Festive napkins

Festive Villains shop

Another shop display

and another one

 

[buzz for boys]

Hope u dont mind me saying the 3 men in ur life ar very handsome x

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks.

 

[wicket2005]

Seeing the castle at Magic Kingdom always brings a lump to my throat and especially seeing it with the Wishes fireworks. The latter we do not view very often as we hate the crowds on a night and actually getting out of the park (after it took us an hour and a half one year).

However, this year because of the special Christmas visit we decided to brave the crowds again. Watching the castle and fireworks brought a tear to my eye and I thought I would share it with you, just click the picture for the video. x