For anyone who isn’t familiar with the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, or with Disneyland in California, it is definitely worth a visit. But be forewarned: these Disney World parks are popular, drawing large crowds, which translates into long lines.

Park Areas

Cinderella’s Castle rising in regal splendor to greet expectant guests

The Magic Kingdom is organized into six exciting themed areas complete with rides and attractions, dining, shops, and plenty of fun-filled entertainment. Fantasyland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and Main Street USA all entice guests with their dazzling appeal and the promise of enchantment. And rising above them with resplendent majesty is the iconic Cinderella Castle with its vaulted ceiling, columned walls, jeweled lighting, and stunning mosaics in shimmering glass, gold and silver illustrating the story of Cinderella with such exquisite detail befitting any royal palace. It’s charming to see the expression of wonder on the many children visiting the park with their families, and especially on the little girls bedecked in their princess finery and eager to experience the magic of Disney.

If you plan to visit with little ones, the smaller rides are a great choice, and usually have shorter waits. Things like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, the Mad Tea Party, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh are perfect.

Fastpass Advantage

Something to help speed the wait along is the “Fastpass” which lets guests reserve a time slot on a popular ride, allowing them the freedom to go and explore other rides until it is time for them to return to the attraction. While Fastpass does alleviate the long waits on those rides for which it is used, it can only be used for one ride at a time.

Notable Rides & Attractions

The detail on It’s a Small World’s cheerful attraction is beautiful

My own personal favorite attractions include the ever-popular child-friendly It’s a Small World where guests ride on a musical boat tour that glides through an amazing collage of dancing and singing characters dressed in their native costumes from a host of countries around the world. They sing the classic “It’s a Small World” song in their own languages, and usually have onlooking guests singing along or at least humming the tune long after the ride is over.

Beware of plunderin’ pirates dear landlubbers!

Another must-see is the Pirates of the Caribbean made even more popular by the hit movie starring Johnny Depp. His character Jack Sparrow can be seen hiding in many of the cleverly-enacted scenes throughout the ride. One drifts through the life-like exhibits with the overwhelming desire to hop out of the boat and explore the seaport towns, fortress alleyways, battling galleons, cobwebbed catacombs, and hidden grottos with mounds of treasure glittering in the shadowy light. Although it might be a bit dark and spooky for very young children, it is lots of fun for anyone interested in pirate tales brought to life with all the robust hardiness of a barrel of rum. And while dead men may tell no tales, these life-like characters spin the imagination with their boisterous serenades and plundering antics that make one want to escape on a 17^th century spellbinding quest.

The Haunted Mansion’s colonial architecture is as beautiful as it is imposing

For those intrigued by ghostly adventures, the Haunted Mansion makes for a fascinating visit. The colonial manor is as beautiful as it is imposing, with its intricate architectural details, long corridors, fancy wallpapering, pallid light glowing from cobwebbed chandeliers, painted portraits and carved busts of stern-faced subjects staring out from their niches with ominous all-seeing eyes that seem to watch passersby wherever they go.

Beware of hitchhiking ghosts…

Guests sit in a “doom buggy” as they tour the mansion that is home to 999 reveling ghosts. The mansion has over 15 rooms including a grand ballroom and a graveyard where spooks and spirits reside in haunted splendor. And unlike some of the other rides beckoning throughout the park, I am decidedly not gripped by an overwhelming desire to jump out of the buggy and explore the imposing house on my own, but rather prefer to marvel at its mystery while huddled in the safety of the buggy itself, no matter how many times I might have toured the mansion’s ghostly grandeur.

The nature of this spooky attraction makes it more suitable for older children and adults, and can be enjoyed even while waiting in the line outside. Guests walk through a graveyard where witty epitaphs are inscribed on the tombstones and creepy crypts that line the interactive queue. Things like

The tombstones are inscribed with haunting humor

Dear Departed Brother Dave
He Chased a Bear Into a Cave

–or–

Here Lies Good Old Fred
A Great Big Rock Fell On His Head 

An interesting piece of trivia is that the people mentioned in the epitaphs are named after the real imagineers, as they are called, who had a hand in the creation of the Haunted Mansion project. This macabre attraction is laced with dark humor but is not bloody, gruesome or grotesque. And like the attention to detail that is so meticulously executed throughout the manor, the accompanying music dominated by the dramatic strains of an organ creates an appropriately chilling mood that will have you staring wide-eyed in morbid fascination.

Tips for Parents

This dreamy park makes for a memorable family visit

Being “the most magical place on earth,” Disney’s Magic Kingdom might also seem like the most crowded place on earth. So come prepared to wait in lines by having some toys or activities to keep your youngsters occupied, as well as refreshments to keep them hydrated and comfortable. Strollers are a must for tots, as they are the first to tire out after walking around. Larger fast-paced thrilling rides are most popular with the longest queues, while the smaller rides are just right for pint-sized guests, have shorter waits, and offer a memorable experience that is sure to stay with them for a long time.

Visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom provides an unforgettable time for the whole family. It is an entertainment hub that draws people from all around the world, making it a fun place to people-watch as you explore its exhilarating attractions. And like its classic theme song from It’s a Small World suggests, a visit here brings one to the marvelous realization that “though the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide, it’s a small small world…”

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Walt Disney World – Off the Beaten Path

Shades of Green is truly a retreat.

Walt Disney World is internationally known as a premier destination for families. From the tiniest kids to the most elderly grandparents, Disney’s winning formula includes plenty of fun, excitement and wonder for all. What is less known, however, is that in addition to the 26 Disney-owned resorts, 8 partner hotels and 450-home multimillion dollar residential complex, Disney is also home to a deluxe Armed Forces Recreation Center.

History of Shades of Green

When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, it featured just two hotels: the Polynesian Resort and the Contemporary Resort. Disney grew and expanded quickly in those early days, and by 1973 it was clear that another hotel was needed to handle the crowds. The Walt Disney World Golf Resort opened beside the Magnolia and Palms golf courses, across the street from the Polynesian, in December of that year.

Although popular with golfers, the Golf Resort did not have a strong appeal for non-golfing tourists. The resort doubled in size and received a Snow White theme in 1986, when it became the Disney Inn. Additional dining options were added, and the Disney Inn joined the ranks of popular Disney deluxe hotels. The resort features the largest rooms on Walt Disney World property, with standard rooms measuring just under 500 square feet.

Insider secret: They turn off the waterfall late at night!

By the early 1990s, Disney had added several deluxe and moderate resorts, and the Disney Inn was no longer needed to handle guest flow. Disney has always had a proud tradition of supporting America’s military families with special ticket options and deals, so it was only natural for the company to enter into an agreement to provide military families with a special retreat of their own.

In 1994, the Disney Inn reopened as Shades of Green, the first Armed Forces Recreation Center in the continental United States. The government leased the property from Disney for two years before purchasing it outright in 1996.

The military purchase brought very few changes to the historic property, beyond the removal of the Snow White theme and the addition of flags from every branch of service as well as an American flag and a POW flag. A massive expansion in 2004 more than doubled the resort’s capacity to 586 rooms. A new upscale casual Italian bistro also opened with the expansion. While the décor was refreshed and updated over the years, the basic resort has remained the same as it was under Walt Disney World management.

About Shades of Green

Buy your tax-free tickets for area attractions here.

As an official military installation, Shades of Green is open to active and retired military members, active and retired Department of Defense civilian employees, honorably discharged veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, and a few others with special status. Spouses and dependents of deployed or deceased military members are also eligible. Each eligible person may sponsor two additional rooms at the same rate. At various times of the year, Shades of Green may offer rooms to veterans on a space available basis. Check with the resort to ensure your eligibility before making a reservation.  You can visit their official website for more information at www.shadesofgreen.org.

Standard and pool view room rates fall into three categories according to rank, ensuring that enlisted personnel, officers and civilians all pay their fair share. As of 2012, standard rooms cost $95 to $131 depending on rank, while the biggest suites cost $375 for everyone.

All rooms feature a balcony or private patio, a small table and chairs, an oversized bathroom with double sinks and a separate toilet/tub area, a roomy closet and a large flat screen TV. Each room has a mini-refrigerator and a coffee maker, but no microwave. However, shared microwaves are available in each laundry room. Standard and poolside rooms sleep five, while junior suites sleep six and suites sleep eight. There is an additional $15 per night charge for each adult over two in standard and poolside rooms, and each adult over four in suites. Parking in the attached garage is $5 per night.

Our Experience

The view from our balcony was incredible.

Dad is a retired civilian industrial engineer with the Department of Defense. As a GS-12 he pays the highest rate, which is still less than half the cost of a comparable Disney-owned deluxe resort. As he mentioned over breakfast the last morning of our stay, those of us who pay the highest rate help to subsidize the stays of those who pay the lowest. It was a great feeling to realize that in a tiny way, I was able to give back to our brave service members.

We had stayed at Shades of Green years ago, but had not been there since the expansion. When Hurricane Isaac threatened Central Florida, where we were staying in our RV, we decide to take a “hurrication,” a hurricane-inspired vacation. Shades of Green just happened to be in the middle of a 30% off sale, so we booked a room for three nights.

Check-in was a breeze (just remember to bring your CAC or other proof of eligibility), and we were quickly off to our fourth-floor room in the new wing. The room was beautiful, with a stunning view of the golf course from our balcony. Of course, this being a hurrication, we didn’t spend too much time on the balcony! Although the center of the storm moved west, the rain bands were heavy and cold.

Shades of Green runs its own buses to points around Walt Disney World.

We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Shades of Green participates in Extra Magic Hours, Disney’s program for onsite resort guests. Every day, a different park is open solely for resort guests for two hours in the morning or three hours in the evening. Due to the storm, we only took advantage of the program once, for evening hours at the Magic Kingdom, but it was a truly wonderful perk.

Shades of Green runs buses every 20 minutes to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can transfer to Disney buses that run to the rest of Disney property except for Downtown Disney. It also runs buses once an hour to Downtown Disney and other locations around Walt Disney World. If you prefer not to wait for a bus, an easy 10-minute walk along shaded paths takes you to the Polynesian, where you can catch Disney transportation directly.

Dining

All that ice cream goodness for only $5!

Shades of Green offers two main restaurants—the Garden Gallery buffet and Mangino’s Italian Bistro. Evergreen’s sports bar, located by the pool, serves pub food in the evenings, while quick-service options include the Express Café in the main building and Lucky’s at the arcade next door to Evergreen’s. The Java Café is a quick stop featuring Starbucks coffee and pastries.

Don’t miss America, the 1950s ice cream parlor featuring homemade ice cream at surprisingly low prices. We decided to share the $5 banana split, expecting a small serving. Instead, we ended up with better than two pounds of ice cream goodness! We were given two scoops of each of three flavors, along with a generous helping of hot fudge sauce, sprinkles, chocolate chips and pecans, topped off with a thick layer of whipped cream and five cherries!

Could you resist that cart if it was brought to your table? Neither could we!

We dined at Mangino’s the first night, where we had the friendly and professional Brian as our server. The food was excellent and portions were easily large enough to share. When we asked for the dessert menu, we instead got the dessert presentation—a girl brought a large rolling dessert case to our table, where she showed off the various options! How could we not indulge? And the final bill was only $40, less than half the price of a comparable meal at a Disney-owned restaurant.

We tried the Garden Gallery for both breakfast and dinner during our stay. The buffet was not the most extensive I have seen, but there was plenty of variety for even the pickiest eaters, and the food was great.

The kids’ table at the Garden Gallery was a very cool touch!

A particularly nice touch was the kids’ buffet, where children can help themselves to classic kids’ foods from containers situated at a kid-friendly height. It was Make-Your-Own-Cookie night, and Andrew, our exuberant seater, made sure to point out all the different toppings.

We had a slight miss with room service, when our order took an hour and a half to arrive and was incomplete. But when we brought it to the attention of the manager the next day, he immediately gave us a dining credit for the full amount to use at any of the restaurants in the hotel. Even more impressively, we received a hand-written apology!

Activities

The swimming pool was crystal clear and inviting.

Besides the golf courses, Shades of Green offers two swimming pools, an arcade and a fitness center. A family center provides free Internet access and the opportunity to play numerous games on Wii and PlayStation 2 free of charge. In the evenings, a small bar in the lobby serves as a gathering point for guests. The hotel also keeps a variety of Disney-themed board games scattered throughout the lobby, further encouraging guests to linger. The furniture is comfortable, featuring a mix of fabric and leather sofas and chairs. A fireplace provides a wonderful and inviting focal point.

Tickets to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and other area attractions are sold tax-free at the resort. Additionally, the well-equipped gift shop sells Disney souvenirs at a fraction of the prices that Disney charges. Everyone staying at the resort is welcome to make purchases in the shop, although alcohol and tobacco sales are restricted to those with military Exchange privileges.

Tips for Parents

Shades of Green represents an incredible value for military families. With the largest standard rooms on Disney property, the resort is packed with amenities and features designed to provide an amazing vacation. Unlike the Disney-owned resorts, Shades of Green is not decorated in a Disney theme. Instead, the décor is elegant yet understated, providing a relaxing and comfortable backdrop for families. Be sure to check out the kid’s movies on the TV in the lobby, as well as family movie night at the pool.

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Walt Disney World During the Holidays: Beyond the Parks

Amusement parks have long been a preferred venue for families in search of exciting entertainment. From favorite roller coasters, to high-speed thrillers, traditional family and children’s rides, live entertainment, shops and dining, these alphabetically listed parks have something for everyone in the family.

BUSCH GARDENS  WILLIAMSBURG – Williamsburg, Virginia

Verbolten is one of the many exciting rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

One of the most visited parks in the United States, Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia has an exciting array of European-themed rides, shows, tours, and animal exhibits committed to conservation including gray wolves, lorikeets, red foxes and bald eagles. The park itself is very beautiful and divided into 10 hamlets inspired by Europe. Guests can take behind-the-scenes tours, watch entertaining shows, indulge in mellow to thrill-seeking rides, and shop and dine in the many venues themed after European countries including Italy, France, Germany and Ireland. There are also plenty of attractions for kids, making it perfect for the whole family. For more information visit http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg

CEDAR POINT – Sandusky, Ohio 

This animatronic T-Rex is a roaring sight in Cedar Point’s Dinosaurs Alive! attraction

Dating back to 1870, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio is the second oldest amusement park in North America. This highly acclaimed theme park has drawn people to its pleasure grounds on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie time and again. Known as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point is a sprawling 364 acres with 15 roller coasters and everything from brain-scrambling thrill rides, to family rides, areas for children like Planet Snoopy and Camp Snoopy with their own exciting rides and attractions, to live entertainment, shops and great dining. It also features the prehistoric-themed attraction Dinosaurs Alive! (nominal fee required) with 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. For more information visit www.cedarpoint.com

DISNEY - Florida & California    

Cinderella’s Castle rising in the midst of Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park

Disney has enchanted children for decades, and both Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, are wonderful places to spark their imaginations with their rides, attractions and entertainment. The parks are divided into themed lands (varies by park) including Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland, with favorite attractions like “it’s a small world,” the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the beautiful fairytale castles. Activities for all ages abound, from shopping, dining, games, rides galore, dazzling entertainment, a host of favorite Disney characters, and so much more. For more information on Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida visit Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Visit our Disney World and our Disneyland Articles for a more in-depth look into the theme parks complete with reviews and family tips.

DOLLYWOOD – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Dollywood Express affords gorgeous views of the Great Smokey Mountain foothills

With the Great Smokey Mountains rising majestically in the background, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee blends an invigorating country flavor into its gorgeous natural setting. This award-winning theme park has spectacular rides, attractions, live entertainment and craft shops that combine the southern tradition and history of Tennessee into an authentic and unforgettable experience. There are rides for all ages from white-knuckle thrillers like its newest wing coaster Wild Eagle, to kiddie rides, playgrounds for children, rides that make the most of the spectacular views and scenery of the mountain foothills like the Dollywood Express steam engine, plenty of shops, delicious dining, and more. For more information visit www.dollywood.com

HERSHEYPARK – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hersheypark is like three parks in one with its dry rides, water park rides in The Boardwalk, and its 11-acre zoo called ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park

Hersheypark has been entertaining people since its original founding in 1907 by Milton S. Hershey as a place of enjoyment for his employees. With over 65 rides and attractions including 12 coasters and a whole slew of rides for children, exciting live entertainment, games, shops and food, this outstanding 110-acre theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania has built a highly respected reputation in its industry. One admission price also includes access to the water park style rides and attractions of The Boardwalk, as well as to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park – an 11-acre zoo with over 200 animals from more than 60 species representative of North America, making it a world of delight for all ages. For more information visit www.hersheypark.com

HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN’ SAFARI – Santa Claus, Indiana

The flying carousel ride HallowSwings at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offers panoramic views (Courtesy of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari thrills guests with its dynamic duo of an amusement park and water park. With free parking, free unlimited soft drinks, free sunscreen, free Wi-Fi, rides for all levels, exciting attractions, shows, shops and dining, this theme park makes for an outstanding time for the whole family. This Santa Claus, Indiana park is themed after traditional holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and 4th of July. It is also home to the world’s longest water coaster Mammoth, and has a wonderful play area for kids that includes the interactive climbing structure Holidog’s Treehouse, and Magic Waters with its geysers for splashing fun. Holiday World was previously featured in our 20 Best Small Amusement Parks for Families in the USA article, while Splashin’ Safari was included in our Top 10 Best Waterparks in the United States article. For more information visit www.holidayworld.com

KINGS ISLAND – Mason, Ohio

Kids can ride on The Great Pumpkin Coaster at Kings Island Planet Snoopy

The largest amusement park in the Midwest also features the water park Soak City with more than 50 splashing attractions, so guests can have twice the fun for one admission price. Over 80 rides, attractions and shows at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio await to entertain families with kids of all ages. There are family rides like bumper cars, coasters, and flying swings, to thrill rides like the coasters Diamondback and The Beast, to special kids’ attractions like Planet Snoopy with its own rides, shows and favorite Peanuts characters, to live entertainment, plenty of dining options and more. Visitors can also meander through the fascinating Dinosaurs Alive! attraction with 60 life-size dinosaurs in a lush Jurassic setting (requires an additional nominal fee). For more information visit www.visitkingsisland.com

LEGOLAND– Carlsbad, California

Legoland’s Pirate Reef ride is great for sailors and landlubbers alike!

Where else can you see famous sites like the Las Vegas Strip, New York’s Central Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, New Orleans’ French Quarter, Washington D.C.’s monuments, and more reproduced on a miniature scale of 1:20 entirely from Lego bricks?  Legoland of course! This fabulous park is an absolute delight for families with children and features rides, shows, hand-on free play areas for young children to explore, attractions, shops, dining, and an exciting water park and aquarium (requires upgrade fee). The park is divided into themed areas including Dino Island, Pirate Shores and Castle Hill that captivate visitor’s imaginations and are strewn with life-sized models of characters made from Lego bricks. For more information visit Legoland, Carlsbad California or visit their official website at: http://california.legoland.com/en. Carlsbad’s Legoland was also featured in our 20 Best Small Amusement Parks for Families in the USA.

SEAWORLD – California, Texas & Florida

See exciting dolphin shows and more at SeaWorld (Courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego)

SeaWorld combines the thrills of an amusement park, with the wonder of the animal world. With three exciting locations to choose from (San Diego, CA, San Antonio, TX, and Orlando, FL), guests can learn all about the intriguing animals at these parks while having a roaring good time on the rides, attractions, shows, shops and dining. There are exciting rides for all levels of thrill seekers, like the flume coaster Journey to Atlantis, Sky Tower with its spectacular views, splashing raft rides, and gentler rides for younger children. The exhibits feature fascinating animals like penguins, playful otters, tropical fish aquariums, sleek sharks, and lots more.  All three parks have fantastic shows including dolphins, killer whales, sea lions and acrobatic stunts. There are lots of touch/feed pools, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters for viewers to learn more about the amazing animals up close. For more information about their Southern California location please visit Sea World San Diego California Family Review, or you can also visit their official site at  http://seaworldparks.com

SESAME PLACE – Langhorne, Pennsylvania 

See Elmo and other lovable furry characters at Sesame Place (Photo contributed by Sesame Place)

This fantastic amusement park is the only one of its kind in the country, and perfect for families with younger children. See the Sesame Street Neighborhood come to life complete with its beloved furry characters like Elmo, Big Bird, the Cookie Monster, as well as the Furry Arms Hotel, Oscar’s trash can, Mr. Hooper’s store, Bert and Ernie’s house, and more. This Langhorne, Pennsylvania park offers games and plenty of wet and dry attractions for kids to ride, play, climb and explore including Big Bird’s Court, the Cookie Mountain, an interactive water play castle, slides, wave pool and more. Exciting shows and the popular Neighborhood Street Party Parade with all the favorite furry friends makes a visit to this outstanding theme park a memorable experience. For more information visit www.sesameplace.com

SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA – Gurnee, Illinois

The dazzling Columbia Carousel stands 10 stories with two decks for a nostalgic ride (Courtesy of Six Flags Great America)

Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Six Flags Great America is also home to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor where guests can get their fill of dry and wet thrills, and best of all, the water park is free with park admission. There are countless rides including the thrilling coasters Raging Bull and Viper, Jester’s Wild Ride rocking tugboat ride, Big Easy Balloons, Little Dipper family coaster, the resplendent Columbia Carousel, lots of shops, dining options, and shows with live entertainment including the Glow in the Park Parade. Three areas dedicated just for kids ensure that even the youngest guests are thoroughly entertained and include Skull Island, Kidzopolis, and Camp Cartoon with rides, attractions and play areas. The water park boasts slides, raft rides, a wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and more. For more information visit www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/index.aspx

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS – Orlando, Florida 

The iconic globe of Universal Studios Orlando

The world of film and television has a marvelous element of fantasy that is lots of fun to explore at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  From behind-the-scenes shows, to real working movie sets, and exciting rides and attractions, a visit to this park is unforgettable. There are 3-D and 4-D interactive experiences like Shrek 4-D and Terminator 2 3-D, play areas for kids like Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel’s Playground, shows like A Day in the Park with Barney, Fear Factor Live with lots of audience participation, the Horror Make-up Show, a variety of shops, and a delicious array of dining including cafes and restaurants. For more information visit Universal Orlando: Not Just for Thrill-Seeking Teens.

The Disney Imagineers ensure a steady supply of snow, no matter what the weather

Located just outside Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World is arguably the best-known family vacation destination in the world. Beyond the four theme parks, Walt Disney World offers dazzling highly-themed resort hotels, world-famous golf courses, miniature golf, and the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district. No matter when you visit, you will find that you could spend an entire month at the resort without ever setting foot in a theme park.

But no time is more magical at Walt Disney World than the holiday season, when the entire property is decorated to the hilt and special events abound. For more info about the theme parks during Christmas time read my article Walt Disney World During the Holidays, Inside the Parks. While the theme parks charge a fairly steep admission fee, the holiday events outside the parks are entirely free of charge. In addition, plan to spend some time simply gawking at the decorations. Everywhere you go, expect gigantic Christmas trees, shiny Jewish menorahs, and tributes to Kwanzaa.

When to Go

Although some of the park events begin as soon as a week after Halloween, the season really ramps up on the day after Thanksgiving. Many Disney veterans claim that the two weeks after Thanksgiving are the best time of year to visit, as the holiday events are in full swing but the crowds are extraordinarily light. By contrast, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is typically one of the busiest weeks of the year.

Downtown Disney

Keep an eye out for strolling musicians at Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney is a highly themed shopping, dining and entertainment district owned by Disney and located on Disney property. Throughout the season, special musical performances, visits by Santa Claus and Santa Goofy, and a wide range of decorations are offered. The Downtown Disney season is comparatively short, generally lasting from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, so plan your time carefully.

You could see the highlights at Downtown Disney in just two hours or so, but most families choose to make an afternoon or evening of it. The 50,000 square foot, 12-room World of Disney is a wonderful place to lose track of time, while the 12 Days of Christmas shop is a true must-see during the season. Of course, you might want to do some of your Christmas shopping at the fascinating specialty boutiques. Dining opportunities run the gamut from the Earl of Sandwich, featuring gourmet sandwiches at fast food prices, to such celebrity chef outposts as Wolfgang Puck’s. Leave room for dessert at Ghirardelli!

Gingerbread Houses

The Contemporary Resort's impressive gingerbread tree

The Walt Disney World resort hotels are renowned for the culinary talents of their chefs, and one of the biggest demonstrations of the year occurs during the holidays. Several Disney resorts present gingerbread house displays–but these are unlike any gingerbread houses you are likely to have seen before!

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can gawk at the 17-foot holiday tree constructed entirely of gingerbread. The tree features more than 2,000 gingerbread shingles, and the recipe is simply mind-boggling. More than 200 pounds of flour, 150 pounds of chocolate, 130 pounds of honey and 100 eggs are used in creating the elaborate display. Pick up a gingerbread shingle or other holiday treat at the small shop in front of the tree.

A homey scene made entirely of gingerbread

At Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Stitch joins classic Disney characters in a warm, homey scene–perhaps a little too warm for Donald Duck! Dressed as Santa, he is halfway down the chimney when he realizes that the fire is lit. The scene is created from highly decorated gingerbread in proportions similar to those used at the Contemporary.

The Disney Beach Club Resort offers a long-standing favorite–a gingerbread carousel with five

A rotating gingerbread carousel

individually decorated chocolate ponies. The rotating carousel utilizes 50 pounds of dark chocolate, 100 pounds of confectioner’s sugar and 100 pounds of icing, in addition to the gingerbread ingredients.

Save the display at the Disney Grand Floridian for last. The stunning Victorian resort is spectacular at any time, and the graceful, elegant yet unpretentious Christmas overlay literally takes my breath away. Musicians perform throughout the afternoon and early evening, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse are decked out in their Victorian holiday best. But a sizable portion of the ground floor is dedicated to the jaw-dropping 16-foot tall gingerbread house.

This impressively detailed gingerbread house stands 16 feet tall!

The elaborately decorated house contains more than 10,000 shingles made from a secret Austrian recipe. It takes a team of chefs, designers, bakers and builders more than 400 hours to create and install. The house is so big that Disney cast members actually sell a wide variety of baked goods across a counter–from inside the house! The display draws quite a crowd, so the baked goods line may be long.

Hidden Mickeys have become a Walt Disney World tradition. In rides, shows, restaurants and shops, Disney designers hide the image of Mickey Mouse or other characters within plain sight. In fine Disney tradition, each of the annual gingerbread displays contains numerous Hidden Mickeys. The gingerbread Mickeys are always the classic “three circles” shape and are typically silver or gold. Ask the nearest Cast Member how many there are, as the numbers change each year.

Christmas at Walt Disney World is truly magical

Walt Disney World, near Orlando, Florida, is mind-boggling in every way. From roller coasters to motion simulators, Broadway-quality production shows to personalized meet-and-greets, Walt Disney World is arguably one of the most beloved family vacation destinations in the world. But the Disney magic takes on a particularly special significance at Christmas time, when the entire complex is blanketed in holiday sparkle.

About the Theme Parks During the Holidays

The crowds are massive between Christmas and New Year's

Disney starts the holiday season earlier and earlier each year, with some events beginning right after Halloween. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a lot of fun, but visitors should be prepared for absolutely staggering crowds. In fact, if you visit on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, it is essential to arrive at your park of choice early in the morning and stay all day. The parks regularly hit capacity by 10 am.

Instead, consider visiting during the two weeks immediately following Thanksgiving, when the holiday season is in full swing but the crowds have not yet arrived. Many annual visitors feel that this is the absolute best time of the year to make the trek. The season starts winding down just after Christmas, although some events continue into the first week of January.

Each of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World offers something special for the holidays. Due to its nature as a wildlife park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom keeps its celebration relatively low-key. Decorations abound and the afternoon parade takes on a special holiday theme, but overall the party is less in-your-face than those at the other three parks.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Lights are breathtaking

In 1986, Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne fulfilled a simple Christmas wish for his young daughter by decorating the outside of their home with 1000 sparkling lights. Each year the display grew bigger, until he eventually bought the houses on either side and decorated them as well. By 1993, the collection had grown to over three million lights, including a lighted rotating globe, two lighted carousels, and a 70-foot Christmas tree made entirely of lights. The family lit the display for 35 nights each Christmas season, drawing visitors from across the country and even around the world.

The tourists may have enjoyed the lights but the neighbors did not. Citing traffic snarls and safety issues, six neighbors filed suit. Osborne fought back, but in 1995 the state Supreme Court forced him to end the spectacle. Numerous cities offered to take the display, but as a fan of Walt Disney World, Osborne accepted the company’s offer to move the lights to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as Disney-MGM Studios). Every year the lights are displayed on Residential Street, a backlot area that recreates a typical small town.

The tree changes colors in time to the music

Disney retained Osborne’s original collection and has gradually added on each year. Today the collection stands at approximately six million lights. In the past few years, the lights have been timed to a musical soundtrack that includes holiday songs by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller as well as classic seasonal tunes.

In 2011-2012, the lights were displayed from November 10 through January 7. The lights are illuminated just after sunset (around 6 pm, but varies slightly throughout the season) with a narration that tells the story of Jennings Osborne, and remain lit through park closing. The display is included with park admission. The magic of Disney Imagineering guarantees snow every night, despite the balmy Florida weather.

On a hilarious side note, when the display was first shipped to Disney from the Osborne home, one of the family’s Halloween decorations was accidentally included–an illuminated black cat. Disney cast members decided to hide the cat among the Christmas lights and see if anyone noticed. Not only did visitors notice, but they were delighted! Now the cat is hidden in a different spot each year and thousands of families can be seen on any given night carefully craning their necks and peeking into almost-hidden locations in search of the black cat.

Epcot

The Candlelight Processional is a highlight of any Disney holiday vacation

Many families plan their annual vacation around one specific event–the Candlelight Processional at Disney’s Epcot. Replacing two previous shows, the smaller Candlelight Processional at the Magic Kingdom and the Living Nativity at Downtown Disney, the current incarnation has been an annual Epcot event since 1994. A celebrity narrator recounts the Biblical story of Christmas backed by a 50-piece orchestra and a 500-voice mass choir.

The celebrity narrators rotate every few days. We have seen stars as diverse as Neil Patrick Harris, Peter Graves and Marlee Matlin. The choir consists of vocalists from high schools around the country who perform for a few days each. An estimated 21,000 vocalists participate during each season.

Learn the holiday traditions of a dozen nations

Less well known but no less exciting is the Holidays Around the World presentation. The back half of Epcot is known as the World Showcase, featuring pavilions created and staffed by representatives of 11 nations including the United States. During the holiday season, most pavilions feature storytellers who share the classic traditions of their nation. In the American pavilion, where the Candlelight Processional takes place, storytellers share the traditions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Each performance is short, typically lasting 15-20 minutes, allowing visitors to take in most or all in a single day.

Both Holidays Around the World and the Candlelight Processional are included with Epcot admission. They are generally presented from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30, although dates are subject to change each year. Dinner packages are available that include a table-service Epcot meal and reserved seating for the Candlelight Processional, but these often book up months in advance. General admission seating is provided, though you will need to line up an hour or more before show time. Dad and I have found that we can see perfectly when we stand behind the ropes at the back of the open-air theater, and we need arrive only 15 minutes or so before the performance begins.

Stay for park closing to see the holiday version of Illuminations. This fireworks and laser light show is spectacular all year, but the extended holiday show is truly not to be missed.

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella's Castle is covered in tiny icicle lights

As the flagship park, the Magic Kingdom takes the holidays to a whole new level. Approximately a week after Halloween, the park becomes a winter wonderland, its plethora of decorations capped off by the transformation of Cinderella’s Castle into a glittering ice castle. The effect is achieved with over 200,000 LED lights, known as the Castle Dream Lights, which are illuminated nightly during the season following a special holiday show on the Castle Forecourt stage.

The Magic Kingdom also offers a separately-ticketed holiday event known as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The party lasts from 7 pm until midnight and features a wide range of special holiday shows and character meet-and-greets. The holiday parade and the holiday version of Wishes, the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks extravaganza, are particular highlights. Free cookies and hot cocoa are available at stations throughout the park and most, though not all, attractions are open. Despite the warm Florida weather, through the magic of Disney Imagineering, expect snow on Main Street each night.

If you are unable to make it to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you may still be able to enjoy some of the celebration. In recent years, Disney has offered the shows and parade during the day later in the season, after the Christmas parties end but before the park removes its decorations. Daytime events are included in regular park admission.

On New Year's Eve, you can see the original Fantasy in the Sky fireworks with a 360 twist

New Year’s Eve is always celebrated in high style with a late-evening performance of Wishes and an 11:45 performance of Fantasy in the Sky, the original Magic Kingdom fireworks show, with added 360-degree fireworks launches. Immediately after Fantasy in the Sky, the Disney characters perform the countdown to midnight over a park-wide loudspeaker. In 2010 and 2011, a preview New Year’s Eve celebration was offered on December 30. This proved exceptionally popular and is likely to continue in the future.

In 2011-2012, the Magic Kingdom holiday season ran from November 8 through the first week in January. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was offered on select nights from November 8 through December 18.

Weather in Florida

November and December weather is nothing if not unpredictable. In 2011, we had an 80-degree Christmas week, immediately followed by two nights of temperatures that dipped into the 20s! Only a little over 100 miles across and situated between the cold Atlantic and the warm Gulf of Mexico, Florida is renowned for its humidity. Consequently, the winter wind chill is often much lower than the recorded temperature.

Combat the weather by dressing in layers. It is not unusual to start your day at the park with a wind chill of 30 degrees, hit the low 80s by 2 pm, and then experience a wind chill below 20 that night. Always carry rain ponchos as well. Winter is typically the drier season, but there really is no such thing as a dry season in the subtropics! Winter rains are typically ice cold and miserable, even when the ambient temperature is mild. Although you may want to purchase souvenirs, forking over $65 for a Disney sweatshirt because you are freezing may not be a fun way to spend your time.

Zoos are a great place for families to visit any time of year and offer an unforgettable learning experience about our world’s amazing wildlife. Listed alphabetically, the following 10 zoos are among the best on the East Coast of the USA. Visit one of these for a memorable encounter that will inspire future generations with wonder and respect for the natural world.

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo in New York is the biggest urban zoo in the world

At 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo in New York is the biggest urban zoo in the world. Their naturalistic habitats are home to over 600 species of creatures in fantastic exhibits including Tiger Mountain, JungleWorld, the Congo Gorilla Forest, African Plains, Madagascar! and the Baboon Reserve. Their award-winning Children’s Zoo boasts three acres of hands-on activities that help children learn all about animals and their habitats and includes a petting zoo. The zoo also features a Bug Carousel, camel rides, a Zoo Shuttle with unlimited rides per ticket, a 4-D Theater, and the Wild Asia Monorail that takes visitors on a guided tour where elephants, rhinos, tigers and other wildlife frolic in the forests, riverbanks and pastures of their habitats. Daily animal feedings and training demonstrations offer unforgettable encounters as well. The Bronx Zoo is located at Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road in Bronx, New York 10470. For more information visit www.bronxzoo.com

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Safari tours at Disney's Animal Kingdom are a wonderful way to view many of the animals at the park, like this elephant

As part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Disney’s Animal Kingdom encompasses 500 lush acres and over 1,700 animals from 250 species. There are seven themed areas surrounding the park’s Tree of Life - a 14-story sculpted thematic park centerpiece –  with exhibits, expeditions and safaris that offer close encounters with the animals. Pulsating entertainment includes musical stage performances, parades, and fantastic shows like Flights of Wonder that features 20 bird species including macaws, hawks and eagles. Several rides whirl guests through themed adventures like the Kali River Rapids rafts, the Expedition Everest coaster, the TriceraTop Spin, the Wildlife Express Train and more. A shaded petting zoo lets children learn more about a variety of animals including llamas, sheep, goats and chickens. Kids can also run, climb, slide or dig for fossils at the playground with a shaded dig site called The Boneyard. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is located at 2901 Osceola Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830. For more information visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com (under “Parks” tab at top)

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Train rides are one of the delights featured at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

With over 1,800 exotic animals and 1,000 diverse plants, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida offers families an exciting wildlife adventure. Some of the many naturalistic exhibits are the Great Apes, the Plains of East Africa, the River Valley Aviary, the Giraffe Overlook, Wild Florida, and the Range of the Jaguar that is home to one of the nation’s largest collections of these gorgeous cats. Its botanical gardens are a passionate testament to nature’s beauty, and a sanctuary for strolling. The zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours, lush garden tours, keeper talks, bird watching, train rides, and a delightful wildlife carousel. A play park with splash ground lets children run, jump, climb and play through mazes and a variety of nature-themed apparatus. They can also pet animals such as pygmy goats in the animal care contact yard, explore several tree houses, do arts and crafts and other activities in the Discovery Building, and much more. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is located at 370 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville, Florida 32218. For more information visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Guests can feed the giraffes for a nominal fee at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

With its opening in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland is the third oldest zoo in the nation, and is home to over 2,000 animals. African Journey is the zoo’s largest area with numerous exhibits where animals indigenous to Africa can be seen. Watch cheetahs, gazelle, warthogs, elephants, rhinos, zebras, lions and more in naturalistic habitats. Go on camel rides or feed giraffes at the feeding station for a nominal fee. In Polar Bear Watch, guests can explore the tundra setting with arctic foxes, snowy owls, ravens and polar bears with a large underwater viewing area to see the bears swim. The Maryland Wilderness featuring The Children’s Zoo boasts many interactive exhibits that inspire children to crawl, climb and jump like the animals displayed – all native to Maryland – and includes a walk-through aviary, cave, petting area with farmyard critters, and much more. The zoo also has a few carnival-style rides, a train, a carousel, a variety of tours, animal encounters and educational keeper talks. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is located at 1876 Mansion House Drive in Baltimore, Maryland 21217. For more information visit www.marylandzoo.org

Philadelphia Zoo

State-of-the-art exhibits at the Philadelphia Zoo let visitors see many animals like this very regal lion up close through tall windows

The Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the nation’s first and oldest zoo, having opened after the American Civil War. Over 1,300 animals – many of them rare and endangered – live on the 42-acres in habitats that allow visitors to see and experience the animals up close.  Get face-to-face with big cats from around the world including tigers, lions, leopards and jaguars through tall glass windows rather than across deep moats. Watch gorillas as they meander through stunning lush gardens. There are bears, birds, bugs, reptiles, aquatic animals and so much more. Children will love the variety of rides and activities such as the Amazon Rainforest Carousel, camel and pony rides, swan boats, train rides, hand-feeding lorikeets, and the Channel 6 Zooballoon that offers panoramic views at a soaring 400 feet. The Children’s Zoo allows kids to pet and feed familiar furry and feathered farm friends, and get a closer look at creepy crawlies at Backyard Bugs, while they learn about the many creatures that share our planet. The Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104. For more information visit www.philadelphiazoo.org

Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

These sea lions and over 4,000 animals live at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

With its fantastic combination of zoo and aquarium, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania features 77 acres with over 4,000 animals.  Guests can see lions, elephants, zebras and ostriches roam among the plains and animals of the African Savanna exhibits. There are over 90 primates in the indoor/outdoor Tropical Forest complex. The Asian Forest is home to snow leopards, tigers, a Komodo dragon and other fascinating creatures. Visitors can get a close look at polar bears, sea otters and sand tiger sharks in the Water’s Edge exhibit with its two underwater tunnels. The PPG Aquarium boasts over 4,000 exotic fish, an open ocean tank, coral reef, stingray tunnel and more. Children will love exploring the Kid’s Kingdom with its petting zoo, animal encounters, playful sea lion shows, reptile house, playground and many interactive exhibits where they can learn all about the animals. Train and carousel rides (Memorial Day through Labor day – weather permitting) top off an exciting visit here. The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is located at 1 Wild Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206. For more information visit www.pittsburghzoo.org

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Pretty penguins frolicking at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Over 2,000 animals live at Columbia, South Carolina’s 170-acre Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, while its lush exotic and native plants – including perennials, vines, fragrant flowers and more – are all enchantingly displayed among waterfalls, scenic river views and tranquil pathways that inspire a wonder for nature. Some of the animal exhibits include the African Plains with giraffes, zebras and ostriches; Large Mammals with lions, tigers, bears and baboons; Australian Animals with koalas, a walk-through lorikeet aviary, kangaroos and wallabies; and the Ndoki Forest with elephants, monkeys, gorillas and meerkats. The award-winning Aquarium Reptile Complex features fish, amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles along with daily diving presentations. The popular Riverbanks Farm lets children get a closer look at farm animals while learning about farm life. This wonderful zoo also offers pony rides, an Endangered Species Carousel, and a 3-D Adventure Theater with exciting shows. They are located at 500 Wildlife Parkway in Columbia, South Carolina 29210. For more information visit www.riverbanks.org

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Graceful cheetahs lounging at the National Zoo

Founded in 1889, the National Zoological Park in Washington, DC is one of the oldest zoos in the USA. There are about 2,000 animals from 400 species including its popular giant pandas (one of only four such centers housing giant pandas in the USA), Asian elephants, great apes, big cats, birds, small mammals, aquatic animals, amphibians, reptiles, insects and a host of endangered species which comprise about a quarter of the animals there. Exciting daily programs include feeding demonstrations, animal training, and keeper presentations where visitors can learn more about the fascinating animals, what they eat, and how they behave. The Kids’ Farm engages children with hands-on activities and a petting barn where they can learn about a variety of animals including goats, hogs, cows, alpacas and donkeys. There is also a playground area and Pizza Garden where they can discover the origins of ingredients that make a pizza. The National Zoo offers free admission and is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC 20008. For more information visit www.nationalzoo.si.edu

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is one of only four zoos in the nation with giant pandas

Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia is home to more than 1,300 animals representative of over 220 species residing in about 40 lush acres of realistic wildlife habitats. Like the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, it too was founded in 1889 and is Atlanta’s oldest cultural venue. Some of the exhibit highlights include the Asian Forest and the Ford African Rain Forest with the nation’s biggest zoological collection of orangutans and gorillas, a giant panda conservation, and the African Plains and Mzima Springs where black rhinos, giraffe, lions, zebras, meerkats, ostriches and other animals roam a five-acre savanna like the African plains. Children will be delighted with KIDZone where they can explore the children’s zoo with spacious petting zoo and outback station, ride the Endangered Species Carousel, scale the Rock Climber wall, embark on educational train rides, and romp around in the outdoor and indoor play areas. The zoo also features live shows, presentations and feedings, including friendly parakeet feedings by guests. Zoo Atlanta is located at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE in Atlanta, Georgia 30315. For more information visit www.zooatlanta.org

Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami has camel rides among its many enticements

The Zoo Miami in Miami, Florida is the only tropical zoo in the continental United States, and one of the country’s largest zoos with over 300 developed acres. It has more than 100 exhibits with over 2,000 animals living in spacious naturalistic habitats among lush tropical landscaping. The exhibits feature animals native to Africa, Asia, the Amazon and Australia with everything from tigers and tortoises to lions and leopards, to anacondas, anteaters and much more. The large amphitheater features exciting wildlife shows, while keeper talks and feedings can be seen throughout the park. The air-conditioned Zoofari Monorail provides guests with great views and narrated tours about the animals. The Children’s Zoo offers up-close and personal interaction with many smaller animals. Familiar barnyard animals like goats, sheep and horses await children at the Wacky Barn. Kids can also take camel rides or enjoy the Wildlife Carousel with its assortment of endangered animals. Zoo Miami is located at 1 Zoo Boulevard in Miami, Florida 33177. For more information visit www.miamimetrozoo.com

The bright, cheery sign sets the stage for your trip

Mini-golf has been a nearly ubiquitous part of American vacations since the 1920s. The game was invented in Scotland in 1867 to provide an alternative for women, as social customs prevented them from playing traditional golf. While early mini-golf courses were simply miniature putting greens, by the 1930s obstacles were all the rage. Today mini-golf courses compete to be the most extreme, the most heavily themed or the most difficult in town.

Orlando Mini-Golf

As a major tourist destination, the Orlando area boasts a vast array of highly themed mini-golf courses of every description. Some courses are owned by conglomerates that offer discounts for playing at more than one location, while others are smaller mom-and-pops that compete by providing excellent customer service and loyalty discounts. All the competition forces each course to be its best, and on a sunny day it can be tough to find a course that isn’t packed.

Disney’s Mini-Golf

There are two courses in each Disney mini-golf location

Walt Disney World entered the mini-golf competition in 1996. Winter Summerland, located near the Blizzard Beach water park, offers two holiday themed 18-hole courses. The Summer course offers a tropical holiday overlay, with Christmas ornaments and decorations draped over palm trees. The Winter course offers a “snow in Florida” scheme, with fake snowdrifts and snowmen prevalent throughout. Both are excellent choices for novice mini-golfers and great fun for all ages.

Fantasia Gardens is located near the Boardwalk hotel. It also offers two courses: the Fairway and the Gardens. The Fairway is a traditional miniature golf course complete with dog legs and sand traps. It is the best choice for those who prefer a smaller version of regular golf. The Gardens course, with its zany Fantasia theme, is arguably the most difficult and the most fun of the four Walt Disney World courses.

Fantasia Gardens Overview

Some of the holes have special effects

From the moment you step onto the Gardens course, it is clear that this is no ordinary mini-golf course. Each hole is carefully crafted to represent a segment from the 1940 animated film, Fantasia. All obstacles are woven into the relevant theme, and most holes have special effects such as water splashes or musical interludes that are triggered by various putting behaviors. For example, the bouncing of your ball or a hole-in-one might set off a particular effect.

The well-lighted course is open late into the evening. Although the course is beautiful by night and the obstacles are easy to see, the darkness does add an additional level of challenge. I strongly recommend playing during the day first, and then returning at night if you like.

Steep hills are among the many challenges

Fantasia Gardens is particularly challenging due to the layout of the course obstacles. Steep hills, water hazards, and sharp turns are common. Always check the topography of the green near the hole. Several of the holes are built up or down from the surrounding green, making it necessary to putt harder or softer than your distance from the hole would indicate.

Fantasia Gardens Tips and Tricks

If you have a scheduled tee time, the arcade is a great place to wait

If you arrive at a busy time of day, you will be given a tee time that could be 30 minutes or more after you arrive. Kill time in the on-site arcade, take a seat in a comfortable patio chair or walk the course and get an idea of what to expect. If anyone in your family is a novice mini-golfer, try to visit at a less crowded time. Although other golfers are generally relaxed and friendly, you may feel a bit of time pressure if you know another group is on your heels. Fantasia Gardens asks that you impose a six stroke limit per hole, but if no one is waiting, this is not actually enforced. Mornings and evenings are generally less crowded than midday.

Set up your putting order so that adults putt both first and last. Each hole has a trick to it, which younger golfers may have trouble discovering. The adult that putts first can help younger kids figure out the hole, while the one that putts last can keep an eye out for balls that go off the course. Expect that your group will lose at least one ball in the water at some point on the course. When this happens, one person can return to the check-in area to get a new ball. It is a common occurrence and there is no charge for another ball.

The signs at each hole give valuable hints

Pay attention to the signs at the beginning of each hole. The short rhymes give clues on the best way to approach the hole. Each hole has an optimum path that could result in a hole-in-one, and at least one alternate path. If you or your child have trouble making it down the main path, using the alternative could actually be the better choice.

Chernabog's Cave is just slightly scary

Although the bulk of the course is child friendly, one hole could be frightening for sensitive children. You will actually putt through the cave of the demon Chernabog, villain of the Night on Bald Mountain segment of Fantasia. As you move through the cave, you will hear Chernabog roar and see his image briefly displayed on the cave wall. Make sure the first adult through triggers the effect, and stays with the kids while they complete the hole.

Fantasia Gardens is a challenging but visually stunning mini-golf course. If your kids are novices, consider playing through Winter Summerland before moving on to Fantasia. Visit at an off time to minimize pressure to hurry, and be ready to take a break if anyone gets tired or frustrated. Benches are located throughout the course, and a drink machine is provided at the halfway point.

Disney's Magic Kingdom

We took our daughter and my niece to Disney World – it was also our first trip to the world’s largest attraction and boy, were we amazed beyond words! It’s like entering a whole other universe – albeit an overpriced one – still, the magic (for you can never really tell how they pull it all off) is worth experiencing at least once. I’m glad my daughter and her cousin got to visit it together for the first time. We also toured Universal Studios, and although it has the cool rides and attractions found in LA, what’s missing is the Studio Tour which I consider the highlight.

Related Articles:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s Epcot
Walt Disney World – Off the Beaten Path
Finding Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World
Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

See the Mickey Mouse head in the eye?

Who doesn’t love the thrill of adventure that comes with finding something that is hidden right out in the open? Geocaching and scavenger hunting are two wildly popular activities based on this concept. At Walt Disney World, the quest is always on for Hidden Mickeys. Unlike many other Disney activities, this one is entirely free of charge and need not take time away from your regular park touring schedule.

Hidden Mickeys Defined

A hidden tribute to the former 20 Leagues Under the Sea attraction

Hidden Mickeys are images of Disney characters built into the design of a ride, show, restaurant or other area on Disney property. The “classic” Hidden Mickey consists of a circle for Mickey Mouse’s head flanked by two smaller circles forming the ears, but Hidden Mickeys come in all shapes and sizes. Profiles and full body images of any Disney character are fair game. There is even a Hidden Walt Disney at the Magic Kingdom.

What’s Not a Hidden Mickey?

Obvious Mickeys do not count

By definition, Hidden Mickeys are, well, hidden. An obvious Mickey or other character does not count. Character T-shirts, images printed on menus, and stuffed animals are not Hidden Mickeys. Neither are repeated Mickey head patterns on fences or walls.

Where to Find Hidden Mickeys

Can you spot the Hidden Mickey in this photo?

Hidden Mickeys are located literally all over the Walt Disney World complex (as well as other Disney parks around the world). They can be found on signs, in carpet patterns, in the arrangement of water pools, even in the arrangement of props within a ride or show.

There is a particularly complex, but difficult to spot, Hidden Mickey inside the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. When the ride is stopped during the Temple scene, take a look at the wall on your left to see if you can find it. A much easier one is usually found in the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom. Take a look at the table in the ghostly ballroom scene. Interestingly, that one isn’t an “official” Hidden Mickey designed by Imagineers (Disney designers). It is an “unofficial” one created by the cast members (employees) who work in that attraction. Every once in a while a Disney official walks through the attraction and resets the table, but soon cast members recreate the Hidden Mickey!

How Many Hidden Mickeys Are There?

A classic Hidden Mickey shape

No one really knows how many Hidden Mickeys actually exist. There is no official list, although plenty of books and websites are dedicated to documenting all of them. However, there is often debate in the fan community on whether to accept certain Hidden Mickeys as valid. For example, does a “classic Mickey” qualify if the circles are not perfectly round? Some people say that it does, while others claim that it does not.

How Can We Incorporate Hidden Mickey Hunting Into Our Trip?

A sidewalk tribute to Mickey Mouse's original name, Mortimer.

The great thing about Hidden Mickeys is that you can hunt them however you like. Just keeping your eyes open as you travel through the parks will reveal quite a few Hidden Mickeys. If you prefer to do a more methodical search, you can download a list from the internet. Or turn it into a scavenger hunt game by purchasing Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Disney’s Best Kept Secrets, by Steve Barrett. Mr. Barrett is a physician with a Disney obsession, and his book lays out most, if not all, Hidden Mickeys in an easy-to-follow scavenger hunt.

Hidden Mickey Addiction

Turn your Disney's Hollywood Studios map upside down--see the Mickey head?

Whatever you do, be careful. Hidden Mickey hunting is highly addictive! A few years back, we met up at Walt Disney World with a respected author who has written several books about Disney. He was in town on a research trip for his latest book, but took some time out to meet us for lunch. He had never heard of Hidden Mickeys, so we gave him a quick description and sent him on his way.

We happened to run into this author two days later, again at Walt Disney World. Simultaneously pouting and laughing, he informed us that he had gotten absolutely no research done. He was too busy staring at ceilings and floors, while nearly walking into walls in his quest to find more Hidden Mickeys!

You may also experience “Hidden Mickey Syndrome,” reported by many frequent Disney visitors. Apparently the phenomenon tends to set in without warning, typically several months after a trip to Walt Disney World. You may suddenly start seeing Hidden Mickeys everywhere around your house, from bubbles in the dish soap to raindrops and tomato arrangements. Of course, you could always use the commonly accepted Disney fanatic’s cure for Hidden Mickey Syndrome–book another trip to Walt Disney World!

Watch the mural behind Cinderella as you bow to her

Walt Disney World is a sprawling entertainment center consisting of four gated theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining complex, and dozens of recreational opportunities, as well as a myriad of hotels. It would be easy to spend a month at Walt Disney World and never run out of things to do. Once you have visited a few times, however, you may be interested in digging a little deeper. The Walt Disney World experience is multilayered, containing thousands of details that many visitors never notice. Below are only a few of the more notable examples.

Magic Kingdom

Look up at the second floor windows on Main Street

Instead of rushing down Main Street U.S.A. on your way into the park, slow down and take your time. Notice the red tint to the street? Walt Disney saw the Magic Kingdom as his guests’ opportunity to step inside a motion picture. The red street represents the red carpet at a gala Hollywood premiere. Look up at the second story windows to see the “credits” — all of the names are tributes to people who were important in the design and building of the park. Walt Disney’s name is last, located in the window above the ice cream parlor.

Near the Main Street smoking area is a hat shop named the Chapeau. Inside, you will find an old-fashioned telephone on the wall. Pick up the handset to overhear a conversation on an old party line!

In Tomorrowland, keep an eye out for “Push.” Apparently just an ordinary trash can, Push is actually a radio controlled robot. A nearby cast member (Disney employee) operates Push and provides him a voice. It is a lot of fun to hang back and watch surprised guests’ reactions!

Epcot

There's a reason for the long walk to the World Showcase

Epcot is filled with technological marvels and tributes to world cultures. The rotating exhibits in Innoventions East and West virtually guarantee that you will never have the exact same experience twice. While in Future World, stop by Inventor’s Circle. This huge circle located in Future World West (the side with the Imagination, Living Seas and Land pavilions) pays tribute to famous inventors throughout history. Legend has it that this circle also marks the exact center of Walt Disney World. On the other side of Future World, stop by Club Cool. This small pavilion offers free samples of Coca-Cola flavors from around the world. Have the camera ready when your kids sample the Beverly!

Notice how long the walk is from Future World to the World Showcase? The original Epcot design plans called for the two areas to be much closer together. Unfortunately, a sinkhole opened up during the construction process, forcing designers to relocate the World Showcase. As you walk along the bridge past the Odyssey building, take a look down in the pond. That’s actually the original sinkhole!

Over in the World Showcase, head to the back of the UK pavilion. Kids love playing in the always-deserted hedge maze, while adults enjoy the Beatles tribute concerts in the nearby gazebo.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Make sure you're standing on the metal plate

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is filled with experiences designed to put guests in the middle of a Hollywood film. Outside the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is what appears to be an abandoned well with a large rope. A sign says Do NOT Pull the Rope, but the word “not” is crossed out. Go ahead and pull it for a special surprise.

When the park opened, the Streets of America were accessible only by tram tour. Now, however, they are open for guests to stroll down. Stop by the giant umbrella, a tribute to the Gene Kelly film Singin’ in the Rain, for an excellent photo opportunity. Make sure you are holding onto the umbrella and standing on the metal plate below when someone snaps the picture!

Download a copy of the original Disney-MGM Studios (the name of the park until 2008) park map from 1989. Turn it upside down for a perfect Hidden Mickey. Later expansion has rendered the Mickey virtually impossible to see, but the park was indeed built in the shape of an upside down Mickey Mouse.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you're very quiet, you might hear voices

The entire theme of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of jungle exploration. With over 200 species of animals and a bewildering array of plant life, it would take several visits to Animal Kingdom to see everything. But a few hidden secrets have nothing to do with the animals themselves.

The Africa section of the park has an elaborate back story. The premise is that you are in the fictional village of Harambe, a favorite among students and travelers. Take a moment to stop outside the Dawa Bar and listen closely. You might overhear the voices of several students and their landlady, who is trying to collect the rent!

Over in Asia, take a spin on the Kali River Rapids if your kids meet the height requirement. After the ride, make a quick stop on the bridge. See those water guns cleverly disguised as elephants? Squirting people on the ride is especially fun for kids who are too small to participate, especially if a parent or older sibling is on board.

Don't miss the musical xylobone

Dinoland, USA has a wonderful dig site playground, which you may be hard pressed to get your kids back out of again. Before you leave, though, make sure your kids find the Xylobone. Located along the wall behind the Jeep, this musical fossil is sure to bring a smile to any child’s face.

These are just a few of the many hidden secrets at Walt Disney World. As you tour the parks, take time to really look around. Don’t be afraid to touch and interact with your surroundings (except when you’re on a ride vehicle, of course!). Disney is filled to overflowing with tiny details that most visitors will simply walk right on by.