Disney at Christmas time

I'm sure many of you have heard of the Mickey's Christmas Spectacular event that goes on during the months of November and December. We've never been, but I've heard it is truly spectacular (as is almost anything Disney does). But for those of you who can't afford to go to that event, but would still like to experience some Disney Christmas magic, I have some fun ideas for you!

Sorry for the shadow - it was the only shot I could get.

Yesterday, we took Payton to the Disney area for several fun Christmas-y things that barely cost us any money. Our first stop was a miniature golf course that is just a few minutes outside of Downtown Disney. It's called the "Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course." Half of the course is summer-themed and half of it is Winter-themed. The Winter portion of the course is also Christmas-y, so it fit in perfect with our day.

For $10 Payton got to golf all through this fabulous Disney course with moving displays and snow Mickeys galore!



After we wrapped up there, we headed over to Downtown Disney Marketplace. We had been there a couple months before with my parents after we went to the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. But now, the entire place is decorated for Christmas and there are carols playing over the loud speakers and all sorts of Christmas themed events. There is a candlelight processional in the evening, which is supposed to be really beautiful, but we didn't stay that late. I was very pleased however when the "Sample Man" at the Ghiradelli shop gave me a sample of their delicious peppermint bark chocolate and then said, "Oh wait, you get two samples, ma'am." Sometimes it pays to be pregnant!

So after spending a LONG time at the LEGO store and several other stores in Downtown Disney, we drove over to the Grand Floridian Resort to see the 2-story gingerbread house that is on display in their lobby. ** TIP: Did you know you can get into the Magic Kingdom area to visit the resorts without paying the parking fee? You just go to the far right-hand lane and tell them you are going to the resorts and they let you right through for free! *** So we arrived at the Grand Floridian and all the period-dressed employees greeted us and welcomed us to the resort. They even gave us a cup of roasted chestnuts to enjoy while walking through the display (how much more Christmas-y can you get than roasted chestnuts?!?).

Roasted chestnuts

Tree in the lobby of Grand Floridian

700 lbs of chocolate? YUM-O!!

The gingerbread house was quite amazing. I don't know who has the patience to put together something like that, but I'm glad someone does because it was pretty amazing to view.

Then, after that, we hopped on the monorail that stops at the Grand Floridian and rode it over to the Contemporary Resort where there was yet another gingerbread display. This one was a 16-foot gingerbread Christmas tree. There was also another little display next to it with Mickey-shaped gingerbread lining the roof. It was just too cute! Oh, and one other totally Disney-esque thing that I had to take a photo of was the gigantic Mickey mouse-shaped wreath that hung from the massive window-front of the Contemporary Resort. It was the biggest thing I've ever seen!

Biggest wreath in existence!

After all that Disney fun, we were all pretty wiped out. Plus, we had a furry little creature at home waiting for us to let him out. So we called it a day and headed back to Tampa. I was so touched when I got home and found this lovely little Christmas tree plant (complete with a set of tiny ornaments) for me at my front door from my sweet cousin Wendy. Thanks Wen - I do adore this little tree! Especially since we have our 1st fake tree this year. This little guy makes our family room very festive!

Only a few more days till Christmas! Can you believe it???