Dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Announced
Dates for the 2009 edition of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, held annually at the Magic Kingdom park in the Walt Disney World resort, have been announced. This year’s festivities will include “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” featuring dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers, a horse-drawn sleigh, floats, and holiday-dressed characters, “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” a fireworks spectacular set over a glowing Cinderella’s Castle, hot cocoa and cookies, “snow” falling on Main Street U.S.A., and some of the park’s favorite attractions to ride and enjoy.
In November, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party’s 2009 will be held on the 10th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 20th, and 29th, while in December, the event will be held on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, and 18th. Purchasing your tickets in advance is recommended as some nights traditionally sell out; advance tickets can be purchased by calling 407-W-DISNEY.
Gaylord Texan Tells the Timeless Tale of ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ in ICE
In celebration of its fifth year hosting the awe-inspiring ICE! exhibit, Gaylord Texan brings to life a brand new attraction – the Dr. Seuss holiday classic “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” In a series of colorful scenes straight out of the original storybook pages, Gaylord Texan’s ICE! attraction will brilliantly showcase how the “Whoville-hating” Grinch with a heart two sizes too small learns the true meaning of Christmas.
In mid-October, 40 master artisans will travel to Gaylord Texan’s location in Grapevine, Texas from Harbin, China – otherwise know as the world’s “ice city” for its spectacular outdoor ice sculpture displays. Transforming 5,000 blocks of ice weighing two million pounds into the city of Who-ville will take the carvers approximately 30 days. From the Grinch’s frozen mountaintop lair and 20-foot high slides to a variety of family photo opportunities and the picturesque Who-ville including feasting Who’s and Max the dog, the enchanting attraction will make more hearts than just the Grinch’s grow three times in size.
This classic Christmas story is loved by the generations and makes a perfect addition to the magical winter wonderland we create each holiday season
And our Grapevine destination, recently named the official Christmas capital of Texas, could not be a better home for Who-ville.
Gaylord Texan’s famed ICE! attraction featuring “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” will open Thursday, November 12th, 2009 and run through Sunday, January 3rd, 2010. The exhibit will be open 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Sunday – Thursday and 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
On Monday – Thursday, ticket prices will be $20 for adults, $10 for children 4 – 12, $18 for seniors 55 and up, and free for children 3 and under. On Friday – Sunday, tickets prices will be $23 for adults, $12 for children 4 – 12, $20 for seniors 55 and up, and complimentary for children 3 and under. Complimentary self-parking is included in the ticket price.
The ICE! attraction is just one of many activities taking place this holiday season during Gaylord Texan’s annual Lone Star Christmas event. Visitors to the resort will also enjoy breathtaking holiday décor including 1.5 million holiday lights and 30 seven-foot tall ornaments strung from the top of its glass roof; a 50-foot tall rotating Christmas tree; multiple miniature train sets; 14-foot tall decorated cowboys boots; a life-size gingerbread house; Santa’s workshop including a cookie conveyor belt and control station; and dozens of lavish holiday displays including 2,300 feet of garland, 5,600 wreaths, and 10,000 ornaments.
A variety of amusing holiday entertainers will also be present and include Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus, toy soldier stilt walkers, singing cowboys, balloon artists, and more.
Most Popular White House Ornaments Announced
The White House Historical Association has announced the top five most popular White House Christmas ornaments (conveniently reveal in time for the decorating season). They are:
1. The 1989 ornament featuring the presidential seal commemorating the bicentennial of the presidency.
2. 1999′s Abraham Lincoln ornament.
3. From 2000 the ornament celebrating the 200th anniversary of the White House.
4. 2001′s ornament featuring “Carriage Ride”, honoring President Andrew Jackson
5. 2008′s ornament honoring the first White House Christmas Tree and President Benjamin Harrison
