Photo TR: Christmas in Orlando

[Erik JohnsonFormer captain of the Arrow bus.]

Awesome Photo TR. I wish I was able to do the Mickey's Christmas event this year, oh well. At least I got to see the Castle at night.

[nayTake pictures of my feet]

I'm glad that you are all enjoying the TR so far.

Did they have the Grinch's lair this year? It was in Seuss Landing and you get a picture with the Grinch at the end of it...for a price. My wife said the Grinch really grabbed her tight during the photo. I think she mentioned something about him being a perv...

They did have that set up in one of the stores in Seuss Landing. That was the longest line I saw at IOA so I didn't bother with it. I think the Grinch was leaving there in the photo I have of him walking around.

Day 3, part 2
Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot

After IOA, I went over to the Studios. It got to be a little more crowded but not too bad. I really loved the Macy's parade! After that, I went back to Disney and headed over to Animal Kingdom again since they had their extra hours. That park is pretty cool at night. And I ended the day once again with Illuminations at Epcot. Stay tuned for even more Epcot...

[nayTake pictures of my feet]

Day 4
Epcot, Epcot resort area, and Animal Kingdom

This day was spent mostly at Epcot, but I also checked out the holiday decorations at the Epcot resorts and saw the parade at the Animal Kingdom. I saw the Candlelight Processional and tree lighting at Epcot, too. That day I also began to have major problems with cigarette smoke smell in my hotel room, but that's another story.

Stay tuned for my final day with visits to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, including another Year of a Million Dreams win and Spaceship Earth preview.

For now, here are some more photos, plus a video of part of the Illuminations holiday finale.

[Coaster PaloozaThe search for the Ultimate Thrill!]

I love the Illuminations fireworks finale video. Way to go!

[nayTake pictures of my feet]

Day 5
Magic Kingdom and Epcot

On my final day in Orlando, I stopped by the Magic Kingdom first. No wait at Peter Pan? Sure, why not. After the ride, they were giving out those Year of a Million Dreams hats, so that was pretty cool. I saw the light blue ones with the clouds and silver ears previously, but these were a solid darker blue with white ears. Weird! I saw a bunch of people with this new style from then on, so I guess they've changed them. I kind of like the old ones better, but I can't complain about free Mickey ears!

When I got to Epcot, I noticed that Spaceship Earth was open so I hopped on that line. I had no real attachment to the last version, but I wasn't overly thrilled with the way it is now. The animatronics move effortlessly, and there are some new/changed scenes. The backwards portion of the ride was mainly nothing but the computer screen in the cars. Right now the ride seems incomplete somehow, so hopefully that is something that is being worked on for the reopening in February.

Ok, enough of that. Here are the rest of the photos. Thanks for reading!

Renee

[65skylarkNuthin' better than a naked donkey!]

I have really enjoyed reading your TR the last few days, Renee. One of the more enjoyable Photo TR's of the year, IMO. Great job!

[Team ThrillerSlightly racist and terrible at poetry]

Awesome. The genie car is my future car.

Disney and Universal does a fantastic job keeping the holiday cheer in the parks. Even though it doesn't snow in Florida.

--James

[RCFreakTPR's Favorite Beaner]

OMG! These are some awesome photos! I get to head out to WDW for my first time in March and these pictures make me excited, it sucks that it won't be all christmas-y though. It's my favorite time of year at Disneyland!


Again, awesome pictures, thanks for sharing with us.

The woman in the Spaceship Earth's lab scene brings out the Star Trek geek in me: "Hailing frequencies open, captain."

Thanks for sharing your time in Orlando with us, Renee.

[BeemerBoyWDW Monorail Fanatic]

Again, awesome report! Thanks so much for putting that together...I know how much work that was for ya. I love the fact that you showed us so many of the hotels on property. Merry Christmas.