Mary Kraemer

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter--firsthand experience

We were fortunate enough to be able to see the newest area at Universal's Islands of Adventure three days before the official Grand Opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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Christmas by the Numbers at Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Miles of garland, ribbon, twinkling lights and glitter transform Walt Disney World Resort into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Here’s a sample of what guests will experience throughout the Vacation Kingdom:

737 decorated trees throughout property

A wreath 25 feet in diameter adorning the Cirque du Soleil building at Downtown Disney West Side

10 miles of twinkling rope lights in the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

150 tractor-trailer truckloads of decorations for 24 resorts, 4 theme parks, Downtown Disney and other locations

15 miles of garland strung and 1,314 wreaths hung throughout the Vacation Kingdom

300,000 yards of ribbon and bows draping over Christmas trees across property

8.5 million lights strung throughout Walt Disney World Resort

98 percent of the lighting used for holiday décor is LED

11 countries dressed for Holidays Around the World at Epcot World Showcase

More than 800 performers each night during Candlelight Processional at Epcot

More than 200 guest choirs during the entire run of Candlelight Processional

A Christmas tree in Magic Kingdom with a base 26 feet wide

One 70-foot-tall tree takes center stage in Disney’s Contemporary Resort entrance lobby featuring nearly 35,800 white LED lights

6 life-sized creations cooked up by Walt Disney World pastry chefs, including:
· One 16-foot-tall gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa baked with 1,050 pounds of honey and involving more than 160 hours of decorating
· One life-size gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand- painted portraits of famous Disney characters

100 percent chance of snow flurries during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, taking place on select holiday evenings in Magic Kingdom

365 days of the year that guests can shop for holiday merchandise at the Disney’s Days of Christmas shop in Downtown Disney Marketplace more...

 

Them's the breaks!

Last year, my daughter broke her wrist a few weeks before our 'week at WDW, week on DCL' vacation. The idea of the limitations that would pose broke my heart. more...

 

Advance dining reservations: the good, the bad, and the inside scoop

Advance dining reservations...people strategize over where they want to eat and at what time during their Walt Disney World vacation. Timing and location are important. Having a reservation at a specific restaurant is critical to some folks (the Princess Breakfast in the castle comes leaping to mind). A reservation that's a little too late can make you miss the fireworks or Illuminations; that's not good! more...

 

Scooter saves family vacation!

Last November, my 88-year-old dad decided to go on vacation with us–a week at Walt Disney World and a week on the Disney Cruise Line. more...