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A DISNEY WORLD HOLIDAY

2011

By Babs IversonPublished 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 5 min read
8
A DISNEY WORLD HOLIDAY
Photo by Kitera Dent on Unsplash

Unbelievable! This coming December, it will be eleven years. Where has the time gone? Why it only feels like yesterday. Back then, seven of us, three women and four kids traveled by van from the DFW area to Orlando, Florida for a Christmas holiday. It's a holiday trip that we will always treasure and remember.

Leisurely, we drove to Florida. We didn't drive straight through on our en-route trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

On our second night on the road, we stayed at a Holiday Inn Resort that was right on the beach. Because my daughter was born in Florida, she selected the hotel for the night. Calling ahead on her cellphone, she made sure the hotel was right on the beach.

Requiring two rooms, we were fortunate that both had balconies facing the Gulf of Mexico. The balcony was a small yet sweet spot to relax and have a cup of tea or coffee. With the white sand beach, a short walk away, the grandkids had fun playing. After a short holiday on the beach, we were on the road again. With a long drive ahead, we packed up the van and headed East.

Unfortunately, we were lost in Orlando but finally found the correct road. Yeah! After eight-thirty p.m. Eastern Time, we finally arrived at our destination. Checking in to our accommodations at Disney World, we had two connecting suites.

The next morning, Magic Kingdom was on our first day's itinerary. What a day it was. We were going from early in the morning until late at night. Magic Kingdom offers so much to do, some notable rides were It's a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean, and there were so many many more rides.

Visiting Mickey Mouse, was mandatory! Having little four-year-olds, the princesses and Mickey were at the top of the to-do list.

My daughter's picture of the twins

Posing with Princesses, made our Christmas holiday bright.

My daughter's picture. It's adorable!

Tinker Bell was such a delight!

My daughter's picture

Tuesday morning, we went grocery shopping. After stowing the groceries in the kitchen in our suite, we headed to the park for another long day.

Starting off on Wednesday, we were up early for the Kilimanjaro Safaris at the Animal Kingdom. At the entrance of the Animal Kingdom, there was a beautiful Christmas tree to greet us. The magnificent tree made a perfect backdrop for family pictures.

Christmas Tree at Animal Kingdom - My daughter's picture

While the others rode Expedition Everest, it was a good time for me and the girls to have a snack. Then, time for a thrilling ride, we loved the Kali River Rapids . Loved it so much. We had to go back a second time. Thank goodness, we had our rain ponchos.

With the boys riding the Dinosaur ride, the little girls loved Dino Land USA and hated to leave the fun playground.

Either Thursday or Friday, we spent the day at Epcot. Epcot was so much fun. Even the bear hugs are special during Christmas Time.

Bear Hugs - My daughter's picture

Of course, Epcot, it's my personal favorite park. Experiencing so many countries. for example, seeing a minature of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. In the UK area, we ate fish & chips. Also in the UK area, we visited Father Christmas which was definitely a high point of the day.

My daughter's picture of Father Christmas

Riding in boats, a favorite ride at Epcot was The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Naturally, with little kids, we did this one twice. On another boat ride, this was for Mexico. The music and the bright colors were impressive on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. In Canada, there was a film that we viewed "O Canada!" Recalling that the girls were given a coloring project, was it a bear? Think so, but it was eleven years ago.

Admittedly, the biggest decision was which park to visit next. Every park has so many things to do. Hollywood Studios with their shows and rides. Can you tell from the Christmas tree that we are about to enter the Hollywood Studio park?

My daughter-in-law's picture
Hollywood Studio - My daughter-In-law's picture

Traveling to Disney World was amazing, the parks produced a special sparkle and glow during the holidays. Disney World was the perfect holiday vacation for our family. Honestly, can't think of a better time to visit Disney World. With the four parks and the magic of Christmas, it was a wonderful time of the year.

At night, that's when Disney World's magic really begins!

Nighttime at Disney World - My daughter's picture

Everywhere, yes, everywhere you looked the festive decorations sparkled and glowed. With Christmas lights and ornaments galore, you couldn't help but feel happy and joyful.

My daughter's picture

Since we had five and a half days to visit, our tickets were daily allowing us a choice of any of the four parks. In this case, there wasn't a need for a hopper ticket which would have been an additional expense.

At the entrance, there was a gorgeous photo opportunity. We couldn't resist. It was time, "Let the memories begin!"

Entrance at Disney World - My daughter-in-law's picture

In December, a seasonal parade that we were able to see a few times, was the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. All the Disney Characters and the toy soldiers walking by in a holiday march ending with Santa Claus.

Admittedly, a few times, we stopped for parades. It was also a good time to grab a snack.

On the other hand, during the parades, provided an excellent time to visit a ride or two.

My daughter's picture Christmas Parade

Stopping in front of the Sorceror's Hat in the Magic Kingdom, did I take this picture? Everyone is in the group picture but me.

Magic Kingdom - My daughter-in-law's picture

On our final day, really four or five hours, we went back to the Magic Kingdom. Before leaving and in front of the castle, we had one more photo opportunity. Somehow, we managed to get the whole gang in the picture below.

Magic Kingdom On our Final Day - My daughter-in-law's picture

With Disney World in our rearview mirror, on our return trip, we drove straight back to North Texas. Over a nineteen-hour drive! Taking naps in the van, the three of us took turns driving. We drove straight through so that we would be home on Christmas day! Less than a hundred miles from home, stopping at a Starbucks with a drive-through, we ordered coffee and cake pops, or cake on a stick during the early morning hours.

Hearing the kids in the back of the van singing Christmas songs as we approached home, it's a very special memory that's etched in my mind. Indeed, the 2011 Christmas at Disney World, was a magical and memorable holiday.

family travel
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About the Creator

Babs Iverson

Barbara J Iversen, also known as Babs Iverson, lives in Texas and loves her grandkids to the moon and back. After writing one story, she found that writing has many benefits especially during a pandemic and a Texas-size Arctic Blast.

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  • Mariann Carroll2 years ago

    Lovely, enjoyed the pictures♥️

  • Already read and insighted , great story and now I can comment

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