Landing in Orlando’s airport was a little different this time around since we no longer had the convenience of taking Disney’s Magical Express to our hotel. Staying at a Disney resort wasn’t an option for us during this trip as there were no rooms available at any of Disney’s value resorts, which I imagine is due to both the 50th Anniversary and the Christmas season. In hindsight, leaving the airport during rush hour isn’t the best of ideas. The Uber fare was more than double the cost of a normal trip from the airport to a Disney property. This didn’t even include the booking fee, MCO airport surcharge, and the tip for the driver. Wtf. I choose to stay at the SpringHill Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings. The cost of the hotel was decent for a 1 king bed suite, and was only 8-10 minutes away from each Disney park. Not to mention, it is also a Good Neighbor hotel. Good Neighbor hotels are located off Disney property, but are conveniently close to the parks. They provide transportation to and from the parks (sometimes at a cost) and offer you the ability to purchase Disney Theme Park tickets on site. There is also a Guest Services desk to assist you in all your Disney planning needs!
We were running a little late due to our plane not leaving on time, so I was thankful that I was able to check into our hotel the night before to have our room ready upon arrival. You can bypass the front desk, since the app provides you your room number, directions to said room, and a Mobile Key to open the door. I was highly impressed. The room was very clean, spacious and modern with a comfortable bed. They also had a cool elevator that looked like you were traveling through hyperspace on the Millennium Falcon. It’s the little things for me.
I got myself dressed and tried to freshen up a bit, before heading out to Magic Kingdom for the Very Merriest After Hours event. Very Merriest was Disney’s substitute for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which has been MIA since the 2019 holiday season. The After Hours event was taking place on select nights in November and December. We were granted admission into Magic Kingdom starting at 7 pm. Danny and I were able to get into the Kingdom by 7:30 pm, and squeeze ourselves into a spot on Main Street to view Enchantment. Since I was going to watching fireworks AGAIN that night, I decided to cross this off my bucket list. It was a nice experience, but it’s hard for me to see because I’m vertically challenged. Maybe, I just need a closer view, but I still like being right in front of the castle.
To kill time before the event started at 9pm, we rode Space Mountain and the Mad Tea Party. As we made our way over to Casey’s Corner to fulfill our hunger pains, we saw Pooh and Friends greeting guests outside The Crystal Palace. Pooh and Tigger were absolutely adorable in their Christmas outfits! I had my usually order of corn dog nuggies, while Danny accidentally got himself a regular sized hot dog instead of the foot-long hot dog he’s infamously been known to scarf down at Disney. He was rather disappointed in himself. As we ate, I was eager to go see the snowfall. The snow actually blows over to the eating area for Casey’s Corner, and I was a little worried my corn dog nuggies would end up tasting like soap lol.
We finished our dinner, just in time for us to admire the snoap on Main Street and get ourselves a spot to watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime parade. Yes, a full-length PARADE in Disney World finally! It was exciting since this was Danny’s first parade in the Kingdom. This holiday-themed parade featured Mickey and Friends, Disney princesses, characters from Frozen and Toy Story with the finale being Jolly St. Nick. I want to watch all parades on Main Street from now on, but I know that’s not necessarily realistic. It was an easier feat to get a decent viewing spot at the After Hours event due to lower crowds. Plus, the parade was running twice that night, but the old man seemed to object to staying out past midnight like he was Cinderella. There was just something about watching the parade as the snow came down that was really magical. My favorite features of the Christmas parade were definitely the toy soldiers and the adorable reindeer.
After the parade, we were off to the Club Tinsel Dance Party in Tomorrowland to see Stitch in his Santa suit. When we arrived, Stitch was showing off his dance moves as Rain on Me played. We treated ourselves to the complimentary sodas and snacks while we were there too. Danny opted for popcorn, while I got myself a Mickey ice cream sandwich. I sat off to the side of the stage, watching Stitch DJ and dance his little heart away while I enjoyed my delectable ice cream treat.
Before we left Tomorrowland, I made sure to get my free snickerdoodle cookie and hot cocoa. I was highly disappointed it wasn’t a gingerbread or chocolate chip cookie, but snickerdoodle is actually quite delicious. I would know since I ate both mine and Danny’s cookies lol. We walked back over to the castle, and enjoyed our hot chocolate while we caught Mickey and Minnie’s Very Merry Memories. This was a stage show filled with Christmas tunes, dancing and all of Mickey’s friends.
After the show, we decided to stay in front of the castle and claim our spot for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show. I am partial to the holiday fireworks, so I wanted to be up close and personal this time around. One of my favorite benefits of the night was not being smushed together like sardines to watch the fireworks in front of the castle. Everyone had ample breathing room to throughly enjoy the show. I was very content on getting to watch not one, but TWO unique nighttime spectaculars in one night. After the fireworks show, we spent some time getting the cutest photos on Main Street, especially since it was still snowing.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this After Hours event, in comparison, to its Halloween counterpart. Two fireworks shows. A full-length Christmas parade. Snow on Main Street. Santa Stitch. Hot Chocolate. Again, we didn’t get to enjoy much of the rides during the event, but I find you don’t have the time to experience both rides and the Holiday activities. Disney was able to incorporate the memorable highlights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in a smaller package, but I’ll admit I miss the free snowcones and the wide variety of cookies around the park. I’m hoping Disney brings back the full-length Christmas party and Cinderella Castle’s dream lights some day. I’m really missing those twinkling lights on the Castle, and I’m desperate for Danny to see the same magic as I have one day.
Next up, Disney Springs and Epcot!
Photos by My Hot Boyfriend
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