Booked today for christmas, THIS Christmas!

[Nina A]

Congratulations on deciding to go for it after such a tough time, it sounds as though you all deserve a treat and this should be just the tonic you need.

Unfortunately we've never been fortunate to be in the area over Christmas itself but the lead up to it is just as exciting and really gets you in the Christmas mood. Plus it's a really great place for Chrismas shopping.

My 'must see' would be ICE at Gaylord Palms. It's a spectacular winter wonderland made from ice carved by artisans from China and as Sunandfun said the hotel itself is stunningly decorated. The ticket includes a free hot chocolate which is a good oportunity to look round and enjoy some of the free entertainment. For more ideas if this link is allowed try http://www.christmasinorlando.com

It also 'snows' several times nightly at Celebration, so it's another place worth visiting. The homes all have amazing decorations so a drive round the streets is also well worth doing. The only problem you'll have is trying to fit everything in in the time!

Have a brilliant holiday and I hope 2009 will be a great year for you and your family.

[mistert]

Christmas in Orlando is what got us hooked! And then we bought a villa!

It's amazing walking around the parks in shorts & T-shirt with Christmas music playing. All the Theme parks will be decorated so a visit to any of them will be special. Parks will be VERY BUSY Christmas Day and New Years Eve. They often shut the gates mid morning.

If you paln to see ICE at a weekend you will need to pre-book timed tickets. During the week it may not be necessary - check the Gaylord Palms website.

If the weather stays nice why not have a day at the beach - again quite surreal sunbathing on Boxing Day!

Hope you have a great time - I'm sure you will.

[orlandodaze]

Have a ball . When we were leaving last weekend they were just starting to decorate the Mall of Millenia . The centre part was full decorated and the wonderful tree was half way decorated . It promises to be magic, Maceys also had their shop all set up , Ross had lots of lovely goodies for Christmas . I just wish i had more space to take more stuff home.
We have never been at Christmas but would love to try it some time , it really sounds terrific.

[steph_goodrum]

Olive
You really must try it. We're going back again this year. Once the children are older and Christmas at home doesn't have the same sort of magic (well fur hubby at least, I still love it), it sort of gets rediscovered when you get to Orlando.

[mfairhurst]

Olive you will enjoy it as we all do any time of the year but more so at Christmas as the homes are lit up and we like to go to Celebration to see the snow in the streets it may not be real but it is lovely to see the children making snowballs and throwing them at parents .
We have a meal there as well and make a lovely night of it .
Enjoy your time there and it is warmer than UK [msnsmile2]
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx

[ShirleyCottam]

Have a great time!

The parks look absolutely fantastic all dressed up for Christmas, espacially the Osbourne lights. It just takes your breath away[msnsmile2]

Have fun!

[carrie]

To Sunandfun and anyone else who has the answer, you mentioned small towns outside orlando you visited at christmas, which towns werethey please, we're just abot to search for a vila to book, not till 2010 but the wait will be worth it.
Carrie

[Solana]

You will have such a great time, you will all turn back into children and forget your cares for a while.
Book for a leisurely Xmas day lunch, I wouldn't even consider the parks Xmas day.
If you are going on 20th try to get in a couple of parks on your first few days. Then enjoy the area, the houses decorated, the atmosphere and try going up to St Augustine, a little old town on the east coast it's alovely day out.
Sometimes last minute is what you need.

[lafifille]

You did the right thing [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]!!!!

[Jules]

Have a great time [high5]