Spend the Holidays With Mickey at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

The most magical time of the year starts around late October, Halloween, and runs through the beginning of a new year. It's at that time that the weather around the world begins to change and if we're lucky, people's demeanors follow suit. There's little doubt that the 'magic in the air,' appears around the Christmas holiday. Though many feel it has lost its true religious meaning, the birth of Jesus, and rightfully so, we all do agree that commercialism has crept in like the Grinch on Christmas morning. But it's not all bad news. Every year just around the time of Thanksgiving, (around Nov. 13 to Dec. 22) Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, begins their yuletide celebration known as "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party." It includes special holiday decorations throughout The Magic Kingdom, hot chocolate and cookies, (a wonderful gift on cold winter Orlando evenings - yes, it does get cold there sometimes) live seasonal Christmas shows in various parts of the park, character greetings, one of the best fireworks spectacular I've ever seen, and of course, Mickey's Christmas Parade (topped off with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause).

"The happiest place on earth," really knows how to throw a party, including snow on mainstreet. For those that have never visited the park, it's hard to describe. All I can say is, if anything can bring out the child in us all, this time of year at Disney will certainly do the trick. There's something about walking down Mainstreet U.S.A. among the Christmas lights, garland, oversized decorated Christmas tree that seems to reach to the stars, and Cinderella's castle, all the while, changing festive colors in the background. Prices for all theme parks vary so check out their web site www.waltdisneyworld.com

Holiday happenings are not only exclusive to the Magic Kingdom. Epcot offers "Holidays Around The World." This party includes: Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat (Mickey and friends participate in this holiday tradition which includes a selection of international holiday music)

Illuminations - Reflections Of Earth: a nighttime light and sound show at the World Showcase Lagoon featuring a holiday finale, including the song "Let There Be Peace On Earth."

Lights Of Winter: A synchronized light show set to a holiday score that truly is a sight to see as it makes it way around the World Showcase and its various countries

Holiday Storytellers: Santa Claus' from around the world sharing legendary holiday folklore, including France, Italy, Germany and America

Candlelight Processional: This is an unforgettable experience at the American Gardens Theater which features the retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator (I saw Angela Bassett) accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. Celebrities vary year by year. This year Rita Moreno, Brian Dennehy, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Gary Sinise, among others are scheduled to appear.

The Disney-MGM Studios has its own phenomenal spectacular called "The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Lights." Designed by Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne as a gift to his daughter, Breezy, a back lot is transformed into its own Winter Wonderland. It began with over 1000 red lights on their 22,000 square-foot home has evolved into millions of shimmering beacons. It has become a holiday tradition at its new home.

Disney's Animal Kingdom, its newest park, has successfully taken its Jungle safari theme and created its own "Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade." Mickey and friends celebrate the season with traditional holiday music mixed with a world beat twist that will have you jumping and jiving with the spirit of the season. Carolers perform throughout the day in Camp Minnie-Mickey and the Oasis. But don't forget to visit Santa Goofy's Wild Wonderland.

Finally, for those of us who love to shop, and who doesn't around the holidays, there's Downtown Disney and all your favorite stores. There is the nightly lighting of the Christmas tree and don't forget to get that photo with Santa. If it's a show you're in the mood for, a must see is Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba (this is exclusive to Downtown Disney - separate ticket price is required) It's a one-stop holiday shopping location. The stores are beautifully decorated with the lights and sights of the season and the restaurants are second to none.

The must stops include: World Of Disney, Once Upon A Toy, Virgin Megastore, LEGO Imagination Center, Disney's Days Of Christmas, Rainforest Café, Planet Hollywood, The House Of Blues, and Mangos. Connected to the Downtown Area is Pleasure Island. For nighttime entertainment this is an adult's paradise including Dance clubs, Comedy clubs, and a nightly celebration of New Year's Eve. To enter P.I. if you are under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult, anyone 21 or older must have proper I.D. (ticket admission is required)

No matter what your fancy is for the holiday season, it is obvious Walt Disney in Orlando has something for kids of all ages. See you there!