December 2022 Archives - On the Go in MCO

Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida 2022

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit the LEGOLAND Florida Resort with the return of HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND Florida, presented by Hallmark Channel, select dates November 25 through December 31, 2022.

Celebrate the season and build holiday memories with a full lineup of festive entertainment, including new shows, cheerful LEGO décor, merry meet and greets with LEGO characters, tasty holiday treats, and more. Here’s a look at the yuletide fun – all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes.

Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida 2022

NEW! Seasonal Shows and Tree-mendous Entertainment

Jump into the holiday spirit with new seasonal shows and holly jolly entertainment across the park.

Experience all-new festive flurries set to holiday music in LEGO Kingdoms.

Join the King’s Court Carolers as they sing some favorite songs from the merriest time of year.

Rock around the giant 30-foot LEGO Christmas Tree as LEGO City comes to life in a holiday spectacular with exciting music and dazzling lights throughout the evening.

Children can also stop by the North Pole Postal Service to write a letter to LEGO Santa and then watch it arrive at the North Pole on a digital screen.

Festive LEGO Characters and Holiday Builds!

LEGO Santa is coming to town, and he can’t wait to meet families this season.

Be sure to visit his festive friends LEGO Gingerbread Man and LEGO Toy Soldier, as well as Emmet, Lucy, and Unikitty from THE LEGO MOVIE, who will be cheerfully dressed in their holiday attire too!

Oh, what fun guests will have to build merry memories as they explore seasonal builds and photo spots throughout the park, including a life-size LEGO brick sleigh with reindeer and a LEGO holiday wreath!

NEW! Merry Menu of Holiday Dishes

Tis the season for tasty holiday treats like the Holly Jolly Christmas Cake featuring layers of red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, and festive sprinkles.

Spice up the holiday with an order of Granny’s Gingerbread-Spiced Apple Fries with a cookie butter dip.

Enjoy all the comforts of a warm holiday meal in a sandwich with the Merry Berry Turkey Burger featuring a cranberry chipotle aioli.

And save room for the Wintery Peppermint Milkshake, a cool seasonal treat.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration + Fireworks

Get ready to ring in 2023 with Kids’ New Year’s Eve fireworks, nightly December 26-31, 2022.

The kid-friendly celebration starts with a DJ dance party in LEGO Technic, followed by the signature “brick drop” near Lake Eloise and 3D LEGO brick-bursting fireworks at 8 p.m.

The best way to unwrap all this festive fun and experience more can’t-miss events in 2023 is by purchasing an Annual Pass, starting at less than $13/month with a small down payment.

Annual Passholders will be among the first to ride the all-new Pirate River Quest, setting sail on January 12. Discover swashbuckling adventures during PirateFest Weekends, select dates in January and February.

And don’t miss the biggest sale of the year for Black Friday with deep discounts on Annual Passes, vacation packages, and tickets. Learn more at LEGOLANDFlorida.com.

Christmas Magic at Pirates Dinner Adventure

Santa’s sleigh brought him all the way from the North Pole to Central Florida to celebrate the holidays at Pirates Dinner Adventure!

If you’re looking for a new tradition, the whole family will love, prepare for a jolly good time and a swashbuckling adventure.

Starting November 25, Pirates Dinner Adventure will be spreading Christmas cheer with special holiday offerings through Dec. 31. Guests can experience the action, romance, and excitement of the classic dinner show with a holiday overlay featuring Christmas music and a ship-side visit from a special guest at the end of the show.

During the post-show Buccaneer Bash, guests can party with pirates and take pictures with the Jolly Old Elf himself! A special photo package will be available for purchase.

The attraction’s adult-only, burlesque-inspired show, Teatro Martini, is also getting in the holiday spirit with its own festive overlay throughout the season. Teatro Martini features some of the world’s top performers in various arts, including aerial, comedy, magic, and more.

“The holidays are a magical time in Central Florida and we know Pirates Dinner Adventure will be the perfect place to make new memories with the whole family,” said Amber Valois, sales and marketing manager for the attraction. “We also have Teatro Martini, which is a special show for couples and adults who don’t want to miss out on the holiday fun as well. From the festive shows to classic photos with Santa, you can’t miss our one-of-a-kind holiday experiences!”

Pirates Dinner Adventure’s general admission includes a three-course dinner with unlimited soft drinks.

Ticket prices for the Christmas show are $67.95 for adults and $41.95 for children three to 10. Kids two and under are free.

The show runs Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 6 p.m.

Call 407-206-5102 or click here to book.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration 2022

Gather your family and join all your festive friends at the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration, on select dates, November 11, 2022, through Jan. 3, 2023.

See the park transformed into a sea of winter wonder with millions of beautiful lights, entertainment for the entire family, delicious dishes, and much more!

The best gift is that access to all this holiday cheer is included with your park admission!

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration 2022

Explore this holiday celebration, where you can taste decadent holiday treats and find perfect gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Shows & Entertainment

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration 2019 — SeaWorld Orlando

O Wondrous Night: Hear the greatest story never told with over 30 carols, life-size puppets, and live animals in this signature show that will charm, entertain and delight people from all walks of life.

The Sesame Street Christmas Parade features fantastic, festively decorated floats with show-stopping performances that celebrate the magic of the holiday season! The whole family will experience an energetic Christmas celebration with Sesame Street friends, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie, and more. Your family is sure to sing, dance, and be merry with their favorite furry friends!

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration 2021

Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show: Join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families will surely sing and dance while watching this fun holiday show.

Winter Wonderland On Ice: Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels, and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in a show-stopping ice skating extravaganza. A sea of sparkling trees and towering fountains dancing in the background come together to create a don’t-miss experience for the holidays that the entire family will enjoy.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration Sea of Trees — SeaWorld Orlando

Sea of Trees: Take a walk through a wintery, watery wonderland and immerse yourself in the expansive holiday Sea of Trees located in SeaWorld’s lagoon. The glistening forest sparkles to music and lights up the water—and your eyes, with 360-degree views from around the park. As the lights dance to holiday classics, your heart will soar with wonder and delight at this truly awe-inspiring Christmas treat. Plus, a magnificent centerpiece towers 70 feet above the water.

Holiday Reflections – Fireworks Finale: Each Christmas Celebration night, SeaWorld celebrates the season during Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale, featuring dazzling lights and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites. Experience an amazing SeaWorld Christmas connection that illuminates the night sky. At Park Close on Christmas Celebration nights.

Holiday Meet and Greets

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Returning for another year of festive fun, guests can immerse themselves in the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s Christmas Town. Stroll past life-size storybook vignettes featuring the classic tale, and meet beloved characters, including Rudolph and Bumble.

Photos with Santa at the Waterfront: SeaWorld invites you and yours to meet the Arctic’s most famous resident…Santa Claus.

Delicious Dining

Throughout SeaWorld Orlando, delicious culinary delights await you and your family on a Christmas Treat Trail!

The SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration has a trail of 14 stations where you snack on scrumptious holiday treats and enjoy a holiday-themed beverage.

Christmas Food Facilities open at 5:00 p.m.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast

Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast: Join your favorite furry friends for a fun-filled holiday breakfast feast. The whole family will enjoy the tasty breakfast menu options while your Sesame Street friends dance, sing, and mingle with guests for hugs and photos. You won’t want to miss out on this festive dining experience this holiday season! (Adults $32.99 – Children 3 to 9 $16.99)

Walt Disney World Holiday Celebrations

The holidays are just around the corner, and the theme parks of Central Florida will be filled with more merriment and festivities than ever before, with new celebrations joining fan-favorite events.

November 2016 at Walt Disney World — Photo: Walt Disney World – Ryan Wendler, photographer

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort will be filled with holiday fun as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns on select nights through December 22, 2022.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event with exclusive entertainment, a jolly parade, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, new Disney PhotoPass opportunities, merchandise, characters, treats, and so much more!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets are limited and can be purchased on the Walt Disney World website, with prices ranging from $149 to $199 per person.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event dates are:

November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29
December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Take part in holiday traditions, sights, sounds, and flavors from around the world during the annual EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays from November 25 through Dec. 30, 2022.

Guests will get wrapped up in the holiday fun experiencing storytellers, musical acts, performers, and “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season,” a stirring and uplifting music performance in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa, daily.

Throughout the park, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Kitchens will be serving traditional and inspired recipes, festive drinks, and sweet treats for all to enjoy.

Most EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays performances and activities are included with theme park admission. Valid Admission and Park Pass Reservation for the same Park on the same date are required.

Candlelight Processional

EPCOT will welcome back the iconic “Candlelight Processional” nightly at the America Gardens Theatre.

This moving retelling of the Christmas story features celebrity narrators accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a cappella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets, and glorious massed choirs comprised of Disney cast members and Central Florida community groups.

This year’s lineup of award-winning actors, singers, and TV personalities features several new celebrity narrators making their debut alongside returning fan-favorite celebrity narrators.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Tinsel Town takes on a new meaning as the holidays arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade, a festive finale to “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” holiday glamour on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and festive touches in Toy Story Land.

Sunset Seasons Greetings is the perfect way to add holiday magic to an evening as guests watch the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel transform into holiday scenes inspired by a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and more.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Holidays are WILD at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with animal-inspired décor including beautiful luminaries on Discovery Island, holiday cheer brought to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by ex-pats from Earth, and specialty treats.

The highlight of any holiday trip to the park is the Merry Menagerie of life-sized, artisan-sculpted puppets of winter animals and musicians interacting with guests exploring Discovery Island.

After dark, watch the Tree of Life awaken as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by holiday-inspired music.

Disney Springs

Shop, sip, and stroll through Disney Springs enjoying specialty food & beverage options, decorations, flurries of snow, and entertainment to ring in the holiday season.

If you are looking for character-inspired cheer, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, located throughout Disney Springs, leads guests on a scavenger hunt to find features festively decorated trees for a special surprise.

At the end of a shopping spree, head over to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar for limited-time holiday-themed sips and snacks to get into the season’s spirit.

Holiday Merriment at the Univeral Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort guests can take the merriment of the destination’s Holidays celebration to the next level with additional festive experiences on select dates from November 12 through January 1, 2023.

Universal Orlando guests can enjoy exclusive guided tours on Universal’s Holiday Tour this holiday season and encounter the mean, green one himself, the Grinch while enjoying a delicious breakfast during the popular The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Wizarding World

Plus, guests can enjoy a spectacular slate of holiday festivities, including special dining, décor, and entertainment across all eight Universal Orlando hotels.

Universal Orlando Holiday Highlights

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays Save The Dates

Universal’s Holiday Tour

On select dates, guests can enjoy a guided tour filled with unique experiences and special access to the beloved holiday entertainment taking place across Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, such as:

Meeting the maven of mischief, the Grinch, and his faithful dog, Max, while enjoying a delicious hot cocoa bar with small bites and desserts at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Access to reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” in Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Grinchmas Cast

Enjoying a meet-and-greet and photo opp with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida (includes one digital download photo)
Capping off the night in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure with an exclusive, after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by the beloved “Harry Potter” stories brought to life on the majestic Hogwarts castle.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Universals's Islands of Adventure Holidays 2019

Universal’s Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 13 through January 1, 2023, and can be booked by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

Pricing starts at $79.99 (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park ticket is required.

Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a $10 discount per ticket per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-346-9350 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EDT daily or by visiting the UOAP Lounge in Universal Studios Florida.

Regular Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply.

Universal Orlando Holidays The Grinch and Friends Breakfast

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

The popular dining experience, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, is back this year for Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration – allowing guests to start their day with a delicious breakfast and appearances by some of their favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including the Grinch.

Guests also receive access to one digital download photo as a keepsake from their encounter with the Grinch during this special opportunity.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure on select dates from November 12 through December 29, 2022, and can be booked by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

Pricing for this experience is $41.99 (plus tax) for adults and $26.99 (plus tax) for children, and separate theme park admission is required.

Annual and Seasonal Passholders can take advantage of a 20% discount on the dining experience’s ticketed price when purchased in person at the front gate or a Guest Services location with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. Regular Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply.

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Hotel Decorations

The Holiday Festivities Continue at Universal’s Hotels

The awesomest celebration of the season continues at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, complete with festive décor that perfectly complements each hotel’s theme, feasts, and special activities filled with holiday cheer for the whole family.

Universal hotel guests can enjoy special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays, menorah lighting ceremonies, holiday crafts for kids, and more.

Select hotels offer additional holiday entertainment, including Christmas tree lightings, strolling carolers, and more.

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's Santa

Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration kicks off Saturday, November 12, and runs daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023, and features an amazing collection of festivities that range from traditional merriments to irreverent twists on holiday classics – including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and live concerts by Mannheim Steamroller (on select nights).

Guests can now take advantage of incredible offers to experience all the fun, including getting four days of theme park thrills for the price of a two-day ticket with the “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free” offer or saving 30% on a special vacation package that includes five-night accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel, five days of access to Universal Orlando’s theme parks and exclusive hotel benefits.

For more information about the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

Christmas Nights in Lights to Debut in Orlando

Christmas Nights in Lights, an all-new seasonal attraction, will debut its affordable holiday fun for all ages this November at Dezerland Park on International Drive.

“After a successful eight-year run in Mobile, Alabama, we are excited to bring our attraction to Central Florida residents and business and leisure visitors from around the globe,” said Ari Rosenbaum, president, MSEG, the presenting partner of Christmas Nights in Lights. “The advance-reservation option makes it convenient and easy for guests to fit this experience into their busy holiday schedules.”

Christmas Nights in Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light show fully synchronized to popular holiday classics tuned directly to each vehicle’s car stereo on a private radio frequency.

The all-new seasonal attraction will take guests through a showcase of holiday displays and more than 1.5 million “dancing” lights.

Guests never have to exit their cars; they can simply sit back, relax, and take in the spectacle of the synchronized light show before them.

MSEG plans to establish Christmas Nights in Lights as a festive staple of the Central Florida-themed attraction circuit.

Added Rosenbaum, “Whenever we experience the magic of the holiday season, we all become kids again. We are looking forward to seeing all the smiling and awestruck faces of both children and the young at heart at our not-to-be-missed attraction.

The attraction will be open from November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023, 6-11 p.m., rain or shine.

Per vehicle, admission starts at $45. Tickets to reserve a one-hour time window visit www.nightsinlights.com.

Dezerland Park is located at 5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819; entry off West Oak Ridge Road into the parking lot is recommended.

Give Kids The World’s Night of a Million Lights 2022

Give Kids The World’s Night of a Million Lights is back for its third year in a spectacular new venue – with more pizzazz, sparkle, and excitement than ever before!!!

From November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023, Island H2O Water Park in Kissimmee, FL, will be transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of lights, luminous displays, festive family activities, and live entertainment for a one-of-a-kind, fully immersive holiday experience.

“It’s an honor to help Give Kids The World deliver happiness and hope to critically ill children and their families by hosting Central Florida’s most popular new holiday tradition at Island H2O Water Park,” said Island H2O General Manager Jim Kunau. “We invite the entire community to join us at Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O for 52 nights of family fun, live performances, delicious food and holiday cheer, while helping to make wishes come true for families in our community and around the world.”

Nightly entertainment will include Dueling Pianos, Jingle and Jangle performances, and strolling a cappella group Santa’s Dancing Reindeer, with DJ Jack Frost Ice Block Party leading an interactive holiday hits dance party.

Tickets are on sale now at www.gktw.org/lights/, enabling guests to stroll throughout the property to view the lights; watch an all-new dancing lights show on a five-story waterslide; visit an interactive children’s holiday activities space; interact with strolling performers; explore themed lightscapes, and create priceless holiday memories during visits with Santa…all for a wonderful cause.

Proceeds from Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O will again benefit Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, the whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost.

Discounts are available for groups of 25 or more and Island H2O Water Park season pass holders. VIP experiences, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities are also available.

Previously held on-site at Give Kids The World Village, Night of a Million Lights has been relocated this year to accommodate the influx of wish families to the Village – elevating the resort to pre-COVID occupancy levels.

“It has been a privilege to welcome in the public for a glimpse into our storybook Village during the holidays the past two years. However, in order to preserve the life-changing experience we provide to wish families as increased numbers of guests are able to visit, we have made the decision to move Night of a Million Lights off-site – and truly appreciate Island H2O Water Park’s generosity, hospitality and support,” said Give Kids The World President & CEO Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to joining with Island H2O, sponsors, volunteers and community members to celebrate the season of joy and giving while making an immeasurable impact on the families we serve.”

Island H2O Water Park is located at 3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747. For information about Night of a Million Lights sponsorships, volunteer engagement, or vendor opportunities, visit www.gktw.org/lights.

Central Florida Zoo Hosts Asian Lantern Festival

One of the most anticipated and beloved holiday events of 2021 is back for another year of magic at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

The Zoo today announced that the dazzling displays of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild will return on select nights from November 18, 2022, to January 15, 2023. And this year, a new name will be up in the light. Publix has been announced as the festival’s presenting sponsor.

Central Florida Zoo Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild Holidays

“This is a cornerstone event for us at the Central Florida Zoo,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “It’s dazzling, fun and educational. It’s a true community event, and partnering with Publix just made sense. We’re excited to have them and thrilled to offer those in Central Florida the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular event again.”

The festival features dozens of larger-than-life, hand-crafted lanterns that are lit by thousands of LED lights, resulting in a gorgeous display of color, light, and sound that celebrates traditional Asian lantern festivals.

The lanterns are situated on a 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo, providing a truly unique take on a holiday lights show that will leave attendees clamoring to come back again and again with friends and family.

This is the third year for the festival, which started in 2019 and was not held in 2020. Last year, almost all nights of the event hit capacity. Nearly all of the lanterns will be new to the festival this year, so past attendees will have plenty to capture their senses.

This is the first year Publix is sponsoring the event.

“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild Series coming to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens,” said Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager. “At Publix, we have a history of caring for our customers, associates and communities. We are excited to sponsor an event for the entire family to enjoy this holiday season.”

The festival is presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. For more information about the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org.