Ahhh…the Magic Kingdom during Christmas time… The decorations, lights, and special holiday pixie dust that the castle gets makes Mainstreet magical. And if walking down Mainstreet USA isn’t enough to get you into the holiday spirit, I would recommend heading over to these Magic Kingdom attractions for an extra dose of holiday cheer.
Walt Disney World Railroad
When I was a little girl, I had ceramic models of the buildings from Mainstreet USA and Cinderella’s castle. Each Christmas, I would get a new building to add to my collection. These models sat on a shelf collecting dust most of the year. But at Christmas, we put them underneath the tree and constructed our LGB train track to circle around the model of Mainstreet USA. We would position little people around the street and place them in the train.
Boarding the train makes me feel like I am part of that winter wonderland from my childhood imagination. It’s an enchanting experience at anytime of the year, but it is especially amazing during the holiday season.
Jungle / Jingle Cruise
Walt Disney World gives the Jungle Cruise a festive overlay and it magically becomes the Jingle Cruise. This is always a fun start to a holiday celebration at the Magic Kingdom. From the moment I enter the line que and hear Bing Crosby or The Andrews Sisters playing, I am already filled with holiday cheer. The Jingle Cruise has a kitschy vintage feel, which I LOVE!!! The boats are given holiday names like Brrr Bertha and Noel Nellie. Once aboard, be prepared for a pun-filled holiday cruise. Make sure you’re quiet enough to hear the humbug. What sound does it make…”baaah” humbug!
Carousel of Progress
This Disney classic World’s Fair attraction takes us through family holiday celebrations beginning at the turn of the 20th century and ending sometime in the future. It’s this elsewhen future where a family shares their Christmas home with us. This “future” looks pretty dated as if it was a 1980s sitcom about a future Christmas. I have to admit that it makes me a little nostalgic for those cheesy Christmas TV specials. I half expect ALF to pop out from behind the Christmas tree to offer up a neighborhood cat as a suitable substitute to the overcooked turkey.
The narration also stirs warm holiday nostalgia. The voice is provided by Jean Shepherd, the narrator and writer of A Christmas Story. Hearing his voice makes me think of all of the times I’ve watched Ralphie and his Christmas adventures as part of my own family tradition.
BONUS: The People Mover at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
The People Mover at night is a journey around Tomorrowland that offers a great view of the character dance party at Mickey’s Very Merry and the castle.
These are my favorite holiday attractions. What Magic Kingdom attractions do you enjoy during the holidays?
