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Devine Fairytale

A Magical Lifestyle Blog and Theme Park Travel Expert

Categories: Travel

Visiting Hawaii? Keep These Things in Mind!

A lot of thought and care needs to be put into planning a trip to Hawaii. There are some things to keep in mind as you go into the planning process as well as during the trip. If you’re planning on visiting Hawaii, this is for you!

Visiting Hawaii pink sunset with palm tree

Staying on One Island vs. Island Hopping

As you’d imagine there are pros for each of these options. Single island itineraries are easier to plan and can be less hectic. Since all of your time will be spent in one place, it will allow for full immersion into all the island has to offer. Plus, you won’t have to deal with inter-island flights and packing up and moving during your stay. On the flip side, hopping can help if you’d like to experience as much of the state as possible in one trip. You’ll be able to compare the offerings and vibes on each island.

Figure Out Which Island Fits Your Style

There are eight major islands that make up Hawaii. The most frequented are Oahu, Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. Each island has a unique culture, history, landscape, vibe, and variety of things to do and see. Choose Oahu if you are looking for an island with a city vibe that’s near a beach – Honolulu, Waikiki, etc. Think lively bars, nightlife, shopping, and dining. Maui is for those who want a tropical paradise with a little of everything – beaches, hikes, volcanoes, rainforests, resorts, and nightlife. The Big Island is known for its multiple climates and abundance of natural attractions, including Volcanoes National Park. Kauai is known as “the Garden Isle” and for good reason. Its lush landscapes make it a perfect escape for those looking for a more outdoor and active vibe.

Have a Budget

Your trip will likely have several components – air, hotel, transportation, activities, and food. Keep in mind that Hawaii isn’t exactly cheap. Try to come into the planning process with a number in mind and do your best to stick to it. A solid budget will help in the recommendation process and final creation of an itinerary that meets your specific needs.

Book in Advance

The most critical components of a trip to Hawaii (or anywhere, actually) are your flights and hotel. Pricing for both is subject to change at any time and is usually based on supply and demand. Typically, the earlier you book the better. Once your dates are solidified and options selected, place a deposit, or complete the booking! If you’re considering travel during a peak time, this is even MORE important.

Plan Activities Ahead of Time

Do NOT wait until you’ve arrived at your destination to book tours and excursions. Put together your must-do list and purchase your tickets ahead of time. Some of the most popular attractions sell out ahead of time. This will also help you with sticking to your budget.

Know What to Pack

Think about your trip and what it involves. It can help in determining what to pack. For the most part, the vibe in Hawaii is relaxed, but if you have more active things planned (hikes, biking, etc.) you want to make sure to pack for that. I am sure that if you have a hike planned, you don’t want to forget your boots. Sandals for most other times are perfect.

A light jacket is recommended for wind and rain. This is especially important if you will be spending lengthy amounts of time on the summits of Haleakala on Maui or Maunakea on the island of Hawaii, or camping in higher elevations like Upcountry Maui or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

If you want that golden glow while in Hawaii, tan slowly with a high SPF sunscreen. Make sure you are using reef-safe sunscreen to help prevent bleaching of coral and other damage to the islands’ ocean habitat. Also, protect yourself with a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Prepare for the Weather

Weather in The Hawaiian Islands is pretty consistent, with only minor changes in temperature throughout the year. There are really only two seasons in Hawaii: summer (kau) from May to October and winter (hooilo) from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85° F (29.4° C), while the average daytime winter temperature is 78° F (25.6° C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10° F lower than during the daytime.

Getting There and Other Transportation

For the most part, your options are pretty limited on how you get to Hawaii. You can come by boat or by air, and that’s about it. Either method of transportation is fine, but we personally prefer to arrive by air- and that’s an understatement! A long cruise can spoil the joys of arriving on Hawaii’s shores, as the journey simply takes too long. There is something to be said about that built-up anticipation of just waiting to step foot on the island, and a flight is the best way to do just that. Although, traveling from the east coast is still quite the trek.

I would recommend a rental car, but at the end of the day, that is your call. If the thought of driving in an unknown place with heavy traffic (especially on Oahu) and sometimes expensive parking (even at hotels) doesn’t appeal to you, there are also transfers and ride share options. I personally prefer the freedom of having your own transportation while exploring the islands and not having to rely on someone else or follow their schedule.

EACH ISLAND HAS AN AIRPORT:

Oahu (HNL), Maui (OGG), Kauai (LIH), Kona on the Big Island (KOA), Hilo on the Big Island (ITO).

Top Excursion Ideas for Visiting Hawaii

  • Hike Diamond Head on Oahu
  • Visit Pearl Harbor on Oahu
  • Travel the Road to Hana on Maui
  • Spend the day at Haleakala National Park on Maui
  • Whale Watching on Maui (November through May)
  • Sail and Snorkel at the Na Pali Coast on Kauai
  • See Waimea Canyon on Kauai
  • Visit Volcanos National Park on the Big Island
  • See the Maunakea Volcano on the Big Island
  • Attend a Luau on any island
  • Take a Helicopter Tour on any island

Hopefully these tidbits were helpful as you consider travel to Hawaii. If you keep these things top of mind as you go into the planning process, and certainly as you’re getting ready for the most exciting part – the trip itself – you are sure to have a great time!

Categories: Seasonal, Summer, Travel

How to Plan a Beach Vacation

It’s almost summer time and you know what that means – longer days, the kids are out of school, and of course, a trip to the beach. Whether you’re going for a nice, long summer vacation or just a quick weekend getaway, a day at the beach can be ruined if you’re not prepared before you get there.

Out of Office Sun Hat with pink water bottle and pink sunglasses for how to plan a beach vacation blog post

Here are a few tips to help you plan a beach vacation, plus a list of some essential beach day items to bring with you. You’ll be able to soak up all of the sunshine since you are prepared!

Planning for Your Trip

Planning a trip anywhere can be overwhelming, especially when you’re planning for an entire family. There are some basic questions to ask or research prior to leaving home that make the process a little bit smoother.

The Rules of the Beach

First, find out if the beach has any specific rules or restrictions. Does the beach have specific hours? If there are lifeguards present on site, there is most likely a window of time that they are there. This is great information to know, especially if you have little ones.

Are dogs allowed on the beach? This is important to know for a couple of reasons. First, perhaps you’d like to bring your own furry friend along for the day. Or, if someone in your group is afraid of dogs, it’s a good idea to know if there may be dogs present. It’s a simple thing, but can also help you reduce the risk of a meltdown on your vacation.

And, take note of any item restrictions. For example, boogie boards, floatation devices, or pool noodles may not be allowed.

Driving & Parking

Another thing to consider when you’re planning your trip is what parking is available. Are you able to drive on or park on the beach itself? Even if you don’t want to drive on the beach, it’s good to know if people will be driving larger vehicles where small children are running around.

Is there a designated beach parking lot? Do you have to pay to park there, or is it free? You don’t want to end up at the beach needing cash and not having it. No one wants to have to make a trip to the ATM before hitting the water.

And finally, how far will you need to walk from your car to the sand? If you’re in a water front hotel, how far do you need to walk to get to the water? Perhaps it’s better to walk from your hotel to the beach? If you’ll be carrying a lot of items, you may want to consider a wagon or extra large tote to make it a little easier to get there. Make sure to find out if you need to cross any busy streets. If you know this before leaving your car or hotel, you can prevent kids from running ahead and potentially into traffic.

What’s Near the Beach

Sure, you know you’re visiting the beach. But knowing the surrounding area is never a bad idea. Where is the nearest public bathroom? If you’re not packing lunch, research your food options. And while you absolutely need to pack a first aid kit, make a note of the nearby drugstores. Better to be safe than sorry!

Plan Your Day

The last part of your beach day plan should be figuring out a basic plan for the day. Know ahead of time when you want to head out. Going early in the morning means you’ll get your pick of the best spots on the sand, and it won’t be as hot out.

Don’t forget about the sun. While sunscreen is a must, it could also be helpful to split up the day to avoid being outside for the sun’s strongest rays. You could head to the beach in the morning, and then head back in for lunch or a nap, then head back out. Or, maybe you’d like to spend the morning at the hotel pool or do some sightseeing and head to the beach later in the afternoon.

Breaking up the day like this is a great idea for sun safety, but it’s also a way to keep the kids engaged in what you’re doing. You don’t want to plan an 8 hour beach day only to hear “I’m bored,” by hour 3!

What to Pack for the Beach

Now that you’ve planned your trip, it’s time to pack.

Beach Day Essentials

Make sure you have sunglasses (and maybe an extra pair), a hat, a cover-up, and your favorite insulated water bottle. Is the beach known to have a lot of rocks or shells? Maybe you need watershoes to protect your feet. Make sure you protect your electronic devices. Waterproof cases are great for your expensive cell phone, but a simple ziplock bag or Stasher bag works as well.

  • Insulated Water Bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Layers/Coverup/UPF shirts
  • Watershoes
  • Waterproof Phone Case or Ziplock or Stasher Bag

Then there’s the group essentials. You’ll want plenty of towels (always bring extra!), a beach blanket or chair, an umbrella, a bag for wet towels, and most importantly, a first aid kit and sunscreen. While you should apply sunscreen before going outside, you need to remember to reapply several times throughout the day when you’re at the beach. This is so important!

It’s also a good idea to pack a portable speaker. Make sure if you do, to keep the volume at a level that won’t disturb the other beach-goers around you.

Here is one of my best tips…bring baby powder! I know it sounds crazy, but sprinkle some on your feet and the sand will magically fall off.

If you’re bringing toys and/or floaties for the kids, it’s a good idea to keep them all in one place and separate from everything else. That way, the kids know where to get their toys, but they also won’t get sand all over your clean towels.

  • Towels
  • Beach Blanket/Chair
  • Umbrella
  • Bag for Wet Towels and Clothes
  • Lots of Sunscreen
  • Wet Wipes
  • First Aid Kit
  • Portable Speaker
  • Baby Powder
  • Floaties
  • Toys

Snacks & Drinks

Even if you’re only going for a couple of hours, always pack some food and drinks. Grab a cooler and load it up with hydrating drinks, especially water. Sports drinks or juice boxes are great additions too. Skip the soda – staying hydrated is super important when you’re out in the sun. You know I love Liquid I.V. and it’s a perfect item to bring with you to the beach! You can save 25% when you use my code DEVINEFAIRYTALE to save on their website.

The food you bring should be easy to pack and easy to eat. Things like pretzels, popcorn, chips and salsa, veggies and humus, granola bars, cheese and crackers (or cheese sticks for kids!) are all perfect for a day at the beach. If you’re going to be on the sand all day, packing something more substantial like sandwiches or wraps would be an easy thing to prep ahead of time to bring with you. Bringing your own lunch or snacks will help to make sure you have healthy options and not spend so much money.

Beach Snack Ideas Graphic

No matter where you’re going, or when, you’re sure to have a fun and relaxing beach day if you follow these tips!

Categories: Disney, Travel

Guide to Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2022

One of my favorite festivals is the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival in the spring. I love seeing the park in full bloom and all of the beautiful topiaries inspired by our favorite Disney characters. They are truly a work of art!

If you know anything about the festivals, then you know a big part of the fun is the special food and drinks available at the special festival booths. If you’re planning on checking out this year’s Flower and Garden Festival, I have a FREE checklist you can download of all of food and drink items!

Check out this guide to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival for 2022.

Sleeping Beauty topiary at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

When is the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival?

This festival begins in the Spring, typically beginning the first weekend of March. The festival will run from March 2nd through July 4th for 2022. I love that they have extended the dates so there is even more time to enjoy it.

Topiaries

There are many Disney characters in topiary form you can find throughout the park. Here is a list of the 2022 topiaries:

  • Goofy Topiary featuring a Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration Cake – Main Entrance
  • Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, Brooms, Ostriches, Hippo and Gator – Entrance to World Showcase
  • Woody, Bo Peep and Her Sheep – near The Land Pavilion
  • Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Huey, Dewey and Louie – Bridge to World Showcase
  • Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – The American Adventure Pavilion
  • Buzz Lightyear – near Mission: SPACE
  • Figment – near Imagination!
  • The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald, and Panchito) – Mexico Pavilion
  • Anna and Elsa – Norway Pavilion
  • Troll – Norway Pavilion
  • Dragon – Japan Pavilion near Torii Gate
  • Pandas – China Pavilion
  • Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi) – Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
  • Pumbaa and Timon – Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Germany Pavilion
  • Lady and the Tramp – Italy Pavilion
  • Beauty and the Beast – France Pavilion
  • Lumiere and Cogsworth – France Pavilion
  • Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy – Germany Pavilion
  • Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Tick Tock Croc  – Between the United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions
  • Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger) – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Bambi and Friends – near Imagination!

Gardens

There are many special garden areas set up just for the festival. Many of these also have educational components where you can learn new information about the plants, animals, and insects that are featured. Here is the list for 2022:

  • Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy (NEW) – World Showcase Bridge
  • Outdoor Escapes Presented by OFF!® Repellents – World Discovery
  • Floating Gardens – World Nature
  • Festival Blooms – World Celebration
  • Bambi’s Butterfly House – World Nature near Imagination!
  • The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® – Rosewalk near Imagination!
  • Health Full Trail Presented by AdventHealth – Imagination! Walkway
  • Tropical Rainforest Garden – Mexico Pavilion
  • Extraordinary Orchids – Mexico Pavilion
  • Bold Bromeliads – World Nature by The Land Pavilion
  • China Zodiac Garden – China Pavilion
  • Bamboo Garden – China Pavilion
  • Alpine Miniature Garden – Germany Pavilion
  • Garden Italiano – Italy Pavilion
  • Kokedema Garden – Japan Pavilion
  • Bonsai Collection – Japan Pavilion
  • Spice Garden – Morocco Pavilion
  • France Bouquet Garden (NEW) – France
  • English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings®
  • Shakespeare Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Prehistoric Garden – World Discovery near Mission: SPACE
  • Green Landing Family Play Zone featuring WALL-E – World Discovery

Please note that some of these gardens close at dusk, so you may not be able to view them if you’re only visiting Epcot at night.

Food and Drinks at the Outdoor Kitchens

The festival features exclusive menus at Outdoor Kitchens throughout the entire theme park. The Outdoor Kitchens are generally open each day from 11:00 am until park close. Below is a list of the options for 2022:

  • Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market – Germany Pavilion
  • Cider House – Located Near the United Kingdom Pavilion
  • The Citrus Blossom – Near Port of Entry
  • EPCOT Farmer’s Feast – Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet®
    • Early Bloom Menu – March 2 through April 9, 2022
    • Springtime Menu – April 10 through May 21, 2022
    • Summer Solstice Menu – May 22 through July 4, 2022
  • EPCOT Sunshine Griddle – Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet®
  • Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth – Between Imagination! and Refreshment Port
  • Fleur de Lys – France Pavilion
  • Hanami – Japan Pavilion
  • The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® – Near Port of Entry
  • Jardin de Fiestas – Mexico Pavilion
  • La Isla Fresca – Between Morocco and France
  • Lotus House – China Pavilion
  • Magnolia Terrace – American Adventure Pavilion
  • Northern Bloom – Canada Pavilion
  • Pineapple Promenade – Near Port of Entry
  • Primavera Kitchen – Italy Pavilion
  • Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco Pavilion
  • Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible™ – Near Disney Traders

Additionally, these year round stops are featuring special festival menu options in addition to their regular menus:

  • Funnel Cake – Between the American Adventure Pavilion and Japan Pavilion
  • Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – Throughout Epcot
  • World Discovery – Near Mission: SPACE
  • World Showcase – Near Disney Traders
  • The American Adventure Pavilion
  • Canada Pavilion
  • Refreshment Outpost – Between the China Pavilion and Germany Pavilion
  • Refreshment Port – Near Canada Pavilion

Garden Graze

Try out select Festival dishes and collect a matching stamp in your Festival Passport (you can pick one up at the park entrance, shops, or some outdoor kitchens) for each of the specially notated menu items. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring your completed Passport to the Pineapple Promenade to collect a special Festival exclusive treat!

Garden Rocks Concert Series

Check out the special concert series taking place at the American Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion.

  • The Guess Who – March 4 & 5
  • Rick Springfield – March 6 & 7
  • Melina León – March 11 & 12
  • CeCe Winans -March 13 & 14
  • Mike DelGuidice – March 18 & 19
  • Kool & The Gang – March 20 & 21
  • The Orchestra starring former members of ELO – March 25 to 28
  • The Spinners – April 1 & 2
  • The Pointer Sisters – April 3 & 4
  • Blue October – April 8 & 9
  • TBD – April 10 & 11
  • Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the band BOSTON – April 15 & 16
  • Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles – April 17 & 18
  • STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas – April 22 & 23
  • Claudia Leitte – April 24 & 25
  • Berlin – April 29 & 30
  • TobyMac – May 1 & 2
  • Blood, Sweat & Tears – May 6 & 7
  • The Commodores – May 8 & 9
  • Ambrosia with Peter Beckett – May 13 & 14
  • TBD – May 15 & 16
  • A Flock of Seagulls – May 20 & 21
  • Collin Raye – May 22 & 23
  • Thelma Houston – May 27 & 28
  • Little River Band – May 29 & 30
  • Simple Plan – June 3 to 6
  • Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone – June 10 to 13
  • Plain White T’s – June 17 to 20
  • TBD – June 24 & 25
  • TBD – June 26 & 27

The TBD dates should be filled in soon and I’ll update when they are announced.

Showtimes are typically 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:00 pm.

Guests typically begin to line up well before the showtime in order to get the best seats. General seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Garden Rocks Dining Packages

In order to guarantee a seat, you can make a dining reservation in advance for one of the Garden Rocks Dining Packages. You can dine for lunch or dinner with a special reservation at one of the participating restaurants and you’ll receive a special voucher for priority seating for the showtime selected.

Choose from these four locations:

  • Biergarten Restaurant – Germany Pavilion
  • Coral Reef Restaurant – The Living Seas
  • Garden Grill Restaurant – The Land Pavilion
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room – United Kingdom Pavilion

Each package includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert OR one full buffet (where applicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage. One guaranteed seat per person to one Garden Rocks concert performance on the same day; the concert time will be assigned at the time of booking is included as well.

It does not include tax or gratuity.

Special Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Event Merchandise

There are several new merchandise collections debuting this year.

  • Mickey Mouse Home Garden
  • Orange Bird
  • Figment’s Garden
  • Spike the Bee

There will also be some Passholder exclusive items available to purchase.

Some of the items will eventually be available to purchase on ShopDisney.

Fun for Kids

Follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail for a fun springtime scavenger hunt. Purchase Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration map and stickers at select merchandise locations and keep your little ones occupied as you explore the festival. Once you have completed the scavenger hunt, return the completed map to Disney Traders or World Traveler to collect a special surprise. The cost is $9.99 +tax.

Tips for Your Visit

Make sure you have a valid ticket and a park pass reservation if you are planning a visit to the Flower and Garden Festival.

Want to set a budget for how much you spend at the Outdoor Kitchens? Purchase a Disney Gift Card for the budgeted amount. During the Festival, they will have gift cards that you can wear on your wrist for easy access too.

Categories: Disney, Travel

Disney World Height Requirements Guide

Visiting Disney World is often a dream come true for kids and adults alike. But, if you are traveling with small children, you might encounter some challenges when it comes to height restrictions on rides at Walt Disney World. To help with your planning, let’s talk about the Disney World height requirements.

While Disney tries to accommodate all guests, they do have certain height requirements for each of their popular rides. So, before your family sets out on a trip to Orlando, create a list of the must-do rides for kids, and be sure to choose one that has a minimum height requirement that everyone in your family can meet.

Disney World Height Requirements with Spaceship Earth photo

Disney World Height Requirements

The best way to avoid any surprises when it comes to height restrictions at Disney World is to do some research ahead of time or consult with a cast member upon arrival.

Each of the rides at the Disney World parks has its own set of height requirements. However, they are not too different from each other. If you can’t find your child’s height on this list, check with staff at the park for more details about specific attractions.

Height Requirements for Disney World Rides

The general height requirement for most rides is 40 inches or taller. Some rides have a height requirement of over 48 inches, when kids can pretty much ride any of the Disney attractions.

If you’re looking for a list of Disney World height requirements for rides, below is a comprehensive guide. The pages include a list of rides at each Disney World park, starting with attractions that don’t have a height limit and can be enjoyed by the whole family or travel party.

Next, the rides are listed by both inches and centimeters so you can look at the specific measurements to ensure your child meets the height requirement.

How to Plan a Vacation for All Ages

Having the height requirements for Disney World before you travel will help you easily plan the best trip for your family.

To make a park plan for your group, create a list of rides for each person and their corresponding height requirement. That way, you can choose an adventure that’s suited to the majority of your party.

You can also have a planning “party” with the whole family to talk about what to expect & that there are some rides that are for older kids. Then share the rides that are going to be perfect just for them on this trip.

Talking about the rules about the rides can eliminate some of the frustration once you are in the parks.

How to Handle Ride Requirements

To help more visual children, consider printing out the Disney World Height Requirements Guide below and taking the pages with you to the parks.

For each ride, indicate if there is a height requirement and how tall your child needs to be in order to meet the Disney World height requirement. Let them mark which rides are perfect for them and cross out the rides that don’t work for their age and height yet.

Then, when you arrive at one of the attractions with younger children that don’t meet the requirements for specific rides, you’ll have an easy solution! Just explain that this ride isn’t on their special list, but there are so many others they CAN do.

Utilize Rider Switch

If there are rides that some of your party is able to ride, but others aren’t you can utilize the rider switch (or child swap) option at some rides. You will be able to split your party into two groups so one adult can ride while the other stays with the smaller kids and then switch out. Want the detailed instructions? Check out this link and see what rides allow you to use this option!

I hope that these Disney World height requirements & the guide help you plan a magical trip for your whole family. Happy planning!

Categories: Seasonal, Travel, Winter

Gaylord Palms Christmas Fun

If you love Christmas, you are going to want to plan a visit to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida! There is so much fun to be had for the entire family. Gaylord Palms Christmas has a long list of activities: gorgeous Christmas decorations, snow tubing, a fun pop-up holiday bar, Cirque: The Spirit of Christmas show, and Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf interactive experience. I recommend an overnight visit so that you have plenty of time to fit in all of the festivities. Visit until January 2, 2022.

Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Ornament Photo Opportunity

Highlights: Christmas Activities at Gaylord Palms

  • Gaylord Palms Christmas Trees and Decorations
  • Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf
  • Snow Tubing on Snow Flow Mountain
  • Snowball Build & Blast
  • Gingerbread Decorating
  • Cirque: The Spirit of Christmas Show

Gaylord Palms Christmas Trees and Decorations

This resort is beautiful no matter when you visit, but Christmas is extra magical. Take a stroll along the Christmas Tree Trail throughout the Everglades atrium area and find all eight trees.

New for 2021, make sure to view the Shine Light Show. Watch thousands of dancing lights, synchronized to a high-energy, seasonal soundtrack. Animated light curtains glow with Christmas imagery around a centerpiece tree that magically transforms into a gleaming and glowing holiday spectacle. This event happens daily at 9:15pm in the St. Augustine Atrium.

Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Christmas Tree Trail
Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Atrium Christmas Tree
Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Christmas Tree Trail
Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas

Make sure to find the Christmas Tree Farm and pop up bar. Such a cute photo opportunity and a fun list of unique drinks. I tried the Home for the Holidays that tasted like a twist on coquito made with rum, coconut cream, and pistachio. Other fun options include the Mistletoe Margarita, Reindeer Jive, and A Jolly Good Time.

Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas
Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas
Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Home For The Holidays Christmas Tree Pop Up Bar

Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf

Mission: Save Christmas is a fun, interactive journey through Buddy the Elf’s world. There are so many rooms that look like they are straight out of one of my favorite Christmas movies. This experience is fun for the whole family. Complete enough challenges to muster enough Christmas cheer to power the Kringle 3000 and Santa’s sleigh! This activity, along with many others, is located over in the Convention Center. Purchase tickets online ahead of time to save. Children ages 4-11 are $16.99 and $29.99 for ages 12+. This activity is available from 10:00 am through 7:45 pm daily in 15 minute increments to help space parties out.

Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Mission: Save Christmas Narwhal
Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Mission: Save Christmas Clausometer
Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Mission: Save Christmas

Snow Tubing on Snow Flow Mountain

Slide through factory conveyor belts that have frozen solid, and ride on tubes down a slide or hilly ice coaster in the Snow Factory, a mechanized, snowy play space. Must be 42” to ride. This activity is available daily 10:00 am through 8:00 pm. Tickets are $22.99 for all ages and are valid all day for unlimited rides.

Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Snow Flow Mountain
Devine Fairytale Gaylord Palms Christmas Snow Tubing

Snowball Build & Blast

Build and toss real snowballs to boost the power of the snowmaking machines and earn points in this experience. You’ll get a bin of real snow to make your own snowballs. How fun! Tickets are $11.99 for all ages. The Snow Factory Bar is right there too along with the snowfall plaza.

Gingerbread Decorating

Get to work decorating your gingerbread house or cookies. Once it’s perfect, you can head over for a meet and greet with Nutmeg the gingerbread man. Prices range from $22.99 – $29.99 depending on what you choose to decorate.

Cirque: The Spirit of Christmas

This Cirque-styled Christmas show is something else new for 2021. Watch dazzling acrobatics and high-flying stunts. Shows happen at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm almost daily, with an additional 8:00 pm show on most Saturdays. Head to the Emerald Bay Plaza and prepare to be wowed. We didn’t get to see this while we were there, but I would definitely try to see the night show if you’re able to with all of the lights in the atrium area. Tickets range from $19.99 to $32.99 depending on where you select seats.

Other Tips

There are so many other fun activities, these are just some of the highlights!

If you’re planning on doing multiple activities, look into the Buy More, Save More passes. There are three different levels, plus a weekday pass, to get a better deal than buying the tickets individually! Check out all of the ticket options and availability here.

Parking is not included with any of the ticket purchases. If you are just visiting for the day, the parking is $30. You can pay before leaving on your phone or at a table in the convention center so you don’t have to try to find your wallet while you’re driving out.

There are also special resort packages that can include the Christmas activities plus a guaranteed view of the stage for the Cirque show and the lights from your room’s balcony. Definitely check these options out!

Gaylord Palms is within minutes of the town of Celebration. They have fun Christmas activities you can check out too.

Planning an Elf movie night at home with your family? Check out this Hot Cocoa Dip recipe to try!

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