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Walt Disney World at the Holidays

Making Holiday Magic with Mickey

By Lyn Mettler

When you're not viewing the real-life giraffes, wildebeests and zebras outside your window, have a look at the miniature African village made of gingerbread at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

And for the ultimate romantic experience, book a stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The hotel is magnificent, with a huge tree as the centerpiece of the atrium and a life-size gingerbread house nearby where guests may purchase gingerbread cookies, Santa lollipops, small gingerbread houses, chocolates, gingerbread ornaments and more.

Other good choices for couples include Disney's Polynesian Resort for a feel of the South Pacific and Disney's Port Orleans-Riverside or Port Orleans-French Quarter resorts. The Port Orleans resorts are based on the old south and sit on a Disney-created river, which leads to Downtown Disney, a shopping and nightclub area. Rooms are in antebellum mansions, rustic bayou dwellings and buildings made to look just like those you would find in the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Remember to book early, as the holidays are considered one of Disney's busiest seasons. My husband and I, however, visited the week after Thanksgiving and found the parks relatively uncrowded. Waits on most rides were usually less than 15 minutes, and many you could walk right on.

While Disney is wonderful no matter what time of year, a visit at Christmastime is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you and your partner will remember for years to come.

All photos Copyright 2002. The Walt Disney Company.