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A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort

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What better way to bring together minions, wizards, toys and more than during Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort? Even the Grinch can't resist the cheer. After all, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year (right?!)! During the holiday season, from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31, Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spread holiday cheer throughout Seuss Landing, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Much of the main entertainment returns year after year, but we always notice new details in the decor to keep things fresh. The Universal Orlando Christmas events are included with regular Universal Orlando admission.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Whoville Citizens

Overview of the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

With terrific temperatures, decadent decor, scrumptious snacks and endless entertainment, the holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. From the theme parks to the hotels, you'll find jolly festivities everywhere you go. That means you don't even need a park ticket to partake in the resort-wide celebrations!

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando Christmas - Hogwarts Express

You know that feeling you get when you watch a "Harry Potter" movie with your family while drinking hot cocoa on a snowy winter night? That's the feeling you'll get when you see Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando goes all out with the level of detail. Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida both feature festive Christmas decorations — including garland and lights — along the buildings and streets of the Wizarding World.

Be sure to take a closer look at the decorations outside of each storefront! For instance, Madam Malkin's in Diagon Alley sports pink ribbon bows that match the color of Hermione's Yule Ball dress in the display window. The London waterfront is also decked out in traditional Christmas lights and garland as if you've magically been transported to the city itself. We highly recommend visiting during the day so you can notice all of the small details and returning at night to see everything lit up!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Frog Choir

Our fellow froggies, the Frog Choir, perform special concerts in Hogsmeade with Christmas songs straight from the spell books, as well as muggle holiday tunes such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Inside Diagon Alley, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees get in the holiday spirit with a special show. Listen for four original songs, including the super-catchy "My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas." These shows tend to not draw crowds until they've already started. Every view is good, but even if you only arrive five minutes early, you can still sit down on the ground right next to the stage.

Universal Orlando Holidays - The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

The true showstopper of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the projection-mapping show on Hogwarts Castle. "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" is eight minutes long and plays intermittently from dusk until park close each night. Muggles and wizards alike will be absolutely dazzled to see the castle come alive! There are breathtaking scenes with Hogwarts students dancing at the Yule Ball, Arthur Weasley's flying Ford Anglia plowing into snowmen and more! Even if you aren't a fan of the usual Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show, we recommend catching the Christmas show. It's gorgeous and captures the unique holiday fun you see in the "Harry Potter" films. We're so hoppy it's returning once again this year!

Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando Christmas - Grinch

It wouldn't be Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort without Grinchmas! Seuss Landing is the most spectacularly decorated of them all, with so many baubles and tinsel wrapped around just about everything.

The viral verdant sourpuss himself has arrived at Universal Islands of Adventure for some holiday fun, as well! The green guy brings his signature snark during a special meet and greet in his lair at Honk Honkers. This year, the meet and greet is using a standby queue. Because of The Grinch's superstardom, we've seen wait times go up to 180 minutes. However, on opening day, we got in line at 3:45 p.m. when the wait time was reading 100 minutes. Luckily, we only ended up waiting an hour!

Meanwhile, Who-ville citizens are usually out and about, walking through the land or strolling through The Street of the Lifted Lorax. On opening day, we saw the majority of them gathered by the entrance of Seuss Landing near Port of Entry. All of them will hoppily pose for photos with you!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Who-liday Spectacular

One of our favorite holiday offerings, though, is the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular! In this whoot of a show, talented performers bring the Seuss favorite to life through song and dance. If you'd like to attend, plan to be in line at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime, even if there aren't huge crowds. You do need to walk a fair distance to the theater where it takes place (a space that was previously occupied by Blue Man Group). While definitely a tadpole-centric show, it's still a blast for any fans of the Grinch, who spits out hilarious one-liners. (And OMG ... Max is played by an adorable, live dog. What a good boy!)

We're also so frogcited to once again enjoy The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast this year! This grand feast takes place at Confisco Grille where the Grinch and his Who-ville friends will visit your table and spread some Who-liday cheer ... and sneers. Enjoy a tasty sit-down breakfast with themed food and breakfast favorites, including a nonalcoholic beverage and specialty treats. Reservations are required. We recommend getting an earlier reservation time, if possible! Expect to spend at least an hour and up to 90 minutes on this experience. The restaurant reopens to guests at 11 a.m. as a regular full service spot for lunch.

Epic Holiday Offerings & Entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's

Universal Orlando Holidays - Santa in the Holiday Parade

The highlight of Christmas at Universal Orlando (for us, at least!) is Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. You can catch some of your favorite Universal characters making holiday mischief, including the minions, Shrek and more. And of course, jolly ol' Santa typically makes an appearance at the parade's finale to light up the Christmas tree.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Shrek and Fiona in Universal's Holiday Parade

If you want a prime spot for Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's in front of the tree, get in place at least an hour early on busy nights. This is especially true on weekends. Our favorite spot is usually across the street from the tree next to Revenge of the Mummy. From this spot, you can watch as Santa lights the tree. Since the parade begins near Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show and starts its journey down the streets of Hollywood, you'll first see the parade about 15 minutes after the official start time. The parade kicks off daily at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Annual passholders can enjoy a reserved viewing area in front of Mel's Drive-In Restaurant, which opens up about an hour before the parade, and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have little ones under 10, there's a Lil Stars viewing area in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop in Hollywood.

Mannheim Steamroller Concerts

Universal Orlando Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller

Mannheim Steamroller continues to bring the festive sounds of modern Christmas to Universal Studios Florida. These concerts this year are take placing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 - 3 and 9 - 10 at the Music Plaza Stage.

Arrive early if you want a sit-down spot in front of the stage. However, you can easily hear the music beyond the concert area, so if you're content with catching a few tunes, stroll by when you have time. (Note that Seasonal Passholders are blocked out of Universal Studios Florida on concert dates.)

Holiday Tribute Store

The Holiday Tribute Store decked its halls once again last year! We journeyed through four festively themed rooms where we found popcorn buckets, backpacks, ornaments, spirit jerseys and more lining the shelves — not to mention some deliciously sweet treats.

Ready to send your letter to Santa? Hop by the Universal Tribute Store and Post where the mailroom is always open! First, enter the Wizarding World and tour the magical Owlery (be sure to look up!). Then, stop by the Whoville Post Office where Christmas is the busiest and most festive time of year. The Grinch has been quite busy in the kitchen baking up Roast Beast Peanut Butter, Lump of Coal Chocolates and even Onion Cheesecake Tarts! Lastly, celebrate the season with our favorite squirrel, Earl, at his Holiday Package Delivery Service headquarters and at his cozy home — perfectly decorated and ready for Santa.

Earl the Squirrel Meet and Greet

Universal Orlando Holidays - Earl the Squirrel

Earl the Squirrel comes out of his hiding spot in the big Christmas tree to meet guests near the directly across from Cafe La Bamba! You can confirm his meeting times in the Universal app, though typically he'll be out about once an hour from 9:15 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. 

Holiday Tree Hunt

Universal Orlando Christmas - Jurassic Park Tree

For a fun festive activity, purchase a Holiday Tree Hunt brochure and pencil for $13 to participate in the scavenger hunt for decorated trees across Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk. Search for the numbers hidden in each tree and use the provided decoder to solve Earl's word puzzle and win a special prize! Our favorite trees this year are in the VelociCoaster Store, All Hallows Eve Boutique, Comic Book Store and Brown Derby.

Festive Food and Drinks During the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Christmas - Hot Butterbeer

Drinking Butterbeer is a must-do whenever you visit the Universal parks (did you know there are six different versions?). While you can now get hot Butterbeer year-round, there's no better time to enjoy a delicious cup than when the temperature starts dropping. Think more along the lines of hot chocolate (but butterscotch) rather than a carbonated cream soda, which is what the classic, cold Butterbeer tastes like. You can find it inside The Leaky Cauldron, Three Broomsticks, Hog's Head Pub and the Hopping Pot.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Grinch Cookie

All around Universal Orlando Resort, there are specially-themed holiday food and beverages! We loved getting our hands on yummy offerings such as Earl's Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb (available at Hot Treats in Battery Park), the Turkey Dinner Sandwich (available at Yule Enjoy in Battery Park) and the Letters to Santa Holiday Shake (available at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen). We were also so frogcited to dig into some verdant Grinch-themed treats in Seuss Landing — such as the frog-favorite Grinch cookies — and sip some specialty nog cocktails!

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Any time of year, we absolutely love staying on-site at Universal's fabulous resort hotels, but especially during the holidays. Expect all of the Universal Orlando hotels to be decked out for the holidays, and look out for tree and menorah lightings. Plus enjoy all the trimmings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The hotels even offer specially ticketed buffets. Some of the hotel holiday celebrations include live music, hula dancers, balloon artists and even bowling.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Cabana Bay Beach Resort Christmas Tree

If you want to experience the Universal Christmas events during the busiest times, we highly recommend purchasing Universal Express Passes no matter where you stay. You can save money when you purchase this add-on to theme park admission for regular Universal Express (which gives you access one time per participating ride) or Universal Express Unlimited. If you stay on-site at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you'll receive the Unlimited Express benefit for all of your party for your entire length of stay. Watch out for the expected busiest days using our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar. We recommend purchasing Universal Express the week of Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and on weekends. We cannot underestimate this benefit!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Loews Royal Pacific Resort

If you can't shell out for the Universal Express hotels, jump over to Universal's Cabana Bay Beach ResortUniversal's Endless Summer - Surfside Inn and Suites or Universal's Endless Summer - Dockside Inn and Suites. While they don't offer Unlimited Express, these hotels (and all of Universal's hotels) offer one-hour early admission to a select park. If you stay on-site, you can get a hop on experiencing Christmas in the Wizarding World's holiday magic with Early Park Admission! What's even more magical is to book your Universal Orlando hotel room at a discount, so hop to it!

New Year's Eve at Universal Orlando Resort

If you're looking for something to do when the clock strikes midnight, Universal Orlando offers several different ways to ring in the new year. Ring in the New Year with festivities at CityWalk and throughout the theme parks — which will both be open through midnight on Dec. 31.

Additionally, all of the hotels will host a special New Year's Eve or New Year's Day meal. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort even hosts a New Year's Eve Spectacular that includes face painting, a balloon artist and a live DJ. This event is complimentary for Cabana Bay Beach guests only. Portofino Bay and the Hard Rock Hotel will also host their own parties.

Our Top Tips for the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Christmas - Dapper Winter CityWalk

With so much hoppening at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure during the holidays, you may be wondering, "Which ticket should I get?" We're very big fans of the Park-to-Park option. With the two parks so close together, it's easy to hop back and forth. The Park-to-Park option offers maximum flexibility to enjoy it all. And it's the only way to experience the Hogwarts Express. So if you want to experience Christmas in the Wizarding World at Hogsmeade and then hop right over to extend the merry in Diagon Alley, you'll need the Park-to-Park ticket.

If you're planning to see all of the holiday festivities in both parks on one day, get a viewing spot for the Holiday Parade in Universal Studios right in front of Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show. That's where the parade starts, so by the time the last float passes you, you'll have just enough time to speed-hop over and catch the castle show in Islands of Adventure before the park closes without being blocked off by the parade route! We recommend walking through CityWalk in front of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen instead of waiting for the Hogwarts Express.

Hi frog friends! Are you here from our socials for the giveaway? The code word is ROAST BEAST.

Feeling like there's too much to see and too little time? Have no fear! We've put together our lists of Holiday Must-Dos so you can be sure to get your fill of merriment while in the theme parks.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Must-Do Infographic

Rather not stress about building your own schedule? Then consider taking Universal's Holiday Tour! Unwrap the holiday magic with this special 2-Park 1-Day tour that includes an exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and Max, reserved seating for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, light bites, desserts and more, a private meet and greet with Santa, priority access to one attraction and an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. Tours will include multiple parties in the same tour group and pricing and availability vary depending on the date and product selection. Theme park admission isn't included but reservations are required.

If you need some palm trees and sun with your Christmas vacation, you'll need to find it poolside this season. Universal Volcano Bay water theme park is usually open in the winter. Don't let the time of year trick you. It's still plenty warm in sunny Florida (especially for you snowbirds) and the hotel pools are heated. (Check out all of our discount Universal Orlando ticket options, and don't froget, we offer discounts on the Universal Orlando hotels too!)

Ready for Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season? Pick the best dates to visit using our Orlando Crowd Calendar. Check out our Orlando planning timeline for a stress-free family vacation during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort and other destinations. And be sure to add Universal Express Passes to your tickets to skip the lines!

Related: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Dec 3, 2019 at 1:19 a.m. Tim Says...

Harry Potter at Christmas?! Take my money now!!

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Dec 3, 2019 at 12:11 a.m. CELINE THIBAULT Says...

Went to Walt Disney in February 2018 and Universal in May 2019 and we had the best time of our lives. Can't wait to go back!!!!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 11:52 p.m. stephanie williams Says...

great read!!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 11:16 p.m. Venise Smalley Says...

This is great information!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 11:01 p.m. catherine copeland Says...

sounds like a Great way to spend the holidays

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Dec 2, 2019 at 10:25 p.m. Andrea Skinner Says...

What a fun holiday visit this would be! Love your blog!

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Dec 3, 2019 at 7:31 a.m. Amber Says...

Good luck

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Dec 2, 2019 at 10:21 p.m. Kami Says...

What a wonderful way to spend the holidays with the family! Would love to be able to make this dream happen someday!!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 10 p.m. Britta Says...

Looks amazing! Would love to visit one holiday.

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Dec 2, 2019 at 9:21 p.m. Erica Day Says...

This is all great info to know about the park during the holidays. Thank you

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Dec 2, 2019 at 7:13 p.m. Patrice Says...

I always use "The Frog" to buy tickets to Universal and Disney. Great deal!!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 6:06 p.m. Alison Says...

Wow - this looks so great! I really want to see the lights at the Hogwarts castle and in the evening of course. Thank you for publishing this - so many activities!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. Arthur Begly Says...

great prize

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Dec 2, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. Angie curran Says...

What a fun place to visit

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Dec 2, 2019 at 4:24 p.m. Tmaybs Says...

I love Christmas in the parks!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 3:59 p.m. Melissa heil Says...

Thanks for the wonderful tips

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Dec 2, 2019 at 3:32 p.m. Sam Sour Says...

Wow! So awesome!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 3:13 p.m. Homeless in CA Says...

Looks amazing but we're homeless so it will never happen.....

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Dec 2, 2019 at 2:45 p.m. JoEllen Says...

Can't wait to visit!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 2:41 p.m. Patricia Burns Says...

My FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH!!!❤????❤????

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Dec 2, 2019 at 2:35 p.m. vacationwinner Says...

Looks super fun!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 2:21 p.m. Alec Ugol Says...

Would love to meet froggy in person!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 1:05 p.m. Stuart McMillian Says...

I would love to go to Universal Studios during Christmas!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 1:01 p.m. Hazel Manaig Says...

Universal Studios looks so magical during the holidays! Haven't taken the kids yet to US, but we hope to in the near future. We all love Harry Potter!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 12:55 p.m. Kim Ward Says...

Great Info! Thanks!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 12:31 p.m. Tim Starnes Says...

Would love to visit Universal during Christmas. Did not realize they did it up so well.

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Dec 2, 2019 at 12:21 p.m. Lellany Says...

This is my favorite time of the year to visit!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 6:01 a.m. Louella Michelle Says...

I’d love to go during the holidays! It looks like so much fun and so beautiful!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 3:02 a.m. Lily Says...

I would love to see Orlando during the holidays?

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Dec 2, 2019 at 2:36 a.m. AnneMarie Says...

We haven't had the opportunity to see Universal yet. Our son has sp needs and is 13 so we hope to win tkts, and airfare!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 1:28 a.m. Maribelle Escamilla Says...

Omg this looks so beautiful would love to go with my family ❤️????♥️

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Dec 2, 2019 at 1:15 a.m. Allison Gill Says...

I have never experienced a Christmas at Universal Studios, but it's on my bucket list!

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Dec 2, 2019 at 12:33 a.m. Whit C. Says...

This makes me want to take a photographer's journey to capture as many holiday keepsakes as I can.

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Dec 1, 2019 at 11:56 p.m. CB Says...

I can,t wait to go back with my family!!!!!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 11:49 p.m. Kimberly J Weidner Says...

Lots of great information!!!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 11:25 p.m. computeacher Says...

Universal is definitely on the bucket list.

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Dec 1, 2019 at 10:53 p.m. Heather D Says...

The decorations must be beautiful at Christmas!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 8:38 p.m. Jennifer B Petro Says...

Thank you for always having the up to date info! We look forward to visiting soon!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 8:35 p.m. Andrea Gross Says...

My family would love a few days at Universal. Dream come true

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Dec 1, 2019 at 7:11 p.m. Corinne Says...

so cute! thanks for this!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 6:41 p.m. Katie B Says...

Love Universal! We would love to visit during Christmas sometime!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 6:13 p.m. john lindsley Says...

love the crowd cal

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Dec 1, 2019 at 5:01 p.m. Patricia Wilson Says...

It's so pretty! I'd love to take my daughter.

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Dec 1, 2019 at 3:10 p.m. Sara Says...

Cant wait to have my family experience all the Joy's Universal had to offer!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 2:38 p.m. Sarah Says...

Can't wait to go to Orlando! This blog was super helpful!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 2:24 p.m. Mary Solarski Says...

My daughter can't wait to try the butterbeer when we go in January! It looks absolutely stunning for the holidays but I dont' think I could deal with the crowds!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 2:14 p.m. Christina G Says...

Amazing! Would love to visit for the holidays!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 2:05 p.m. Kristen Huckeba Says...

Looks fabulous! My dream vacation????

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Dec 1, 2019 at 12:11 p.m. Joy Marish Says...

All looks so fun and exciting ! would love to win and take my kids.

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Dec 1, 2019 at 4:47 a.m. Kelley Says...

Would love to go!!

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Dec 1, 2019 at 3:23 a.m. Melissa Says...

My kids love the Minions, the Grinch and Christmas so of course throw them all together and it would be paradise for them! The hubby and I would be nerding out pretending to be wizards ????☃️????????

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