| Sunny Central Florida may not go with your | | | | Parade. Universal also offers entertainment |
| traditional image of a white Christmas, but | | | | ranging from Barney's Christmas Show to the |
| the theme parks of Orlando put on holiday | | | | Blues Brothers Christmas Show. In addition, |
| shows that are filled with festive fun. If | | | | Universal is also unveiling a new stage show |
| you are in the Orlando area this Christmas | | | | at Islands of Adventure, called "Grinchmas," |
| (or any Christmas) here are the kinds of | | | | to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. |
| events that you can experience: SeaWorld | | | | Seuss' Christmas story. "Back by popular |
| Orlando has announced that they will feature | | | | demand," Grinchmas will feature seven songs |
| a ride based on Robert Zemeckis' "The Polar | | | | on a new stage. The celebration continues |
| Express." Warner Bros. Pictures and Iwerks | | | | with decorations and special events at |
| Entertainment are reprogramming the theme | | | | Universal CityWalk as well as all three |
| park's Wild Arctic simulator ride, and | | | | world-class, on-site hotels - Loews Portofino |
| transforming it into a simulated train ride | | | | Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal |
| to "Santa Town" for the holiday season. When | | | | Pacific Resort. Here are the latest costs and |
| the ride ends, people will step out onto a | | | | information for Universal: one day/one park |
| recreation of the North Pole. SeaWorld's | | | | ticket: $71; $60 children; Universal Blvd. |
| exhibit of polar bears, beluga whales, | | | | Orlando; 407-224-4243 or visit their holiday |
| walruses and other Arctic animals will also | | | | website: The nearby city of Silver Springs |
| be made up to fit the winter wonderland | | | | offers a Festival of Lights, from dusk to |
| theme. The new Polar Express ride will debut | | | | 8:30 p.m. from December 14-30. This is an |
| on Friday and will be in place through | | | | event that you should not miss. It features |
| January 1st 2008. The cost and contact | | | | more than one million twinkling lights and is |
| information for Seaworld are as follows: | | | | complete with carolers, stage shows , a boat |
| Cost: $67.95; $57.95 children; Sea World | | | | parade and holiday concerts as well. Here is |
| Drive, Orlando; Telephone: 800-327-2424 Walt | | | | the contact information and costs for this |
| Disney World in Orlando offers Christmas and | | | | event: $33.99; $30.99 seniors; $24.99 ages |
| winter holiday themed events at each of its | | | | 3-10; 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; Silver |
| major attraction centers. Disney's Magic | | | | Springs; 352-236-2121 Busch Gardens in Tampa |
| Kingdom Very Merry Christmas Party begins | | | | also offers annual Christmas events. This |
| will be held through December 21 from 7 pm to | | | | year it feature a breathtaking spectacle of |
| midnight. Also, when regular park hours are | | | | music, dance and holiday cheer as well as |
| over, the lights come alive. The tree | | | | other holiday experiences scattered |
| lighting ceremony and the almost crystallized | | | | throughout the park daily. The costs and |
| castle are well worth the price of admission; | | | | contact information for Busch Gardens are as |
| and, for those who dream of a white | | | | follows: $64.95; $54.95 children; 3000 E. |
| Christmas, enjoy the snowfall on Main Street. | | | | Busch Blvd., Tampa; 888-800-5447 There it is! |
| Here are the costs and contact information | | | | Orlando and vicinity is a great place for you |
| for Disney World: Cost: $51.07; $43.62 ages | | | | and your family to enjoy your winter |
| 3-9; Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista; | | | | vacation. |
| 407-934-7639 Not to be outdone by Disney or | | | | |
| Seaworld, Universal Studios in Orlando | | | | Mark Whichard writes frequently on tourism in |
| offering its own version of Macy's Holiday | | | | Orlando. He is the proprietor of Orlando's |
| Parade, including the "actual, authentic" | | | | Finest Vacation homes and a specialist in |
| Santa from New York's Thanksgiving Day | | | | Orlando Vacation Homes rentals. |