Are you pine-ing to see even more photos of the holiday decorations to be found at Walt Disney World this year? Fir sure?
Okay. Enough with the tree-related puns. (I know, I know. Most people can take puns or leaf them … I swear to God that’s the last one … Anyway). Let’s take a look at some of the amazing Christmas trees that have been erected all over the resort this year.
Now, I know some traditionalists have been complaining about Disney’s decision to not put up the Magic Kingdom’s Christmas tree in its usual spot. Which is right in the center of that theme park’s Town Square area. But — me personally — as much as I may like tradition, I gotta tell you that I’m kind of liking having a huge fir tree right next to Cinderella Castle …
Photo by Jeff Lange
…. Particularly when that tree gets all lit up at night.
Photo by Jeff Lange
I mean, if I were going to complain about the placement of a particular WDW Christmas tree this year, I’d be ranting & raving about Disney-MGM’s holiday tree. Which — because of the placement of that gianormous Sorcerer Mickey cap right at the middle of this theme park (plus all the hoopla surrounding the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights) — this Christmas tree has been shifted to outside the park.
I’m serious, people. Disney-MGM’s official Christmas tree is actually located outside the theme park. At the outer-most edge of MGM’s entrance plaza.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Though — to be fair — it should be pointed out that the Christmas tree over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also located outside of that theme park. Right in the center of DAK’s entrance plaza.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Though — given that Animal Kingdom’s Christmas tree has always been located outside of that theme park (Which wasn’t actually the case with Disney-MGM’s Christmas tree. It used to be located right in the center of that theme park, directly in front of the Chinese theater … Before that giant hat got built … Grrrr …) — the placement of this particular tree has never really been an issue with Disneyana fans. They just come to DAK each year and “Oooh” and “Aaah” at the over-sized animal-shaped ornaments.
Photo by Jeff Lange
The good news … Epcot’s Christmas tree hasn’t budged an inch. It’s still located just where it’s been for years now. At the center of World Showcase Plaza, where the tree serves as the backdrop for “Mickey’s Tree Lighting Treat.” A seasonal ceremony which happen nightly at 6 p.m. now through December 30th.
Photo by Jeff Lange
And — if you can pull yourself away from the WDW theme parks this time of year — you’ll see that other parts of the resort have also gotten into the spirit of the season. Downtown Disney has a towering Christmas tree all its own …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… Which is decorated appropriately enough (Given the tree’s proximity to the “Once Upon a Toy” store) with over-sized Scrabble pieces and other enormous playthings.
Meanwhile, over at Celebration (I.E. The Walt Disney Company’s planned community), there’s an understated but still rather elegant tree to be found by the waterfront.
Photo by Jeff Lange
It seems that — no matter where you go at Walt Disney World this time of year — there are tree-mendous sights to see. (Okay. I know. No more tree-based puns).
Jeff Lange is the staff photographer / archivist here at JHM. He recently launched his own series of unofficial Disney theme park DVDs. Which now includes “Jeff Lange’s Holiday Treat.” Which offers full coverage of last year’s “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” at WDW’s Magic Kingdom. If you’d like to learn more about this or any other of the entertaining recordings that Mr. Lange has produced, we suggest that you follow this link.