In the spirit of the well-known song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, our writers will be counting up from 1 to 12 as we bring you a numbered, Disney-themed subject on each day leading up to Christmas.
Nothing says Christmas like the sight of a decorated Christmas tree with bright, twinkle lights and elegant ornaments. Without more ado, Looking for Magic presents Nine Disney Christmas Trees!
Tree #9: This image, captured in 2005, is a Christmas tree in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park that no longer exits. Located on the right side of Cinderella’s Castle, it was on the lawn by the now vanished Magic Kingdom Rose Garden. As it is with most trees at Walt Disney World, the tree had presents beneath it’s boughs and was a favorite location for taking photographs.
Tree #8: Located at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago in 2013 and 2014, this Disney themed tree was located under the museum’s rotunda. In 2013, the tree was decorated with red lights and Mickey shaped ornaments, and blue and white lights and ornaments in 2014. Both trees were added to the museum to coincide with their Christmas Around the World Celebration and Treasures of the Disney Archives exhibit.
Tree #7: With the completion of the refurbishment of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, this year’s Christmas tree has a central, and very visible location in the lobby. It is one of the more unusual and elegant trees at Walt Disney World Resort, with pastel-colored flowers and other Polynesian themed decorations.
Tree #6: In 2013, if you took the Monorail to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and ventured to the Grand Canyon Concourse, you would find a Christmas tree made of gingerbread and chocolate ornaments. We happened to arrive on the day of the installation and were treated to a sample of the shards of gingerbread that were broken during construction. It’s unkind, but we seriously hoped that they would drop a chocolate ornament so we could have an additional sample!
Tree #5: Rumor has it that we won’t be seeing this Christmas tree after this holiday season. As one of the grand decorations of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, this tree changes color with music. We’ll miss the Osborne lights, but look forward to what Disney’s Hollywood Studios has in store for the future.
Tree #4: Right outside the Trail’s End restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is a Christmas tree that is a camper’s delight. Decorated with horseshoes, snowflakes, red bows, and multicolored holiday ornaments, the tree is located near the horse and buggy carriage rides, which transform into sleighs rides (with bells) during the holidays.
Tree #3: One of the more impressive trees at the Walt Disney World Resort is the African-inspired Christmas tree at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Due to the sheer enormity of the tree, we would encourage anyone visiting the resort to view the tree from the different floor levels of Jambo House. Rumor has it that there is a tree lighting ceremony at [5:00] PM each evening. Has anyone had the pleasure to view that event?
Tree #2: Standing five stories, the Christmas tree at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort dominates the lobby and is probably a favorite of most guests. Decorated with birds and other delicate Victorian style ornaments and lights, the tree is as gorgeous as the resort is grand!
Tree #1: Our all-time favorite because we love the holiday decorations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom! The Christmas tree, which is located in Town Square, has packages galore under it and is embellished with over-sized ornaments and popcorn garland. And based on personal experience, the tree also makes a good umbrella during a sudden rainstorm.
(All photos from the authors’ personal collection.)
That concludes the countdown of nine Disney-themed Christmas trees. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!
Don’t forget to join us tomorrow for Day 10 of the WDW Radio Christmas Extravaganza! If you have missed any of the days so far, you can catch up via the links below:
Day 1 – Behind Walt Disney’s First Television Program, “One Hour in Wonderland”
Day 2 – Two New Ways to Experience Walt Disney World
Day 3 – Top Three Places to Buy Disney Décor in Your Hometown
Day 4 – Four Fantastic Walt Disney World Parades
Day 5 – The Five Best Golden (Onion) Rings in Walt Disney World
Day 6 – Six Favorite Local Stores to Purchase Disney Gifts
Day 7 – Seven Star Wars Items to Put on Your Christmas List
Day 8 – Eight Reasons to do the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Looking for Magic is Kathy @ Two Roads Photo and Sean @ Shamrock Photo . Kathy is a librarian, walker of many miles, and Paper Bag Princess, who dreams of having coffee with Belle at the castle and co-administering a fantasy book discussion group. Sean is a fire fighter, pilot, and closet superhero, who would like to join the pack with Tigger to use his bouncy and fun powers to make people smile. Kathy can be contacted at imtxag85@aol.com Sean can be contacted at spoc65@aol.com
