My neighbors are just back from Florida (again)—-just in time for this week’s home Packers’ game. I can’t help but be jealous of their retirement status. Sure must be nice to head down to Florida for a week. They escaped a series of miserably frigid days and nights here in Wisconsin. Yet, I know they are not the only snowbirds that fly south this time of year. If you happen to be among the lucky ones that get to soak up the warm rays in the Sunshine State you might be interested in learning about the following events that are taking place this winter in Orlando.
Holidays Around the World
It’s also referred to as the Candlelight Processional, Holidays Around the World Celebration, but whatever you call it the Disney event is one of Orlando’s most inspiring events of the season. The show, which runs from November 23rd through December 30th, features a 400-member choir, orchestra and celebrities to tell the story of Christmas. This year’s storytellers include A-list celebs such as Gary Sinise, Rita Moreno and Edward James Olmos as well as Dennis Franz, Isabella Rossellini among others. And as a new twist for 2007, Olmos will speak some of his lines in Spanish. There are three, 40-minute shows nightly. The event, which is celebrating its 37th year, is included in Epcot’s regular admission.
Festival of the Masters
Another popular Disney event is the Festival of the Masters. Celebrating its 32nd year, the festival is one of the most prestigious art shows in the Southeast. To gain an invitation artists must have earned a blue ribbon at a juried show in the previous three years. The event attracts 150-200 exhibitors to Downtown Disney West Side where the public is allowed to view hundreds of showcases of fine arts (painting, sculpture and photography). The festival also offers live music and performances by Cirque du Soleil players, a 6,000-square-foot sidewalk canvas for chalk artists, a folk art display at the House of Blues and, for kids, a learn-to-draw-a-Disney-character class and special dance parties. The event runs from November 9-11 and admission is free.
Del Webb Father/Son Challenge
If you are visiting Orlando you are either standing in long lines at Disney or waiting to hit the links. The Del Webb Father/Son Challenge allows dads and lads a chance to bond while honing their golf skills. This year’s event is scheduled to take place November 29-December 2 at ChampionsGate Golf Resort. The first two days of the event are a pro-am tourney with the father/son competition held on December 1-2. Even if you aren’t participating, the event allows you access to pros such as Tom Kite, Hale Irwin, and Lee Trevino. You can buy one-day tickets for $20 or a four-day pass for $50.
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