The International Drive Resort Area pulls out all of the stops each December to make this Orlando destination one of the most popular in the country for holiday travelers. Filled with fun for the entire family, the area's 100 hotels and resorts, five of the world's great theme parks, more than 150 restaurants, more than 485 shopping outlets and entertainment complexes are all decked out for the season.

 

Decorations, special holiday entertainment and visits from Santa at many hotels and restaurants greet visitors who are celebrating their holiday in the area. Meet the Grinch, have a holiday dinner with Pirates, have a photo taken with Santa, view gingerbread houses, shop at the area’s world-famous retail outlets, visit the area’s world-famous theme parks. The options are as endless as the decorations along I-Drive!

 

The nostalgic I-Ride Trolleys, decked out in wreaths and garland, travel throughout the I-Drive area and are a yearly Central Florida tradition in Orlando’s tourist corridor. Visitors will enjoy parking the car and using the popular trolleys to travel throughout the area from 8 a.m. until 10:30 pm daily. Special hours for Christmas Eve: 8 am to 8 pm; Christmas Day: 10 am to 10:30 pm; New Year’s Eve: 8 am to 1 am. During the ride, visitors may stop for shopping, dining, entertainment or attractions. Affordable for the entire family, the trolley fare is $1.25 per person, per ride with accompanying children riding free (age 12 and under). Unlimited ride passes are also available. For additional information and downloadable maps, click “Trolley” on this site.

 

For holiday vacation planning, the following is a sampling of the area’s not-to-be-missed holiday events:

 

Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure

Through Jan. 6, 2010

It’s a holiday Yo Ho Ho with this yuletide celebration that only pirates could provide! Food, entertainment and more as the entire family participates in the swashbuckling fun! www.piratesdinneradventure.com. 407-248-0590.

 

The world’s most famous parade in New York has become a holiday experience at Universal Studios. The Macy's Holiday Parade features some of the most popular balloons and floats direct from the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Complete with a tree lighting ceremony by Santa Claus each day of the holiday season. The event is included in daily park admission. www.universalorlando.com. 407-363-8000.

 

Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure is transformed into a bah-humbug haven by the Grinch. The entire Seuss-themed island is colorfully decorated for the season and guests are invited to meet the Grinch in his lair, which is outfitted with authentic movie props and gadgets. Grinch fans enjoy a live, musical stage show that re-tells the world-famous story of the grumpy Grinch. Event is included in regular park admission. www.universalorlando.com 407-363-8000.

 

This enchanting experience surrounds guests with the true spirit of the holiday season through laugh, thrills and animal encounters. Classic scenes are recreated in a multi-sensory experience immersing passengers in special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects from the smell of Christmas cookies to bright lights glistening on a festive tree. www.seaworld.com. 407-351-3600.

 

Shamu Christmas – Miracles –A festive atmosphere of sight and sound, where thrilling holiday music soars throughout the night as Shamu tells a story of reflection and understanding.

Clyde and Seamore’s Countodwn to Christmas – SeaWorld’s prankster-loving pinnipeds Clyde and Seamore put a comical twist on some of their favorite holiday moments in this holiday-themed show.

A Sesame Street Christmas – Your favorite friends from Sesame Street come to SeaWorld for a festive and fun musical celebration at Seaport Theater! The holidays have arrived, but Abby Cadabby doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about…she’s never heard of Christmas. Elmo, Telly Monster, and the rest gather to share the true spirit of the holiday. Through engaging choreography, gentle humor, and interactive sing-a-longs, the Sesame Street friends teach Abby what Christmas means to them.

 

Rosen Shingle Creek’s Third Annual Holiday Showcase Celebrating Central Florida's Performing Arts takes place Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19) from 6 pm-9pm. The free event is open to the public and includes Thursdays: local school and church choirs performing holiday favorites; Fridays: holiday songs and carols performed by Mike Merideth and Valerie Pernice Strings, excerpts from the Nutcracker by the Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance, Windermere Ballet and Community Dance Theatre with narration by the Drosselmeyer; Saturdays: contemperoray dance holiday classics performed by Valerie and Miriam's Dance Arts, Soda Pops and the Ballet Guild. www.rosenshinglecreek.com. 407-996-9939.

 

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is throwing a New Year’s Eve party complete with live music and fireworks. At the stroke of midnight, witness the Orlando sky radiate during a brilliant fireworks show that will light up the night. Included in daily admission. www.SeaWorld.com. 407-363-2259.

 

This 30-acre entertainment complex with themed restaurants, nightclubs and shops, will host one of Orlando’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties www.universalorlando.com 407-363-8000.

 

Find an endless amount of holiday cheer and get into the spirit of the season! Come Shop, Dine, Play and be Merry on I-Drive! Clip the coupon in our flyer and ride the I-Ride Trolley FREE!

12/09