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 30 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:

 

Through Jan. 6, 2009

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.

 

Festival Bay Mall is holding its second annual Gingerbread House Contest benefiting Partnership In Education schools. Come look at the display of over 30 gingerbread houses located in a store front near the Bass Pro Shops and vote for your favorite gingerbread house at Customer Service! Each vote cast is $1 with 100% of the proceeds going to school’s PIE program. Through Dec. 24, Santa will be available for photos.

 

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. Admission: the event is included in daily park admission, which is $75 for adults, $63 for children ages 3-9 and free for children ages 2 and under.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. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adult $75, Children ages 3-9 $63, Children ages 2 and under free. universalorlando.com 407-363-8000.

 

Festive decorations, snowfalls and live holiday music The event is included in daily park admission, which is $64.95 for adults, $53.95 for children ages 3-9 and free for children ages 2 and under. www.seaworld.com. 407-351-3600.

 

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.

 

Dec. 26-31

All eyes will be on Orlando during the last week of December as Florida Citrus Sports presents its annual bowl week festival. Incorporating the Champs Sports Bowl and the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day, this week will feature more than 100,000 fans flocking to Central Florida for football, festivities and fun. In addition to outstanding action on the field, the festival includes the Orlando Citrus Parade, a concert in Lake Eola Park and more than 20 events in seven days. I-Drive’s Pointe Orlando is the place to be for all of the fun-filled daily activities for the entire family. www.bowlapalooza.com 407-423-2476.

 

SeaWorld Orlando is throwing a New Year’s Eve party complete with live music and fireworks. Dance to the beat of a live DJ as the countdown to 2009 begins at The Waterfront, where guests can also enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment venues. At the stroke of midnight, witness the Orlando sky radiate during a brilliant fireworks show that will light up the night. Admission: Included in daily admission. Adults $69.95, Children ages 3-9 $59.95, Children ages 2 and under free. SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259.

 

New Year’s Eve 2008 at Universal CityWalk

This 30-acre entertainment complex with themed restaurants, nightclubs and shops, will host one of Orlando’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties. The evening will feature live performances by national acts, an expansive gourmet buffet, a champagne toast and live entertainment at its nightclubs. universalorlando.com 407-363-8000.

11/08