December 1st marked the beginning of the Holiday Season for the Universal Orlando resort. Even with large parts of the resort behind construction walls, this isn’t stopping Universal Orlando from showcasing some of the most unique Holiday experiences in the world.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO GRINCHMAS
Over the past 10 years Grinchmas has become an Orlando tradition. Seuss Landing transforms into Whoville, filled with adorable Whovillians from the famous book, TV special and movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The main event for Grinchmas is a stage version of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” now in it’s 3rd incarnation since it first opened.
Located inside one of the sound stages at Universal Orlando, the set instantly transports you to Whoville, where you’ll find a talented cast and original music by Mannheim Steamroller’s Chip Davis
This version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is not a regurgitation of the movie, or the book, but instead has it’s own unique identity, with amazing songs that move this 20 minute show right along.
You can expect the Grinch to be silly and zany similar to Jim Carrey’s take on the Character in the movie.
Be prepared for an emotional and chilling ending as the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas, and snow begins to fall throughout the theater.
Mike Aiello, one of the brilliant creative minds behind Halloween Horror Nights, is also in charge of “How the Grinch stole Christmas” show. Mike has seen the show through it’s 3 versions, the first being a retelling of the movie version, the 2nd being the outdoor version located next to the “Cat in the Hat” ride, and the 3rd being (in my opinion the best) the current one located in the sound stage
(with the improved story, original music, and amazing set).
WHOVILLE
Outside the theater, Seuss Landing has been transformed into Whoville, where guests can interact with Whovillians and enjoy the “Wholidays”
Whovillians are always ready to pose.
Grinchmas Merchandise is on hand for those who are in the Wholiday spirit!
The Whovillians making a scene.
MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE
A lot of people have watching the Macy’s Holiday Parade on their bucket list, but whether it is the crowds, or the ability to spend Thanksgiving in New York City most people, are not able to see the parade. 10 years ago, Universal Orlando had the vision to bring the Macy’s Holiday parade to Orlando! Now guests can watch the Macy’s parade from the New York area at Universal Studios if they’d like, as larger than life balloons pass by in front of them and cannons shoot confetti into the air. Amazing music and street performers surround you with real Holiday Cheer.
Orange County Police help kick off the parade!
This year the parade begun with the Santa Balloon!
Local High Schools and Dance troupes are invited each year to perform in the parade!
Uni’s Macy’s parade still has lots of ‘stars’ in it.
Lisa and Maggie wave at guests.
A new addition this year are the Tricaloons (Tricycle Balloons)
The parade ends with a Tree Lighting and Santa Clause – and the Universal Rockette’s kick line.
Jim Timon, VP of Entertainment at Universal Orlando, talks about the challenges of putting on the parade. Every year they write a script for the parade including balloons that were used in the Macy’s Parade this year, and some that were used in previous years.
Jim Timon shared that Macy’s has had a lot of requests for their balloons to be flown in other locations over the years, but Macy’s response has always been no because the balloons only fly in New York. However, when the Macy’s team came down and strolled the New York area of Universal Orlando, and saw the beautiful Macy’s storefront, along with the authentic look and feel of the New York area, they quickly changed their minds.
10 years later, this parade has become an Orlando tradition that is worth making a special trip to Orlando to experience! If seeing the Macy’s Holiday Parade in New York wasn’t on your bucket list, seeing it at Universal Orlando should be!
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
To top off an already AMAZING holiday line up, on select nights throughout December, Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller performs live in the park with a full orchestra and vocalists. The amazing concert features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music, along with some of their original songs from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” make for the perfect family concert.
After a festive day of exciting Holiday activities, you’ll likely want to make Universal Orlando part of your family Christmas tradition.
TRANSFORMERS CONSTRUCTION
Even with the holidays looming, construction of Transformers is still going 24 hours a day 7 days a week!
They have begun to add siding and are closing off the building.
And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say that the Grinch’s small heart grew THREE sizes that day. And then the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches plus two.
Have you made a stop at Universal Studios Orlando for Christmas?