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Author: Pirate Diva

One of the most magical Christmas surprises at Downtown Disney is meeting Santa Claus. Around Thanksgiving, Downtown Disney and the rest of Walt Disney World are transformed into a winter wonderland. A special chalet is set up next to World of Disney where you can meet Santa. The cottage is very charming with lots of Christmas decorations and twinkling red and green lights.

This year, Santa will be greeting children from November 16th until December 24th. Once Santa leaves to deliver presents, Santa Goofy will take his place from December 25-27.

During November and early December, the wait is usually brief, especially in the evening. Much like a character Meet and Greet, each family is given time to visit with Santa and then pose for photos. A Photopass Photographer is usually on hand to capture the moment, although you can take photos with your personal camera as well.

Santa’s Chalet with reindeer and lights

The area where you meet Santa is straight out of a child’s fantasy. A very jolly Santa sits on a giant Christmas throne and wears the most beautiful Santa suit. He spends a few minutes talking with each child and asking them about their Christmas wishlist. He is very engaging and my niece was instantly enchanted! The one time we met him, we found this Santa to be far superior to any mall Santa and just like you’d expect Santa to be. And who knows, perhaps he is the real Santa!

Amy, the Pirate Diva, also shares her Disney obsession on the Disney at Heart blog. http:disney-at-heart.blogspot.com