Distance: 110 Miles, Two-hour Drive
Fantasy In Lights opened in 1992 with five scenes, and has since grown to include more than a dozen lighted scenes with music and animation. The original scenes were designed by professionals who formerly worked with Disney’s Imagineering department.
You can drive your own vehicle through the electrical spectacle, but those in the know say that the Jolly Trolley is the only way to go. Seasonal singalongs and history and factoids about each display from the trolley drivers really sets the mood for a truly magical evening.
For those interested in making it an overnight trip, consider staying at one of the on-site hotels: rooms come with a trolley fast pass line which will save you anywhere from 20-40 minutes; well worth it if you’re toting around a wiggly toddler, emo teen or grumpy spouse. Speaking of wiggly toddlers, make sure you take a potty break before boarding the trolley: Fantasy in Lights takes approximately one hour to complete and tinkling behind a toy soldier is frowned upon (not that we would know).
After viewing 15 scenes featuring the equivalent to the number of lights on 26,666 standard six-foot tall Christmas trees, visit the Christmas Village where you can purchase unique gifts straight from the North Pole, make crafts and sit on the lap of The Man, The Myth, The Legend himself. Wander over to Robin Lake and take in holiday favorites A Christmas Story and The Night Before Christmas while roasting s’mores over the firepits. Fantasy In Lights also includes admission to Callaway Gardens and the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Gardens. Other fun-filled opportunities include Holiday Chapel Organ Concerts on the weekends and a Fantasy In Lights Character Breakfast with beloved favorites such as Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, the Gingerbread Man and more.
The official Fantasy In Lights season begins on November 17 and concludes on January 6. If you’re really feeling festive and feisty, book on December 31 for the Fantasy In Lights New Year’s Eve Party.