Wandering the World with Wally

#3: Wally wanders Winter Summerland

- by Walter Octavius March, December 20, 2010

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Ah, Christmas, one of my favorite times of the year.

The Walt Disney World Resort is decked out in its holiday finest - as is most of the country. Today, though, we will wander to a Place that holds special meaning for me: the Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course located adjacent to the Blizzard Beach Water Park. Although Winter Summerland has its own parking lot, you can also park at Blizzard Beach lot and then walk over to the courses.

Yes, I said courses. Winter Summerland has both a winter course and a summer course. Both courses hold special significance for me because they're fashioned after a vacation trip for the Big Man himself, Santa Claus.

I know you are wondering how does that make it special for me. That, my friends, is because I am a member of The S-quint; also known as the five S Club. There are only a few members, but we are known as Santa's Secret Society of Special Stewards.

It all began when I was on Expedition in the Arctic Circle. I was wandering as I normally do when a blizzard kicked up. With no means of protection, I fashioned quickly for myself an igloo using only my water bottle and the snow blowing into my face. I then crawled inside and hunkered down for the night.

In the morning, when I awoke, my crudely fashioned abode was surrounded by little people. Remembering where I was I figured they had to be Santa's Elves. Realizing I was a man of great talents and worldly knowledge, they asked me if I could help them with a problem. Santa, it seems, had fallen ill somewhere over Sweden and could not continue his appointed rounds. And if 'Jultomten' (what Santa is known as in Sweden) could not continue, all would be lost.

So I jumped upon the first reindeer and flew to Kiruna in the northern Sweden. Once there, I drove the sleigh the rest of the way around the world - and with Santa as passenger, we made the usual Christmas magic at each child's house. My superior navigational skills brought us back to the North Pole ahead of schedule. There I was awarded the highest honor that the (now recovered) Man in Red bestows: membership in S-quint.

It is still a great honor and as a member I have vacationed with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the Elves. Winter Summerland reminds me of those times...

Santa originally built Winter Summerland without a golf course. The elves decided to add one but couldn't decide which theme to use - summer or winter. So they built both. Each course is of the 'fun putt-putt' type, as befits an Elf, and there are obstacles and hazards that make play fun and somewhat exciting.

The Summer course is set up as if Santa and the elves had taken a beach holiday. (Which he does do by the way: the Big Man enjoys his surfing!) Some holes feature huge sandcastles, others surf boards, and one hole features Santa himself buried in the sand. As you play, you'll enjoy summery music - with a Christmas flare.

The Winter course is equally fun. It has holes themed as hockey rinks, ski slopes, and even an ice fishing hole. A friendly warning: you will come upon a 'sneaky snowman' who will 'reward' you when you play his hole. You'll have to discover the rest yourself.

Both courses end in a small area with a tree and a decorated fireplace. On the other side you'll find computers that will display a personal message after you've sunk your ball in the 18th hole. One of Santa's older sleighs is parked in front of the courses along with his Winnebago which doubles as a small gift shop and snack stand.

I love Winter Summerland not just for the nostalgia but for the new memories I create when I'm there. And if you get really adventurous, you can go next door and try to Conquer Summit Plummet - which reminds me of a climbing expedition I once took in the Berne Mountains of Switzerland. It started as a nice clear day that became...

Oh, look at the time! I'm so sorry but there isn't enough left for a story of such magnitude. Perhaps next week...

Until then, KUNGALOOSH!

Don't stop there! Check out more Wandering the World with Wally...