Melody makes a cheery elf!

I have a confession to make: I love Christmas music. Every year, just after Thanksgiving, I’ll find myself bursting into an off-key but heartfelt rendition “All I Want for Christmas is You” or “Jingle Bell Rock” or even “Away in a Manger” while folding laundry or washing the dishes. At this point, my husband will look up from whatever he’s doing, roll his eyes, and brace himself for my very merry month-long serenade. Oh, have I mentioned I am completely tone-deaf?

Christmas Cowgirls and their "Reindeer"

Fortunately, for both myself and for my long-suffering spouse, I can now get my Christmas music fix every Monday and Tuesday when I’m manging the Arabian Nights Holiday Show. In addition to hearing it piped into the arena as ambient music before the show starts, the show itself features and amazing mix of Christmas songs. The soundtrack includes some of my all-time favorites, including renditions of “Winter Wonderland,” “Carol of the Bells,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and selections from “The Nutcracker Suite.” The finale is set to “Merry Xmas: War is Over,” a song to which I have a deep and abiding sentimental attachment. Fortunately, Princess Scheherazade and Santa have wonderful singing voices, unlike yours truly.

Csaba is "chilling" as Jack Frost.

Looking back over this post so far, it kind of sounds like I’m singing my own praises about my involvement in the Holiday Show, so I’m going to issue a disclaimer. I had exactly zero involvement in the planning of the show. Honestly. You can tell because if I had been in charge, it would have included twice as many musical numbers and required an intermission. The fact that so many of my favorite songs are featured is pure kismet, and it just might mean that I love the Holiday Show even more than the regular show!

Zach as the Candy Cane Man

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other reason that the Holiday Show has a special place in my heart. Arabian Nights is running a special promotion from now until December 22nd. If you bring in a new, unwrapped toy to donate when you come to the show, you’ll save $20 off the regular ticket price. At the end of the promotion, we’ll be donating all the toys to the Baby DJ Drive, which distributes them to children who might not otherwise get anything for Christmas. Not only does our show feature Santa Claus, but we get to help Santa out by collecting all those toys.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go grab a hot cocoa and watch the performers rehearsing that “Winter Wonderland” act again. Snow falling, music playing, horses prancing in formation. That’s my idea of a winter wonderland in Central Florida, all right!

Prancing in a Winter Wonderland

Of the boys and the girls in our community
Who don’t get so many gifts under the tree.
We’d like to help make their holidays brighter.
‘Cause giving makes everyone’s hearts feel much lighter!

So we ask you, please help us spread holiday cheer
And a sense of goodwill that’ll last a whole year.
If you’re coming to see us, please bring one unwrapped toy
Which could mean a great deal to some sweet girl or boy

And as a big “thank you” for helping us out
We’d like to offer you a ticket discount.
We’ll drop a few bucks from your ticket – like 20!
You’ll be giving back and you’ll be saving some money.

Please come out and see our new holiday show,
With Sugar Plum Fairies, and horses, and snow,
And Santa will be there out under the lights
Wishing Happy Holidays from Arabian Nights!

For every new, unwrapped toy that you bring to Arabian Nights between now at December 23rd, we’ll take $20 off your full-priced adult ticket. All toys will go the Baby DJ Toy Drive, which gives to families in need throughout Central Florida. Please call for reservations and details at 407-239-9223.

Arabian Nights' staff decorated a tree for Give Kids the World this year. We love participating in our community and giving back!

Misty is the American Princess

Today, we’ll be profiling Misty Morgan, who works in the stables at Arabian Nights. If you’re a fan of Arabian Nights, you’d probably recognize her, even if you didn’t know her name. Why would she seem so familiar to you? Well, that’s Misty’s face, smiling out at you from T-shirts, business cards, brochures, posters, signs, and anywhere else you’ve seen the American Princess logo. While Misty isn’t the only rider who plays Princess Scheherazade, she’s certainly the most famous! She was kind enough to answer my questions about her time at Arabian Nights.

The full version of that very famous photo.

How does it feel to be the face of the American Princess at Arabian Nights?
After ten years of being with the company, I am so happy to be given this honor. The Princess’s riding acts are my favorites, especially the finale.

Which horse is that you’re riding in the publicity photo?
That’s Sabre. I love him – he’s a sweet horse with a very lively personality.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about this very famous photo?
Well, about five years ago, I worked very hard with Sabre to get him into this act.  To have a picture of the two of us as the main publicity photo for Arabian Nights is very meaningful to me.

Misty on Horatio in the Holiday Show.

Aside from Sabre, who is your favorite horse, and why?
Sandpiper and Horatio are two of my favorites. I enjoy riding them, and they both have great, loving personalities.

In addition to the final Princess act, what is your favorite act in the show?
I really like the Native Act, as well. But the final Princess act has a special place in my heart.

Misty in the Gypsy act on Monte

Which costume is your favorite? The Princess?
Actually, the Gypsy costume is my favorite.

What part of your day at Arabian Nights do you like best?
My favorite part is taking care of the horses.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy teaching, riding, and showing. I’m never really out of the stables.

Misty as the Princess.

What was your most memorable moment in the show?
I fell off the Black Stallion during the very first holiday show.

What was your background before coming to work here?
I have been riding for 22 years. I grew up competing in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation.

What made you choose a job at Arabian Nights?
The horses – and getting paid to do what I truly love!

Thanks, Misty! I get to see Misty every day on my business card, but you can watch her ride at most showings of the American Princess.

This is how I see Misty every day!