Callaway Gardens review- Fantasy in Lights 2016

As promised, my Callaway Gardens, Fantasy in Lights review. First I should tell you, I am not easily impressed. I've been known to be a bit of a skeptic but Christmas is one of my favorite seasons and we have grandchildren which makes it even better.  So, here goes. It has been several years since we traveled to Fantasy in Lights, the year before mama died, I believe. I decided this year we must begin a new tradition of taking the grandchildren!

Accommodations are easy to find, as Callaway operates several. [I have heard people say they had difficulty perusing the Callaway website, I will offer links to assist in your search]
The Lodge and Spa   For those wishing to be pampered.
The Southern Pine Cottages    My personal favorite. A room here will run you $100 a night during the week. Be aware it almost doubles for the weekend. It is the most beautiful setting though, pines trees and wildlife outside your windows.
Mountain Creek Vacation Homes  I call this place "rustic elegance".. a fine balance of comfort and a homey feeling. MC has the most options for accommodations. Still pricey for a retired man and his wife.
Mountain Creek Inn  Super nice place. As all the others, run well and well appointed.

There are also options "off property." Smaller towns surround Pine Mountain and offer some less expensive stays, considering you aren't going to spend much time in your room. 

Have Pets? You want to stay at Mountain Top Inn. 

Find it HERE   I checked out several booking sites and found a nice room here for only $83 a night on Saturday.  Just an example of your other options.  Don't forget the Georgia State parks, which I will admit, make me more thankful for the way Alabama State Parks are run. They are a less expensive option if you have a RV. Franklin Roosevelt park is 5-7 minutes from Callaway but stays pretty booked.

Now, we've got that out of the way. Time for the FUN!  

**TIP: Look for the Robin Lake Beach entrance on your gps. This is the location for boarding Fantasy in Lights trains, Christmas Village and the outdoor Food Pavilion. Callaway is HUGE with several entrances and to get you in quickly for your ride thru the lights, this is your best option.  

Christmastime at Callaway Gardens...  It's just awesome, no other way to describe it. 

You can drive your own vehicle through Fantasy in Lights BUT it's not the best way to do it.  The absolutely BEST WAY is ride the trolley. [Park on the Robin Beach parking area per gps.]

There are CG attendants everywhere to guide you to the tents set up for waiting in line. Don't let the line scare you, it moves really quickly. [We went on Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend and didn't stand in line more than 15 minutes] You can buy hot chocolate along the way, be warned its pricey as well. [Bring your own thermos and cookies to chow down after the ride]

Now, this is personal preference but there are two trolloys- the ones with seats lining the sides (each person facing into the center and you must turn sideways to see both sides of the road while riding.

The second choice is the "rowed" seat trolleys. (***DING, DING, DING.. we have a winner) You face forward with a supportive back and can toss your quilt from home, across everyone's knees.
[When they bring you up to board your trolley to board, if your choice is not up.. simply step back and tell the attendant in an elf hat, you need the forward facing trolley. No one minds if you wait for the next, there's always someone ready to jump on the one you passed up]  Enjoy your ride as you choose, you paid for it.

Speaking of paying. There are discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Also, active military get a remarkable special. Read about it here-  Explanation of Military discount options- Active, Retired and Veterans.
There are also Annual Passes, which is what we plan to buy.

Here is the page for pricing for everyone. Fantasy in Lights Pricing Calendar

PLEASE NOTE- Purchase your tickets online, please. If you fly all willy-nilly, seat of your pants style and then complain you waited forever in line and you didn't know where to go and about all the perks.. well, that's on you. I'm giving you all the great info here.  

After you disembark from the trolley, you will be ready to warm up and want to make your way to Christmas Village, which is stroller friendly. (It's the HUGE Dome just past the beach and food court) Let the children sit on Santa's knee and you can do some shopping.  The beach space is not without it's own rewards, used during the Holiday season for light displays. There is a large Nativity scene among other lights in this area.  Parents, you will find some well known "characters" [Abominable, Minions, etc] available for picture taking before going inside. 

Are you thinking yet, "how will I see all this?"  Well, yeah! Callaway "gardens".. Oh, yes. The gardens. When you purchase your advance Fantasy in Lights tickets you will receive entry into the gardens during the day OR you can return before January 7th for a daytime park adventure. [This is a savings of $20 for each adult]

~There are adventure courses and ziplines through the trees (extra charge for zipline)

~The Discovery center is "stroller friendly" and children of all ages will enjoy it. Plenty of parking. 

  You can hike all over the park, see the outdoor "Birds of Prey" show. (Caution: the hawks and owls do some serious buzzing by your head during the show. You are asked to REMAIN seated throughout the show.) We took a 2yr old who sat mesmerized right up to the minute she fell asleep in my lap.
The older children loved the show as well! There are activities for the children at the discovery center as well.
~The Cecil B Day Butterfly house is a wonder. Sit on a bench and watch the butterflies light right in front or you or on you! Watch the hatchlings out front or the video explaining the cocooning process. 

Did I mention this is a huge park! 

~Golf course for the enthusiast. 

~Designated picnic areas 

~Beach and water sports 

and special events throughout the year. Check it out.. Things to do at Callaway

Now for the drive down from Birmingham. We were pulling a 40 ft RV, but found 280 East the best route going down and returned using US 431. (Less traffic on 431) Takes about two and a half to three hours, depending on your stops. Yes, you can make it a day trip but why would you? There's too much fun to be had for just one day!  

When you ride through the light show in the cool night air with your quilt over you and loved ones at your side and begin singing old time Christmas carols, Silent Night, Away in a Manger.. it simply filled my heart. Thoughts of Christmases past flooded my soul. What a wonderful time of the year. 

There's still time for you to see Fantasy in Lights 2016.  I hope you love it as much as I do. 

Time to make the Christmas cookies.