December 2015 Help Thread - What To See & Do (Crowd Calendar Added)

[Maleficent Dragon]

​

I KNOW SOME DETAILS ARE MISSING OR INCORRECT. I COPIED FROM MY 2013 THREAD AND SOME OF THIS IS OUTDATED. THEY WILL BE DELETED/ADDED/MODIFIED SOON OR AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE. PICTURES, DETAILS, REVIEWS, ETC.​

Photos are from WDW Website, WDW Info or they are mine. If any of these photos from WDW Info are yours, please let me know so I can give you credit for them.





In an effort to help my fellow December vacationers, I have put some helpful information in a single post for quick reference.



December Park Hours Can Be Found HERE!



Least Crowded Park/Crowd Calendar
Suggested Park(s)

**Please note that Disney WILL change things up. Some parks will open earlier, some will stay open later, some EMHs might be moved around, etc. When I am alerted to those changes, I will make them here as well.

GREEN - Best Parks to Visit
YELLOW - Okay Parks to Visit
RED - Worst Parks to Visit

​

​

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with your family at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a special event held select nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom theme park!

This festive celebration is filled with spectacular fireworks, a very special holiday parade and live entertainment featuring your favorite Disney Characters. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend this event, and tickets sell out quickly.


Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight on select nights.


Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party




2015 Party Dates

November: 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
December: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
Event time: 7:00 pm - 12:00 am (Historically, you can get in at 4 PM with your party ticket)



For the best details on MVMCP, click HERE to view CampbellzSoup's awesome MVMCP 2015 thread.​

Tickets can be ordered by Visiting:https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets/events/
Calling: 407.W.DISNEY or 407.934.7639
Tickets can also be purchased at Park Ticketing Windows

Candlelight Processional

During the holidays, Epcot theme park is transformed into an international celebration of Yuletide traditions filled with festive decorations and live entertainment. From Holidays Around The World to Candlelight Processional, delight in the sights and sounds of the season. Candlelight Processional is a special holiday event held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot theme park as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator † accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

This unforgettable spectacle is held on select nights during the holiday season and, due to its popularity, often fills up quickly. To ensure you have a seat, you may participate in one of our Candlelight Dinner Packages* that includes a delicious lunch or dinner, a guaranteed seating section for the Candlelight Processional, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing.

Schedule & Narrators
American Gardens Theatre (5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m.)

You must schedule your Candlelight Processional Dining Package BEFORE the performance you will attend. There is a Lunch Package for those attending the 5:00 performance and a Dinner Package for those attending the 6:45 or 8:00 performances. You must eat during the following time periods with this package:

5:00 show: lunch between 1:45-2:45 pm
6:45 show: dinner between 3:30-4:30 pm
8:15 show: dinner between 5:00-6:00 pm

The participating restaurants are usually priced in three tiers. Package meals generally include appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. Admission to Epcot is NOT included in the package price. 2 credits from the Dining Plan can be used to pay for your meal.


It begins November 27, 2015, and runs every evening through December 30. Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows -- 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM.

**Narrators are subject to change at anytime without notice.


11/27 – 11/29: TBD

11/30 – 12/3: Neil Patrick Harris

12/4 - 12/5: Whoopi Goldberg

12/6 – 12/8: Joe Morton

12/9 - 12/11: TBD

12/12 - 12/14: Meredith Vieira

12/15 - 12/23: TBD

12/24 - 12/26: Edward James Olmos

12/27 – 12/28: TBD

12/29 – 12/30: Amy Grant​

Candlelight Dinner Package includes lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant, guaranteed general seating at the America Gardens Theatre during the Candlelight Processional and pre-arranged fireworks viewing. The meal includes:

• Appetizer
• Entree
• Dessert
• Non-alcoholic beverage
(OR one full buffet where applicable)

There will be specific dining reservation times for each show as follows:
5 p.m. show reservation for dining must be between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m. show dining must be between 3:30 and 4:15 p.m.
8:15 show dining must be between 4:20 and 5:45 p.m.

Participating restaurants:

Biergarten Restaurant: Lunch and Dinner
Chefs de France: Lunch and Dinner
Coral Reef: Lunch and Dinner
Garden Grill Restaurant: Lunch and Dinner
La Hacienda de San Angel: Dinner
Nine Dragons Restaurant: Lunch and Dinner
Restaurant Marrakesh: Lunch and Dinner
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room: Lunch and Dinner
San Angel Inn: Lunch and Dinner
Teppan Edo: Lunch and Dinner
Tokyo Dining: Lunch and Dinner
Tutto Italia: Lunch and Dinner
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria: Lunch and Dinner
Spice Road: Lunch and Dinner

​

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

What To See During the Christmas Season



Magic Kingdom

Castle Lighting

This is the highlight of Magic Kingdom during the Christmas season. Each night during the Christmas season around dusk, a special ceremony with the Disney Characters, including the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella, magically light up the castle.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features:

The enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle
Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself
An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters
Meet and greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom theme park with some of your favorite Disney Characters
Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Special access to many of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions


These are not the greatest videos, but they are mine, so I am sharing.

Don't forget to see Christmas Wishes at the party!!!!

​

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

EPCOT

Holidays Around the World

Throughout World Showcase, storytellers share customs and beliefs from their heritage. Each country features its own storyteller throughout the day at set times to share There are meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in The American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. The celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are showcased as well.


Candlelight Processional

see above for details

​

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Animal Kingdom

​

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Disney Studios

Large Nativity

Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park is a breathtaking seasonal display featuring millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music.

The lights are so extensive you may find it hard to comprehend their magnitude. Entire buildings are blanketed in sheets of multi-colored lights, and thousands more lights form twirling carousels, heavenly angels, and even Santa and his reindeer. Approximately every 10 minutes, the lights dim and then dramatically spring to life — dynamically choreographed to traditional holiday music. You have to see the effect to believe it!

Some nights, if you truly believe in holiday magic, the show is capped off with an enchanted flurry of snow.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights started modestly in Arkansas as a single home's annual display. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew... and grew! In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is included with standard admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Yuletide Fantasy Tour

Take a delightful journey behind the scenes to see how Walt Disney World Resort is transformed into an international holiday wonderland. Get an in-depth look into the diverse holiday traditions and the stunningly beautiful array of decorations that add a special touch everywhere you turn.


Every winter, Walt Disney World Resort is adorned with one of the most impressive collections of holiday trimmings on earth. Be taken backstage to places seldom seen by Guests. Visit Holiday Services, a veritable winter wonderland, and meet the Cast Members who create thousands of decorations used to dress up Disney Theme Parks and Resorts.

Explore Epcot theme park, where the profusion of holiday celebrations spans the globe from pavilion to pavilion. Go from Christmasfest in Germany, to Italy for the legend of La Befana. Take in Hanukkah and Kwanzaa at The American Adventure and the New Year festival, O-Shogatsu, in Japan.

On Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom theme park, get an up-close look at the boughs and bells of the traditional Christmas decorations. And before you leave the tour, visit a Disney Resort hotel, cleverly dressed up in holiday finery.

Guests must be at least 16 years old and carry government-issued photo identification. Yuletide Fantasy is offered seasonally from November 30th to December 30th, excluding Christmas Day. Theme park admission not required.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Disney Resorts Known For Best Decorations


Wilderness Lodge

This is the absolute best resort to visit during Christmas.
It has that at-home-Dolly-Parton-Rocky-Mountain-trapped-in-because-of-the-snow feeling.
It is absolutely amazing.

Grand Floridian

The G-Flo has a huge tree in the center of the lobby, but most people come to see the gingerbread
house that is also a shoppe. They sell "shingles" (gingerbread cookies) in addition to other tasty treats.

Beach Club

In the lobby, the Beach Club has a beautiful and delicious smelling carousel.
The entire carousel is made of edible items.

Yacht Club


The Yacht Club has a Christmas tree and Christmas Village set-up.
The village has a lot of little stuff in it and it is hard to get close enough to see every detail,
but if you take pictures, when you get home you can see all of the details.

Animal Kingdom Lodge/Villas


Both Jambo and Kidani have a Christmas tree. Jambo is much larger and has more decorations.
You can also get your picture taken in front of the tree at Jambo House.

Boardwalk


(need to get picture & details)

Sleigh Ride at Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campground

Enjoy an intimate horse-drawn carriage ride for a 25-minute trip through
Disney's Ft. Wilderness Resort & Campground. Each carriage can hold either
4 adults—or 2 adults and 3 small children. The trip costs $75 USD per carriage.

​

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Uno Mas

 

[Minniekins]

I'll be going Dec 3rd - 10th, 2015! You've got lots of great info here, especially for those who've never been at that time, and nice pics of the beautiful Xmas sights all around the park and resorts.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

I'll be going Dec 3rd - 10th, 2015! You've got lots of great info here, especially for those who've never been at that time, and nice pics of the beautiful Xmas sights all around the park and resorts.

But, just a heads up, they no longer have the Jammin' Jungle parade in Animal Kindgom, or the Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade, unfortunately.

Yeah, you are absolutely correct. I copied and pasted all of those from my old help thread. That was the reason I put the disclaimer at the top that not everything is correct. I sure dont want to cause any confusion, so I will go ahead and pull that now that I am wide awake.

 

[SmithSmith]

Thank you for an awesome thread!

 

[vleeth]

This will be our first December trip. So ok excited!

 

[Minniekins]

Yeah, you are absolutely correct. I copied and pasted all of those from my old help thread. That was the reason I put the disclaimer at the top that not everything is correct. I sure dont want to cause any confusion, so I will go ahead and pull that now that I am wide awake.

Oops, I didn't even notice that disclaimer at the top, lol, totally missed it! I'm sorry, I really wasn't trying to be rude or anything! I was just skimming along, and noticing all the content, lots of it and happened to notice that. Your page has lots of great info!

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Oops, I didn't even notice that disclaimer at the top, lol, totally missed it! I'm sorry, I really wasn't trying to be rude or anything! I was just skimming along, and noticing all the content, lots of it and happened to notice that. Your page has lots of great info!

I didn't think you were rude whatsoever. I truly appreciated you saying so. It helped me to remember to fix that piece faster.
I love Disney in December. I started the thread because people are always asking "what's not to miss"..... I hope this helps.

 

[Doug M]

Be my first time since 1995 during December, quite a bit has changed, can't wait!

 

[mlnbabies]

We will be staying at VGF from Dec. 7-12. It will be my dd 16th birthday trip. We were there in Dec. 2011 so we are excited to see the new things.

 

[5kidsmommy]

My daughter and I will be going from Dec. 13th-18th. We've been in January when the decorations are still up but have never been for all the holiday activities. I am so thrilled, although thinking we are going to be exhausted at the end of our trip because I had no idea how much activity there was during such a magical time of year. This thread rocks!

 

[Minniekins]

I didn't think you were rude whatsoever. I truly appreciated you saying so. It helped me to remember to fix that piece faster.
I love Disney in December. I started the thread because people are always asking "what's not to miss"..... I hope this helps.

Okay, good, lol! I felt bad when I looked at the first post again and saw that big note that it was still in progress that I had missed"!

Yep, we love Disney in December as well, it's so beautiful with so many fun things to see and do! Definitely gets you ready for Christmas, lol! I think it's great that you started pthis, it will really help some people looking for more specific info and pics as they plan whether or not to go to a party, and then see all there is to do there! I've seen it all, and it makes me excited, too!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Great thread, MD!!!! Very helpful.

Swan/Dolphin do it up very nicely also, and with Santa too.

And world's largest chocolate Santa

http://santasfavoriteresort.com/chocolate.html



Plus their own version of the Osborne Lights on the
walkway, music and dancing lights
about every 30 minutes

​