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

[LivingforDisney]

I got everything I wanted , have 2 more to book, fingers crossed. We are staying Dec 20th until Jan 3rd.
I got Tonys for my sisters birthday 23rd Dec, CRT for my daughters birthday on Dec 27th and the fireworks party for us all on Dec 26th.
I also got 1901 Park Fare Xmas Eve, Hoop Dee Doo Xmas night & O'hana's another night at 6.35pm.
My others were, sci fi, 50's prime time & T Rex & Via Napoli
Also got BOG for lunch on sisters birthday Dec 23rd.
Now just want Whispering Canyon on 31st Dec,
Also snagged BOG for dinner.
There seemed to be a lot of choices for times for everything I wanted

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

I got everything I wanted , have 2 more to book, fingers crossed. We are staying Dec 20th until Jan 3rd.
I got Tonys for my sisters birthday 23rd Dec, CRT for my daughters birthday on Dec 27th and the fireworks party for us all on Dec 26

We are going to the desert party on the 26 th also!

 

[Familyof4lovesDW]

After reading here, I thought I may have trouble booking. Had a glich after I booked my first (last) reservation, and I was not getting my 180+ so I switched to the computer and did not have any more issues.

12/20 arrival day
12/21 1240 bbb@mk 755 akerschus
12/22 115 chef mickeys
12/23 no adrs
12/24 hoping for candlight processional
12/25 1155 bog hoping to preorder to help with crazy crowds 755 narcoossees
12/26 710 bog departure day

I tried for a bog lunch on 12/22 there was no availability. My kids have no idea they are getting Disney for Christmas

 

[LivingforDisney]

I first of all was going to do the fireworks party on Dec 27th for my daughters birthday, but then decided on CRT, hope she will like it, she will be turning 15 & Cinderella has always been her favourite princess.
So that's why I got fireworks party 26th.

 

[PirateD]

I got everything I wanted , have 2 more to book, fingers crossed. We are staying Dec 20th until Jan 3rd.
I got Tonys for my sisters birthday 23rd Dec, CRT for my daughters birthday on Dec 27th and the fireworks party for us all on Dec 26th.
I also got 1901 Park Fare Xmas Eve, Hoop Dee Doo Xmas night & O'hana's another night at 6.35pm.
My others were, sci fi, 50's prime time & T Rex & Via Napoli
Also got BOG for lunch on sisters birthday Dec 23rd.
Now just want Whispering Canyon on 31st Dec,
Also snagged BOG for dinner.
There seemed to be a lot of choices for times for everything I wanted

We will be at BOG for lunch on Dec 23rd too!!! I'm so excited!

 

[sharona]

I am assuming that for my trip on December 15th-19th that there will be 8AM openings for MK. Does anyone know when the hours are typically updated? Hopefully before I do my FP+ right?

The earlier park opening shouldn't impact your FP+. You don't want to start those windows until it gets crowded anyway (after 10:30/11 at least). Think of the earlier opening as an extra hour of crowd free touring time. Many visitors will not even think to recheck park hours closer to the trip and many more may know about the 8am opening but will not be willing to get up that early - especially in December when the mornings can be cold.

 

[wdw101]

Don't worry! My DH is a career changer and after many a wonderful Fall and January trip we are now "fortunately" stuck with December. This will be our third December trip and I am so excited! The first time we went at this time I was dreading the crowds as our entire family are not big crowd people. Here are my tips for surviving:

1) Take advantage of AM EMH hours if staying on-site. Parks will get very crowded in the afternoon. Disney also has extended hours and EMH right around and over the holidays which helps if you are an early riser or late nighter
2) Plan activities away from the park for the afternoons (pool - yes even in December my DS finds a warm enough day or two each trip), resort hop and check out the decorations, carriage ride, stroll resort grounds, nap in a hammock or by the pool, linger longer at a restaurant
3) Look at the recommended parks for each day - we have found these to be pretty accurate - but again they are just a guess based on historical data
4) Take in the holiday magic and don't worry about what you don't get to see or do (after all you will get to experience some unique holiday Disney magic like Osborne Lights, holiday parade (nothing beats the marching soldiers!), and the amazing decorations)

I'm glad we were "forced" to go over Christmas and can't wait for our trip this year!

Hello! First-timer needs help. This will be first time trip for us. Party of three- myself, DH, DS (6). I'm nervous because it is our first-time trip to Disney, and we are going during Christmas Week -20-29th! EEK We are sort of "forced" as well because of our jobs, but we really are excited to see Disney at Christmas! I could use help from anyone that has traveled on Christmas week. That week seems different than any other week in December. I researched a lot before my ADR's, but like anything, unless you have experienced first hand, you have no clue. This is our schedule (I hope I'm using the correct initials to communicate all of this I put my questions in bold.

20 - can check in early; EP- tour Future World-tried to get ADR Garden Grill but no luck When would be best to retry for GG this day?
21 -EMH@MK- tour Tomorrow/Fantasyland early ADR lunch @Crystal P- leave park by noon; nap @ hotel 3/4 hours; PH to HS; use FP+ afternoon; late dinner @ 50's ADR- stay until close-see Osbourne lights. Will buses from Caribbean Beach resort get us there for EMH this day? I'm assuming that is going to be REALLY early Should we drive that day (have car)??
22– RD MK tour Adventure Land/Liberty Square; early lunch QS; hotel rest again; MK, FP+ afternoon; dinner late QS; fireworks/parade- stay until close- What is the best way to see parades and fireworks this day at MK? I don't get the parade situation this day/week. It says there is 3:00 one, is that the same as the night one?
23- RD HS Jedi sign up, see shows (most rides@ HS will be afternoon Fastpassed); lunch QS; break; HS; FP+ afternoon; ADR Sci-Fi-latest show Fantasmic!
24- Rest in AM; lunch @ hotel or Epcot QS; afternoon FP+ ride not seen, evening at Epcot World Showcase; ADR Biergarten; Illuminations- thought about CP, but we might skip it this time- son is high energy and read it could be boring for young ones
25 – AK (may or may not RD Christmas morning??? any thoughts on this?- I've heard it is not crowded); latest brunch @ Tusker House; FP+, Is there an AK Christmas parade we can catch in afternoon this day??? Leave AK early afternoon; X-mas Dinner at 'Ohana.
26– (no park day) Hotel Rest AM -Christmas resort decoration self-tour. What are the three best resorts on monorail to see???- DS will probably be interested in doing this for a little while- can't see all of them; ADR dinner California Grill.
27– RD MK; BOG lunch (the only time I could get BOG!!!)- not sure when to FP this day and not let it get in the way of our ADR @ 11am. Should we do before or after 11:00 ADR???. Break; Downtown Disney Ragland Road ADR
28 (no park day) Rest in AM; ADR Chef Mickey brunch; break; PM: Downtown Disney- ADR T-Rex
Day 10 check out

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

I am so glad to read that everybody was able to successfully book their dining reservations. I was also able to successfully book all of my dining at the beginning of June. I read so many complaints on the Restaurants forum, but I had no issues. I was even able to to get Be Our Guest for both lunch and dinner on different days AND, I was able to go in later that evening and move the time of my Be Our Guest meal to an earlier option.

 

[siskaren]

1. Will buses from Caribbean Beach resort get us there for EMH this day? I'm assuming that is going to be REALLY early Should we drive that day (have car)??

2. I don't get the parade situation this day/week. It says there is 3:00 one, is that the same as the night one?

3. Is there an AK Christmas parade we can catch in afternoon this day???

4. What are the three best resorts on monorail to see???

1. I would expect the park to open at 7:00 that day for EMH and buses will definitely be running that early (I think they would start at 6:00). A lot of people with cars will take the bus to MK since it avoids the extra step of having to take the monorail or the ferry from the TTC.

2. The 3:00 parade will be the Christmas one; the nighttime one will be the Main Street Electrical Parade (MSEP).

3. No parade at AK.

4. There's only 3 resorts on the monorail, however, unless things have changed, the Poly's decorations aren't that impressive. I would take the boat from the Contemporary over to the Wilderness Lodge and check that out instead.

 

[PirateD]

@wdw101

Definitely check out the Grand Floridian. The life size gingerbread house is amazing and they have a huge Christmas tree and other beautiful Christmas decorations. When we were there, a pianist was playing Christmas music on a grand piano in the lobby. It was the perfect holiday atmosphere. This is the only resort Christmas decorations that we have seen in person. This year we are hoping to also visit the Contemporary Resort. Last year they had a really cool Frozen display made out of gingerbread and sugar. I don't know what they will have this year, but I imagine it will be posted on the Dis or the Disney Food Blog before hand. We also want to visit Wilderness Lodge as I hear that their tree and decorations are spectacular. We will see The Poly's decorations this year, but mainly because we are eating at 'Ohana one night.

 

[lovndisney12]

Hello! First-timer needs help. This will be first time trip for us. Party of three- myself, DH, DS (6). I'm nervous because it is our first-time trip to Disney, and we are going during Christmas Week -20-29th! EEK We are sort of "forced" as well because of our jobs, but we really are excited to see Disney at Christmas! I could use help from anyone that has traveled on Christmas week. That week seems different than any other week in December. I researched a lot before my ADR's, but like anything, unless you have experienced first hand, you have no clue. This is our schedule (I hope I'm using the correct initials to communicate all of this I put my questions in bold.

20 - can check in early; EP- tour Future World-tried to get ADR Garden Grill but no luck When would be best to retry for GG this day?
21 -EMH@MK- tour Tomorrow/Fantasyland early ADR lunch @Crystal P- leave park by noon; nap @ hotel 3/4 hours; PH to HS; use FP+ afternoon; late dinner @ 50's ADR- stay until close-see Osbourne lights. Will buses from Caribbean Beach resort get us there for EMH this day? I'm assuming that is going to be REALLY early Should we drive that day (have car)??
22– RD MK tour Adventure Land/Liberty Square; early lunch QS; hotel rest again; MK, FP+ afternoon; dinner late QS; fireworks/parade- stay until close- What is the best way to see parades and fireworks this day at MK? I don't get the parade situation this day/week. It says there is 3:00 one, is that the same as the night one?
23- RD HS Jedi sign up, see shows (most rides@ HS will be afternoon Fastpassed); lunch QS; break; HS; FP+ afternoon; ADR Sci-Fi-latest show Fantasmic!
24- Rest in AM; lunch @ hotel or Epcot QS; afternoon FP+ ride not seen, evening at Epcot World Showcase; ADR Biergarten; Illuminations- thought about CP, but we might skip it this time- son is high energy and read it could be boring for young ones
25 – AK (may or may not RD Christmas morning??? any thoughts on this?- I've heard it is not crowded); latest brunch @ Tusker House; FP+, Is there an AK Christmas parade we can catch in afternoon this day??? Leave AK early afternoon; X-mas Dinner at 'Ohana.
26– (no park day) Hotel Rest AM -Christmas resort decoration self-tour. What are the three best resorts on monorail to see???- DS will probably be interested in doing this for a little while- can't see all of them; ADR dinner California Grill.
27– RD MK; BOG lunch (the only time I could get BOG!!!)- not sure when to FP this day and not let it get in the way of our ADR @ 11am. Should we do before or after 11:00 ADR???. Break; Downtown Disney Ragland Road ADR
28 (no park day) Rest in AM; ADR Chef Mickey brunch; break; PM: Downtown Disney- ADR T-Rex
Day 10 check out

We have been during this week and will be there again this year. Awesome time to go and we too don't have much choice due to DH teacher job and DS HS schedule and spring/summer baseball. First year we went I was nervous but all worked out fine.:
20 - Couple times to try: When candlelight processional packages open up some people may drop regular ADRs to replace with CP. Also, around 45 cancellation window.
21 - Buses will be fine and running in time for EMH. Be prepared for additional EMH both AM and PM during that week. They may or may not be posted in advance.
22 - As PP stated 3 PM parade will be the Christmas Parade that is shown during MVMCP. It is my favorite parade - love the wooden soldiers. If you only did one parade this day, I would opt for this one - but everyone is different.
25 - AK is what we do on Christmas day. When we were there it opened extra early that day. We were there for RD and able to ride and see everything we wanted, had lunch at Yak and Yeti and then headed out as the hoards of people were streaming in. Last I checked, AK no longer does a parade during this time.
26 - I would take the boat from MK and go to Wilderness to see decorations in addition to the monorail resorts. Boat ride is fun and favorite "Christmas" decorations of all the resorts. You can also head over to the campground (boat or walking path) and take a wagon ride around and see the campers' decorations.
27 - Not sure you will be able to get all 3 FP+ in before your lunch ADR. Maybe do one or two before and the remaining after.

My biggest tip for this time of year (and really any time) is to enjoy what you get to do and don't focus on what you miss. Wishing you a magical trip!

 

[wdw101]

Wow! That is all very helpful! Thanks so much!!!

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

20 - can check in early; EP- tour Future World-tried to get ADR Garden Grill but no luck When would be best to retry for GG this day? The crowds start picking up around the 18th/19th. I would continue to search the website several times a day. The website is supposed to be pretty close to real time; if somebody cancels or Disney opens more time slots, it will become available almost immediately.

21 -EMH@MK- tour Tomorrow/Fantasyland early ADR lunch @Crystal P- leave park by noon; nap @ hotel 3/4 hours; PH to HS; use FP+ afternoon; late dinner @ 50's ADR- stay until close-see Osbourne lights. Will buses from Caribbean Beach resort get us there for EMH this day? I'm assuming that is going to be REALLY early Should we drive that day (have car)?? Yes, they run the buses based upon park hours.

22– RD MK tour Adventure Land/Liberty Square; early lunch QS; hotel rest again; MK, FP+ afternoon; dinner late QS; fireworks/parade- stay until close- What is the best way to see parades and fireworks this day at MK? I don't get the parade situation this day/week. It says there is 3:00 one, is that the same as the night one? Get your spot EARLY! Seriously. I believe the parades are different. The one in the afternoon is the standard 3 PM parade and the evening parade is the same from MVMCP. If I am remembering incorrectly, somebody will be glad to tell me I am wrong.

23- RD HS Jedi sign up, see shows (most rides@ HS will be afternoon Fastpassed); lunch QS; break; HS; FP+ afternoon; ADR Sci-Fi-latest show Fantasmic!

24- Rest in AM; lunch @ hotel or Epcot QS; afternoon FP+ ride not seen, evening at Epcot World Showcase; ADR Biergarten; Illuminations- thought about CP, but we might skip it this time- son is high energy and read it could be boring for young ones

25 – AK (may or may not RD Christmas morning??? any thoughts on this?- I've heard it is not crowded); latest brunch @ Tusker House; FP+, Is there an AK Christmas parade we can catch in afternoon this day??? Leave AK early afternoon; X-mas Dinner at 'Ohana. On Christmas day, it is always best to get the park as early as possible. When MK hits capacity, people have to go somewhere else. I do not believe there is a special parade just for Christmas at Animal Kingdom unless Disney does something new this year.

26– (no park day) Hotel Rest AM -Christmas resort decoration self-tour. What are the three best resorts on monorail to see???- DS will probably be interested in doing this for a little while- can't see all of them; ADR dinner California Grill. Check the first page of this thread as it is all laid out. But, to answer your question directly; Grand Flordian, Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club.

27– RD MK; BOG lunch (the only time I could get BOG!!!)- not sure when to FP this day and not let it get in the way of our ADR @ 11am. Should we do before or after 11:00 ADR???. Break; Downtown Disney Ragland Road ADR
28 (no park day) Rest in AM; ADR Chef Mickey brunch; break; PM: Downtown Disney- ADR T-Rex If you get to the parks at opening or close thereafter, you can get FPs before breakfast. I do not suggest booking one between10 AM and 11 AM as FP lines will be longer in peak season. If you do not want to rush to the park, book your first one after lunch; 12:30 and beyond.

Day 10 check out

 

[wdw101]

20 - can check in early; EP- tour Future World-tried to get ADR Garden Grill but no luck When would be best to retry for GG this day? The crowds start picking up around the 18th/19th. I would continue to search the website several times a day. The website is supposed to be pretty close to real time; if somebody cancels or Disney opens more time slots, it will become available almost immediately.

21 -EMH@MK- tour Tomorrow/Fantasyland early ADR lunch @Crystal P- leave park by noon; nap @ hotel 3/4 hours; PH to HS; use FP+ afternoon; late dinner @ 50's ADR- stay until close-see Osbourne lights. Will buses from Caribbean Beach resort get us there for EMH this day? I'm assuming that is going to be REALLY early Should we drive that day (have car)?? Yes, they run the buses based upon park hours.

22– RD MK tour Adventure Land/Liberty Square; early lunch QS; hotel rest again; MK, FP+ afternoon; dinner late QS; fireworks/parade- stay until close- What is the best way to see parades and fireworks this day at MK? I don't get the parade situation this day/week. It says there is 3:00 one, is that the same as the night one? Get your spot EARLY! Seriously. I believe the parades are different. The one in the afternoon is the standard 3 PM parade and the evening parade is the same from MVMCP. If I am remembering incorrectly, somebody will be glad to tell me I am wrong.

23- RD HS Jedi sign up, see shows (most rides@ HS will be afternoon Fastpassed); lunch QS; break; HS; FP+ afternoon; ADR Sci-Fi-latest show Fantasmic!

24- Rest in AM; lunch @ hotel or Epcot QS; afternoon FP+ ride not seen, evening at Epcot World Showcase; ADR Biergarten; Illuminations- thought about CP, but we might skip it this time- son is high energy and read it could be boring for young ones

25 – AK (may or may not RD Christmas morning??? any thoughts on this?- I've heard it is not crowded); latest brunch @ Tusker House; FP+, Is there an AK Christmas parade we can catch in afternoon this day??? Leave AK early afternoon; X-mas Dinner at 'Ohana. On Christmas day, it is always best to get the park as early as possible. When MK hits capacity, people have to go somewhere else. I do not believe there is a special parade just for Christmas at Animal Kingdom unless Disney does something new this year.

26– (no park day) Hotel Rest AM -Christmas resort decoration self-tour. What are the three best resorts on monorail to see???- DS will probably be interested in doing this for a little while- can't see all of them; ADR dinner California Grill. Check the first page of this thread as it is all laid out. But, to answer your question directly; Grand Flordian, Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club.

27– RD MK; BOG lunch (the only time I could get BOG!!!)- not sure when to FP this day and not let it get in the way of our ADR @ 11am. Should we do before or after 11:00 ADR???. Break; Downtown Disney Ragland Road ADR
28 (no park day) Rest in AM; ADR Chef Mickey brunch; break; PM: Downtown Disney- ADR T-Rex If you get to the parks at opening or close thereafter, you can get FPs before breakfast. I do not suggest booking one between10 AM and 11 AM as FP lines will be longer in peak season. If you do not want to rush to the park, book your first one after lunch; 12:30 and beyond.

Day 10 check out

Thank you!

 

[Piwacket's Mom]

does Port Orleans get very decorated for Christmas. I haven't seen any holiday pics from there and want to hit some resorts to check out decor.

 

[PirateD]

does Port Orleans get very decorated for Christmas. I haven't seen any holiday pics from there and want to hit some resorts to check out decor.

I haven't seen Port Orleans in person, but I did watch a couple of YouTube videos when we were researching resorts to stay at. I just searched for Port Orleans Riverside Christmas Decorations and Port Orleans French Quarter Christmas Decorations and a couple of videos came up. I thought they both looked very pretty. I think that the deluxe resorts have the most elaborate decorations, then moderates, and then values. But that is only what I have gathered from viewing pictures and videos and reading what others have to say. The only resort I have seen all decked out was the Grand Floridian and it was amazing! I can't wait to see more resorts this Christmas!

 

[lovndisney12]

I haven't seen Port Orleans in person, but I did watch a couple of YouTube videos when we were researching resorts to stay at. I just searched for Port Orleans Riverside Christmas Decorations and Port Orleans French Quarter Christmas Decorations and a couple of videos came up. I thought they both looked very pretty. I think that the deluxe resorts have the most elaborate decorations, then moderates, and then values. But that is only what I have gathered from viewing pictures and videos and reading what others have to say. The only resort I have seen all decked out was the Grand Floridian and it was amazing! I can't wait to see more resorts this Christmas!

We have stayed at POFQ several times over and around Christmas and have ventured over to POR. They are both decorated but depending on your schedule, there are other resorts that would be a better use of your time (Wilderness, Grand Floridian, Beach Club, Yacht Club)

 

[Piwacket's Mom]

I haven't seen Port Orleans in person, but I did watch a couple of YouTube videos when we were researching resorts to stay at. I just searched for Port Orleans Riverside Christmas Decorations and Port Orleans French Quarter Christmas Decorations and a couple of videos came up. I thought they both looked very pretty. I think that the deluxe resorts have the most elaborate decorations, then moderates, and then values. But that is only what I have gathered from viewing pictures and videos and reading what others have to say. The only resort I have seen all decked out was the Grand Floridian and it was amazing! I can't wait to see more resorts this Christmas!

We have stayed at POFQ several times over and around Christmas and have ventured over to POR. They are both decorated but depending on your schedule, there are other resorts that would be a better use of your time (Wilderness, Grand Floridian, Beach Club, Yacht Club)

thanks

 

[amomma23]

When does the 3:00 MK parade switch back to FoF? We have seen the Christmas parade, but we've managed to miss FoF on our recent visits.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Just added a day to my trip!