first timer with LOTS of questions...

[cheala]

We are planning our trip from Dec 5-10...

Did you do a map of what you wanted to see/do or just go with the flow?
Did you get the park hopper and was it worth the extra money?
What are the best places to eat at? Character dinners (we have a 4 year old DD and 2 year old DS)?
Are the fireworks at MK every night?
Where are the other firework shows/night shows?
Where are the parades...are they on different parks or just 1?
Anyone been to the Christmas Parade? How long is it?
What is the weather like in early December?
Are shows like Finding Nemo/Lion King included in tickets or do you have to pay for those separately? Do you have to make reservations?

How far is Sea World from Disney?
Is it possible to make it through in just one day or do you have to dedicate more than 1?

This is our first time going, and as you can see I am full of questions. Any other input or tips will be welcome TIA

[4everlovethemouse]

Originally Posted by cheala

We are planning our trip from Dec 5-10...

Did you do a map of what you wanted to see/do or just go with the flow?
Did you get the park hopper and was it worth the extra money?
What are the best places to eat at? Character dinners (we have a 4 year old DD and 2 year old DS)?
Are the fireworks at MK every night?
Where are the other firework shows/night shows?
Where are the parades...are they on different parks or just 1?
Anyone been to the Christmas Parade? How long is it?
What is the weather like in early December?
Are shows like Finding Nemo/Lion King included in tickets or do you have to pay for those separately? Do you have to make reservations?

How far is Sea World from Disney?
Is it possible to make it through in just one day or do you have to dedicate more than 1?

This is our first time going, and as you can see I am full of questions. Any other input or tips will be welcome TIA

I don't know all your answers but I'm sure others will reply soon.
I've been to disney a few times so I don't follow a map but as a first timer I would recommend reviewing the attractions and picking your "must sees". Then if you see them whatever else you get to will be a bonus. You're kids are young so going with the flow is always smart.
My daughter is 3.5 and we've gone 3 times to WDW. So far we have never park hopped with her. Usually long half day is enough for her.
For character dining we have gone to Chef Mickey's at CR for dinner
and Ohana's at Poly for breakfast. We liked them both alot. Also liked 1900
Park Fare at GF. We are going to try CP at MK this trip. Have heard good things.
Can't help you with MK firework show or weather in Florida in December. When park hours become available, disney website usually tells you the firework show times in MK and Fantasmic show time in Disney Studio.
Finding Nemo/Lion King are part of park admission. When you enter park get map and list of show times so you can line up and get into show you want.

[02AggieGirl]

Originally Posted by cheala

We are planning our trip from Dec 5-10...

Did you do a map of what you wanted to see/do or just go with the flow?
I think going at this time of the year, the crowds should be low so you could do a more go with the flow type of touring, but I would definitely do what the previous poster suggested and make a must do list.
Did you get the park hopper and was it worth the extra money?
Since they have made the park hopper an extra that you have to pay for, I have not purchased it. But if you do, I don't think you would be disappointed. It certainly would give you a lot more flexibility in going to the parks.
What are the best places to eat at? Character dinners (we have a 4 year old DD and 2 year old DS)?
We love Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. It has the Winnie-the-Pooh characters and the buffet is good. Chef Mickey's has characters for breakfast and dinner. I've read some really good reviews for their breakfasts. We went for dinner and it was fine. They have Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy.
Are the fireworks at MK every night?
As soon as the December park hours come out, they will be posted on the Disney World website. It will have the nights the fireworks will happen at MK
Where are the other firework shows/night shows?
EPCOT has Illuminations. DS has Fantasmic. We've never done this with our girls b/c it always scared them. We've never done any fireworks except from afar because they dont't like the noise.
Where are the parades...are they on different parks or just 1?
Every park except EPCOT has a parade. Each one is different. again it you pick up an info sheet at the front of the park, it will have the times of the parades listed.
Anyone been to the Christmas Parade? How long is it?
What is the weather like in early December?
It can vary quite a bit. When we went in Dec '07, it was warm and muggy when we arrived (around 80 degrees) and then a cold front came thru and the high for one of the days was only 35! Then the rest of the trip, the weather was lovely, pleasant during the day for just jeans and long sleeve Tee and cooler in the evenings--would need a jacket or coat. I am from Texas so if you are from some place where the weather is colder, your perception of hot and cold may differ greatly from mine
Are shows like Finding Nemo/Lion King included in tickets or do you have to pay for those separately? Do you have to make reservations?
These shows are included in the ticket prices to the parks and you do not have to make reservations. Just pick up a show times flyer at the front of the park so you can know when to head over to see the shows.

How far is Sea World from Disney?I've only been to the Sea World in San Antonio, so I can't really answer this one specifically, but we've always been able to do a lot in one day there though.
Is it possible to make it through in just one day or do you have to dedicate more than 1?

This is our first time going, and as you can see I am full of questions. Any other input or tips will be welcome TIA

Since you have young children, you may want get the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids book if you don't already have it--it has some very useful info! HTH!

[cheala]

thank you both so much. I'll go out and look for that book!

[02AggieGirl]

Originally Posted by cheala

thank you both so much. I'll go out and look for that book!

You're Welcome! Let me know if you have any more questions. I'll be happy to answer them if I can, but know someone else will if I can't! Also wanted you to know that I edited my post to answer more of your questions. I don't know if you saw all of them or not.

[Disn3y]

Welcome to the DISboards, and enjoy your trip!

[OogieDaddy]

Welcome to the DIS.

[lmillercrew]

Originally Posted by cheala

We are planning our trip from Dec 5-10...

Did you do a map of what you wanted to see/do or just go with the flow?
Did you get the park hopper and was it worth the extra money?
What are the best places to eat at? Character dinners (we have a 4 year old DD and 2 year old DS)?
Are the fireworks at MK every night?
Where are the other firework shows/night shows?
Where are the parades...are they on different parks or just 1?
Anyone been to the Christmas Parade? How long is it?
What is the weather like in early December?
Are shows like Finding Nemo/Lion King included in tickets or do you have to pay for those separately? Do you have to make reservations?

How far is Sea World from Disney?
Is it possible to make it through in just one day or do you have to dedicate more than 1?

This is our first time going, and as you can see I am full of questions. Any other input or tips will be welcome TIA

You do have a lot of questions, and you've come to the right place to get answers!
First, for maps of the parks you can go to the Disney website or allearsnet.com and you can look at the maps. You can also order a personalized map too. It may be nice to know, ahead of time, where specific rides are. But, you will and can get park maps upon checking in at your resort.
Park hoppers are subjective. We will not do Disney without the hoppers. We love the option of leaving one park and going to another multiple times during the day. If one park is closing early, we can head over to another that's open later. Some people plan so they stay in one park for the entire day. It's really all in what you prefer or what you want to spend. I just don't want to be tied to one park for the day.
Crystal Palace has Pooh and friends and has a great buffet. It's a beautiful restaraunt with great character interaction. You can also find character meals and menus on allearsnet.
I'm pretty sure that there are fireworks after Spectromagic every night. Now, please don't quote me. There are many people on these boards that have gone MANY more times to MK than I, but I believe so.
Yes there are parades at MK, DHS, and AK. NOT Epcot. They do have a night show at Epcot, MK, and DHS. Although, the night show at DHS, Fantasmic, is only shown on certain nights of the week. So plan accordingly.
I have not been in December so I can't answer any of those questions.
A previous poster answered the question about Lion King and Finding Nemo. You do not have to pay extra for Fast Passes either. It's all included in your day pass.
I hope some of this helped you and that you have a great time on your first visit!

[Metro West]

[cheala]

thanks for your input. There is just SO much to see and do, I'm overwhelmed trying to plan it all out. I appreciate all your advice so much

[lmillercrew]

Originally Posted by cheala

thanks for your input. There is just SO much to see and do, I'm overwhelmed trying to plan it all out. I appreciate all your advice so much

It is overwhelming, but it helps to write it all down. And remember, just go with it. You can over plan too. Hopefully this won't be your only trip and you can do some things on your next visit!

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

Originally Posted by lmillercrew

First, for maps of the parks you can go to the Disney website or allearsnet.com and you can look at the maps. You can also order a personalized map too. It may be nice to know, ahead of time, where specific rides are. But, you will and can get park maps upon checking in at your resort.

For ordering your Disney Personalized Maps go to the Walt Disney World Resort web-site and along the top there is a category for personalized maps. If you browse each park first and mark "your favorites" the maps you get will have these sites marked on yours when they are ordered. MOST IMPORTANTLY - THEY ARE FREE!

[PrincessTiffany]

Originally Posted by cheala

We are planning our trip from Dec 5-10...

Did you do a map of what you wanted to see/do or just go with the flow?
Did you get the park hopper and was it worth the extra money?
What are the best places to eat at? Character dinners (we have a 4 year old DD and 2 year old DS)?
Are the fireworks at MK every night?
Where are the other firework shows/night shows?
Where are the parades...are they on different parks or just 1?
Anyone been to the Christmas Parade? How long is it?
What is the weather like in early December?
Are shows like Finding Nemo/Lion King included in tickets or do you have to pay for those separately? Do you have to make reservations?

How far is Sea World from Disney?
Is it possible to make it through in just one day or do you have to dedicate more than 1?

This is our first time going, and as you can see I am full of questions. Any other input or tips will be welcome TIA

1. You need to look up the different attractions at each park and make a list of all of the things you are interested in doing. I use www.touringplans.com and their Best Days Crowd Calendar. It tells you which park to visit on which day for the best crowds. Once you have your park days, then you need to choose which restaurants you want to eat at so you can make your ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations). With Free Dining going on you must have ADRS, as most restaurants will not be taking walk-ups.

2. With this being your first visit, I would NOT get the park hopper. You will have enough on your plate trying to figure out your way around the park you are in, without worrying about hopping to another.

3. Our favorite character meals are 1900 Park Fare, Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's and Storybook Princess Lunch at Akershus in Epcot.

4. No, there will not be Wishes fireworks everynight in December. There are so many Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parties that the Magic Kingdom will shut down at 7:00 p.m. on a lot of nights and Wishes was not shown on those nights last year.

5. Disney Hollywood Studios has Fantasmic, which is a laser/lights/fireworks show, but to cut costs, it is only shown a couple of night per week now and those performances are very, very crowded and you need to get the Fantasmic theater at least an hour early to see the show. Epcot has Illuminations every night and it wonderful. Animal Kingdom does not have night time show and will close at about 5:00 p.m. each day.

6. Epcot does not have a parade anymore. Animal Kingdom parade will be at about 3:45 p.m. each day, DHS will have Block Party Bash each day at 3:00 p.m. and Magic Kingdom will have the Dreams Come True parade each day at about 3:00 p.m.

7. Which Christmas parade are you talking about? If you mean the pre-taping of the ABC Christmas which airs on Christmas morning, they will be filming that the first weekend in December, with December 5 being their main taping day. This is a long drawn out process and they will do mulitiple takes over and over throughout the day. The Magic Kingdom is very, very crazy on this day and Main Street is almost impassable. Also, you can not just walk up and watch parts of the taping, the areas are roped off and they only allow a certain amount of people in at certain times of the day. I, personally, would avoid MK on this day.

If you are talking about a daily MK Christmas parade, that can only be seen with tickets to the hard-ticket event Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. After the MVMCPs end, close to Christmas around the 18th or 19th of December, the Christmas Parade will be shown daily at MK at 12 noon and 3:00 p.m.

8. Weather can be a complete toss up. We been in early December and it was quite cold with low's in the 40's at night, yet we went the third week in December last year and it was 80 degrees every day. So, you will just have to watch the weather as your dates get closer.

9. All shows are included in your price of admission. Just get a Times Guide when you enter the park and it will list all of the show times for each show in each park that day.

[dizzi]

Originally Posted by cheala

We are planning our trip from Dec 5-10...

Did you do a map of what you wanted to see/do or just go with the flow?
ABSOLUTLEY....Do not go ESPECIALLY for your first time, with out a plan, You DO NOT want to waste any time and you will while wondering what to do and depedning on your family argueing about what to do.

Did you get the park hopper and was it worth the extra money?
WE have not gotten the "park hopper" but did go with a season pass severaltimes and RARELY park hop....IMO it is NOT worth the extra $$$$. PLan your days and you DO NOT NEED IT!

What are the best places to eat at? Character dinners (we have a 4 year old DD and 2 year old DS)?
IMO the VERY BEST is CHEF MICKEYS, BUt the Character Breakfast in the castle is VEry Cool...But much harder to get in to.Are the fireworks at MK every night?
I think this changes from season to season, you can look on the WDW website and look up the days that you wil be there it will tell you the times
Where are the other firework shows/night shows?
Epcot has a great light/fireworks show
Where are the parades...are they on different parks or just 1?
THey are at all EXCEPT EPCOT and they are allreally good and distinctive
Anyone been to the Christmas Parade? How long is it?
Same length as others, and good also!
What is the weather like in early December?
It can vary GREATLY, i am always cold so when i went at christmas i did end up wearing a sweat jacket and gloves most days in parks BUT it is sooomuch better than middle of summer and sweating all day!!
Are shows like Finding Nemo/Lion King included in tickets or do you have to pay for those separately? Do you have to make reservations?
You do not pay seperatly it is all included you do not make reservation BUT get there early for a good seat!!!
How far is Sea World from Disney?
I would say with traffic about 30 minutes from parking space to parking space
Is it possible to make it through in just one day or do you have to dedicate more than 1?
I think the only park you could make it through in one day would be DHS, MAYBE AK but not sure. It also dpends on what you guys deem important to do. I do not think you can do a full Epcot or Mk experience in 1 day. BUT again if that is all you have, then make your plan accordingly! Also remeber Fast Pass Helps alot.This is our first time going, and as you can see I am full of questions. Any other input or tips will be welcome TIA

I would be glad to help you come up with an itenerary that meets your families needs. I have done this several times for several families and myself.
With out tooting my own horn.....I am usually within 15 minutes of the itenerary at any one given time.

Barring things ike needing to get out of the rain, or an extra but of magic where the kids want to stop and see a character or something like that.

PM me if you want any extra help with an itenerary!

[cheala]

Originally Posted by dizzi

I would be glad to help you come up with an itenerary that meets your families needs. I have done this several times for several families and myself.
With out tooting my own horn.....I am usually within 15 minutes of the itenerary at any one given time.

Barring things ike needing to get out of the rain, or an extra but of magic where the kids want to stop and see a character or something like that.

PM me if you want any extra help with an itenerary!

oh my gosh, that would be wonderful if you would help I'm lost! LOL I don't know how to send PMs though on this forum.