Several Questions...Going around the holidays

[AFETA]

I just returned from a wonderful week at Disney and am already planning next year's trip. My husband, myself, and our 2 year old would like to go back next year from December 4-11.

Here are my questions:

Will this be an extremely busy time?
Do we need to think about tickets to the MVMCP or is seeing the parks enough?
If I book a package now, can I make payments on it or do they want the whole amount at once?
What are the temps like at this time?
Would a 3 year old enjoy that time of year?

Thanks is advance

[alyssa810]

We've been this time in December several times. For the most part, the crowds have been light, but weekends tend to be busier. It also depends on when the Pop Warner kids are around; however it seems like if you can avoid the parks on the days they're there (ie, hit MK when they're at AK) it's fine. We've never done MVMCP; we always feel we have adequate time in the parks.
As far as the temps go, it totally varies from year to year. We've gone in December where we've worn shorts & t-shirts, and other times we have to bundle way up. My advice is to try to hold off packing until you see extended forecast, and then still pack extra warm or cool clothes!

The parks are all decked out in their holiday garb, and there's holiday music everywhere- the lights and new decorations seem to grab my DS's attention, and he's just 2 now. The candlelight processional is neat, but I'm not so sure how much a 3 year old would like it. The Osborne lights at the studios are really cool though- a must see!

[billfatora]

Originally Posted by AFETA

I just returned from a wonderful week at Disney and am already planning next year's trip. My husband, myself, and our 2 year old would like to go back next year from December 4-11.

Here are my questions:

Will this be an extremely busy time?
Do we need to think about tickets to the MVMCP or is seeing the parks enough?
If I book a package now, can I make payments on it or do they want the whole amount at once?
What are the temps like at this time?
Would a 3 year old enjoy that time of year?

Thanks is advance

This is around when I love going... and I've never been disappointed .... Our favorite time is the week (Saturday to Saturday) IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THANKSGIVING... or the week after that... and it's fantastic ! For your questions:
1) No - although traditionally one of the "best" (least crowded) times to go, it has gotten more popular over the years, but still not crowded ....
2) I wouldn't miss it ! But then, there are only two of us... and the additional expense will have you questioning if it is worth it or not. For us - it has never been a question - we go !
3) If you are booking thru WDW, you can make payments; with the total amount due by (something like) 45 days prior to arrival.
4) Wow... this is a tough one.... I can remember days that made it to 90-degrees ... but I can also remember a particular night, at "Pleasure Island" (when it still was...) that "locals" were wearing knit hats, scarves and gloves . However, I'm from Pennsylvania... and that very same night, I was wearing shorts and a "hoodie" ... I believe that the temp. was about 52-degrees .
5) MVMCP might be problematic - but, that being said, the Christmas decorations are up - everywhere - and it's festive and beautiful and fantastic ! And, it "snows" on "Main Street" in the MK for MVMCP... even if it's still 80-degrees !

Only my opinions... but I hope it helps.

[DisneyBride'03]

As far as weather....back in '07 is was extremely humid and I wasn't prepared...just keep checking the weather updates Surely wont be as humid as summer months...

My DD will be 3 1/2.....you child will love it, even more so at such a magical time! This will be her 6th trip and every time gets more fun for her....and me

[Missytara]

My week too - the Saturday after Thanksgiving to the following Saturday. Never disappoints!

[Missytara]

Oops, I forgot to add that I already booked my 2010 trip as well. I was pleasantly pleased that despite the ticket price changes, the cost was only $21.00 more for next year, than this year.

[AFETA]

Thanks everyone for your help! I have always wanted to go around the holidays but it just never seemed to work out. Hopefully they will offer the meal plan again next year.

Thanks again and Enjoy your upcoming trips

[ms_missy66]

Will this be an extremely busy time? - Not extremely, but it's also Pop Warner week and it'll probably be busier than you'd expect.

Do we need to think about tickets to the MVMCP or is seeing the parks enough? Parks are enough. Some people make MVMCP work with a three year old with no problem. For us, it would be a disaster. It's just too late and it would be a huge bummer to pay all that money and only be there for a short time. The parks and hotels looks amazing at this time a year. You won't leave there feeling deprived.

What are the temps like at this time? All over the place! One year it was beautiful and in the 80's. Another year it was in the 50's and quite rainy, damp and cold. Watch the weather and pack layers. May you have one of those weekends that are sunny and warm!

Would a 3 year old enjoy that time of year? Heck yeah! It's wonderful!!

[eandt]

We love to go at this time of year.......from PA so love the warmer temps in FL for a week during the winter. The holiday decorations are beautiful and really get you in the spirit. We have done the MVMCP at least twice and it is a great time especially if you have younger kids. If you can keep them up late in the evening go back to Mickey's Toon Town for pictures. We went around 11ish and had all of the characters to ourselves including Mickey and Minnie! They were asking us to take pictures since we were the only ones there! We have pictures with 8-10 characters all in a group! Weather has always been decent and at time hot but most of the evenings cool down.

[AFETA]

Thanks so much for everyone's help!!! I had my hubby talked into this without much persuasion so it should be a good time

One more question though....

We already have 10 day passes with no expiration that we are planning to use. If I go online and book the hotel, flight, etc. Should I go ahead and add in the one day ticket so that if the meal plan comes up we can just add that on, or am I able to add on or take away as long as it is before the 45 day mark?

You do have to purchase the at least a 1 day ticket to get the meal plan for free, right? It has to be a package???