1st Christmas trip to WDW--HELP!!!!

[goodfaerie]

Hi all!

This will be our first Christmas since my dad passed away and my mom doesn't want to be at home for the holidays, so we're doing WDW. She is glad to have a holiday trip plan, and of course I want it to be very special for her.

I have only been to WDW for a few days here and there. I've been searching the boards and am overwhelmed, and I need to streamline.

What holiday activities are available, and what is required for ressies, if any?

Any tips for actually getting ressies this late in the game?

I haven't even booked yet because I'm still trying to get a handle on pricing. AAAACCCK!

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks!

GF

 

[ntsammy5]

Hi all!

This will be our first Christmas since my dad passed away and my mom doesn't want to be at home for the holidays, so we're doing WDW. She is glad to have a holiday trip plan, and of course I want it to be very special for her.

I have only been to WDW for a few days here and there. I've been searching the boards and am overwhelmed, and I need to streamline.

What holiday activities are available, and what is required for ressies, if any?

Any tips for actually getting ressies this late in the game?

I haven't even booked yet because I'm still trying to get a handle on pricing. AAAACCCK!

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks!

GF

Been several times. Just enjoy. CP is a must though and start making ADRs.

 

[Noelle]

Mickey's Very Merry Xmas Party requires an extra admission. It's fun and really can get you in the Christmas mood.
Candlelight Processional is included in admission to Epcot, but you can also get a package plan that is a meal & reserved seating. By reserved, it's not seat specific. It's just they hold a large section off from the public until like 20 minutes before the show begins.
Sleigh rides at Wilderness lodge.
Other than that every thing else is included w/ park admission.
Osbourne Lights at MGM is great. The whole back city street area is covered in Christmas lights and they have fake snow. You enjoy a cup of Hot Chocolate as you stroll down the street.
The Christmas Storytellers in Epcot are one of our favorit things. Each of the countries in the World Showcase has a storyteller that tells of a holiday tradition in that country.

No matter what you'll have a wonderful time. It's so full of the Christmas Spirit & cheer. You should make ADRs now. Some of the restaurants will have Christmas menus too.

 

[Seahunt]

To start you can look at the discount code ZBG (Magic Your Way) or ZBH (Magic Your Way Plus Dining) packages that are offered right now for check ins between 10/1 - 12/23/06 to see if either of those interest you:

http://www.mousesavers.com/packages.html#specialfall

(Have to book by 9/30 and check in on or before 12/23 though - then you'll get the special rate for the entire length of your stay. For example, if you stayed 12/23 - 12/28 you'd get the same special rate for all nights)

allears has some info on the holidays from last year here:

http://allearsnet.com/tp/holiday.htm

It's a beautiful time to go, with all the decorations up - just be aware that it can be a VERY crowded time to go though too!

 

[princessbride6205]

Many of the resorts will be decorated for Christmas, including giant gingerbread houses at the Grand Floridian.

If you are interested in something behind the scenes, you can reserve the Yuletide Fantasy Tour. It is about 3 hours long. Call Disney for reservations.

I hope that you have a wonderful holiday together in WDW.

 

[blondeheroine]

I love Christmas at WDW. You'll have a blast. My suggestions:

If you can, go ahead and do the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. There are a number of restaurants available from moderate to expensive. Your dinner reservation includes appetizer, entree, beverage (non-alcoholic) and dessert. You'll be given a "reserved" seat. Someone has already specified that you don't get an actual reserved seat, but are simply guaranteed a seat. Regardless, even those with dinner packages line up early. The CP takes place just directly across from The American Adventure.

You MUST see the Osborne Festival of Lights. My suggestion is to get there about fifteen minutes before the lights are turned on and witness the spectacle coming to life. It's absolutely magical.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a must. The parade is fabulous and free hot cocoa and cookies. We like to do the Christmas dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern. There is a separate cost for this and you must make reservations through Disney Dining.

I didn't notice where you were from, but if you're not from Florida, bring both warm weather clothes and cold weather clothes. You never know what Florida is going to be like in December.

Above all, enjoy. It's a wonderful time to visit!

 

[goodfaerie]

I really appreciate all the info!

I can't WAIT!!!!

GF

 

[mom2cookies]

Definitely make dining ressies ahead of time. We were there the week after Christmas including New YEars Eve while we did have dinner ressies, i heard t he Cm's telling others that did not - that there were not any Table service restaurants in all of the parks with an open table. They would have to do counter service.
I loved WDW during that time of the year. It is sooo beautifully decorated. We ( dh and i) are finally getting to take his 80yr old mom this christmas for a few days. She's been wanting to go for like 30 years. It will be her christmas present. She loves Christmas lights etc so she is going to love love love it down there.

 

[hniki234]

We're taking our first Christmas trip to WDW this year, too. I can't wait. I hadn't heard of the Candlelight Processional. I'll have to look into a dinner package for that one!