Advice Please- 1st Trip at Christmas time

[tsd1202]

Me and my DH both 36 and DS7 will be going to Disney at Christmas (and on my birthday- 11/29-12/4) for the first time. I am very excited. We have been to Disney several times, 3X with our son but never during the holidays. I would love any tips or advice. Is there anything different than other times of years. I especially want to know what NOT to miss while we are there and if there is something we should skip. We do plan on doing the MVMCP. Is there a live nativity scene??? Anything at DTD or any other resorts not to miss? We are staying at POP. What about the Hoop De Doo Review? Is it good at Christmas? Never done it before. Thanks for the help. I can't wait.

 

[Danauk]

I would definately take some time to see the decorations at the deluxe resorts. The life sized ginger bread house at the Grand Floridian and the ginger bread and chocolate carousel at the Beach Club are really neat. The candle light processional is also really nice, and don't forget to view the Osbourne lights (we prefer to do this when Fantasmic is on as it is a little less crowded.)

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Anytime we go around Christmas, we have to catch the tree lighting ceremony at Epcot. Plenty of characters performing. It happens around sundown, and lasts about ten minutes.

 

[My2QTs]

Where do people gather for this event? And could you give me a better time estimate. Sundown could be a thirty or forty minute time frame (or more).

 

[DisneyChristian]

I would suggest reading my wonderful Christmas threat for lots of great tips from Disers

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2233038

 

[tsd1202]

I would suggest reading my wonderful Christmas threat for lots of great tips from Disers

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2233038

Thanks I will check it out- and thanks to you all. Anything else, keep em coming!

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Where do people gather for this event? And could you give me a better time estimate. Sundown could be a thirty or forty minute time frame (or more).

You gather on the main bridge leading to World Showcase. I don't remember an exact time, but it's around 5:30. The time should be listed on the park information card. Pop will have these on the counter at checkin.

 

[jamescorey]

My wife and I go every year at Christmas (this one included, 12/17 - 12/24!!), and we absolutely LOVE IT!!! The crowds are a bit larger during this time of year, but with careful planning, you should still be able to enjoy your trip.
One thing that I would suggest over any other is to make sure that if you plan to dine in EPCOT, get the Candlelight Processional package at one of the participating restaurants. It guarantees you a seat at one of the CP times, and the seats are very good. Otherwise, you will be forced to watch it standing, and it is about a 45minute show. If you have never seen this, I highly recommend it!
One other idea you may consider is doing the Yuletide Fantasy Tour. It is about a four hour tour, and begins in Epcot and travels to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, a couple of the Resorts, and backstage to the Holiday Decorations Department Warehouse (HUGE!!!). It is a fabulous tour, and very entertaining.
Lastly, I encourage you to take FULL advantage of Extra Magic Hours. As previously stated, this is a super crowded time of year, and the EMH's are usually in full swing during this time. I recall last year the Magic Kingdom having morning and evening EMH's on one of the days, so the park was open from 7am until 2am!!
Hope this little advice serves you well, and have a wonderful trip!!

 

[ToddyLu]

Also definitely go to the AK during evening EMH. Have a Photpass pic made at night in front of the tree.

 

[disneymamaof2]

In years past they have always had a special holiday finale to Illuminations. You can also take a carriage ride through FW campground and see the campers decorations, they really go all out, my kids loved doing this!!

 

[tammyroo]

We have been several times during the holiday season and I would agree with some of the posts above: 1) Seeing decorations at other deluxe resorts 2) Candlelight Processional w/ dinner 3) For children, the Epcot storytellers from each country will be there to talk about their holiday traditions (keeping in mind that not every culture celebrates Christmas) 4) Osbourne Spectacle of Lights is a highlight for us....we go just before closing and find all the Hidden Mickeys, dance with the cast members and enjoy the snow and beautiful lights! We also make sure we buy a Christmas ornament every time we go (but we do that whether or not its Christmas )
Have fun...I think its the most magical time of year...soak in all of the wonderful decorations.

 

[tammyroo]

We have been several times during the holiday season and I would agree with some of the posts above: 1) Seeing decorations at other deluxe resorts 2) Candlelight Processional w/ dinner 3) For children, the Epcot storytellers from each country will be there to talk about their holiday traditions (keeping in mind that not every culture celebrates Christmas) 4) Osbourne Spectacle of Lights is a highlight for us....we go just before closing and find all the Hidden Mickeys, dance with the cast members and enjoy the snow and beautiful lights! We also make sure we buy a Christmas ornament every time we go (but we do that whether or not its Christmas )
Have fun...I think its the most magical time of year...soak in all of the wonderful decorations.

 

[tammyroo]

Oh, and it can get chilly to down right cold (and I say that as a Virginian who has experienced real winters). I would make sure you pack things to layer. I remember wearing a long sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt and a jean jacket and was still freezing....I think it was in the low 50s that night. Rare, but it happened.

 

[tcp1005]

My wife and I go every year at Christmas (this one included, 12/17 - 12/24!!), and we absolutely LOVE IT!!! The crowds are a bit larger during this time of year, but with careful planning, you should still be able to enjoy your trip.
One thing that I would suggest over any other is to make sure that if you plan to dine in EPCOT, get the Candlelight Processional package at one of the participating restaurants. It guarantees you a seat at one of the CP times, and the seats are very good. Otherwise, you will be forced to watch it standing, and it is about a 45minute show. If you have never seen this, I highly recommend it!
One other idea you may consider is doing the Yuletide Fantasy Tour. It is about a four hour tour, and begins in Epcot and travels to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, a couple of the Resorts, and backstage to the Holiday Decorations Department Warehouse (HUGE!!!). It is a fabulous tour, and very entertaining.
Lastly, I encourage you to take FULL advantage of Extra Magic Hours. As previously stated, this is a super crowded time of year, and the EMH's are usually in full swing during this time. I recall last year the Magic Kingdom having morning and evening EMH's on one of the days, so the park was open from 7am until 2am!!
Hope this little advice serves you well, and have a wonderful trip!!

Thanks for all of this info. This will be our first December trip. The Yuletide Fantasy Tour sound great. Do you think it's appropriate for a 9 year old? Will it ruin some of the magic for her? Thanks!

 

[jamescorey]

Thanks for all of this info. This will be our first December trip. The Yuletide Fantasy Tour sound great. Do you think it's appropriate for a 9 year old? Will it ruin some of the magic for her? Thanks!

I may be wrong, but I think that the tours are only open to adults 16yoa or older. I know that the Keys to the Kingdom tours are like this for the very reason you listed.

 

[tcp1005]

I may be wrong, but I think that the tours are only open to adults 16yoa or older. I know that the Keys to the Kingdom tours are like this for the very reason you listed.

Thanks!

 

[Scooby3x1y]

My wife and I go every year at Christmas (this one included, 12/17 - 12/24!!), and we absolutely LOVE IT!!! The crowds are a bit larger during this time of year, but with careful planning, you should still be able to enjoy your trip.
One thing that I would suggest over any other is to make sure that if you plan to dine in EPCOT, get the Candlelight Processional package at one of the participating restaurants. It guarantees you a seat at one of the CP times, and the seats are very good. Otherwise, you will be forced to watch it standing, and it is about a 45minute show. If you have never seen this, I highly recommend it!
One other idea you may consider is doing the Yuletide Fantasy Tour. It is about a four hour tour, and begins in Epcot and travels to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, a couple of the Resorts, and backstage to the Holiday Decorations Department Warehouse (HUGE!!!). It is a fabulous tour, and very entertaining.
Lastly, I encourage you to take FULL advantage of Extra Magic Hours. As previously stated, this is a super crowded time of year, and the EMH's are usually in full swing during this time. I recall last year the Magic Kingdom having morning and evening EMH's on one of the days, so the park was open from 7am until 2am!!
Hope this little advice serves you well, and have a wonderful trip!!

How do we know or find out about the EMH's? Do we have to have special upgrade tickets, be a resort guess, or is it for anyone?

 

[jamescorey]

Extra Magic Hours are an entitlement ONLY for any Disney Resort Guests, guests at Shades of Green, the Swan and Dolphin, or the Hilton located at Downtown Disney. If you are not staying in one of these resorts, then you do not have the ability to use the EMH's.

 

[debmom]

Thanks for the info!

 

[sunnyday123]

Does anyone know how. The dining plan works with the CP and what exactly happens during it?