Arrival Day Plans for 1st Visit in December

[prettypolkadots]

Forgive me... this is my first post.

My husband and I are planning our first trip to DW together for Dec 15-19 this year. *His very first trip, my first since I was nine, and our first together* He is the biggest Christmas fan I know and I have him pretty excited about Disney. He LOVES the lights so I know it will be a spectacular sight for both of us. BUT, I am a bit overwhelmed. I did my ADRs and am trying to figure out park strategies now prior to my approaching FP+ date. Please help!

Our plans so far: Mon - Boma, 7:15pm
Tues - Via Napoli, 3:30pm; Candlelight Processional
Wed - Le Cellier, 7:35pm
Thurs - Ohana, 8:10pm
Fri - Akershus - 8:15am

1st question: We will be driving and are staying at CBR beginning Monday, 12/15. It will take us approximately 5 1/2 hours to get to DW. Should we get up early Monday morning and just plan to do half a day in the park- if so, which one? OR, should we drive down Sunday night and stay offsite to get to the park early Monday and make use of the whole day on the ticket?

2nd question: I have looked at easywdw crowd guide (after seeing it suggested many times in the forums, thanks guys), but I am curious as to opinions on what parks to visit on what days. We have the park hopper option... I am also worried that if we go to the EMH in the morning and hop to another park that the parks may get filled to capacity and we might be screwed. Any truth to my fear?

3rd: Did I totally screw up with the ADRs? I just tried to pick all of the places we wanted to eat and figured I'd plan the parks/transportation around it... now I'm scared about how long it will get from park to park and maximizing our time.

Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post and for any advice you can provide!

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Welcome! I would definitely arrive a day early to make use of a full day in the park....that's how I roll though. Based on your dates, I don't think you have to worry about capacity issues. Yes this happens at Christmas time, but best I can tell from reading on here it is more so between Christmas and New Years. If it helps at all, last year I was there Thanksgiving day - the following Wed (went home on thur). I also had park hoppers and only had use of FP+ ( I was staying at Pop Century and they had already gotten rid of the older cards). I only went to a park with early EMH once on my last day and that.was only so I could do 4 parks in one day. Anyway, I would typically start with a recommended park and then hop to another recommended in the afternoon and used my FPs there. I did make sure I was at bus stop 1 hour before park was scheduled to open though.

FYI - the resort decorations are Fantabulous in my opinion. Absolutely beautiful. If you can take time maybe during some of the busier afternoons to resort hop, I'd def recommend. Also make sure to see Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios. Based on the fact you said your husband loves lights, I might try to go there some night earlier in trip if possible and that way if you want to see them again you have time. Oh....a somewhat fun thing.....if you got there early enough the night before, they do carriage rides at Ft Wilderness and you can see the decorations at the campsites. Kinda fun in my opinion, but I love decorations! I think it was around $60 for up to 4 people. Enjoy.....I <3 Disney at Christmas!

 

[matheke]

Forgive me... this is my first post.

My husband and I are planning our first trip to DW together for Dec 15-19 this year. *His very first trip, my first since I was nine, and our first together* He is the biggest Christmas fan I know and I have him pretty excited about Disney. He LOVES the lights so I know it will be a spectacular sight for both of us. BUT, I am a bit overwhelmed. I did my ADRs and am trying to figure out park strategies now prior to my approaching FP+ date. Please help!

Our plans so far: Mon - Boma, 7:15pm
Tues - Via Napoli, 3:30pm; Candlelight Processional
Wed - Le Cellier, 7:35pm
Thurs - Ohana, 8:10pm
Fri - Akershus - 8:15am

1st question: We will be driving and are staying at CBR beginning Monday, 12/15. It will take us approximately 5 1/2 hours to get to DW. Should we get up early Monday morning and just plan to do half a day in the park- if so, which one? OR, should we drive down Sunday night and stay offsite to get to the park early Monday and make use of the whole day on the ticket?

2nd question: I have looked at easywdw crowd guide (after seeing it suggested many times in the forums, thanks guys), but I am curious as to opinions on what parks to visit on what days. We have the park hopper option... I am also worried that if we go to the EMH in the morning and hop to another park that the parks may get filled to capacity and we might be screwed. Any truth to my fear?

3rd: Did I totally screw up with the ADRs? I just tried to pick all of the places we wanted to eat and figured I'd plan the parks/transportation around it... now I'm scared about how long it will get from park to park and maximizing our time.

Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post and for any advice you can provide!

I would drive down the night before. Check in to your resort even if your room is not ready that way you can use Disney transportation or park free at the parks.

Your schedule does look a little EPCOT heavy. Having a car will help cut down on some of the park to park travel time.

 

[minniegirl19]

I would change some of your ADRs and wouldn't park hop as much as you plan or people are saying. This is your first time to Disney world together so you probably won't want to keep hopping your going to want to maximize your time at all the parks.

With that said id come in Sunday night for sure and go around to the resorts/ even the carriage ride might be really fun to get into the holiday spirit.

Now back to your ADRs I would change a lot of them and have some in the park areas where your going to be.. You have way to many in Epcot to be honest let me know what you think and I can help you with the rest!

 

[prettypolkadots]

Now back to your ADRs I would change a lot of them and have some in the park areas where your going to be.. You have way to many in Epcot to be honest let me know what you think and I can help you with the rest!

Okay- sounds good. Now I need help deciding where to be and when. Lol. I wasn't sure where to eat in HS or AK. They seem to be the most limited with restaurants. I also anticipate not spending a whole day in each of those parks- morning in AK, rest, then evening in HS for Osbourne lights. Do you think this plan is all wrong?

We definitely want to do the candlelight processional so we will need to eat in Epcot for that. The Akershus bfast on our last day is not meant to keep us in Epcot, I just took the reservation I could get. I know it's a bad idea to go to MK on Monday, other than that, I am stuck.

Suggestions on where to change my ADRs and what parks on what days? Split the day between AK and HD or no? Also, if you have an ADR in one park and spend the day in the other, do you need the park hopper to go between the two or can you enter the second park just for your meal?

Thanks!

 

[swedie]

Forgive me... this is my first post.

My husband and I are planning our first trip to DW together for Dec 15-19 this year. *His very first trip, my first since I was nine, and our first together* He is the biggest Christmas fan I know and I have him pretty excited about Disney. He LOVES the lights so I know it will be a spectacular sight for both of us. BUT, I am a bit overwhelmed. I did my ADRs and am trying to figure out park strategies now prior to my approaching FP+ date. Please help!

Our plans so far: Mon - Boma, 7:15pm
Tues - Via Napoli, 3:30pm; Candlelight Processional
Wed - Le Cellier, 7:35pm
Thurs - Ohana, 8:10pm
Fri - Akershus - 8:15am

1st question: We will be driving and are staying at CBR beginning Monday, 12/15. It will take us approximately 5 1/2 hours to get to DW. Should we get up early Monday morning and just plan to do half a day in the park- if so, which one? OR, should we drive down Sunday night and stay offsite to get to the park early Monday and make use of the whole day on the ticket?

2nd question: I have looked at easywdw crowd guide (after seeing it suggested many times in the forums, thanks guys), but I am curious as to opinions on what parks to visit on what days. We have the park hopper option... I am also worried that if we go to the EMH in the morning and hop to another park that the parks may get filled to capacity and we might be screwed. Any truth to my fear?

3rd: Did I totally screw up with the ADRs? I just tried to pick all of the places we wanted to eat and figured I'd plan the parks/transportation around it... now I'm scared about how long it will get from park to park and maximizing our time.

Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post and for any advice you can provide!

I, along with others think you should arrive day before, so you will get a full day Monday. I also think you are EP heavy, but should not be a problem if you have PH - go to recommended park in the am and then hop.

MONDAY: Boma resv.: If you arrive the day before, hit one of the recommended parks (HS/EP) in the am, and hop over to AK early afternoon, with your FP+ booked for attractions you'd like to check out there (they do close at 6pm- I would give AK at least 4 hours). AK is not a recommended park for Monday, however most people arrive early am and leave by 2-3pm, but if you have your FP+ set you should be fine. Once AK closes, head over to Boma where you can also check out the resort + their Christmas decorations. I love AK - I would never go to wdw without at least one full day there! It is done so well, I never mind all the walking involved at the park.

TUESDAY: Could hit MK am, and hop over to EP for your dining resv.

WEDNESDAY: Osborne Lights - I think this is a must do, especially if hubby likes Christmas lights. Looks like you could do Osborne Lights, along with anything else you'd like to do at HS on Wed, 12/17. HS is most recommended this day. The lights have a lighting ceremony once it gets dark. You would have time to check them out and still have time to walk (generally quicker unless a boat is just about ready to leave, taking approx 25 minutes) to EP in order to make your 7:35 Le Celier resv. You would not have too long to linger at OL, leaving at the absolute latest about 6:50/7:00 but would at least get a chance to see them without changing any other dining resv. (You could also see if you can delay/rebook the Le Celier resv. for a bit later)

Or, if you're staying late enough on Fri., 12/19 you can go then (however HS is not a recommended park on Fri.)

THURSDAY: Use this for your MK day. After your dinner resv. check out the other resorts in area for their Christmas decorations.

FRIDAY: Arrive for Akerhaus resv., go back to anything you may have missed on previous EP visits and depending on what time you leave WDW today, you can end your visit here or hop to another park.

I'm so excited for both of you!! Have a wonderful trip and a magical Christmas!!

 

[prettypolkadots]

I, along with others think you should arrive day before, so you will get a full day Monday. I also think you are EP heavy, but should not be a problem if you have PH - go to recommended park in the am and then hop.

MONDAY: Boma resv.: If you arrive the day before, hit one of the recommended parks (HS/EP) in the am, and hop over to AK early afternoon, with your FP+ booked for attractions you'd like to check out there (they do close at 6pm- I would give AK at least 4 hours). AK is not a recommended park for Monday, however most people arrive early am and leave by 2-3pm, but if you have your FP+ set you should be fine. Once AK closes, head over to Boma where you can also check out the resort + their Christmas decorations. I love AK - I would never go to wdw without at least one full day there! It is done so well, I never mind all the walking involved at the park.

TUESDAY: Could hit MK am, and hop over to EP for your dining resv.

WEDNESDAY: Osborne Lights - I think this is a must do, especially if hubby likes Christmas lights. Looks like you could do Osborne Lights, along with anything else you'd like to do at HS on Wed, 12/17. HS is most recommended this day. The lights have a lighting ceremony once it gets dark. You would have time to check them out and still have time to walk (generally quicker unless a boat is just about ready to leave, taking approx 25 minutes) to EP in order to make your 7:35 Le Celier resv. You would not have too long to linger at OL, leaving at the absolute latest about 6:50/7:00 but would at least get a chance to see them without changing any other dining resv. (You could also see if you can delay/rebook the Le Celier resv. for a bit later)

Or, if you're staying late enough on Fri., 12/19 you can go then (however HS is not a recommended park on Fri.)

THURSDAY: Use this for your MK day. After your dinner resv. check out the other resorts in area for their Christmas decorations.

FRIDAY: Arrive for Akerhaus resv., go back to anything you may have missed on previous EP visits and depending on what time you leave WDW today, you can end your visit here or hop to another park.

I'm so excited for both of you!! Have a wonderful trip and a magical Christmas!!

Thank you for the detailed plan! That is exactly what I need.
So, we are definitely planning to arrive Sunday now thanks to everyone's input. Suggestions on where to stay for this night? (Budget-friendly close to CBR but not scary )

Also, planning to do the carriage ride at Fort Wilderness... what info do you guys have on this- price, time, etc?

How long should I anticipate the park hopping to take?
Should I cancel the Le Cellier reservation or is it worth keeping?
Suggestions on where to eat in HS/AK?
Which fireworks shows are on what days and how will this impact my plans?

So far these are my updated plans:
Mon- Epcot, AK, Boma
Tues- MK, Epcot, Candlelight processional
Wed- HS, Le Cellier? AK in the am?
Thurs- MK, O'hana
Fri- park of choice, Akershus bfast

Thanks for the input!

 

[prettypolkadots]

Bump

 

[DianeV]

I just want to point out for the Candlelight Processional just booking an ADR at an EPCOT restaurant doesn't get you the preferred seating. You have to book the Candlelight Processional Package based on what restaurants are participating and available

 

[prettypolkadots]

Yes, I purchased the Candlelight Processional Dinner Pkg. Thanks.

 

[lam0037]

In terms of fireworks/nighttime shows during your trip,
-illuminations at Epcot is every night at 9:30
-Fantasmic at HS is at 6:30 and 8 every night
-wishes/MSEP will be your big issue. Due to MVMCP they are only being shown the 15th and 17th. MSEP is at 9 and 11 and wishes at 10

At AK, we like flame tree for counter service and Yak & Yeti for table service

HS doesn't have the best counter service, and we like Sci-Fi and 50s Prime Time.

Park hopping:
-Epcot to HS and vice versa is about a 30 min walk, and the boat is longer
-Any park to AK will take longer because it's the farthest away, the longest bus ride will be from MK to AK
-We always schedule an hour of travel time by bus for park hopping just to be safe, unless walking from HS to Epcot

 

[prettypolkadots]

Since the last time I posted on this thread, my plans have changed a good bit. I'd like a little help planning how to hop, time management, etc if possible.

Sun - arrive in FL, staying offsite, DTD?, tour resort decorations, wagon ride through FW
Mon - Check in to CBR, HS, Starring rolls, Cape May dinner
Tues - EP, Via Napoli dinner
Wed - MK, CHH lunch?, Boma dinner
Thurs - AK, Y&Y lunch?, Narcoosee's dinner
Fri - MK, BOG lunch

I am conflicted on the Mon and Wed meals. Booked Cape May for the seafood (DH loves crab), booked Boma but I'm scared I won't like the meats... or anything else. DH will be fine, he eats everything. We are on DDP, paying oop for Via Napoli. I'd like to finalize our dining plans by tomorrow if possible but I need help and I trust the DISers have the answers I'm looking for!

 

[sharonabe]

I'm a little concerned about your Wed dinner at Boma. That is a LONG way from MK. Are you wanting to see the parade and Wishes fireworks at MK that night? If so, I'd change that ADR to something around MK. It's difficult fitting everything in in such a short time, so you may have to choose.

 

[prettypolkadots]

I'm a little concerned about your Wed dinner at Boma. That is a LONG way from MK. Are you wanting to see the parade and Wishes fireworks at MK that night? If so, I'd change that ADR to something around MK. It's difficult fitting everything in in such a short time, so you may have to choose.

You're right!!! Thank you for pointing this out. I was able to swap Cape May and Boma. So now my plans are:
Mon - HS, Boma
Wed - MK, Cape May (How long should I plan for travel between MK and Cape May? Reservation is at 7:50pm and we want to make it back for Wishes.)

 

[myjourney]

Cape May is right next to Epcot and you can walk out the international gate by France to get to it, so you might consider booking that on your Epcot day. I love Boma's but it is in the lodge not the park. You might consider booking Tusker House in the AK park, it is very much like Bomas and if you eat before 4:30 you will get to meet Mickey, Donald and friends as it is a character meal.

 

[sharonabe]

You're right!!! Thank you for pointing this out. I was able to swap Cape May and Boma. So now my plans are:
Mon - HS, Boma
Wed - MK, Cape May (How long should I plan for travel between MK and Cape May? Reservation is at 7:50pm and we want to make it back for Wishes.)

AAHHHH! You need a map!

What time is your ADR for Boma? I know you're planning on Osborne Lights, so it needs to be 7:00 or after. Are you also planning on Fantasmic!? If so, I'd make that Boma for about 8:00 just to be sure you have enough time to do all you want to do at HS. If you decide to put Cape May back here, I'd make that one for 7:30 or 8:00 as well.

Cape May is nowhere near MK. There is no way you'll make Wishes with a 7:50 ADR. I think your best bet for this night is to eat in the park. That may mean QS instead of TS, but it may be your only choice.

 

[Alesia]

How long should I plan for travel between MK and Cape May? Reservation is at 7:50pm and we want to make it back for Wishes.)

Travel time will 45 to 60 minutes each way. Since you're asked to check in 15 minutes before your ADR, you'll need to leave the park no later than 6:45. You should plan on dinner taking at least 90 minutes.

You'll be losing about 3-1/2 to 4 hours of park time.

You're not going to make it back for Wishes.

 

[prettypolkadots]

AAHHHH! You need a map!

What time is your ADR for Boma? I know you're planning on Osborne Lights, so it needs to be 7:00 or after. Are you also planning on Fantasmic!? If so, I'd make that Boma for about 8:00 just to be sure you have enough time to do all you want to do at HS. If you decide to put Cape May back here, I'd make that one for 7:30 or 8:00 as well.

Cape May is nowhere near MK. There is no way you'll make Wishes with a 7:50 ADR. I think your best bet for this night is to eat in the park. That may mean QS instead of TS, but it may be your only choice.

My Boma reservation is for 8:35, so we're good there.

Wishes is at 10pm the night of our Cape May reservation... you think it will take two hours to eat and get back to MK? MK bus to Beach Club says 19 min. Even if we get seated at 8:15, DH and I are not slow eaters and it is a buffet so we won't be waiting for our food. If we leave by 9-9:15, that gives us an entire hour to make it back to MK.

 

[pooch]

It might. The ride itself might be 19 minutes but you could wait upwards of 20-30 minutes for a bus to arrive! I would switch cape may for a restaurant on the monorail line kona at the poly or the wave at the contemporary are very good! Whispering canyon cafe at the gorgeous wilderness lodge, if you like an interactive experience, is a hoot and only a short boat ride away from MK

 

[Alesia]

I have never, ever waited less than 20 minutes for a bus at a deluxe resort. It's usually been about 30 minutes. Once it was 40.