Boardwalk for Christmas (two firsts!)

[dpdis]

Hi,
My family and I are doing our first christmas at the world- which is me, my wife, and our two kids (will be 6 and 7 then). We'll only be there for 2 nights (245h-26th) and then will be elsewhere in florida until we return back to disney later in January. We just planned this a few days ago, as our original travel plans had changed- and the kids are SO excited about it! This will also be our first time at the boardwalk.

My questions are- what are the MUST DOs for christmas eve/day at disney, or tips for the boardwalk resort/area? I honestly, was hoping to just skip the parks being so crowded (although we'd love to see the castle lights), since we'll be going back after the holidays. We got a reservation at chef mickeys for christmas eve dinner, and ohanas for breakfast on christmas, and were thinking of trying artist point too, but we were most focused on the character meals for the kids. We figured we'd go look at the resorts and get some gingerbread and we know they'll want to go to DTD for some shopping before we leave. I also booked a christmas night fireworks cruise, although I wonder if the kids will be too tired out for that. My wife read somewhere that santa is at the resorts on christmas eve and would like to be at the resort for that. What is there around the boardwalk- we've never stayed at that hotel, any recommendations on that? Or any favorites for christmas?

Oh- and one other thing, for those of you who do christmas at the world with kids, any tips? I was going to bring stockings, and was thinking we'd try to have it be extra special, like the characters left a treat too, but I have no idea what. They are imagining that stitch might cause a little trouble too, I'm trying to think of what I might do with that

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[BeesKnees]

The two must-dos are MVMCP and the Osborne lights. Unfortunately they are both at parks.

 

[spiceycat]

the decorations - at the resorts, DD, parks - so think you will find enough to just visiting the resorts.

get the activities list at BWV and BCV - if you still need more - when you visit the resorts get their activities

at night watch the fun stuff along the BW.

 

[debdisneycruiser]

One member mentioned Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade...while it is a must see...it will not be offered the dates you have booked for the resort. One of the other posts mentioned going to the resorts to see the decorations and trees....we would highly recommend this. Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridan, Animal Kingdom Lodge in addition to Contemporary, and Polynesian are wonderfully decorated. The Osbourne Lights at Hollywood Studios are a sight to see.

We stayed at BWV last Christmas and don't really recall any special events happening specifically at that resort. While it is decorated really well it doesn't compare to the others. BCV has some neat Christmas decor. You will love WDW at Christmas. We have spent the last 4 Christmases there and has become our favorite time of year.

 

[mdsd8700]

Without a doubt Osborne Lights. In my opinion they cannot be missed! Also love walking around the countries of EPCOT is a must for us. Visiting each country with their Christmas customs and each with it's own "Santa". As well I agree that visiting all the resorts is wonderful. You can spend most of a day doing that and it is so much fun. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[DebbieB]

One member mentioned Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade...while it is a must see...it will not be offered the dates you have booked for the resort.

I think you mean the Christmas Party. The Christmas Parade will be shown in the afternoons at MK those dates.

 

[Coach81]

Carousel, Gingerbread House.. Osbourne Lights, and the fireworks... all must dos..

 

[tay72699]

We spent last Christmas at BWV and will be back again this year. Yes, the Osbourne Lights are a must see, but I think just visiting the resorts at Christmas is great. They do have a Gingerbread House in the BWV lobby and they served refreshements in the lobby in the afternoon/evenings. Santa was in the lobby also...from what I remember it was in the late afternoon/evening. My DD thought is was neat to see how people had decorated their balconies that could be seen from the Boardwalk and wants to do that this year.

 

[kbeam]

Downtown Disney is a lot of fun during this time. There are groups of carolers all over the place, performers, the stage has fun things going on. We enjoyed being there best for that Christmas-y feel.