Calling World Showcase Experts-Help/Questions for December Visit?

[PracPerfPatricia]

I am very excited-my family has an 8 day, 7 night stay at the AKL in December. In addition to never having stayed at the AKL, we've never been to Disney in December-and every thing I've read mentions what a special time it is to go. (We've already got our tickets to MVMCP!)

My question for any of you World Showcase gurus is this, what are some of the things in WS that are different, perhaps things that you might not notice the first time, including architecture, entertainment, stores, etc.

Having been there before I feel we always did a pretty good job seeing the offerings in England, France, Germany and Mexico. (movies, buildings,etc.)

I'd like to do a better job checking out some of the other countries, Morroco, Japan, China, Norway and even Italy....but am open to checking out things I might have missed in any of the countries before (We have eaten in England, France and Mexico and did the films in Canada, France, China (a while ago-I think there might be a new one? We've done the rides in Norway and Mexico but we'll definately do these again-DS has never done them...

We usually have missed the entertainment-except for in England and I definately want to fit some in this time...(I read there are storytellers in the countries-any experiences with them?)

We will be doing World Showcase the day after our MVMCP party-we have a 9:55 reservation for the Princess Storybook Breakfast in Norway, and a 2:40 reservation for lunch at Le Cellier (never been to either).

I plan on getting my kids-Epcot passports and will let my little guy do the mask-but I definately want to find some of the things that make WShowcase special-any ideas?

Please any and all ideas are appreciated!

Patricia

 

[disnut8]

The Christmas storytellers are very good. The presentations are about fifteen minutes so you can fit many of them in with some planning. After, the performer usually will hang around for photo opportunities and to answer any questions. We enjoyed the Monkey King in China.

For entertainment, that's why we go to World Showcase. Of course, Off Kilter in Canada. Also, the British Invasion, Mo' Rockin', the Japanese drummers are favorites as well.

The Christmas tree at the entrance to World Showcase is HUGE! And the light display leading up to it (it has a name but I can't think of it) is amazing. If you stand right at the flower area twoards the fountain, you get such a awesome view. Illuminations has a special ending that is absolutely jaw dropping.

For architecture, we walked all the way back into Italy for the first time in a long time. It's really nice back there. The maze area in the United Kingdom is often overlooked.

Also, you should take the time and exit through the International Gateway and do a tour of the Epcot resorts and their decorations. Check out the lobby areas. Makes a nice break.

 

[J&J]

Also take a trip to GF sit in their lobby listen to the music music check out their ginger bread house.

The candlelight music is wonderful you do not need to purchase a meal to get in. We wait in the free line. This makes xmas so wonderful. When they light their big tree at night they have a little show. Walk into their shops in England nice to see what they may have.

Have a wonderful time.

 

[Eljay]

Sounds like a perfect trip! My favorite resort, AKL, my favorite park, Epcot and my favorite month to be in WDW, December!
I would like to suggest that you try one of the early morning behind-the-scenes tours of Epcot. It will give you a whole new perspective of the World Showcase. Two that I have taken and recommend are the Hidden Treasures of WS and Around The World on a Segway. Hidden Treasures is a walking tour and Around The World is done on one of those futuristic standing scooters that you see the CM's on in Epcot. Both are done before the WS opens to the public, so you really get to see it without the crowds. Both tours require you to be at least 16 yrs. old. Here is a link to info and prices of all of the WDW tours. I have taken Hidden Treasures, Around The World on a Segway, UnDiscovered Futureworld and Keys To The Kingdom (at MK). They were all fantastic!
Here's the link.http://allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm

Have Fun!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Eljay-segway tour might be a great gift for DH-one of us has to watch the little people and we'd both like it but he would go nuts for it...


J&J-I've also read that the Great Floridian is stunning during the holidays-it might have been featured on tv program...

disnut-I had wondered about the Storyteller in China, "Monkey King"-I'd read about it-want to definately catch it-ever catch the acrobats? (Also some interesting characters in China-Mulan & Mushu-DS has a crush on her and thinks Mushu is too funny... ... saw OffKilter even BK they were great-its cool they're still there... , is MoRockin-a Morrocan rock band? (Has anyone done the 1/2 hour architectural/cultural tour in Morroco? DD wants to get a henna there...Christmas decorations sound really beautiful... :

 

[sunny04]

I didn't read the other replies, so sorry if I repeat what others have said, but here are some things at Epcot in the WS during Christmas time.

-Candlelight Processional : Takes place in the America theatre, this show tells the Christmas story (Jesus' birth) intertwined with Christmas songs sung by a large choir. It's a fantastic show, and you can get a dinner package with it that gives you reserved sections of seating in the theatre. I suggest this instead of waiting in the long lines.

- Santas - the countries in the WS have different Santa-like storytellers throughout the day. Most of the countries have their version of Santa telling the differences in their culture's celebrations. Some of the countries do not celebrate Christmas in the same way, and they simply have storytellers and information about their own cultural celebrations.

- Christmas trees and decorations throughout the park

- America's CS restaurant has a gingerbread house that you can buy refreshments from.

- Yuletide Fantasy Tour - this tour actually takes you to MGM and MK as well, in addition to Epcot and to the Christmas warehouse behind MK. It starts in Epcot however and you walk through some of the countries and learn how their holidays began and evolved. You also go to the other locations I mentioned, and get a free ornament and special edition pin. Really cool tour! If you want more information, let me know.