Celebrating Christmas at WDW?

[laura428]

For those who will be at WDW over the Christmas holiday, how are you celebrating with your family? This will be the first time we're not at home on Christmas Day, and although the kids were excited about a Disney Christmas at first, my DD9 has been letting me know lately that she's disappointed she won't be waking up to our big tree here at home.

So... I've already planned on checking out the resort decorations (gingerbread house at GFR, massive tree at AKL), looking at celebrations around the world at Epcot and such, but what about in our room? I'm not crazy about hauling a bunch of decorations down there, but I'd like to make it special for my kids. Maybe some garland, some ornaments, maybe a mini Christmas tree...?

The kids know that this trip is our family's big Christmas present, but I'd like to give them a few other things as well. We're leaving Friday, 12/19, and returning Sunday, 12/28, so no weekends on either side of the holiday to celebrate at home, really. Instead of finding a way to pack and hide them, could I ship them to the resort, wrapped ahead of time? If so, how do I do this?

Any other ideas to make it a magical Christmas?

 

[McKelly]

It sounds like you already have a good plan. I have mailed a box of gifts to myself at my resort during Christmas. Depends on how much I was bringing and if I had to pay luggage fees or not. You have to weigh the options to figure out which is the better value. The resorts addresses are all listed on the corresponding resort threads here on the DIS.

Do you still have believers? That makes a difference on how you handle it.

We bring a small tabletop tree and some window clings. The parks and resorts are decorated so beautifully I really wouldn't worry too much about your room.

 

[laura428]

It sounds like you already have a good plan. I have mailed a box of gifts to myself at my resort during Christmas. Depends on how much I was bringing and if I had to pay luggage fees or not. You have to weigh the options to figure out which is the better value. The resorts addresses are all listed on the corresponding resort threads here on the DIS.

Do you still have believers? That makes a difference on how you handle it.

We bring a small tabletop tree and some window clings. The parks and resorts are decorated so beautifully I really wouldn't worry too much about your room.

We don't have any believers anymore, no. Sadly. Last year was DD9's last, which was why I wasn't as concerned about being at Disney this year. DS11 has been in the know for a while now.

If I ship something to the resort, how do they notify me when it arrives?

And I'm not planning on going TOO crazy with the room, but I'd like to do something, you know? Want the Christmas spirit alive and well not only in the parks, but even as we wake up, too.

 

[McKelly]

If the package arrives before you do, they will tell you at check-in. If it comes after your arrival, they will leave a notice on your phone.

I think you could put up any decorations you wish, as long as you don't drill anything in the wall or put tape on the wall that would leave a mark. I think a tree, garland, window clings, knick-knacks, flameless candles, etc. would be fine. Friends of ours even put one of those plastic Xmas scenes on their door! I actually liked the small tree, it was our night light!! When my kids were younger I purchased them the Xmas themed Disney stuffed animals and gave them as a gift and then they were used as decorations.

I also bring Christmas themed paper plates/cups/napkins to use when we eat breakfast or other snacks in the room.

 

[Redarrow5150]

Decorate your room. We are doing this with a very small xmas tree and stringing cheap lights around the room. We are shipping these down in box and don't plan to take back with us. Going to dollar store for other items to put on display.

For those who will be at WDW over the Christmas holiday, how are you celebrating with your family? This will be the first time we're not at home on Christmas Day, and although the kids were excited about a Disney Christmas at first, my DD9 has been letting me know lately that she's disappointed she won't be waking up to our big tree here at home.

So... I've already planned on checking out the resort decorations (gingerbread house at GFR, massive tree at AKL), looking at celebrations around the world at Epcot and such, but what about in our room? I'm not crazy about hauling a bunch of decorations down there, but I'd like to make it special for my kids. Maybe some garland, some ornaments, maybe a mini Christmas tree...?

The kids know that this trip is our family's big Christmas present, but I'd like to give them a few other things as well. We're leaving Friday, 12/19, and returning Sunday, 12/28, so no weekends on either side of the holiday to celebrate at home, really. Instead of finding a way to pack and hide them, could I ship them to the resort, wrapped ahead of time? If so, how do I do this?

Any other ideas to make it a magical Christmas?

 

[txnana]

We are there about the same time as you, but we have believers! Luckily, Hallmark to the rescue with a book and a lighted snowflake about helping Santa find those who are far from home. We are getting a small tree and have been making some homemade Mickey ornaments to put on it for the room. The Santa gifts are small enough to pack in the suitcase without the boys knowing and the rest of the gifting will be done before we leave with one half of the family (those giving the kids Disney gift cards) and after we return for the other side of the family! Luckily as the grandmother, I have been included on the trip to the world, as well as some added friends who wanted to travel. We have shipped things to the resorts with no problem. I have heard that if you are atCoronado springs or other resorts that are convention resorts you will have to pay a delivery fee. But not the resorts we have been to.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

Most of my ideas are posted above and a few above I plan to adopt. The one idea that isn't above that we plan to do is a gingerbread house kit. I thought we'd enjoy building it the first days of our trip whenever we are in the room and then nibbling off of it the rest of the trip - an ever changing centerpiece...
I can also see DD insisting that we keep it for all-time rather than snacking from it - and other pitfalls... But I plan to try it. At home, we would bake and decorate cookies so a gingerbread house kit is similar but different. That's what I'm going for - enough similarity to home Christmas that we still feel Christmas but different enough to stand out as our one Disney Christmas. This is the first holiday where I am not cooking, so food is my big area of accommodation. It sounds like the tree and decoration are the big deal for your DD. What about having a new (Disney) tradition of enjoying some just-before-bedtime family time by the lobby decorations each night? Maybe quietly tell a story or share hot-chocolate or play "I spy" with everyone picking a fave decoration on the lobby tree... Hmm, now I need to add that to my own list too

 

[laura428]

Most of my ideas are posted above and a few above I plan to adopt. The one idea that isn't above that we plan to do is a gingerbread house kit. I thought we'd enjoy building it the first days of our trip whenever we are in the room and then nibbling off of it the rest of the trip - an ever changing centerpiece... I can also see DD insisting that we keep it for all-time rather than snacking from it - and other pitfalls... But I plan to try it. At home, we would bake and decorate cookies so a gingerbread house kit is similar but different. That's what I'm going for - enough similarity to home Christmas that we still feel Christmas but different enough to stand out as our one Disney Christmas. This is the first holiday where I am not cooking, so food is my big area of accommodation. It sounds like the tree and decoration are the big deal for your DD. What about having a new (Disney) tradition of enjoying some just-before-bedtime family time by the lobby decorations each night? Maybe quietly tell a story or share hot-chocolate or play "I spy" with everyone picking a fave decoration on the lobby tree... Hmm, now I need to add that to my own list too

That sounds like a great idea. I've never been to CBR, and have no idea what their Christmas decorations might be like. I'll keep this as a possibility, for sure.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

You could try and get them something at DTD - say that Santa knew they were going to Disney and wanted to get them something special for their trip..

If you want some cool details and tips for your trip, check out my free guide: survivedisxmas.com!

 

[Redarrow5150]

We were at CBR Christmas week in 2011 and they really didn't have much in xmas decorations. Like a lot of the other resorts, CM had a gingerbread minihouse contest which you could vote in the dinning area.

That sounds like a great idea. I've never been to CBR, and have no idea what their Christmas decorations might be like. I'll keep this as a possibility, for sure.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

We stayed a night at CBR a few years ago (before transferring to another resort - long story) and they had a tree in the lobby. Not a huge tree like the deluxe resorts, but a decorated tree larger than I'd have at home. I'd be really bummed and surprised if they had nothing!
Anyone at CBR now that can let us know what and how much decoration is at the resort? Holiday planners (and moms packing) need to know. TIA

 

[Redarrow5150]

They really don't have much. Stayed here in 2011 Christmas week but had very little in decorations.

We stayed a night at CBR a few years ago (before transferring to another resort - long story) and they had a tree in the lobby. Not a huge tree like the deluxe resorts, but a decorated tree larger than I'd have at home. I'd be really bummed and surprised if they had nothing!
Anyone at CBR now that can let us know what and how much decoration is at the resort? Holiday planners (and moms packing) need to know. TIA

 

[laura428]

Thanks for the ideas, everyone. I think bringing decorations that I don't mind leaving behind will be key. I'll pack some smaller gifts, along with Disney gift cards (did this for their birthdays - which we're also celebrating - a few years ago, and they loved it!).

Even if CBR doesn't have much, we'll be ok between our room and all of the time we'll be spending at the parks and other resorts.

Thanks again!!

 

[think-like-tink]

DH and I started to talk about planning a Christmas trip for next year. Our kids will be 12 and 10 (omg, insert heart attack here). Oh my. Anyway,My dd is the younger one, and still believes. I tend to think she has heard…but, chooses to still believe. DS older knew since 3rd grade.

DH and have talked about Santa just bringing the tickets. That's what would be out when the kids get up.

We would leave that day.

 

[Disneylover99]

This will be our first year at DW over Christmas with my Santa believing children. I will bring stockings, and put out milk and cookies for Santa. Santa will write the kids a thank you note and say their gifts are waiting for them at home. Then we will hit the MK bright and early and come back mid afternoon to swim and relax.

 

[ladyjubilee]

We are going to find a small tree while were there. Normally we have to spread Christmas out a bit and celebrate the twelve days of Christmas.. This year Santa is going to leave small presents for my son around the parks and maybe with some CMS.

 

[Brook1099]

We are going 12/20-1/3.. we are driving so we have a cargo topper to put our decorations in.. still keeping it small.. a 3ft white tree prelit.. made our mickey head ornaments. and using a Disney Christmas hat for the top of tree. We are staying at BC so I got a beachy wreath with lights for our door. May get some window clings for windows or a set of light for balcony not sure yet

Our kids are 13 and 15 so they no longer believe in Santa.. so they are asking for cash only... but I did get them each a Disney stocking to fill with some small things..iTunes etc.. then a Mickey Christmas card with be filled with cash.

Merry Christmas.. Hope all have a magical trip!

 

[CanadianPaco]

Such wonderful ideas!!!!

 

[jtopp]

have been to DW three times for Christmas, after the kids became nonbelievers. The resorts and parks really are decorated so nicely for the holidays that we never even missed our own decorations. Also, not to put a damper on your plans, but keep in mind you will also have to pay to ship those gifts and decorations BACK home. It might be easier to just enjoy those things at home, and enjoy Disneys offerings while there. Either way, it is a magical time to be there. Hope you have a great trip!