Childfree Couples or Singles-WDW at Christmas?

[PrincessKitty]

Just wondering what expereinces you've had at WDW during Christmas. I tried to get DH to consider going at Christmas last year, but he really wanted to be home, just the two of us (we've spent most Christmases with family, and it was a treat to be along for a change). Instead, we went the weekend before Christmas, for DH's 50th birthday.

So, have any childfree folks stayed at WDW for Christmas day? Please tell me how you liked the experience!

 

[mushumadness]

we havnt stayed over christmas but we do come over from the uk for the two weeks running up to christmas (we will be there from december3rd to december 18th this year) We really enjoy going at this time of year, as its not too hot and the parks arnt too busy, plus we really (well me) love to do the christmas shopping in florid!!

 

[Danauk]

DH and I haven't been for christmas before but are this year. We are going with our best friends and I can't wait!!

 

[PrincessKitty]

Thanks for the responses! DH's birthday is Dec 18th and we went to WDW for the weekend last year--the weather was wonderful (not nearly as cold as when we went to WDW in December 2003) and the holiday decor was very festive!

I've read on the DISboards that Christmas week itself is incredibly crowded. When we were there on the weekend of Dec. 18th, the crowds weren't bad yet at all.

 

[mhf]

Yes, please share any December hints with this new gal. Taking DH for his 40th birthday on Dec. 10. Thinking about staying at Swan as I can get the government rate...is this a good idea for a couple? Also thinking about booking meal plan as I really don't want to fool with a car. What is open in the evenings and for dinner (other than the clubs in Downtown)?
THANK YOU!!

I am so ready for college football season!! aw:

 

[PrincessKitty]

I think you will love the location of the Swan! We stayed right across from the Swan, at the Dolphin. If you haven't already checked out AllEarsNet for menus, here's a link:
http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm

There are many restaurants on the Boardwalk (adjacent to the Swan), and seven restaurants in the Dolphin alone. You will also be walking/boating distance to Epcot, with all the World Showcase restaurants. The restaurants are all open in the evening (the Dolphin even has a 24-hour cafeteria-style restaurant). Just FYI--I don't think any of the Boardwalk or Dolphin restaurants are on the dining plan.

Since DH and I are only 2 hours from WDW, we usually just go for long weekends, and I have to admit we've never even made it to the clubs on Pleasure Island (although we swear we're going to the Adventurer's Club someday!). We're always having too much fun at Epcot to go anywhere else in the evening.

 

[Taja]

I don't think I would want to stay at WDW at Christmas unless it was in a DVC resort, or something more self-sufficient. That isn't based on solo or couple only visits, just general crowds. I've been there earlier in the month and completely enjoyed it, but the crowds weren't horrendous. I'll know better if my Thanksgiving holiday doesn't evaporate--I understand it's incredibly crowded then, as well!

Does the S&D participate in the WDW Dining Plan? It seems to be a lovely resort, and I certainly would book it at government rates--dining plan or no!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

My wife and myself have been to WDW the last 4 years during the first two weeks in December and we just love it. It is so wonderful to just have the time to spend together in our favorite place. We always make a point of doing MVMCP & the Candlelight Processional. We just love picking out our favorite places to eat each night. Christmas time at WDW is so special. We will be back this year from Dec. 1-10.

 

[Two4Disney]

Since DH and I are only 2 hours from WDW, we usually just go for long weekends, and I have to admit we've never even made it to the clubs on Pleasure Island (although we swear we're going to the Adventurer's Club someday!). We're always having too much fun at Epcot to go anywhere else in the evening.

Us, too! We keep saying we're going to go to PI on some weekend trip. Next year, next year!

We usually go to Disney over the Christmas season but not Christmas itself. We much prefer the more adult atmosphere at Epcot for the Candlelight Processional. We once went to the MK and it was so crazy we monorailed over to Epcot and were so glad we did.

-- R&K

 

[CheshireMelanie]

December before Christmas is wonderful - not so sure about the week leading up to Christmas and the rest of the month. We went last year 11th -16th. 5 Adult, ages 34 -65, no children and we love, love, LOVED it.

In fact DH (who is 55) and I just booked a week at POFQ (Dec. 9th - 16th) for a "just us" trip.

We found it beautiful, romantic, relaxing - a lovely vacation for us that we shared with my parents and sister.

There's a link to my trip report in my signature

Let me know if I can answer any questions.

 

[lifeasahampster]

I have gone to Disney World every year for at least a week from around the 16th to the 28th for the last 12 years. Just the two of us. I honestly think it is the VERY best time to go.

I am not a huge fan of children, and I feel that there are fewer during this time than any other. We eat at V&A at least twice. We do tours, and spa days. We get to really feel like adults for the holidays. In this world of toys and presents mainly for children, it is nice to do adult things in such a wonderfuly fun place. I do not have to go over to family events and bring presents to kids and listen to parents boast about children. You honestly will not miss spending time with the family, you can do that at New Years or at Thanksgiving. Children can be a joy, but too many times arguments stem from "parenting" issues. It is not worth the drama. I just give to the local toy drive. At least some children that won't get anything will.

The decorations are amazing and romantic. There are good deals on hotel rates and it is fun to come back and take a nap in the afternoon.

I feel that we get better service because the waiter does not feel compelled to entertain us the way they do with parties that have children. We get served fast and well and they are always very nice. Sometimes parties of two will be seated in better areas. California Grill has an adult only room. Coral Reef seats the doubles right next to the glass. Brown Derby seats your in the booths.

Sometimes because you are not stressed out with children at check in and are polite you will get a room upgrade. I have never not been upgraded at any hotel. Each hotel front desk welcomes a friendly nice face that offers a smile and does not complain.

Please do consider WDW for Christmas. I think it is well worth the trip and the memories will be countless.

 

[justplaingoofy]

I guess it depends what you are looking for. We personally wouldn't go for Christmas because it is the *busiest* time of the year. We're not one to wait over and hour in lines.
If it was us, and we wanted to see the decorations, etc. We'd probably go the 2nd week or so in Dec.
Good luck!!

 

[kaelarad]

My husband and I are always by ourselves on Christmas and started going to Disney world. We have a blast. We generally leave around the 20th and leave around the 28. Crowds at the Christmas end of the week are not that bad, but around the 27 all the crowds start arriving for New Years. That is why we are gone. The parks are packed and it is not fun. We drive down so we pack a small Christmas tree for the room and bring the presents. This is how we plan to celebrate Christmas for now!

 

[PrincessKitty]

We once went to the MK and it was so crazy we monorailed over to Epcot and were so glad we did.

-- R&K

Very funny, we do this all the time! I enjoy the MK but it is just too crazy crowded for us much of the time! It'll get to a certain point and we'll just look at each other and say, "Let's get the heck out of here!"

Epcot is our favorite park and we spend 90% of our time there, but we know we need to branch out a bit.

 

[PrincessKitty]

I have gone to Disney World every year for at least a week from around the 16th to the 28th for the last 12 years. Just the two of us. I honestly think it is the VERY best time to go.

I am not a huge fan of children, and I feel that there are fewer during this time than any other. We eat at V&A at least twice. We do tours, and spa days. We get to really feel like adults for the holidays. In this world of toys and presents mainly for children, it is nice to do adult things in such a wonderfuly fun place. I do not have to go over to family events and bring presents to kids and listen to parents boast about children. You honestly will not miss spending time with the family, you can do that at New Years or at Thanksgiving. Children can be a joy, but too many times arguments stem from "parenting" issues. It is not worth the drama. I just give to the local toy drive. At least some children that won't get anything will.

The decorations are amazing and romantic. There are good deals on hotel rates and it is fun to come back and take a nap in the afternoon.

I feel that we get better service because the waiter does not feel compelled to entertain us the way they do with parties that have children. We get served fast and well and they are always very nice. Sometimes parties of two will be seated in better areas. California Grill has an adult only room. Coral Reef seats the doubles right next to the glass. Brown Derby seats your in the booths.

Sometimes because you are not stressed out with children at check in and are polite you will get a room upgrade. I have never not been upgraded at any hotel. Each hotel front desk welcomes a friendly nice face that offers a smile and does not complain.

Please do consider WDW for Christmas. I think it is well worth the trip and the memories will be countless.

Thanks for posting. Do you go to the parks at all right around Christmas or do you mainly just hang out at the resorts? I've heard all the parks are wildly crowded on Christmas day (and, it seems, the day before and the day after).

DH and I do a lot of family Christmases, but it seems to always be somebody else's traditions, not ours. I think we would get a big kick out of being at WDW on Christmas day and having it be part of our own tradition.

 

[PrincessKitty]

My husband and I are always by ourselves on Christmas and started going to Disney world. We have a blast. We generally leave around the 20th and leave around the 28. Crowds at the Christmas end of the week are not that bad, but around the 27 all the crowds start arriving for New Years. That is why we are gone. The parks are packed and it is not fun. We drive down so we pack a small Christmas tree for the room and bring the presents. This is how we plan to celebrate Christmas for now!

Sounds cool!! I would definitely want a Christmas tree in my room if we decide to be at WDW on Chritmas Day! What do you do on Christmas day itself--go to the parks or hang out at the resorts??

 

[SandyToes]

This will be our 6th Disney Christmas. We put up lights and other small, portable decorations in the room. We go to MK on Christmas from opening until mid-AM, then escape to the other parks. It's festive and beautiful everywhere, it's an easy time of year for us to arrange vacation, and it helps fill a family void. We enjoy watching all the little ones without the responsibility of having one of our own. It's incredibly crowded, so we usually leave a day or two after Christmas.

 

[PrincessKitty]

This will be our 6th Disney Christmas. We put up lights and other small, portable decorations in the room. We go to MK on Christmas from opening until mid-AM, then escape to the other parks. It's festive and beautiful everywhere, it's an easy time of year for us to arrange vacation, and it helps fill a family void. We enjoy watching all the little ones without the responsibility of having one of our own. It's incredibly crowded, so we usually leave a day or two after Christmas.

Thanks for the response, SandyToes! I have broached the subject of Christmas at Disney with DH--seems like he would rather be home (just the two of us) than at WDW on Christmas Day itself. But since we are planning to give each other annual passes again for Christmas this year, I think WDW would be the perfect place to celebrate the holiday.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Well, we're doing it! DH and I made reservations at the Dolphin for the nights of Dec. 24th and 25th (checking out the 26th). We're having Christmas Eve dinner at Yachtsmans Steakhouse, and Christmas dinner in Mexico.

 

[lifeasahampster]

AAHHHH! Don't go to Mexico! Yikes, the worst possible place to go, espically on Christmas! Go to the Coral Reef, Flying Fish, Palios, Blue Zoo, Le Cellier. Anywhere but Mexico! Don't waste your time there! Sorry to be so abrupt, but I would hate for you to have a bad experience. I am glad that you took the dive and went childless, I am sure that you will have a wonderful time!