Christmas 2009 Planning

[Vicki1971]

Hi all,

I had some bad news yesterday, my organisation is re-shaping and as such my job is no longer there come April 1st. I'm confident I'll find something else but it has stopped any plans for going over to Orlando for a family summer hols in 08, however my daughters love the idea of a Christmas trip. I'd guess the earliest would be December 09.

What I'd love to know, from those who have gone over during this time, is what dates are better? What should not be missed? Should I aim for Christmas and New Years Eve? Is there anything to aviod or keep in mind, any tips? I can remember one thread where someone mentioned the car hire places running out of cars - is this normal for this time of year.

I'd love to hear any advice, recommendations or things not to do. I plan on hiring out a villa, car and flying from Manchester.

Thanks
Vicki

 

[jen_uk]

I was there Xmas 2006 and it was busy but manageable. It didn't get really busy until about the 23rd so if you can get there about the 18th then you will have a few quieter days before it gets packed. If you can't do that then I would go a bit later and stay until the first week in Jan when it should quieten down again.

Osborne lights should not be missed, they are spectacular! We went to MK on Xmas eve, there were special fireworks, parade etc which wa really good. It was busy that night but weirdly there were hardly any queues for the rides, there was also a lovely atmosphere there that night. We didn't go the MK on Xmas day because everyone said that it would be crazily busy and that it usually reaches mx capacity by 10am so I would avoid that!

 

[wayneg]

If you can fly Xmas day or Boxing day Virgin holiday prices drop drastically, this Xmas we have booked flight/hotel with them, dropped £125pp going Xmas day compared to Xmas eve.
Downside going later is you miss Mickeys Xmas party evenings and Xmas day parade, we have never managed to see these as I can't fly until Xmas day at earliest.
We have done EPCOT for 3 New Years Eve's, love it so much we have never tried anywhere else but if you are offsite you need to be at rope drop, 1st time we went 30 mins after opening it was closed to offsite guests, luckily that year we were onsite.
We were without car for 24 hours as they ran out at Alamo, I rang about 6 other rental co's all had no cars available. Always rented from Dollar since with no problems but that was about 8 years ago so hope Alamo and the rest are more prepared now. I cant understand how they can oversell when they know how many are arriving but I guess they work like airlines hoping for no shows.
Its a fantastic time to visit but so so busy.
We also like to visit Celebration one evening for "Snow is Falling"

 

[DisneyJo]

We're hoping to go then too, how cold is it?

 

[wayneg]

We're hoping to go then too, how cold is it?

You need to take clothes for any weather. Our 1st Xmas visit was mega cold, frost on car every morning, we were not prepared had to buy winter clothes. More recent visits started cold some days and warmed up, other days in shorts and Tshirts right upto midnight. You just can't know, go prepared for anything.

 

[Chilly]

I'm also hoping to go then, flying out on the 27th if I can, but if it is a lot cheaper Boxing Day then i'm happy to do that. Then I hope to do a DLC leaving on the 2nd ish.

 

[wils]

Our dates last year were 25th-2nd. It was busy but we got to the parks early and made sure we did our 'Must Dos' first. If you are on site Extra Magic Hour in the morning means you find an initially quiet park. (I see you'd be off site now

On NYE last year Magic Kingdom and MGM closed due to reaching capacity and Epcot was busy - fast passes for Sorin run out just after 11AM.

The atmosphere was magical and I loved the Christmas parades and decorations. There was also lots of entertainment going on round the park.

It was really warm for us - in the 30s until the last day but I think lots of layers would be ideal to plan for.

We stayed at the parks and got more done than we ever planned to (Fastpass use is a must). We often had some time early in the park and then had a character breakfst as it got busier.

Osbourne lights were great especially when the snow started falling.

Good luck with your job hunting and planning

 

[Vicki1971]

Wow reading through all your comments just makes me want to go even more! Looking at dates we should be okay to travel between 14-18 Dec. My DH loves Epcot so that could be where we end up for New Years.

No bookings made, nearly 2 years to wait and I'm as excited as if I was going tomorrow.

Cheers guys.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

hi there

I have been a few times for Christmas. I would say the earlier you can go the better - we went 9th December (last time ) for 3 weeks. We did all the Disney parks before it got too busy & then were able to relax at the pool, go to Sea World or just enjoy a couple of rides/shoes at WDW and not feel like we were missing anything - just enjoying the atmosphere.

One day the line for the safari was over 4 hours & they had to close it

Samantha

 

[Chilly]

One day the line for the safari was over 4 hours & they had to close it

Oh my GOD, who in their right mind would join a queue that said a 4 hour wait!!!

 

[Vicki1971]

Oh my GOD, who in their right mind would join a queue that said a 4 hour wait!!!

Me, it would depend what was at the end of it .........

 

[wayneg]

I am useless at staying in lines, 20 min max for me. So Xmas its usually early starts and fast passes, Soarin was about 3 hours last Xmas we were there. Can't think of anything in the world I would line up for 3 hours for.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I agree - which is why we do the parks before the madness sets in. I felt really sorry for people stood in line who might have been there for the 1st time.