Christmas 2016 help planning

[Dippa]

Me and my girlfriend are going to Disney World for the very first time this year for Christmas.
We are going the 20th December for 3 weeks and we can't wait!


I've not done any planning as of yet and with it not being so far away now but I'm worrying because we need/can book our restaurants in two days. I have tried reading up on many things tonight and just feel evan more confused. We are able to book our restaurants the 23rd but I have no idea on what to book just yet and can we book our entire 3 weeks worth of restaurants in one go or will we need to wait for each day if this makes any sense ?

Wouldn't booking restaurants tie you down to each park if you've not planned which park you would wish to visit for that day if that makes any sense ?

What events are most recommended over Christmas ?

Whats the best park to go to on Christmas day ? and New Years Eve/Day


Sorry about all the questions, I'll leave it with that for now hehe Just going to keep researching and planning

Thanks for reading

 

[Guyton dis lover]

Candle Light processional. Mickeys Christmas party. Go to each resort and check out the decorations. Just for starters. Carry shorts and Winter clothing. The weather can be cold and I have seen it 90 F on Christmas day.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

I've not done any planning as of yet and with it not being so far away now but I'm worrying because we need/can book our restaurants in two days. I have tried reading up on many things tonight and just feel evan more confused. We are able to book our restaurants the 23rd but I have no idea on what to book just yet and can we book our entire 3 weeks worth of restaurants in one go or will we need to wait for each day if this makes any sense ?

Hey there - I have a free guide and blog at survivedisxmas.com. Feel free to read up. I think that while many on these forums prefer (or would prefer) to go in without a plan, Christmas just isn't the time to do it. It's far too crowded to not make an ADR or go on the fly. I do think it'll be far less crowded after the 1st of the year. You may be able to wait to book those dates. Plus, you can only book 180 days out, plus 10 days thereafter (assuming you're staying on-site)- so you have some time to think. But do NOT go without booking ADRs for Christmas week. That's a mistake.

What kind of restaurants are you looking to eat at? How much are you looking to spend? Are you on the DDP? For Christmas, I'd recommend a signature. After that, play with your dates. If you think you'll be in MK, book an MK restaurant or something like Ohana and so on...

Wouldn't booking restaurants tie you down to each park if you've not planned which park you would wish to visit for that day if that makes any sense ?

it does and it doesn't. The ADR window is the first step in adding some structure to your trip. You wouldn't book Ohana when you plan on being at Animal Kingdom for the day. I'd suggest making a tentative schedule. Plan one or two days out then go from there. For example - we know we will go to MK on Christmas, and spend NYE at EPCOT. That's two days down. We'd like to go to AK one evening and enjoy eating around the world at EPCOT one day. Okay - it'll be an early morning on Christmas and we'd like to wake up later on 12/26, so we'll look to do AK in the evening on 12/26. If you're worried about being tied down to a park, book resort ADRs. If you're staying at BC, book something at Yachtsman or Cape May, etc.

What events are most recommended over Christmas ?

Candlelight Processional, Eating Around the World (they have special holiday snacks,) visiting the Deluxe resorts are some of our favorites.

Whats the best park to go to on Christmas day ? and New Years Eve/Day

We love MK. It's crazy crowded from 10am on, but nothing beats it. We arrive very early for EMH and get in as much as possible until 10am. We book FP+ for later in the day. In the past, Animal Kingdom was the least crowded park. Now that DHS is undergoing so much construction, AK may become a more popular spot.

The two choices are EPCOT or MK, really. DHS has far too much going on. It used to be a solid spot for NYE - less crowded than EPCOT or MK and a bit more family friendly than EPCOT. I'd suggest going to MK on 12/30. They do a dress rehearsal show on 12/30. The only thing that changes on 12/31 is the year! On 12/31,go to EPCOT. It's the coolest thing we've ever experienced. There's DJs and people dancing and having fun. The fireworks are the best part at midnight!

 

[siskaren]

Candle Light processional. Mickeys Christmas party. Go to each resort and check out the decorations. Just for starters. Carry shorts and Winter clothing. The weather can be cold and I have seen it 90 F on Christmas day.

The OP is arriving on December 20 and would only have one opportunity to do the MVMCP, which would be the last party on December 22. Since two of the big draws of the party are the Christmas parade and Holiday Wishes, both of which can be seen during regular park hours after the 22nd, I don't think it would be worth it.

 

[Guyton dis lover]

The OP is arriving on December 20 and would only have one opportunity to do the MVMCP, which would be the last party on December 22. Since two of the big draws of the party are the Christmas parade and Holiday Wishes, both of which can be seen during regular park hours after the 22nd, I don't think it would be worth it.

All depends in what you want to do. You may still get a ticket now but if you wait until you arrive you probably wont. That is why we go before Christmas. We will be on our way home on the 18th. You are right. We just love the party.

 

[Dippa]

Thanks for your replies! It really is much appreciated. We have booked the MVMCP for the 22nd. We have been persuaded to go to Epcot on NYE but are a little sceptical as to whether or not brave MK on christmas day due to the mass of crowds, however your post has made us think otherwise. Would it be best to eat at the Liberty Tree Tavern on Christmas Day, or go straight to Cinderella's Royal Table?

Is it worth purchasing a Dining Plan? We are only looking at visiting Disney parks for the 2 weeks of our stay and then are planning to go elsewhere on the final week.

What are the best restaurants for character and fine dining? Also, how do we book the 'Eating around the World' as this sounds amazing and well worth doing!

We are able to make our ADR tonight/morning, is it best to book the restaurants where possible and if needed change them at a later date?

We are also looking at going to Universal/Sea World/Busch Gardens etc. would it be worth hiring a car?

Apologies for the numerous questions but thank you all so much for your advice and tips! They are helping us very much!!

 

[siskaren]

Also, how do we book the 'Eating around the World' as this sounds amazing and well worth doing!

Unless this is something new that I've never heard of before, I assume the PP is just talking about walking around World Showcase and sampling each country's special holiday snacks.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Thanks for your replies! It really is much appreciated. We have booked the MVMCP for the 22nd. We have been persuaded to go to Epcot on NYE but are a little sceptical as to whether or not brave MK on christmas day due to the mass of crowds, however your post has made us think otherwise. Would it be best to eat at the Liberty Tree Tavern on Christmas Day, or go straight to Cinderella's Royal Table?

I've never dined at CRT, although I believe it's more expensive and 2 TS credits on the DDP. LTT definitely has a very Christmasy feel with the turkey dinner. I think that'd be the best holiday route. Brave MK on Christmas, but be prepared for heavy crowds. At 10am you'll notice it get very crowded. By 12pm you'll really notice and feel the crowds. It's gonna be a long day. If I were you, I'd arrive early to see and do as much as possible. Then, schedule your FP+ for the afternoon. If you really need a break, hop on the monorail and go explore the resorts and maybe grab lunch. Head back for dinner and enjoy Holiday Wishes. Do you run the risk of a phased closure? Sure. But I've never seen on-site guests turned away - even on Christmas.

Is it worth purchasing a Dining Plan? We are only looking at visiting Disney parks for the 2 weeks of our stay and then are planning to go elsewhere on the final week.

That's up to you, really. More times than not, the DDP is not a solid use of your money. You usually lose out unless you plan correctly. Are you big eaters? It winds up being a lot of food. The one nice thing about the DDP is the "all inclusive" feel it gives.

We are able to make our ADR tonight/morning, is it best to book the restaurants where possible and if needed change them at a later date?

Yes- always book the restaurants for the days you need. You don't wanna risk being left without a TS. People are always canceling their ADRs so just keep an eye on the Disney site and check out Touring Plans for their ADR services. When you book, look for Christmas, Xmas Eve and NYE first. Then book in order of popularity, like Ohana, etc.

We are also looking at going to Universal/Sea World/Busch Gardens etc. would it be worth hiring a car?

You'll need a car for getting between Disney and Universal as there's no transportation between the two. Whether you grab a cab or Uber or rent a car is up to you.

 

[Dippa]

Unless this is something new that I've never heard of before, I assume the PP is just talking about walking around World Showcase and sampling each country's special holiday snacks.

Thankyou! That sounds like something not to miss! Do we book the world showcase with our dining reservations or is that a specific event?

Thanks again for your advice!!

 

[siskaren]

Thankyou! That sounds like something not to miss! Do we book the world showcase with our dining reservations or is that a specific event?

Thanks again for your advice!!

OK, I really think you need to get a guide book, because World Showcase is just the back part of Epcot. (The front part is Future World.) It consists of 11 pavilions, each representing a different country: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the U.S., Japan, Morocco, France, the UK, and Canada. Each country has at least a counter service restaurant, and most have a table service one as well. (I think the U.S. is the only one that doesn't have table service.) Most of them also have an attraction of some sort, either a ride or a movie, or in the case of the U.S., an Audio-Animatronic show. I would highly recommend this guide book:

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-First-...r=8-13&keywords=disney+world+guide+books+2016

 

[Dippa]

I've never dined at CRT, although I believe it's more expensive and 2 TS credits on the DDP. LTT definitely has a very Christmasy feel with the turkey dinner. I think that'd be the best holiday route. Brave MK on Christmas, but be prepared for heavy crowds. At 10am you'll notice it get very crowded. By 12pm you'll really notice and feel the crowds. It's gonna be a long day. If I were you, I'd arrive early to see and do as much as possible. Then, schedule your FP+ for the afternoon. If you really need a break, hop on the monorail and go explore the resorts and maybe grab lunch. Head back for dinner and enjoy Holiday Wishes. Do you run the risk of a phased closure? Sure. But I've never seen on-site guests turned away - even on Christmas.

Thank you! I have downloaded your survival guide for Christmas at Disney, so am looking forward to reading through it as it looks to be an extremely helpful resource! You must have spent a lot of time on it! I love the idea of going to MK and then going elsewhere throughout, but am concerned on not being able to get back into the card. However, after noticing your signature '5th time in Disney at Christmas', I am going to take your word for it as you certainly seem to know what you are talking about!

That's up to you, really. More times than not, the DDP is not a solid use of your money. You usually lose out unless you plan correctly. Are you big eaters? It winds up being a lot of food. The one nice thing about the DDP is the "all inclusive" feel it gives.

No, not big eaters as such, but we do like to enjoy all what's on offer. By the sounds of things we will be able to make do without purchasing one, thank you for your insight!

Yes- always book the restaurants for the days you need. You don't wanna risk being left without a TS. People are always canceling their ADRs so just keep an eye on the Disney site and check out Touring Plans for their ADR services. When you book, look for Christmas, Xmas Eve and NYE first. Then book in order of popularity, like Ohana, etc.

Yes I think that's the best thing to do too, thank you. What would you say are the most popular restaurants around the Disney complex? And which ones can you personally recommend?

You'll need a car for getting between Disney and Universal as there's no transportation between the two. Whether you grab a cab or Uber or rent a car is up to you.

Thank you! We will work out whether or not it would be cost effective to hire a car or whether it would be better to just grab cabs! Thanks again.

OK, I really think you need to get a guide book, because World Showcase is just the back part of Epcot. (The front part is Future World.) It consists of 11 pavilions, each representing a different country: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the U.S., Japan, Morocco, France, the UK, and Canada. Each country has at least a counter service restaurant, and most have a table service one as well. (I think the U.S. is the only one that doesn't have table service.) Most of them also have an attraction of some sort, either a ride or a movie, or in the case of the U.S., an Audio-Animatronic show. I would highly recommend this guide book:

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-First-...r=8-13&keywords=disney+world+guide+books+2016

Thank you! Oh I see, that's just me misunderstanding as I thought World Showcase was a specific event not just the one half of Epcot. That's brilliant!

Thanks again for all of your kind help! I think I'm slowly getting there thanks to you guys! Without all your advice and tips, I think I'd be having a complete meltdown! So Thank You!!!

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Yes I think that's the best thing to do too, thank you. What would you say are the most popular restaurants around the Disney complex? And which ones can you personally recommend?

Signatures
Signatures are the more expensive, more exclusive restaurants at WDW. The most popular is Cali Grill. It offers a fantastic view of MK, 7 Seas Lagoon and the potential to watch Wishes from atop the Contemporary.

We love Narcoossee's it's the best IMO, with the best dessert on property. This will also be a difficult ADR to secure.

Artist Point is a sleeper pick. It's very good and has a real ski lodge feel to it. The food is fantastic.

Table Services/Buffets
Chef Mickeys is a very popular buffet as it offers the top characters, however, the food isn't anything special.

Hollywood and Vine has a special holiday dinner w the characters, but I've heard it's terrible.

I love Boma. Fantastic food, theming and value.

Ohana is family style and probably the most popular non-character dining experience.

Other popular spots include Crystal Palace and Be Our Guest. Be Our Guest has good food, but it's second to the theming and decor. Make this a target - even if it's just for lunch or to get a cupcake!

 

[Dippa]

Signatures
Signatures are the more expensive, more exclusive restaurants at WDW. The most popular is Cali Grill. It offers a fantastic view of MK, 7 Seas Lagoon and the potential to watch Wishes from atop the Contemporary.

We love Narcoossee's it's the best IMO, with the best dessert on property. This will also be a difficult ADR to secure.

Artist Point is a sleeper pick. It's very good and has a real ski lodge feel to it. The food is fantastic.

Table Services/Buffets
Chef Mickeys is a very popular buffet as it offers the top characters, however, the food isn't anything special.

Hollywood and Vine has a special holiday dinner w the characters, but I've heard it's terrible.

I love Boma. Fantastic food, theming and value.

Ohana is family style and probably the most popular non-character dining experience.

Other popular spots include Crystal Palace and Be Our Guest. Be Our Guest has good food, but it's second to the theming and decor. Make this a target - even if it's just for lunch or to get a cupcake!

Thank you very much! I think its all starting to come together for us! From looking at the website it highlight EMH up until the 29th December, are they likely to change?

Thanks again!

 

[Dippa]

Also, what do you think to Le Cellier Steakhouse and the Tusker House restaurant?

 

[Guyton dis lover]

Le Cellier is great but the steaks are to big to eat all at once.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Le Cellier is great but the steaks are to big to eat all at once.

That's a problem?

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Thank you very much! I think its all starting to come together for us! From looking at the website it highlight EMH up until the 29th December, are they likely to change?

Yes, the hours will definitely increase. The hours for July just got extended. They have decreased the amount of EMH lately but you can expect MK to open most days at 7am-8am for EMH. MK will have at least one late night EMH (12 or 1am-3am). The park will open at 8am and so on...

 

[Dippa]

Thank you to everyone for all your help! We've finally got some order with our dream holiday, thanks to all of your advice! It has all been highly valuable for us and we truly appreciate it!

 

[Guyton dis lover]

Good luck and enjoy your vacation.

 

[Dippa]

Thanks Guyton dis lover.

We have decided to go to MK on Christmas Day as this proved a little more popular overall, and we wanted to be in the heart of the christmas spirit. We will be eating at LTT at around 18:00 and having breakfast at the CP. We are extremely excited! Thank you for all of your insights! We are heading to EPCOT on christmas eve, we are having breakfast at the Akershus Royal Banquet and having dinner at Le Cellier. We plan on taking part in the candlelight procession and enjoying strolling round the world showcase, thanks to your recommendations! We appreciate all your help! Thank you!

We arrive at the hotel quite late on the day of arrival so maybe that could be an ideal time to try out our hotel restaurant? We have made ADR's for restaurants Artist Point, Narcoose's etc thanks to your recommendations, so we are looking forward to trying those out! We decided to book as many restaurants as we can now because if required we are then able to change and cancel reservations.


Thank you all once again for your kindness in offering advice to assist with the planning of our trip! We can't express our appreciation enough.