Christmas at Disney World

[ruslanb]

I have just purchased 9 days at POR from December 24, 2012 until January 1, 2013. I booked Royal Room as we are going with DD9 and
DD7. We have never been to POR. Last three times we went to Disney, we stayed once at CBR and twice at CSR. We liked CSR much better than CBR, and I have a feeling that POR wont' be as good as CSR either. I just want to try something different this time, considering they have refurbished many rooms at POR. Finally, my question is if anyone can share how to best plan dining redervations over Christmas and New Year Eve - yes, I have purchased DDP. I never add hopper, as I believe one park per day is more than enough. I know we should not skip Christmas parade and fireworks at MK, Candellight Processional at Epcot, and Osborne Lights at DHS. Is there anything else I am missing? We are planning to take just a few rides at each park, as it will be very crowded there. Our main goal this time is to enjoy the Christams spirit at Disney. Therefore, what parks would be the best to go to on Decemeber 24, 25 and 31 in terms of the parades, activities, decorations? Does it make any difference at all? I need to make my dining reservation based on the park I choose on these days. Thank you!

 

[DisneyClown]

I'm sorry, I've never been over Christmas but I know what I would do if I were. Based on the fact I've read that it's THE busiest time at WDW, I would plan on going to whatever park that does NOT have Extra Magic Hours on those days. I would also see if they're doing a Dessert Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace to avoid the crowds during the fireworks at MK.

 

[leo711]

Other Christmas spirit activities that avoid the crowds:

Our family enjoyed the carriage/sleigh ride through the Fort Wilderness Camp Ground. All of the sites are decorated for Christmas. We went to chip-n-Dales campfire/sin-a-long while at FW.

The wilderness lodge has a sleigh ride that I have heard is very nice.

Visit many resorts to see the different decorations. Don't miss the GF Gingerbread house.

DTD has live entertainment (choirs etc.) when we have been there at night.

ICE at the Gaylord Palms is quite an experience (per other family relatives)

 

[EeyoreJen]

My daughter and I are heading to POR on 12/20-29/12 and I've been researching like mad! The only other suggestion is to take time to enjoy the World Showcase, I understand that there are a lot of storytellers and the decorations are brilliant! Also, if you have time, the Boardwalk is a nice place to stroll and relax a bit. There are also two mini-golf courses - Fantasia Gardens and the Winter Summerland courses. A lot of the hotels have AMAZING gingerbread displays that I've heard are a must see.

I hope you have a good time - we are staying in the RR too so we may bump in to each other.

Jen