Christmas at WDW or home?

[Magic4UsZ's]

I would LOVE to celebrate xmas at WDW , but the DH thinks that we should be at home for the holidays. (Why?,I ask him, to watch some sort of drama unfold or someone have a meltdown? while gathered at my families dinner ) Love my family but there is always something/body in an tizzy about a big nothing. (Dh is an only child with both parents gone so there is no family on his side to visit)
For all those people who are lucky enough to go then,what do you do on actual Xmas day? and how old are your kids? Does Santa come there,and how the heck does he hide the presents till xmas morning? Do you miss your pets on Xmas morning? They are such a part of our family Id wonder if the kids would be homesick for them or just plain homesick on Xmas morning.
These are the kinda details Im looking for.

Also where to eat your Xmas dinner?

 

[CapEldano2]

Well first off, I would say that X-Mas in the parks would be my choice, because, If you have a small enough family (like mine), you can always celebrate a few days (or weeks) before or after Christmas actually happens. From what you wrote it sounds like part of you doesn't look forward to the holidays because of family members (I have that too sometimes lol), so i would say heck with it, take this year off from the hype and go to WDW. As far as pets go, you can probably bring them with you if you don't mind the extra hassle of them on the plane, or keeping them in a kennel while you are in the parks. From what I understand, the Disney kennels are very humane and sanitary. The only reason I suggest staying home is if you have a mortally sick relative who may not see another Christmas, but if you don't I'd say book that trip

The events that take place at Disney during the holidays are very festive, some better than others, but they all capture the spirit of Christmas. You should do some research on some of the holiday events though, before you leave (if you leave) so that you can experience both the park, and the special holiday events it has to offer. As far as Christmas dinner, it depends on which park you are at. for Magic Kingdom, I would say Crystal Palace, For Epcot, it really depends on what you like, for MGM, 50's Prime Time is really the only sit down meal in the park, Animal Kingdom, again, depends what you like. If you were looking at a hotel restaurant, you'll have to ask someone else cause i'm not good in that department lol. I think as long as you keep your kids busy and having fun, missing the family won't be a huge issue. Like I said, you can always arrange like a big New Years/Christmas party for example where your family can enjoy the company of your relatives.

 

[SPAM]

we have celebrated xmas at wdw the last few years i really enjoy it. last year i think we ate xmas dinner at chef mcikeys but this year we are eating at o'hana's!

 

[Pats Dragon]

We love Christmas at DW. My kids are in their 20's but we are a very traditional family. We have our little tree, advent wreath, nativity, mickey's christmas band with us. We get the presents out of the car on Christmas eve night after we get back from the park. Sometimes we open them then and then have stockings on Christmas morning.

The parks are mostly empty before lunch. We have eaten Christmas dinner at trails end and it was really relaxed, good home traditional home cooking and excellent service. This year we will be at Epcot for garden grill lunch and rose and crown dinner. Germany was a very good choice one year as is lecellier. We often bring other family members for part of our trip. Christmas is a state of mind that is really special at DW. Don't forget mvmcp, the processional, the sleigh ride and roasted chestnuts at grand floridian.

 

[sharonW]

We celebrated christmas at home on the 25th and then gave ourselves a day to recoupe and pack and then on dec 27 headed down to the magic. Believe me even though christmas is over it is still so full of the holiday spirit in the parks and resorts. Also all the stress of the seasons madness is over so you can got down to mickeys house and really enjoy. However I must say it is crowded beyond words. I would do it again in a heartbeat though. At least the weather isn't hot, might even be cold. Go, experience disney at the best time of the year. It is pure magic!!

 

[Magic4UsZ's]

I really like the idea of going the day after xmas, or even flying out that evening. My kids are 8 & 12 this holiday season. So as you see Santa is still here for at least a few more years. (Quite proud that our 12 year old has kept it magical for the 8 yr old.)

I think it would be hard to get everything wrapped and packed (we fly & its 18+ hrs of just driving w/o stops) I guess we could drive as soon as the kids get out of school . It would be hard now to take them out before Christmas due to Christmas concerts/programs that are mandatory. Their band grade is based upon participation of concerts.

How old are your children that you take to wdw for xmas?

Do you get a tree? and if so where and do you bring decorations for it? what do you do with it when you leave?

Im thinking next year or even 08, too late for this year. We were lucky in 2004 we stayed at the GF on a discount for an extended weekend the first week of Dec. we went to mvmcp and it was COLD. (We were prepared with winter attire,but that was a real shock for us. We had been accustomed to vacationing in early June and I really didnt think it would be that cold in Florida.) But after seeing the wdw xmas specials I want to go back , this time closer to,or on christmas.

Any other tips ideas are appreciated.

 

[tinawv]

I think it would be really special to spend Christmas at WDW. We have gone the week before, which was nice because we got to see all the Christimas decorations, parades, MVMCP, etc., but it has always been my dream to spend Christmas Day there with my family.

 

[Magic4UsZ's]

Me too tinawv!!! Ive come to the conclusion that it would be best to drive so that you could bring all the presents along,as well as any decorations that you might want to put up.

My oldest just joined me here at the computer and said she would miss being home for xmas,oh well, maybe when they are teenagers they won't care if they are here or there, just as long as we were together as family. is what matters.

Still would like to know what do people do for a tree?
and also what resort do you like for xmas?