Christmas at WDW

[Janet-TX]

My sister and I lost our mother in February of this year, and we decided that we were going somewhere for Christmas...didn't want to be home without mom (dad has been gone for 12 years) and try to do the usual family traditions. So...in a moment of insanity, we decided to go to WDW. We will arrive Tue 12/22 and depart Mon 12/28. We are taking our husbands (LOL) so we will be 4 adults staying at the Yacht Club. I would really appreciate any tips and advice. I know this is a crazy time of the year, but we are doing it anyway. Thank you so much!

 

[hiroMYhero]

I'm very sorry for your loss. I would suggest deciding on restaurant meals especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and book them at 180 days out for your complete trip.

The Captains Grille restaurant at YC is very good and you may need to book ADRs there especially for that time of year. The Crew's Cup lounge also has excellent food; the Concierge suggested Crew's Cup and felt the food was better than Beaches and Cream at BC.

Also be prepared to book your FPs when your 60-day booking window opens. You'll be able to manipulate them after booking but at least book headliners that you know you want to ride.
Here's the FP info thread:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/fa...ed-priorities-and-strategies-part-ii.3326057/

Other than that, have a great time!

 

[ghtx]

It will be very crowded. Very! But you will have a good time. Book your FPs at the 60-day mark, and arrive to the parks at RD each morning. Plan on riding your FP rides plus about 3-4 rides each morning at RD, and not much more.

 

[Disneylover99]

Take advantage of late nights at the MK if you don't want to do rope drop there. Have fun!

 

[illinidp]

Here are links to a couple of great blog guides. I would start by reading these and go from there. The hard ticket Christmas parties will be over by then, so the events that continue will be included with your park ticket. The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is excellent and very popular so I'd strongly consider getting a dining package for that and those will be on sale very soon. Also check out the Christmas parade at MK, Celebrate the Magic, and Holliday Wishes. The Osborne lights at DHS are a can't miss. Several of the resort lobbies are worth visiting especially the Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Beach Club. We like to go to Epcot Christmas Eve and MK for the early EMH rope drop Christmas morning. Definitely decide on how many table service meals you want to do and then which ones and be ready to book your ADRs first thing at your 180 day mark.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/christmas_world.htm

http://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-christmas-ultimate-guide/

 

[Seattle]

Oh, honey. I don't have anything useful to offer, except a virtual hug and to tell you that my sister & brother & I did almost the same thing 15 years ago after losing our Mom -- but we're west-coasters, so we spent that Christmas at Disneyland rather than WDW. It was a very good thing to do, and a fitting tribute to our Mom.

Be kind to yourself -- losing your Mom is definitely not a sprint, it's a marathon -- and you're so lucky to have a Sis so you can lean on each other.

 

[helenm29]

So sorry to hear about your loss! I agree, you need to get away from old traditions and start some new ones! try to do Mickey's Christmas party...lots of fun! we've only gotten to go once because I work retail but I hope what ever you chose to do, have a wonderful time!

 

[kmoore7]

So sorry for your loss. I can't think of a better way to change things up. Insanity? Ehh....just a little. Have a great trip