Make certain you book your ADR for Christmas week when you hit the 180 day mark. We did not do the
DDP at Christmas because we did not want to be tied to being at a certain place at a certain time when the parks are so crowded. We just took our chances with counter service and made only 1 TS reservation. We wanted to be able to hop from park to park if one got too crowded and did not want to have to plan it around food. We are going in September and have all but one reservation in place as of last Friday. I would definitely decide where you want to eat Christmas and get that one made. We really liked Coral Reef, Kona Cafe, and Concourse Steakhouse.
Some of the places have special menus for that day and some are just the regular one. You may be able to check on the Disney website once it gets closer to the 180 day mark to see what is being offered. With this long a trip I would also try some of the resort restaurants like Olivias and Turf Club as well as Wolfgang Puck Cafe.
I think there is a place either on this website or the Disney one that will give you the hours for last year which may give you an idea of how early or late the parks may be open.
It is truly a magical time to be there. If I were you I would plan to do the park things I absolutely "need" to do between the 16th and 24th when the parks should be less crowded and then whatever you can do after that is extra. Maybe plan on mini golf, water sports etc for some of the Christmas week if the weather holds for you. We had cold rainy weather a good portion of our trip this past year from 12/24-1/4 so needed ponchos, warm jackets and shoes that were waterproof or dried quickly. The ride lines can be 1 1/2 - 2 hours long at times so using fast pass is also a must. There is no need for extra tickets for the early or late hours as long as you are staying onsite which you must be if you have the DDP. You do need to get wristbands to stay in the parks for the EMHs. You will have to get into the park and then have your room key swiped by the CMs handing out the wrist bands. Each person must have their own room key even the children.
We also planned a day to see the decorations and just took a day exploring different resorts and riding on as many types of transportation as possible in one day.
I guess the advice I would give about meals is check out the menus on this site and maybe others and determine which places have food your family will eat and make your reservations based on that rather than what some of us who might have totally different food preferences might suggest.
Hope you have fun planning and that your trip is magical.
Hi Everyone,,,, Our holiday is booked from 16 Dec thro to 3rd Jan 08 !!
