Christmas decor not to miss?

[photobob]

DW and I are headed to WDW the week after Thanksgiving. Looking for some ideas for things to see while we are there. This is going to be a trip of firsts. The first trip during this time of year and more importantly the first trip since DW was diagnosed with MS. Currently her fatigue is chronic and severe so she will be seeing the world via wheelchair. We may not do many attractions this trip but really want to see as much Christmas decorations we can. She can walk just has very little endurance. We already have ADR for grand Floridian cafe, plans for CP, plans for osbourne lights and thinking about MVMCP.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

 

[thepops]

Be sure to stop by some of the resorts and see how they are decorated. They each are very different. My favorites were AKV Jambo, beach club, boardwalk and the grand Floridian. Most of all.... ENJOY!

 

[com_op_2000]

You didn't say at which resort you are staying. A resort tour trip around the monorail system at MK is a great way to see some very good decorations. GF has some of the best decorations and the lobby band is great to listen too, when you are tired. Another would be a walking (understand your wife and MS) tour of the EPCOT resorts. All the resorts put on special displays during the Christmas holidays.

 

[wbl2745]

I have to second seeing the resort hotels, particularly the luxury resorts. Last year I was most impressed with the gingerbread houses at the Grand Floridian, the Boardwalk, and the Beach Club. The Christmas trees at the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom were very impressive. To keep things low key you could go to the Animal Kingdom and then go out to the animal viewing area and spend time looking at the animals. At the Wilderness Lodge I'm fairly sure that the walkways outside are accessible to wheelchairs. You can probably find something to do at each resort. There's a lot to do other than attractions so you should have a good time!

 

[dianeschlicht]

We always spend at least a week in early December at WDW, and I second the idea of a resort tour. Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, and Grand Floridian are our not to be missed ones for holiday decor. LOVE all the gingerbread!

I've been to WDW several times with chronic fatigue syndrome, and my advice is to rent an ECV from one of the off site places. They deliver right to your resort, and it couldn't be easier to get around that way. You will have to use the handicapped entrances to most attractions, but at least she will be able to enjoy everything that way. There are also many attractions where you stay on your ECV through most of the waiting area. Kilamanjaro Safari was the best....We just stayed in the regular line, and when you get to loading area, they have a complete loading area for handicapped accessibles, and you can park your ECV right there and it drops you off at the same place when you return. At places like Spaceship Earth, you actually load through the exit.

 

[disneynutz]

Another vote for a ECV. I use a Pride Revo model and we rent a car at WDW. The Revo breaks down into small light weight sections that easily fits into a trunk. Takes about 5 minutes to put together. Bring your HC placard and you get free valet parking at the resorts and HC parking at the parks. I hate using the bus system when I'm not feeling well and just the waiting and boarding process can take a lot out of you. Be sure to check out the Disabilities board here on the DIS for other hints.

Make sure that you visit all of the Deluxe resorts. Resorts where DVC shares a lobby with a regular resort has the best decorations. SSR and OKW have less due to their DVC budget.

Good luck and have fun!

Bill

 

[Dizny Dad]

Without a doubt . . . the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[supersuperwendy]

This thread has a lot of great pics of christmas decor!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1676426

 

[JWG]

We love AKV for the character themed trees. I should post some pics. At Camp Mickey/Minnie each character has a tree decorated to their stylings. At the Winnie the Pooh M&G area, they have a tree specific to them, etc.

We really enjoyed seeing the themed Christmas trees for many different characters.

And, of course, the resorts are not to be missed. Monorail loop (though Poly is my least favorite). We love the huge Mickey wreath on the outside of CR and the gingerbread house at GF.

We've heard (but not seen) the chocolate carousel at BWV is awesome.

The lobby trees at Wilderness Lodge and AK Lodge are amazing given the 5-6 story lobbies they have.

Also, pay close attention to the lamp posts at each theme park. They're uniquely decorated by park as well. My wife had a ball taking pictures of lamp posts the whole trip last year.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I enjoy listening to the storytellers.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2814802

Have you seen the Jingle Parade at AK? It's cute!

 

[mecllap]

If they're doing it this year, do not miss the Castle-lighting show in MK -- brought tears to my eyes the first time I saw it -- beautiful. I think it was at about 6 p.m.? when I saw it a couple of years ago. The Grand Floridian has absolutely the bes resort decor. (I found the Contemporary to be disappointing).

 

[Kelblum]

Loved the Wilderness Lodge's lobby!

 

[Rest&Relax]

Definitely rent an ECV, it will help so both of you will not be so worn out.

Agree with the resort touring. All the resorts have the own theme. Enjoy an ADR while visiting some of the resorts. WL and GF are a must, then take another day and visit the Epcot resorts. Depending on how much time you spend you may need 2 days viewing these. Don't forget the Swan & the Dolphin. One of them has a beautiful white poinsettia tree in the lobby that is just gorgeous. (Can't remember which one right now.)

Again enjoy the decorations at the park. Take the time for all the details. How their trees are decorated, lamp post, etc.

At Epcot: Of course the CP and the storytellers around the world are great to listen to.

At MK: Castle lighting show for the first time is outstanding, just make you haven't seen the castle lit up before you go see it. It makes it even better. MVMCP depends. If you really want to see the Christmas parade it's worth the cost or if you think you may not return next year for the holidays then I would go.

One other thing could be the Holiday sleigh ride at FW. Again expensive for 2 but still very enjoyable if you have the time.

What ever you do take your time and enjoy the decorations. Our on December trips we rarely do any rides. We just take in all the decorations and enjoy.

Good luck and enjoy the holiday season and don't forget to take the time to stop and smell the gingerbread along the way.

 

[cj9200]

My wife suffered from something similar and we found Disney is very wheelchair/ecv friendly so don’t worry about traveling around. The only limitation is her stamina. The monorail loop is very HC friendly. They will ask you where you are stopping and then radio ahead to let that station know you need a ramp. Busses can take time but they go out of there way to assist you.

As far as can’t miss things, everyone’s suggestions are great. When you are at the GF, the tree, gingerbread house and lobby are all magnificent. Plenty of photo opportunities. I also recommend the Beach/Yacht Club and Boardwalk lobbies. In the past, they had cider and roasted chestnuts on the lawn between the Boardwalk Inn and Villas. AK and WL are also great.

Osborne is a must do along with both Wishes and Illuminations. Not sure your CP reference is the Crystal Palace or the Candlelight Processional. Candlelight is a must do for us. Even if you don’t wait to have a seat, just standing outside of the theater for a few minuets is a great quick way to “catch the spirit” of the show. Other than previous suggestions, just soak it all in. Christmas at Disney is a great time of year. Lots of decorations and Holiday cheer.

Hope you have a great time and many memories. PM me if you have any questions.

 

[ddhoeg]

I would agree with all of the PPs comments about the resorts tour. Make sure to check out the sleek and contemporary holiday decor at the Swan and Dolphin resorts while doing the boardwalk area resort tour. For a different take on things, we also like to visit Fort Wilderness for the festive and sometimes outrageous decorations people bring to their RV campsites. Some of the same families have the same spots year after year. We find it quite entertaining and you can use your EV around the area sidewalks and pathways. Another possibility is to take the boat from the Downtown Disney area to POR enjoying the lights along the way. I love the way the FQ looks at night with all of their Christmas lights. You can stop off and get some beignets as well!! Enjoy!

 

[rpk1951]

I think the christmas parades are fun. Maybe do MVMCP if her stamina is up for n evening parade.

 

[starbox]

Our anniversary is the week before Christmas, so we've been doing Disney during the holidays since becoming DVC members!

In all that time, my "MUST-SEE's" are the Christmas Around the World Storytellers in EPCOT, the Candlelight Processional, Osborne Lights, and the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian.

I also really do like the Christmas parade at MK - although you'll have to pay for MVMCP tickets if you don't go between the 20th and 31st. It would be worth it to me to do MVMCP if I was going earlier - as all the special MK shows and etc are tied to that event. Snow on main street is pretty neat.

I was unimpressed with the gingerbread and decorations at BCV and BWV. It was okay, but can't compare with the Grand Floridian.
VWL is very pretty - but I think GF is the only resort I think is worth and extra trip just to see the decorations.

Have fun!!! It's such a pretty time to visit!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I loved the Christmas tree made out of Poinsettas that was in front (or is it the back?) of BWV. I think it was on the village green. And at the GF, there were bell ringers the evening I was there.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I loved the Christmas tree made out of Poinsettas that was in front (or is it the back?) of BWV. I think it was on the village green. And at the GF, there were bell ringers the evening I was there.

Yes, check with the desk to get the outside caroler or bell ringer schedule. I like to sit and listen to the bells. I've heard them at WL.

 

[dizneygirl123]

With out a doubt see the Gingerbread House at Grand Floridian and decor at WL. I love DW at Christmas - sooooo Magical