I was at WDW December 10-17, 2003. All of the parks (okay, the three I went to--missed AK) were beautifully decorated. Some areas more than others. Crowds were manageable through the 14th, but became more crowded thereafter. Probably some schools were on vacation. Also, the cheerleader competition was in full swing.
MK: Main Street is gorgeous. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is terrific if you can swing the $. It's less than the price of a park ticket, and if you're on a budget, you can plan to hotel hop or do other things to save an admission ticket that day and go at night. Certain dates sell out more than others (Friday nights and closer to Christmas). The night I went (12/11/03) was wicked
cold! It was very clear and more of a high desert cold than sub-tropical cold!
Country Bear Jamboree usually is not one of my favorite attractions, but it had a cute Christmas theme. No "Blood on the Saddle" song!
Epcot: Future World decorations are rather minmalistic. The gateway into World Showcase where the tree lighting ceremony is located is gorgeous! After the tree lighting ceremony, walk toward WS and make a hard right. There are benches along a railing where you can listen to the music and watch the arch for a while without being trampled. Candlelight Processingal is narration of the traditional Christmas story with music provided by an orchestra and combined choirs. I believe most, if not all, of the choirs are from high schools. Try to schedule it near the beginning of your trip, as it is cancelled it it rains. That way you'll have time to reschedule, if necessary. Suggestion: Unless you're staying at one of the Epcot resorts, take your jacket and other paraphanalia with you into the park and rent a locker at the International Gateway entrance (the entrance to WS from the Epcot resorts). Cost is $7 for the day, with $2 refundable when the key is returned. If the weather is warm during the day, you won't be encumbered by heavy jackets, but you can retrieve them before the tree lighting ceremony (if it's cool enough to think you might need them at that time) or Candlelilght Processional.
Disney-MGM: The Stars & Motor Cars Parade has a holiday theme.
Decorations were really nice, although no Osbourne lights in 2003 (I've never seen them, but understand they are spectacular).
Overall, the weather was variable. Be prepared for very warm to extremely cold (by my standards). Two days after
MVMCP, it was so warm that I didn't need to jacket even at night! And for MVMCP I was wearing a lightweight jacket, a mid weight jacket and a reversible fleece/water repellent 3/4 length jacket! Plus insulated leather gloves! Of course, a couple from New Hampshire was wearing shorts and tank tops and just pulled on zip-front hooded jackets midway through the early parade (about 8:30 p.m.). Cold is relative!
If you love the holidays and love WDW, you'll have a great time!
Taja
