Christmas Festivities for 2023

[Sparrow'sLady]

I am back with another question...

I have seen some videos from people stating that Disney really scaled back on Christmas this year. Fewer options at higher prices, etc. Somebody I know just went and said the same, but I think there was an ulterior motive for her telling me that. Having said that, I have read on a few websites and blogs that Disney actually added more his year. I think some changed to Candlelight Processional, changes to the fireworks and Christmas party and some additions to Disney Studios.

Could somebody who has actually gone during this month confirm for me which is true? We are considering a 2024 December trip. I realize things could change year-over-year.

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

Nobody has been to be able to answer?

 

[Cybertruck]

As locals we made several trips this month and it is better than last year in our view.

If you have the time, I recommend the EPCOT Storytellers. It is a full day event if you are going to see them all. The show times will have you around World Showcase multiple times. I recommend printing out a map and place the times of each show you want to see. We had lunch in EPCOT nothing fancy to break up all the walking (for me other family members are scooter and wheelchair). We purchased crepes from France on the way see Canadian performers Christmas show. Note Mexico does not perform on Saturday and it is one of the must-see shows. Living with the Land at EPCOT Christmas overlay at night is worth in our view. In December we are more focused on holiday displays and events since there is so much to see.

Normally we take at least 90 minutes for lunch. Rosa Mexicano at the Dolphin is our current favorite. If you have the time, I recommend breaking the Storytellers into multiple days if you schedule allows. We did it in 1 day this year so it is possible. We rocked out in the UK before with some adult beverages before we saw Father Christmas.

In a separate trip we did Jingle Cruise at Magic Kingdom, window displays, Christmas Parade (luck enough to be there one of the day ABC was filming their Christmas special). Topped this off with a late lunch at Skipper Canteen. We followed this with a walk to Grand Floridian Gingerbread House.

We check into Wilderness Lodge on Saturday for Hotel only stay for Christmas and several non-park events planned within the bubble.

 

[Marthasor]

I have been going to WDW in December for years and I’m here now. Disney parks and resorts are absolutely saturated with Christmas decor, food, special events, etc. I’m not sure what your friend or these bloggers are referring to.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We just left 10 days ago, and it was amazing. I'm not sure what kind of changes to Candlelight you're referring to - we did it earlier this month, and it was a special as ever (this was probably the 10th time we've done it!). We saw the Christmas decorations at all 4 parks and several of the resorts, and it was amazing. That's not to say things haven't changed a bit - changes here and there are the norm over the past decades. We did not do any of the after-hours parties, so can't comment on those.... But it was an amazing time to visit, from the amazing trees in the parks, to the AKL lobby and the BC/YC lobby and the GF lobby and the gingerbread house set up at CR and the holiday look/feel of World Showcase - a beautiful way to enjoy our holiday month of December! Having gone as they began reopening the parks and holiday attractions post-Covid - this year felt way more "normal" and special to us.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I went to MVMCP last week and the only thing that stood out to me was how much worse the castle projections look in comparison to the Dream Lights. The downgrade is quite noticeable.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I went to MVMCP last week and the only thing that stood out to me was how much worse the castle projections look in comparison to the Dream Lights. The downgrade is quite noticeable.

Good point. That was an obvious downgrade to us, too - I just had forgotten! Really miss the castle lit up with those lights. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be something that will return.

 

[lovedisneycruise]

As locals we made several trips this month and it is better than last year in our view.

If you have the time, I recommend the EPCOT Storytellers. It is a full day event if you are going to see them all. The show times will have you around World Showcase multiple times. I recommend printing out a map and place the times of each show you want to see. We had lunch in EPCOT nothing fancy to break up all the walking (for me other family members are scooter and wheelchair). We purchased crepes from France on the way see Canadian performers Christmas show. Note Mexico does not perform on Saturday and it is one of the must-see shows. Living with the Land at EPCOT Christmas overlay at night is worth in our view. In December we are more focused on holiday displays and events since there is so much to see.

Normally we take at least 90 minutes for lunch. Rosa Mexicano at the Dolphin is our current favorite. If you have the time, I recommend breaking the Storytellers into multiple days if you schedule allows. We did it in 1 day this year so it is possible. We rocked out in the UK before with some adult beverages before we saw Father Christmas.

In a separate trip we did Jingle Cruise at Magic Kingdom, window displays, Christmas Parade (luck enough to be there one of the day ABC was filming their Christmas special). Topped this off with a late lunch at Skipper Canteen. We followed this with a walk to Grand Floridian Gingerbread House.

We check into Wilderness Lodge on Saturday for Hotel only stay for Christmas and several non-park events planned within the bubble.

Where do you get the Storytellers map? Is it online or do I look for it when I enter the park?

 

[scrappinginontario]

Where do you get the Storytellers map? Is it online or do I look for it when I enter the park?

This information is available on the MDE app.

- At the bottom the the MDE screen tap the upside down teardrop
- left Filter, select Epcot
- centre dropdown, select ‘Entertainment’
- right dropdown select, ‘Show List’

To see details about any of the Storytellers, click their name. It will tell you all the show times and if you select, ‘Find on Map’ it will show you exactly where to find them.

 

[jeneric997]

We were there last week and thought it looked as great as it always has. Over the years they have changed some things like the castle lights and the lights over the walkway to world showcase in Epcot, but there are so many things to see, I don't know how it could be disappointing.

The Storytellers are on the app and it is very hard to find! I search Epcot and EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Guide come up and then I have to to side scroll under Festive Entertainment and Holiday Storytellers is there. I wish they made that easier!

 

[scrappinginontario]

We were there last week and thought it looked as great as it always has. Over the years they have changed some things like the castle lights and the lights over the walkway to world showcase in Epcot, but there are so many things to see, I don't know how it could be disappointing.

The Storytellers are on the app and it is very hard to find! I search Epcot and EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Guide come up and then I have to to side scroll under Festive Entertainment and Holiday Storytellers is there. I wish they made that easier!

Please see my post above. It explains an easy way to find where the storytellers are and when they perform.

 

[Cybertruck]

Where do you get the Storytellers map? Is it online or do I look for it when I enter the park?

Created my own. Sadly not in festival book and the App is awful as we all know. Way too many steps to find the time and location using the app.