Christmas happenings not at the AH Party

[lynzi2004]

I think we have decided to skip the Christmas party due to mixed reviews and the hefty price tag of the night we could attend Dec 19. Our trip is Dec 18-23, despite several Disney trips, we’ve never done Christmas. What other holiday happenings can we look forward to around the World, instead of the party?!

1.MK- is”Jingle Cruise” a party specific event or is it that way the whole holiday season? I thought I read somewhere that they will alternate 50th and Holiday projections on the castle on non-party nights? What do you all think the chances are that they will run the Christmas parade and Minnie fireworks once the party season ends from Dec 22-30th as they have in the years pre-Covid!?

2.EPCOT-Obviously the Candlelight professional! Do the story tellers have certain times in the countries that they perform and how long does each “story” last?

3. HS-I’m assuming the 50th projections/Christmas will rotate there on TOT as well? And I’m pretty sure I saw that there is a Santa cavalcade? Is there currently another nighttime firework show going (non-Christmas) that we might want to catch?

4.AK- Does the Tree of Life have Christmas projections? I know there’s a Santa flotilla there too!

5. DS-is Christmas tree stroll back with the fake snow? Or are they still scattered around Disney Springs? For people who have done this, was it worth the time on an off day through the week?

6.Several decorations around the Deluxe hotels. We are staying at AK and BRV this trip so I’m excited to see their trees!

Can anyone else add something to this, fun snacks to try, etc that would make this Christmas trip different than just a regular WDW trip?! Our kids are 10, 8, and 3 this trip so perfect ages for Christmas fun! Also, best place for a Santa picture WITHOUT a mask if possible! Even if it’s social distanced in some way.

 

[GBRforWDW]

DS is scattered trees again, they have 20 trees set up and I think you can get a map once there of where they are. We're planning to do that on the Monday or Tuesday of Christmas week.

Also I know there's a Santa at DS you can sign up via virtual queue for, but that is masked and probably socially distanced as well. Probably only other option is getting a pic while the Santa cavalcade goes by. Not the best option though I'm sure.

We're going at the same time, but staying until Christmas day. Looking forward to other people adding more details as we're definitely interested in enjoying the holiday in the parks with as much Christmas as possible

 

[CynBeth]

1. The Jingle Cruise is for the entire season during regular park hours not just at the party.
2. At Epcot you will get a program of the times for the storytellers. I believe they were about 10-15 minutes but have not been in 3 years.
6. We love the gingerbread house at GF and tree at WL. There used to not be much at Poly don’t know if that has changed and a little display at CR where treats were sold.The AKL tree is great to see as well. For the Epcot area the BC has the chocolate carousel and YC has the train garden. I think BW just has a smaller gingerbread house here they sell things can’t remember what else.

 

[glocon]

If you don’t mind going off Disney property, there’s the lights at Give Kids the World. They look pretty spectacular from vlogs I’ve watched.

 

[rosieposy]

What do you all think the chances are that they will run the Christmas parade and Minnie fireworks once the party season ends from Dec 22-30th as they have in the years pre-Covid!?

I’m wondering the same thing. We’ll be in Orlando from the 18th-27th and we’re planning on going to the Magic Kingdom one day. I’m trying to decide between the 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd as our MK day. I’d definitely choose the 22nd or 23rd if the Christmas parade and fireworks will be included.

 

[GBRforWDW]

I’m wondering the same thing. We’ll be in Orlando from the 18th-27th and we’re planning on going to the Magic Kingdom one day. I’m trying to decide between the 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd as our MK day. I’d definitely choose the 22nd or 23rd if the Christmas parade and fireworks will be included.

We're going to mk on the 22nd. Hoping for the same, but it also just fit the best for our park days. Doing 1 park per day and had scored reservations for Candlelight processional on the 23rd and Hollywood and Vine on the 24th and didn't want to go to MK on party day.

 

[kate3177]

We’re going to MK on the 22nd too. We could’ve done the 21st but didn’t want to do a party night. Really hoping the parade will be there on the 22nd. We’ve done the day after the last party for years before Covid and have enjoyed all the Christmas celebrations that happen normally after the parties end.

 

[kate3177]

Just saw they added the Christmas parade to the calendar for Dec. 22nd at12pm and 3:45pm. Really want to do both parades but have reservations at LTT at 11:15 and no availability to switch to a different time. So praying that I get a good spot for the 3:45 and can soak in all the Christmas magic!

 

[Mle8308]

If you don’t mind going off Disney property, there’s the lights at Give Kids the World. They look pretty spectacular from vlogs I’ve watched.

Night of a Million Nights is WONDERFUL!!! We went last year and have tickets for this year, too. It's not far from Disney property (in Kissimmee), take an Uber if you don't have a car. Make sure you buy tickets online in advance, it's becoming a popular event! You won't regret going and it supports a great charity.

 

[Marthasor]

Consider booking a holiday sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness. You will have a private, horse drawn wagon and get a tour of some of the holiday decorations guests set up at their campsites. You can call 407-WDW-PLAY to book. You can take a bus from BRV to Ft. W to get to the tour or take a boat from MK to Ft. W.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Just saw they added the Christmas parade to the calendar for Dec. 22nd at12pm and 3:45pm. Really want to do both parades but have reservations at LTT at 11:15 and no availability to switch to a different time. So praying that I get a good spot for the 3:45 and can soak in all the Christmas magic!

Omg I'm so excited! Thank you for sharing that info. I hope some of the other Christmas party entertainment will be available. Doesn't look like it right now, but who knows, they may add later.

 

[philharmagic fan]

1. The Jingle Cruise is for the entire season during regular park hours not just at the party.
2. At Epcot you will get a program of the times for the storytellers. I believe they were about 10-15 minutes but have not been in 3 years.
6. We love the gingerbread house at GF and tree at WL. There used to not be much at Poly don’t know if that has changed and a little display at CR where treats were sold.The AKL tree is great to see as well. For the Epcot area the BC has the chocolate carousel and YC has the train garden. I think BW just has a smaller gingerbread house here they sell things can’t remember what else.

OP mentioned snacks. Our kids always loved getting an actual gingerbread shingle just like they use on the houses. Haven't been to GF this year, but BC lobby had a Little Mermaid themed gingerbread carousel and a counter with a few treats (including shingles and a gluten-free option, if that's of any use to you)

 

[Prince John Robin Hood]

How early should we camp out before the parade on the 22nd? Maybe 45 minutes to an hour?