Christmas in Orlando

[Vicky24]

We have decided for a change this Christmas and are heading to Orlando. We've been 10 times always in the summer so it's a big change for us!! We are more Universal people so would spend some time Christmas day in the universal parks (I understand it will be BUSY!!) I take it a lot of people eat at the Disney restaurants Christmas day but what other choices are there, we won't want a traditional meal just what we would normally have there, are the other restaurants open such as those on I drive etc?

Any other tips, advice or comments for Orlando at Christmas would be welcome!!

 

[Celestine]

We've been a few times in December, but not for the actual day. That said, if you manage your expectations it will be fine. There are so many seasonal things that make it a special time of year. As well as all the decs and seasonal shows there are things like Ice! at the Gaylord Palms resort which is really neat - this year it seems to have some link in with dream works. I'm sure that many restaurants will be open on Xmas Day so you'll find something to eat!

Have a really great time

Celestine

 

[Chilly]

We flew out on Christmas Day in 2009, 25th to 31st were packed but from the 1st onwards it was very quiet. It was very very cold be warned. We got into MK on Christmas Day no problem in the evening. The New Year fireworks are amazing.

 

[nemmie]

We went to Universal on Christmas day last year and it wasn't anywhere near as busy as we had anticipated. We did have express passes which I found worth it anyway but the wait time were only up to 30 mins at most. Harry Potter was only 45 I think which is way less than what I've seen it in the summer. With express we walked on everything. From the info I gathered on last year the Universal parks do not get super busy until the 26th onwards and that was certainly our experience.

Disney was a different beast LOL. Yeah its just insane in those parks until the New Year. Apart from a lunch ressie in EPCOT we will avoid all together until gone Jan 3rd.

As far as restaurants being open around the Disney area it def is best to check. A ton do not open Christmas Day. I can't speak for I Drive but not a lot was open in the Dr Phillips/Crossroads area. Again just give the restaurant a call and make sure.

Totally agree the weather is chilly. I'm talking jeans and jumpers for the evenings for me. Hubs is a bit more warm blooded than I but he still was in jeans for the night. Tee's and shorts for the day if it was sunny were ok but in the shade brrrrrrrrrr.

Overall it was the best Christmas we've ever had. Shopping was excellent some good sales. Not Black Friday good but still some great bargains to be had. You will have an amazing time. We loved it so much we are going again this year

 

[Vicky24]

Great thanks for your replies everyone. We were told about Disney being manic on Christmas day so looks like Universal is the better bet, its our first christmas out of England but I cant think of a better way to spend it this year!

 

[dixonsontour]

We've been early December and one year boxing day until new year.

I'd recommend ICE at gaylord palms.

There is a restaurant at the gaylord plams that does a buffet meal if you wanted something special for xmas day.

Celebration is also nicely decorated for xmas and has a snowing nightly event with fake foam snow.

 

[kristieuk]

Sorry to hijack the thread with another question, but we are planning on a day at MK between the 16th and 31st Dec - are we better in terms of crowds doing it as early in those dates as we can? How bad (wrong choice of word I know!) will it be?

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I have been quite a few times at Christmas and would say you will get more done the earlier in your holiday you go. Generally we have found it to be quite good up to the 21st or 22nd - depending when the weekend falls

If you got to MK check if it is a Christmas Party night as it will close earlier and there will be no fireworks for you to see.

We ate at Hard Rock one Christmas Eve and managed to walk in without a booking. It was also pretty quiet (compared to WDW) on Christmas Day.

Last Christmas was the coldest we have known it and you definitely needed coats in the days some days.

 

[kristieuk]

I have been quite a few times at Christmas and would say you will get more done the earlier in your holiday you go. Generally we have found it to be quite good up to the 21st or 22nd - depending when the weekend falls

If you got to MK check if it is a Christmas Party night as it will close earlier and there will be no fireworks for you to see.

We ate at Hard Rock one Christmas Eve and managed to walk in without a booking. It was also pretty quiet (compared to WDW) on Christmas Day.

Last Christmas was the coldest we have known it and you definitely needed coats in the days some days.

Fantastic information, had no idea about the Christmas party night, or just how cold it may be, so thank you very much