Christmas Must Do/See Items

[hojolo]

Long time DVC members going on our first Christmas trip (surprise for the family) to WDW Dec 19-23. We want to see the decorations and get the Christmas mood going in a big way. If we ride a few rides OK, but we're really going for the holiday stuff. What are the "Must See" or "Must Do" items? What are your favorites? Which resorts should we make sure we visit? Appreciate all of your suggestions and helpful advice. Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

 

[maleficent_man]

I'm heading for my first Xmas visit as well and am looking forward to:

Candlelight Processional
Osbourne Lights
Resort decorations
Holidays around the World

You might also want to think about going to one of the MVMCP shows whilst you are there.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

We are going about the same time 18th -22nd

We are hitting MGM for the Osbourne lights then over to the Boardwalk area for the resorts

Then MVMCP on the 19th

20th AK for the MJJ parade then to the Mono-rail resorts

21st Epcot x-mas around the world maybe CP as well as DVC Members Merry Mixer

These are just the holiday stuff we have planned we have other things as well each day in different parks.

 

[dcassetta]

Candlelight Procession at Epcot
Osbourne Lights at MGM
Christmas Parade at MK

And, as many of the resorts as you can. I particularly like the decorations at the Yacht and Beach Club.

 

[BFIrrera]

Holidays around the world: my partner and I greatly enjoyed this during December 2004. However, your mileage may vary depending on the narrators you see. Our favorites were: La Bufama (Italy)...I made sure to get a picture with her...she was AWESOME!, the doll seller in Japan and the Monkey King in China.

I would also recommend seeing the X-Mas Tree lighting ceremony in Epcot (which includes the lighting of the arches that line the path down the center of Future World between the fountains and the entrance to World Showcase).

---
I wouldn't necessarily shell out the extra money for MVMCP...not worth it now that the fireworks and parade are likely to be performed on regular nights as well (as Hallo-Wishes was). The crowds were HUGE when we did it in December 2004 and we swore off of ever doing another hard ticket special evening in MK.

I would definitely take the time to check out the Osbourne lights (your best bet may be on a night when Fantasmic is shown twice...try to go during the first performance (otherwise the crowds coming from the second performance will just be going in as the crowds from the first performance are exiting the area).

As far as resorts: the highest recommendation goes to going to the Grand Floridian and seeing the Gingerbread house in the main lobby area.

 

[shellyfive]

The storytellers at each country in epcot were really cute too........

 

[Buttercup Roberts]

Christmas parade at the Magic Kingdom
Twas the Night Before Christmas show at the Magic Kingdom
Light display on the bridge between Epcot's Future World and World Showcase
Osborne light display at the Studios
Decorations at Wilderness Lodge
Decorations at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Pick out an ornament or two at the Christmas store at Downtown Disney

 

[chesirechik]

Definitely see the Osbourne lights at MGM

If you go to MVMCP try to see the Christmas Parade from Main Street. It was awesome to see the parade while it was "snowing"

The tree lighting ceremony in Epcot was very cool, as was the different storytellers/santas.

We didn't do the Candlelight Processional, but the lines looked insane.

We also did the sleigh ride (you need to make a reservation) at Wilderness Lodge. That was really cool and a nice way to just sit back and relax.

 

[Fitswimmer]

The Candlelight Processional has been a part of our Christmas for the last 3 years, so that's first on my list.
I've been to the Christmas Party at MK twice and I loved it both times. We're going back on 12/21 to take my niece for the first time. The Wishes fireworks are different for the Party, (more shells) and the parade is really well done. There's also a different castle show.
We really enjoyed the Jingle Jungle Parade over in AK too.
Don't miss the Gingerbread House at the GF, it only takes a few minutes to stop there but it's well worth it. The decorations at the Wilderness Lodge are pretty too if you have time.

 

[alfredromero1975]

My must do/see reco is the new Dancing Lights at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Here is a preview video.

http://www.mousevids.com/mv/osborne.asp

 

[maleficent_man]

Can someone clarify for me please......does the Christmas parade run during this time? I thought it was only from 25 Dec onwards?

 

[LAL77]

The Christmas Parade was outstanding. We saw it at the Christmas party on Tuesday night.

Santa at MK was also really fun.

We happened upon a storyteller in England at Epcot and it was really cool but I don't know that I would schedule a whole day around them. I suppose it would depend on the ages of the people you have with you.

In general I thought the Christmas spirit was wonderful at MK and Epcot. The lights at night at Epcot are beautiful. We missed the lights at MGM which I am very disappointed about so don't miss those!

 

[Tazicket]

The Osbourn Lights, Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas, and a tour of the Gingerbread constructions and trees at the resorts!

 

[Buttercup Roberts]

My must do/see reco is the new Dancing Lights at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Here is a preview video.

http://www.mousevids.com/mv/osborne.asp

That is such a great addition! It had been kind of blah after they moved the lights to NY street from the old backlot location. This really jazzes it up to a "special" level of presentation, again!

 

[hojolo]

Christmas parade will run starting Sat Dec 23, after the last MVMCP. Sat will run at 12:30 and 3:00?

 

[maleficent_man]

Christmas parade will run starting Sat Dec 23, after the last MVMCP. Sat will run at 12:30 and 3:00?

Coolness thanks - I am at MK on 21 Dec and was hoping to see the regular parade - I'm also there that night for the MVMCP as well so it's all good!