Christmas season at the resorts questions...

[Flibbity]

My husband and I have never gone to Disney World during December and so we have planned a trip from 12/11-12/14 this year.

I am very excited about decorations and activities throughout the world. On that note, I would like to find the best resort for decorations, holiday activities, and overall holiday spirit. I am not overly concerned about cost as I will most likely be able to get a Florida Resident or AP discount.

I would appreciate hearing from some people that have stayed during the holidays as to their experience with the themes of the resorts:

• Were there special activities at the resort for the holidays?
• Did the menus at the resort restaurants change / add holiday selections? (e.g. Hot Chocolate?)
• Were there holiday performances held at the resort ? (e.g. choirs or bell choirs)
• Were there more decorations than just a Christmas tree?

Any help would be appreciated! I'd love to hear your experiences!!!!!

Thanks!

 

[Kim&Chris]

You chose a GREAT time to visit Disney. In fact, we were there last December and it was my most magical vacation to date.

By all means, buy tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and try to get reservations to have a pre-party dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. MVMCP is worth every penny, and the dinner at LTT just adds to the warmth. I LOVED when they made it snow on Main Street. Also, don't miss the Candlelight Processional in Epcot. It gave me chills listening to the wonderful choir, and our narrarator was James Avery - GREAT JOB!

Maybe some other posters can correct me if I'm wrong, but I do not think there are any specific changes in menu items. I believe Disney keeps the menus pretty standard throughout the year.

Don't miss Downtown Disney.....they had Christmas Carolers that were delightful! My sister in law was singing along with them and they got a big kick out of it.

The hotels are each decorated in their own theme. We stayed at the Poly, which was decorated with an "island flare" but was still very cheery! My favorites were the Yacht & Beach Club lobbies, as well as the Grand Floridian, which had a huge real gingerbread house constructed. It was unbelievable. The GF also had the largest tree I have ever seen in my life.

 

[dizneefreak29]

Flibbity,

I went to Disney World December 5 - December 11 2001. We thought this was on of the best times to go!

We ate dinner one night at the Grand Floridian and their decorations were beautiful! They had a life size gingerbread house.....and several smaller ones. The tree there was gorgeous as were the lights and wreaths. We stayed at Coronado Springs had great decorations there as well.

We also attended Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It was so much fun! We had no waits for anything! They did give out free cookies and hot chocolate at various locations. And it snowed on main street! It was wonderful!

Have fun on your trip!

 

[Flibbity]

Thanks for the responses!

My husband and I don't have kids, but we did decide to go ahead and do the MVMCP anyway Living in Florida, I think fake snow will be very fun!!! I'm very excited about the season!!!!

I read somewhere that a couple of the resorts had some choirs, like the Adelaides(sp), that performed at night in their lobbies.

I thought that might be an extra special treat at our resort... So, I'm hoping someone might have seen some of these treats

 

[Shelly D.]

You're going to love it! We went in mid-December in 1999 and plan to go back this year. Last time, we stayed at the WL and it was so magical that time of year.

When we checked in, there was a sign on the counter that listed a schedule for holiday performances in the hotel. I'm not sure if they still do this, or if they did it at all resorts, but I bet they do. It included caroling, holiday piano performances, etc.

Every resort is completely transformed for the season. We spent an off day from the parks visiting each resort to check out their tree and decorations. It was such a fun day and I took so many pictures! Each resort had a Christmas tree that reflected the theme of the resort, but there was also lots of garland, holiday vignettes set up, and I think most had holiday music piped in.

As other posters said, don't miss MVMCP. We had so much fun at that event. We also enjoyed the Osbourne Lights (although I think I read on these boards that this is cancelled for 2003), and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

I don't remember any menu changes, but they did have free hot chocolate and cookies at the MVMCP which added to the festivities.