Christmas Season Must Do List

[Kaitysmom]

I'm trying to plan a trip the first part of December. I will get tix for Candlelight Processional, MVMCP and go to Osbourne Lights. I'll also visit the resorts to see the decorations and go to the Marketplace. Are any of the shows changed at all, like Hoop Dee Doo? We're going to be there for a week and I don't want to miss anything special!

 

[Star Wars Guy]

The Country Bears Jamboree in MK is changed to a Christmas version. IMHO, it's better than the one that runs the rest of the year.

 

[Colleen A.]

We did it this past year and totally fell it love with it! We had originally planned the trip as being 'the only Dec trip' (we usually go in Feb) but after seeing everything, I think we might make the 1st week of Dec as our "usual time" Not only are the crowds down, the weather is a lot warmer than it is in Feb. Here's one tip that I didn't take advantage of. When we went into MVMCP, we immediately found a spot to sit and watch the parade. Sitting there for over an hour (the parade was delayed for some reason ) was torture! We wanted to see everthing else but were afraid of losing our prime spot! Next time, I plan on staking out the second parade. People weren't lining up til about a half hour before hand...also less chance of the parade getting a late start. There is so much to see during the party that 5 hours is hardly enough time!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm also planning my first-ever December trip, and am interested in the answers. I already know that last year there was supposedly a Christmas themed character breakfast at Donald's Breakfastosaurus at AK. Also, there's a great sounding Yuletide Fantasy tour where they take you to the different parks and resorts to discuss the Christmas decorations. And the Holiday Storytellers at the different countries in WS. What else?

 

[scarlett873]

oooooh goodie!!!! we're planning a trip for december of 2004 and we want to know all of this stuff too!!!

 

[Colleen A.]

That's when we have our next trip scheduled for! This time, I want to add a couple extra days into our trip. Not just for the parks, but for all the little extras, like resort decorations, that we didn't have time to do.

Wait til you see the size of the trees in the parks!! HUGE doesn't even begin to describe them!

Another thing I would suggest is checking out the guide immediately after going into MVMCP. There is so much to see there, I don't think you could see everything in one night. We looked at it and decided what we all wanted to see (for instance, the group Jump 5 was there giving a free concert and my DDs REALLY wanted to see them! ). I honestly don't know how people can go there and have time for the rides that are open!

 

[MandaPerry]

This is going to be are second trip to disney for christmas. We are going from dec 19- jan 3. We have learned a few things from are first trip. One for the Osbourne lights hang back and let the crowd thin out before you go and look at the lights and take your time there is a lot to see. You don't want to hurry through it and you don't want to be trampled by others that want to hurry. Second the MVMCP skip the first parade. It seems like the first parade is more crowded many familys with younger kids watch this parade so they can leave early. This also gives you the opportunity to ride some of the rides with less of a wait. And the last thing I am going to say is relax and enjoy there is nothing better than being in Disney around christmas it is truly magical

 

[DisneyDude10171]

I have been there twice during christmastime.... the "Lights of Wonder" and the Christmas tree lighting at Epcot each night are a MUST. It's pretty show- just about 5-10 minutes and there's usually some type of musical performance. Also, if you want to do the yultide tour, make sure you book (1.407/WDW.TOUR) as soon as possible, as it is very popular. If you can only make it to a few hotels, I would DEFINATELY suggest the Grand Floridian, as it has a huge tree in its lobby and the BoardWalk- last year they had a miniature board walk model made entirely out of chocolate to look at yumm. Aside from that, sounds like you have a good plan- have fun!

 

[Kaitysmom]

What is the Yuletide Tour - age limit? Has anyone done it?

We missed the Epcot tree lighting and Lights of Wonder last time. Is that the row of lit arches on the way to World Showcase? We were kind of rushed as we did a long weekend and tried to fit everything in. I am very excited about having a whole week this time!

 

[sanilacjack]

We plan on being @ WDW 11/28 to 12/6. Looks like we will be in good company!!!!
I have gone back through the threads around this time of year in 2002. Some of the suggestions I have picked up are:
MVMCP- If your going to be @ the MK other times during your stay, don’t do the rides that night. Do the rides on other MK visits. See the things you would normally not get to see. Skip the 1st parade. Your likely to get better seats at shows when everyone is at the parade.
2nd parade - Find a spot near the start of the route. CM’s are fresher and after the parade is over you can catch attractions that you have yet to see. Everyone else will still be sitting, waiting for the parade. Keep in mind though that if you want to see snow on main street, that is where you will have to sit. The picture - Many, many people have said that the picture is very nice and have used it for Christmas cards. Do this early when the family is fresh and excited. Also, I was told around 4:30 you can go and get your wrist band for the night. If you have a PS @ a MK restaurant you can get early entry. And last but not least - Do MVMCP early in you stay. If it gets rained out (no parade, fireworks) you can exchange your ticket @ guest services for another night.
Please don’t quote me directly, the above is just what I have picked up from other members. A little planning can make the evening go smoother and get more accomplished.
One thing I do when I surf this board is, I have a folder in word perfect that I keep open. When I see something that interests me,I cut and paste it into that folder. Later on I go back and review and delete anything that doesn’t strike my fancy and save everything else. I can’t tell you how many times I have read something and later wanted it and couldn’t recall where I saw it. I know, I have disneyisit really bad. My DH says I go a bit commando @ WDW, but I say if the slipper fits........
Everyone have a magical day.
-Kim
oh2b@WDW!!!

PS - Deb has great tidbits on her site about the holidays. Can also find info about tours.
http://wdwig.com/holiday.htm

 

[DBMagic]

We were there the second week of December this past year and absolutely loved it. Some things I would recommend:

1. At MVMCP - Get your picture done as soon as you get in. You should get right in and that's one less thing to worry about.
2. At MVMCP - See the 2nd parade.
3. SEE THE CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL - MORE THAN ONCE IF POSSIBLE. I can not begin to explain how great this show is. It was my favorite part of the trip. We saw the 8:15 show without much of a crowd at all. We also did the dinner package and ate at Le Celliers in Canada - IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!.
4. See the Country Bear Jamboree show.
5. Go to the backlot in MGM before the turn on the Osbourne lights. They have a cool display with 3D glasses. It's nothing big but the kids loved it.

 

[DisneyGalKaitlyn]

My family goes evey year in the first week of December, right after Thanksgiving, and it's the best time to go!

I know I have tons of tips...but I just have to think of them!

So here are some awesome things going on at Christmastime and some tips:

-Don't miss hot chocolate and cookies during the MVMCP - good stuff

-DEFINITELY check out the Carillon (big organ-like instrument, just with bells) between Future World and World Showcase, in front of the tree at Epcot

-Visit all the lobbies around the World, ESP. Grand Floridian (see below)

-Grand Floridian has (most of the time though we didn't see any this past Christmas) chestnuts (roasting over an open fire...) outside, with CMs in Dickens garb serving. Such a treat! Also, the various Christmas music in the lobby, like handbells, is nice to try to see-- just hang out at the lobby for a while

-At all the country pavillions in WS at Epcot, they have "Santas" from around the world (ex: Papa Noel) that tell stories from their respective countries, try to see these or at least of few

-The "snow" at the NY Backlot by the Osbourne Lights and during MVMCP

-Just something to notice: the big ball ornaments in the huge tees in front of Osprey Ridge (I think that's the golf course)

-SOMETHING GREAT WE HAPPENED TO DO LAST YEAR: We happened to be at MK the day they were taping the Christmas Day parade! It was SO crowded, so we weren't expecting to do anything but watch and enjoy it all. They would tape pieces and parts of the parade throughout the day, and get tapings of crowds of people (esp. in Disney/Christmas gear) to air. It was funny cause they often had to move sections of the parade (like the toy soldiers or reindeer) from one part to another (maybe to tape it again), so they'd turn on the accompanying music for that piece, literally running it by the crowds to its destination (always keeping that "magic" going!!) Regis and Kelly Ripa were there that day (we saw the back of their heads!) and so were a bunch of other ABC/Disney stars - like, my fave, Wayne Brady from Who's Line Is It Anyway? My family squeezed ourselves into one of the little groups they were gonna film, and we saw Wayne do some 30sec improv (a couple times actually), and I got his autograph and pic, AND I saw myself on X-Mas Day in that shot!! Anyway, that was definitely a day out of the ordinary and so memorable. I don't know how you find out when it goes on, but I would recommend going if you can tolerate MASSIVE crowds of people. And remember to wear some stuff that they might want to video - like the Mickey Santa Hats, etc. Don't expect to do many or any rides, though. But it was so cool!

That's all I can think of now...I'll write more later (when I'm back frm my 4/5/03 DCL cruise - see countdown below!!)

 

[Dancind]

Are the Lights of Wonder the lighted passageway between Futureworld and WS at Epcot? The lights are synchronized to Christmas music. We watched that for quite a while. Diana

 

[Beth]

I'm nearly certain that Hoop De Doo is no different during the holidays. We asked this question of our server when we were there this past October, and I'm pretty sure that's what she told us.

...Still a great show, though, isn't it?!?

 

[betterlatethannever]

The Yuletide tour is great, especially the behind the scenes part. You get to see the warehouse where they store the Christmas decorations, and the fulltime crew that gets the decorations ready all year long. You get to make a WDW Christmas bow and you get a gift bag at the end of the tour with an ornament and other items.

The one free theing that looks like was only mentioned once was seeing the christmas story tellers "Santas" from all the countries in WS. They were all very interesting and some put on a pretty good presentation.

Ed

 

[Kaitysmom]

We love the Hoop Dee Doo, I was just hoping that Pioneer Hall would get decorated.

Can anyone go on the Yuletide Tour? My DD will be almost 9 and I read that under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. I assume that means she could go, but I don't want to spoil anything about Christmas for her seeing as she still "believes."