Christmas suggestions

[princess-rn]

We (me 29yo female, DH 30 yr old and our DS 3 yr old..will be 4 at the time of the trip) are planning a trip back to WDW for next year and we are wanting to get the Christmas experience WITHOUT the Christmas crowds. So we need some help...

!) When is the best time to go to WDW to experience everything they do for the holiday season BEFORE the rest of the world gets down there?

2) Which resort is the best when it comes to the celebration of Christmas (decorations..special events...etc..)

3) What kind of special events does disney do during this time of the year?

4) what kind of weather can we expect during this time of year?

Thanks so much for all of your help. We LOVE going to WDW in October but would like to try something different for my 30th b'day. Give me any and all suggestions you have!!!!

You guys are the best!!

 

[AJKMOM]

1. As long as you leave by 12-22-2006, you should be fine. The Christmas decorations go up the weekend after Thanksgiving and stay up until after New Years.

2. Not sure about resort events, but all of them go all out for Christmas. It depends on what you think is nice theming anyway. Some here love the Wilderness Lodge, but not if they're from Seattle. Same with Arizonans and Coronado Springs. You could actually take a day out of your vacation and travel to the resorts to see the decorations. Lots of people do that every year.

3. There is the "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party",at the Magic Kingdom. It's held on selected nights and is a separate ticket. Look for the thread under the Theme Parks section.

4. Weather is always a question. You might be able to swim, you might need coats. I suggest watching the weather channel close to your trip, because Florida is never the same winter twice.

 

[Pats Dragon]

I think the 15th until is the least crowded. I also suggest the MVMCP, the processional, carriage ride at WL, eating at Biergarten (they do something special with children for Christmas), the Osbourne lights and putt putt at blizzard beach. WL is a traditional northwoods Christmas with huge tree, fireplace etc. Grand Floridian is elegant with a huge Christmas tree and many small ones and a huge gingerbread house and roasted chestnuts. Children love pop century with the icons of roger rabbit, mickey mouse and lady and the tramp and many play areas in the courtyards. They also have a goofy fountain and many christmas trees. It is more of a combo Christmas and disney feel that kids love. Although it isn't fancy then neither is the cost!!! Did I mention there is a lake and surrys to ride around the paths.

 

[princess-rn]

Sounds great. Yes..I've seen lots about Christmas at WL. Has anyone ever been to POFQ during Christmas? That's where we usually stay and we love it...but I think I might want to try something different next year.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I would say try to leave by the Friday before Christmas. When we went last Dec., it was amazing how the crowds grew that weekend. We were glad to be leaving on that Saturday. If you have more options, I would go the first part of Dec. beofre the 15th.

No one has mentioned the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Some folks don't take small kids, but we saw many there who were enjoying it. Also, each park has a tree lighting ceremony. We enjoyed MVMCP a great deal. The snow falling on Main Street was so neat.. but it was cold enough to snow for real that night!

All the resorts are just beautiful. We enjoy having meals at many just to walk around and enjoy their decorations. GF and BC are two of our favorites.

 

[cjsmom5]

We go every year on Thanksgiving day and stay for about 10 days. Typically starting on the Sunday after Thanksgiving the crowds really thin out. Here are our must do activities:

1) MVMCP - Christmas parade and all the related activities including snow on Main Street.
2) Candlelight Processional
3) Visit to GF to see tree, gingerbread house, and hear any "music" happening in lobby area.
4) Osbourne Lights at MGM
5) Taking a tour of all the hotels as the staff at each one decorates an edible village that is displayed. At the GF it is the gingerbread house they actually use to sell goodies from -- amazing. AKL has one down by Boma's ... YC/BC has one in their lobby areas, etc.
6) Tree lighting at MK and Epcot.

The POFQ has Christmas decoration up with a nice Christmas tree and wreaths and stuff outside. Nothing really spectacular, though. The tree at AKL is wonderful, though. We usually stay at POFQ for 3 days and then move over to AKL when the rates go down. There my DS was able to make a Christmas ornament with Ostrich Eggs. Will be a keepsake I will have forever and he enjoyed himself. Was fun!

Weather is always "iffy"... could be 85 during the day and drop to 35 at night. We pack for all four seasons and do the "layer" look for the most part. We always bring gloves, mufflers, and a hat as when the temp does drop those go off the shelves and can't be found. Most don't plan for that type of weather. On the other hand, some years we have been and never used them.

Oh yes, at DTD and in MGM at the stores you can buy ornaments and they will personalize them for you. Be warned you need to do this at the beginning of your trip as they get "back logged" and if you want to take them with you and not pay shipping ... they may not be able to get them done. They make great gifts.

 

[princess-rn]

This all sounds wonderful. I can't wait. This might be the first time we do a split stay too. Maybe 5 days at POFQ and 5 days at a deluxe. I want to stay in a deluxe (mainly GF) really badly..but can't see spending all that money for the entire trip. We will see. Keep the suggestions coming. I wish we were going this Christmas!!!

 

[tysonfamilyof4]

I am also looking forward to a christmas at disney '06. we went for the first time in july this year and i am anxious to return. My plans are though to go 12/22 to 12/27. i know it will be busy, but i want to do the actual christmas at disney there.

keep the tips coming!!!

 

[disneyfreakk]

I am also looking forward to a christmas at disney '06. we went for the first time in july this year and i am anxious to return. My plans are though to go 12/22 to 12/27. i know it will be busy, but i want to do the actual christmas at disney there.

keep the tips coming!!!

Have you thought about booking the first day of your stay on 12/19? you would get the value rate for your whole stay.

 

[DemoBri1]

We (me 29yo female, DH 30 yr old and our DS 3 yr old..will be 4 at the time of the trip) are planning a trip back to WDW for next year and we are wanting to get the Christmas experience WITHOUT the Christmas crowds. So we need some help...

1) When is the best time to go to WDW to experience everything they do for the holiday season BEFORE the rest of the world gets down there?

Usually the best time to go for the holiday decorations would be right after Thanksgiving up to right before the weekend that precedes Christmas. While it's still a bit crowded at times it will be nothing like the week between Christmas and New Years.

2) Which resort is the best when it comes to the celebration of Christmas (decorations..special events...etc..)

Many people really enjoy the decorations of the WL. We're going to do this this year as we take a break away from DVC resorts and experience the hotels again. I think the GF goes all out with their Gingerbread House and huge tree in the lobby, and the Epcot Resorts (YC/BC/BWI) aren't too shabby either. BC has a carousel in their lobby and BWI has an amusement park made out of edible items in their lobby. I can't remember what was at YC. The only deluxe resort that was not up to par I thought was the CR, but I have as yet to visit the Poly so I can't comment on their decor.

3) What kind of special events does disney do during this time of the year?

If you think your 4 yo will definitely do some rides, then I'd definitely spend the extra money and do MVMCP. You get the MK for an extra 5 hours on a particular evening, and experiencing snow on Main Street, the Christmas Parade, and the special presentation of Wishes is terrific. I've also heard that AK and MGM also put a Christmas touch on their parades now. They didn't used to. Epcot puts a special holiday touch on Illuminations, and they have the Candlelight Processional with different readers throughout the Christmas season. Each of the countries in Epcot have their version of Santa or St. Nick reading a favorite seasonal story from that country at various times during the day. MGM also has the Osborne Lights spectacular.

4) what kind of weather can we expect during this time of year?

The weather is a toss-up. We've experienced mid to high 70s during the days as well as some high 50 to low 60 high days. More than likely if you go earlier in December the better chance you have of running into some swimming weather. You'll have to pack for all conditions though.

Have fun!!

 

[princess-rn]

Have you thought about booking the first day of your stay on 12/19? you would get the value rate for your whole stay.

When is the value rate available in december??? Does it begin on the 19th?

 

[disneyfreakk]

no, 12/19 is the last day of the value rate. I believe that value season starts the day after or a couple of days after thanksgiving.

 

[princess-rn]

Cool..we are looking at going December 5-15, 2006. I'm thinking of splitting our stay between POFQ and GF or the Poly. Anyone stayed at the Poly during Christmas???

You guys are awesome!!!