Complete newbie needing help and advice

[mojophone]

Hi everyone.
My family and I consisting of my wife, my 12 year old son, 8 year old daughter and 65 year old father in law are planning a trip to WDW. I was wondering if the dates we have chosen are good ones. We are planning to arrive December 17, 2006 and departing dec 24, 2006. We are also planning on staying at the Wilderness Resort in one of the cabins. Yes we are purchasing a 7 day park hopper pass and the + dining package. Is that a good time of year and will we still get to see the christmas lights and does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions you may have.

 

[momrek06]

I will say my family has gone to WDW 2x during Xmas. Dec 23-Jan 3!!! Not exactly the weeks you are there. But we did find that the 23rd, 24th, and even 25th were not bad at all.....BUT come the 26th the crowds really start to pick up. NYE you cannot even move. But those are not the dates you will be there. I bet you will have NO problem with crowds that week at all. In BIRNBAUM's WDW Guide Book that week you have select falls into the LEAST CROWDED category. Hope that helps.

 

[momrek06]

OH SORRY, to the OP, YES YES YES, your family will certainly see all the Christmas decorations and WDW does it UP wonderfully. From the Parades to the Resorts....decorations everywhere.

 

[mojophone]

I noticed that there were alot of things for my 8 year old daughter to do that yeah they cost extra but look like fun, What about things for the wife and I as well as things for my 12 year old son? Things I am referring to were the chef a saratoga and the be a pirate.

 

[kayt]

There are loads of good resources, and you have plenty of time to take advantage of them. I highly recommend The Unofficial Guide to WDW by Bob Selingher (may be misspelled). Mousesavers.com is another great site. You'll find answers to questions you didn't know you had! Enjoy!
kayt

 

[tcolbert]

Christmas Eve & Day aren't too bad, but otherwise it might feel a little crowded with the kids on Winter Break and all. DS5 loved the Pirate Cruise, I'm not sure about the age group.. but they go off for two hours and come back with treasure and pirate ears. You might want to look into renting a mouseboat (little speed boats - they are a blast!) The spa is nice for the wife, maybe book a massage or mani/pedi. There will be Christmas Decorations galore!