December 2015 Help Thread - What To See & Do (Crowd Calendar Added)

[marylandterps01]

I have a question. We will be there the second week in Decemeber. I had planned to hit the studios on December 9th to see the Osborne lights that night. All the park calendars are showing the park closing at 6pm which is I would assume right around dusk, but nothing about the lights? So is there a reason for this, just curious and rather find out now if I need to switch things around at this point. Thanks!

 

[momto4obkids]

I have a question. We will be there the second week in Decemeber. I had planned to hit the studios on December 9th to see the Osborne lights that night. All the park calendars are showing the park closing at 6pm which is I would assume right around dusk, but nothing about the lights? So is there a reason for this, just curious and rather find out now if I need to switch things around at this point. Thanks!

That might be the night Pop Warner will have their private party at the studios?

 

[Madame]

Our Wishes Dessert Party reservation for the 23rd has not changed (7:20pm) & we haven't received an e-mail about it. We have a 5:20 CRT. How early did they push people's reservations back?

 

[sharona]

What to do on 12/10? I could really use some input please!

Originally we weren't arriving until 9pm so we didn't plan anything for the 10th but, due to the 'buy 4 days get 5th day free' ticket offer and SW easy change policy, we're now arriving at 11am and should be at the resort (Dolphin) by 1. Not sure what to do on 12/10. Here are our previous plans. No hoppers. Our "hop" will be our MVMCP night.
12/11 - DHS
12/12 - EP
12/13 - AK then MVMCP
12/14 - MK

On 12/10, MK and AK are recommended but EP and HS are not. We could go to MK for just 5 hours then have a late dinner... That would leave us with 12/14 to revisit EP. I love the idea of MK as our first park as it's not really Disney for me until we're walking down Main but not loving that neither of our MK visits would include RD and I'd have to rework our ADRs including our pre RD @ CP and Whispering Canyon dinner on 12/14. DD12 and I would happily go to MK 12/10, 12/13 and 12/14 but not sure the rest of the family would be as into it. I guess we could have 12/14 be a "go where you want" day for all. We don't leave for the airport until 12/15 after checkout so there's no need for us to all stick together on 12/15 but we'll have more fun as a group... (traveling with my mom, SIL and nephew).

Or, we could go to EP 12/10 but EP is having evening EMH and is a not recommended park, especially for a mid day arrival. I'm sure it's going to be popular but the overall crowd level is only estimated at a 4 for that day so how bad would it be? Would love to know your experiences with that during similar crowd levels. It would allow us to do Soarin FP on one day and TT on the other and to split up our world showcase touring (although not sure there are 4 other lower tiered EP attractions that we would want for the other FPs those 2 days!). But, it's so close to the Dolphin.

DHS and AK are not really options for that 5th day. Not enough to do at HS to warrant 2 visits and AK closes too early to make that our last day in the parks.

What would you do? Thanks!

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

Does anyone know if there's a place to meet Santa ? I thought I saw this at a couple of resorts...or was it EP? Oh man, excitement and info overload on all the holiday stuff to do! Thank you

From what I have read, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to meet in American pavilion in EPCOT. I have it inn my notes to try to see them on Christmas Day! I'm sure they will be very tired. Lol

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

What to do on 12/10? I could really use some input please!

12/11 - DHS
12/12 - EP
12/13 - AK then MVMCP
12/14 - MK

On 12/10, MK and AK are recommended but EP and HS are not. We could go to MK for just 5 hours then have a late dinner... That would leave us with 12/14 to revisit EP. I love the idea of MK as our first park as it's not really Disney for me until we're walking down Main but not loving that neither of our MK visits would include RD and I'd have to rework our ADRs including our pre RD @ CP and Whispering Canyon dinner on 12/14. DD12 and I would happily go to MK 12/10, 12/13 and 12/14 but not sure the rest of the family would be as into it. I guess we could have 12/14 be a "go where you want" day for all. We don't leave for the airport until 12/15 after checkout so there's no need for us to all stick together on 12/15 but we'll have more fun as a group... (traveling with my mom, SIL and nephew).

Why don't you make 12/10 a go where you want day? I personally would spend the extra time inn MK. Our last 2 trips were 7 nights/8 days and we spent 3 days at MK each trip.

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

Our Wishes Dessert Party reservation for the 23rd has not changed (7:20pm) & we haven't received an e-mail about it. We have a 5:20 CRT. How early did they push people's reservations back?

They changed mine from 8 to 7. Wishes went from 9 to 8.

 

[Madame]

They changed mine from 8 to 7. Wishes went from 9 to 8.

Thanks!

 

[sharona]

Why don't you make 12/10 a go where you want day? I personally would spend the extra time inn MK. Our last 2 trips were 7 nights/8 days and we spent 3 days at MK each trip.

That's probably what we'll end up doing but I'll have to change some ADRs at the last minute if the others opt for somewhere else.

Any thoughts on dinner after 7:30/8 in the Boardwalk area?

 

[wehrengrizz]

From what I have read, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to meet in American pavilion in EPCOT. I have it inn my notes to try to see them on Christmas Day! I'm sure they will be very tired. Lol

Thank you! I was thinking it might be EP! I think that would obviously be WAAAY cooler than our usual "meeting santa" routine. Hopefully he won't be as tired since we will be there in late Nov/early Dec

 

[Ginya]

Our Wishes Dessert Party reservation for the 23rd has not changed (7:20pm) & we haven't received an e-mail about it. We have a 5:20 CRT. How early did they push people's reservations back?

They moved our Dessert Party to 7pm on Dec 22nd. I dumped my 5:15 Chef Mickey ADR and was able to snag 1900 Park Fare for 4:05pm. Didn't want to eat that early, but wanted to make sure we had space in our bellies for those lovely little desserts. You having the luck of a CRT though I'm sure you don't want to mess with that! BTW, I noticed we live quite near each other. I'm in Windsor and I think it is wild we are going the same days. Starting to wonder if any of our ADR's match up?

 

[wehrengrizz]

Monday 30Nov is my DS9's 10th bday, and we're spending it at DHS, so we can run in at RD at get to Jedi Training Academy. We're going to do open to close, but not sure about how it would work to see the Osborne lights lighting and fantasmic ...never gotten to see either, but is it possible to do both that night? I'd be okay skipping the lighting if we could still stroll through after the show is over...but I'm not sure if there's time before closing? Or if the 2 are on opposite sides of the park?
thanks for any tips!

 

[Madame]

They moved our Dessert Party to 7pm on Dec 22nd. I dumped my 5:15 Chef Mickey ADR and was able to snag 1900 Park Fare for 4:05pm. Didn't want to eat that early, but wanted to make sure we had space in our bellies for those lovely little desserts. You having the luck of a CRT though I'm sure you don't want to mess with that! BTW, I noticed we live quite near each other. I'm in Windsor and I think it is wild we are going the same days. Starting to wonder if any of our ADR's match up?

Our CRT & dessert party are close, but I don't think I'd have a lot of luck changing it. We'll just have a really light lunch I guess.
We are in Kingsville! That is a crazy coincidence! We're driving so won't get there until late morning on the 21st...

We have CM around 5pm the 21st.

GG around 5:30 the 22nd.

CRT & Wishes the 23rd.

BoG the 24th bkfst at 9:55 & dinner at 5:15.

Minnie the 25th at 6:20.

BoG lunch on the 26th at 12:15.
1900 PF at 6:00 on the 26th.

Hoping to snag Skipper's for lunch on the 22nd. Anything overlapping?

 

[Ginya]

Our CRT & dessert party are close, but I don't think I'd have a lot of luck changing it. We'll just have a really light lunch I guess.
We are in Kingsville! That is a crazy coincidence! We're driving so won't get there until late morning on the 21st...

We have CM around 5pm the 21st.

GG around 5:30 the 22nd.

CRT & Wishes the 23rd.

BoG the 24th bkfst at 9:55 & dinner at 5:15.

Minnie the 25th at 6:20.

BoG lunch on the 26th at 12:15.
1900 PF at 6:00 on the 26th.

Hoping to snag Skipper's for lunch on the 22nd. Anything overlapping?

Kingsville lol, "It's a small world after all!"

Sadly, no overlaps, we are doing many things the same but opposite days. We are driving down as well. We are staying two days at Universal first because one DD wants to see the new Harry Potter. We saw Hogsmeade in 2011. We just check out from Cabana Bay and go straight to the Disney resort.

The Boathouse for dinner the 21st. DH is dieing to try this new place.
The Plaza lunch. Then 1900 Park Fare Dinner, and Wishes Dessert on the 22nd.
Teppan Edo lunch/Candlelight Proces. Chefs De France dinner dec 23rd.
Sci fi dine lunch Minnies Holiday Dine Fantasmic 24th
BOG Lunch, Biergarten Dinner 25th
Chef Mickeys Brunch then something at DTD before we leave.
We aren't even in the same parks any day lol. Drat!

 

[siskaren]

Monday 30Nov is my DS9's 10th bday, and we're spending it at DHS, so we can run in at RD at get to Jedi Training Academy. We're going to do open to close, but not sure about how it would work to see the Osborne lights lighting and Fantasmic ...never gotten to see either, but is it possible to do both that night? I'd be okay skipping the lighting if we could still stroll through after the show is over...but I'm not sure if there's time before closing? Or if the 2 are on opposite sides of the park?
thanks for any tips!

It's absolutely possible to see both Osborne lights and Fantasmic the same night - just go after Fantasmic ends. They normally keep the lights lit for about an hour after the park officially closes.

 

[lovndisney12]

What to do on 12/10? I could really use some input please!

Originally we weren't arriving until 9pm so we didn't plan anything for the 10th but, due to the 'buy 4 days get 5th day free' ticket offer and SW easy change policy, we're now arriving at 11am and should be at the resort (Dolphin) by 1. Not sure what to do on 12/10. Here are our previous plans. No hoppers. Our "hop" will be our MVMCP night.
12/11 - DHS
12/12 - EP
12/13 - AK then MVMCP
12/14 - MK

On 12/10, MK and AK are recommended but EP and HS are not. We could go to MK for just 5 hours then have a late dinner... That would leave us with 12/14 to revisit EP. I love the idea of MK as our first park as it's not really Disney for me until we're walking down Main but not loving that neither of our MK visits would include RD and I'd have to rework our ADRs including our pre RD @ CP and Whispering Canyon dinner on 12/14. DD12 and I would happily go to MK 12/10, 12/13 and 12/14 but not sure the rest of the family would be as into it. I guess we could have 12/14 be a "go where you want" day for all. We don't leave for the airport until 12/15 after checkout so there's no need for us to all stick together on 12/15 but we'll have more fun as a group... (traveling with my mom, SIL and nephew).

Or, we could go to EP 12/10 but EP is having evening EMH and is a not recommended park, especially for a mid day arrival. I'm sure it's going to be popular but the overall crowd level is only estimated at a 4 for that day so how bad would it be? Would love to know your experiences with that during similar crowd levels. It would allow us to do Soarin FP on one day and TT on the other and to split up our world showcase touring (although not sure there are 4 other lower tiered EP attractions that we would want for the other FPs those 2 days!). But, it's so close to the Dolphin.

DHS and AK are not really options for that 5th day. Not enough to do at HS to warrant 2 visits and AK closes too early to make that our last day in the parks.

What would you do? Thanks!

Here are my thoughts:

1) MK - this would probably be my first choice because it is our family's favorite park. FP+ some of the headliners and then just enjoy what else has short lines. Catch the parade and fireworks if you are up to staying late. Then you may not feel the need to stay as long on 12/14 which would allow some resort hopping to look at decorations, hit downtown Disney for some last minute shopping, etc.

2) EP - but as you said this is not a recommended park for the day. But if you pick your three FP+ and just stick to those and visiting the lands and catching illuminations, it probably will be crowded but manageable. EP Illuminations is often pretty late so it might be a good way to catch it on your arrival day so on 12/12 you don't feel you have to stay to close to see it. It also will allow you two Tier 1 FP+ since you will be there over two days. (EP always seems like the most exhausting park because of the size so breaking it up over two days isn't a bad idea if you are able to)

3) Non park activities - Resort hop to see the decorations, downtown Disney to do some shopping, enjoy the resort pool - weather permitting

4) DHS - you would need to check the schedule but you could do Fantasmic and Osborne lights that evening and since it has the tiered FP+ system, it might allow for a Tier 1 that evening and then the next morning you could pick a different Tier 1 plus what you are able to ride at rope drop. Then on 12/11, I wouldn't stay late and use the afternoon and evening to resort hop, pool, and/or downtown Disney. (This is actually what we are doing this year - it also will allow for a back-up for Osborne Lights if it is raining)

Basically - I wouldn't change what you already have planned as it seems you have put quite a bit of thought into it. I would look at the 10th as a "bonus" day to add in some additional time at one of the parks taking advantage of the Fastpass+ system or enjoying the other parts of Disney.

 

[sharona]

Here are my thoughts:

1) MK - this would probably be my first choice because it is our family's favorite park. FP+ some of the headliners and then just enjoy what else has short lines. Catch the parade and fireworks if you are up to staying late. Then you may not feel the need to stay as long on 12/14 which would allow some resort hopping to look at decorations, hit downtown Disney for some last minute shopping, etc.

2) EP - but as you said this is not a recommended park for the day. But if you pick your three FP+ and just stick to those and visiting the lands and catching illuminations, it probably will be crowded but manageable. EP Illuminations is often pretty late so it might be a good way to catch it on your arrival day so on 12/12 you don't feel you have to stay to close to see it. It also will allow you two Tier 1 FP+ since you will be there over two days. (EP always seems like the most exhausting park because of the size so breaking it up over two days isn't a bad idea if you are able to)

3) Non park activities - Resort hop to see the decorations, downtown Disney to do some shopping, enjoy the resort pool - weather permitting

4) DHS - you would need to check the schedule but you could do Fantasmic and Osborne lights that evening and since it has the tiered FP+ system, it might allow for a Tier 1 that evening and then the next morning you could pick a different Tier 1 plus what you are able to ride at rope drop. Then on 12/11, I wouldn't stay late and use the afternoon and evening to resort hop, pool, and/or downtown Disney. (This is actually what we are doing this year - it also will allow for a back-up for Osborne Lights if it is raining)

Basically - I wouldn't change what you already have planned as it seems you have put quite a bit of thought into it. I would look at the 10th as a "bonus" day to add in some additional time at one of the parks taking advantage of the Fastpass+ system or enjoying the other parts of Disney.

Thanks for your thoughts on this! I think we've decided to do MK on our arrival day just to get us in the mood. It closes early that night for a MVMCP so we would only have from arrival to 7pm. We've done MK before on an arrival day when they had a grad night scheduled and were closing at 5 or 6pm. It was a bit disappointing to have to leave early but it also saved us from starting our vacation off with a way too long day. I do like your idea of HS for F! and the lights but then I think we'll end up with a 1/2 day on 12/11 and it would be too soon for that.

 

[SJDisneyFanatic]

Looking for some advice from the folks on this thread...1st time planning a WDW trip and am hoping for advice or validation. I am trying to not completely over analyze things but I am completely obsessive and keep second guessing myself.

Our arrival day is still up in the air due to a show our son is involved in but I have built in some flexibility before and after our trip.

Any feedback from anyone would be greatly appreciated!

We are me, DH, DD (13) and DS (9) - We are staying on site at AKL from 12/15-12/20 and offsite through 12/27.

Arrival will either be 12/11-12/13 - Arrive in FL, might do beaches or other sights

M 12/14 - TBD no reservation

T 12/15 - Check in day : Tea at GF at 2:10 and will monorail to after for MVMCP - planning to stay as late as possible to maximize lower crowds of MK during the party.

W 12/16 - Animal Kingdom until about 4 and the PH to MK for fireworks and parade (This is one of my problematic days....AK is not recommended because of EMH. I have Tusker House booked for 10:15 but am thinking that because we will be out late we won't make RD. Crowd calendars show this to be a lower crowd day so I am wondering if we should just go to MK again and even though there are EMH, since this is still only listed as a 5/10 day. I could always do AK later in our trip when things get busier in anticipation of MK crowds being crazy.

Th 12/17 - MK until after a dinner at BOG at 4 OR California Grill so we can watch the fireworks from here.....OR head to Epcot for EMH. Need advice here please!

Friday 12/18 - HS RD - Lunch at Sci FI 11:20 and dinner at Holiday and Vine at 5:30. Plan to see the Osbourne lights between dinner and Fantasmic or maybe after.

Saturday 12/19 - either EMH at HS (or will we have seen enough day before?) and then take a long resort break or all Resort Day until Harmony BBS appointment for DS at 4. Dinner at CRT at 5:15.

Sunday 12/20 - Epcot GG 8:00 am ADR but will cancel if does not end up being pre-opening. 1 pm Biergarten CP reservation for 6:45 CP. plan to stay to watch illuminations. This is our check out day and we will be staying at Reunion for a week after this.

Monday 12/21 - AK and possibly more Epcot if we do not go to AK Wed 12/16

Tuesday 12/22 - MK ?

Wednesday 12/23 Universal

Thursday 12/24 Universal

Friday 12/25 - Touring WDW resorts to see holiday decorations - 10:20 breakfast at Ohana, 5:30 Carriage ride at FW and then go to Chip and Dale campfire ....plan to watch the water parade down by the water later and then head back to Reunion.

Saturday 12/26 - weather permitting, Typhoon lagoon or AK if we have not gotten to it yet.

Sunday 12/27 - Travel day

Any recommendations or feedback from anyone would be greatly appreciated! We are a highly energetic family and have done Disneyland non stop from almost park open to close for days in a row so we have some pretty good stamina but I understand and respect that this will be entirely different AND I am not sure how long it will take the kids to adjust to EST as we are coming from PST.

Thanks!

 

[PirateD]

We have a 7:30 ADR for dinner at Ohana on Saturday, December 26. We are planning to be in EP earlier that day and thought we could have a nice last dinner as a group (my Sis and BIL have to leave the next day). The hope was to possibly see Holiday Wishes from the Poly beach if we were finished eating.

I was just reading a thread about Wishes on the Poly beach and realized that with the change in scheduling to 8:00, we definitely won't be watching the fireworks from the beach and may not even be seated inside Ohana at that time.

Curious to know what you all think we can expect. Is it possible we might be seated by 8:00 or will other diners linger to extend their dinner into the fireworks. I'm not even sure how good of a view of the fireworks you can get from the restaurant. Any thoughts? It's not a deal breaker for us if we don't get to see them. We just thought it would be a nice touch. TIA!

 

[Angel59920]

Does anybody know if they will still have Wishes on Dec 30 and Dec 31? And if so what time?