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

[PirateD]

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!

I love the way you are kicking off your trip with tea at GF and MVMCP! What a great way to start!

For our family one full day would be enough at DHS. The only reason we might do more is if we were really interested in seeing all of the shows which you may be. We generally allocate more days for EP and AK than DHS, but I know that others may disagree. It's just our least favorite park.

The AK day on 12/16 does seem to be a little problematic as your time seems a little short with your ADR and PH, however it might work. We always seem to be able to get a lot done in just a couple of hours there and often choose that park on departure days or when we have just a few hours (however, we have not been there since FP+ so not sure if that's still the case). It's not that we don't like to spend time there--it's actually one of our favorites! It's just been an easy park for us to get in and out of and to feel success in touring in a short timeframe. I think it might be nice to add at least another half day of AK if you decide to keep it on 12/16 depending on what your interests are.

 

[SJDisneyFanatic]

I love the way you are kicking off your trip with tea at GF and MVMCP! What a great way to start!

For our family one full day would be enough at DHS. The only reason we might do more is if we were really interested in seeing all of the shows which you may be. We generally allocate more days for EP and AK than DHS, but I know that others may disagree. It's just our least favorite park.

The AK day on 12/16 does seem to be a little problematic as your time seems a little short with your ADR and PH, however it might work. We always seem to be able to get a lot done in just a couple of hours there and often choose that park on departure days or when we have just a few hours (however, we have not been there since FP+ so not sure if that's still the case). It's not that we don't like to spend time there--it's actually one of our favorites! It's just been an easy park for us to get in and out of and to feel success in touring in a short timeframe. I think it might be nice to add at least another half day of AK if you decide to keep it on 12/16 depending on what your interests are.

Thanks for your feedback! I think I will keep some of the uncertain days and just plan to play it by ear a little towards the end our trip. I keep thinking my kids might really like Epcot a lot as well as AK so I am thinking I should just leave some open ended time to see what we have missed or what we really want to see more of.

 

[emeraldmom]

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

Wishes is not listed on the calendar for those nights. They usually do a full dress rehearsal for New Years Eve on the 30th, then they do New Years Eve on the 31st. It happens right at midnight. It is so cool. In the past they have done fireworks in the shape of numbers for the countdown. It is also a 360 degree show, the fireworks are all around you. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

[pinkgirlmommy]

I don't know if it's just me but I can't see any of the photos anymore on the first page?

 

[lovndisney12]

I don't know if it's just me but I can't see any of the photos anymore on the first page?

Me neither

 

[PirateD]

Need help deciding which park for two of our days. The days in question are Monday, December 21 and Tuesday, December 22.

Here is what we have so far:
Saturday, December 19--Arrive at MCO at 6:30 PM. Late dinner or snack at POP and rest after long travel day
Sunday, December 20--MK
Monday, December 21--MK or EP???
Tuesday, December 22--MK or EP???
Wednesday, December 23--MK and BOG lunch
Thursday, December 24--AK and EMH DHS for Osborne Lights
Friday, December 25--Late 1900 PF breakfast and EP
Saturday, December 26--Maybe AM EMH DHS before EP and 'Ohana dinner at 7:30
Sunday, December 27--MK
Monday, December 28--1/2 day AK and Departure

We can't decide which park would be better for Monday and Tuesday. TP is showing the same crowd levels for both days. Monday 12/21 is currently 8 AM EMH for MK, but I think that is expected to change to 7 AM EMH all week. Tuesday 12/22 is 8 AM EMH for EP, but we are not sure how much of an advantage AM EMH is for EP. I think most people usually advise MK on Tuesdays instead of Mondays but we expect crowds to continue to build to Christmas so wonder if it's better to go to MK our first two days of the trip.

Any thoughts from the Dis experts on whether one day would be better than the other for EP or MK would be appreciated. It's hard trying to decide without knowing the final hours. I think we would want those EMH hours at MK on Monday if they don't switch over to 7 AM EMH for the week.

Edited to correct dates.

 

[pinkgirlmommy]

I am still on the fence on our days too! I think MK will be most crowded on Saturday, 12/19 for the beginning part of your trip. Your arrival date is Friday 12/18? The date/day don't match so I'm wasn't sure. We are going to MVMCP that day! We are going to MK on Sunday, 12/20 after much research I think that will be better than Saturday for sure since school is out and they close early the night before. Are you going anywhere on Saturday, 12/19? We are gong to Epcot/DHS even though DHS is going to be packed. We are only doing 2 or 3 day PH so we aren't going anywhere on 12/21. But if you go to MK on 12/20 you may want EP 12/21 to break it up? Plus since that is the first official holiday and they have EMH at MK that day I think it will be more crowded. However, it does look like the entire week will be and I haven't been this time of year, so I will be watching to see what other advice you get! I think we are going to go to Epcot on 12/22 because it looks it is just going to get more crowded as the week goes on and Epcot doesn't seem as bad to me when it is crowded as MK does! Good luck! We are staying at POP too and arrive midnight 12/17 so maybe we will see you there!

Need help deciding which park for two of our days. The days in question are Monday, December 21 and Tuesday, December 22.

Here is what we have so far:
Friday, December 19--Arrive at MCO at 6:30 PM. Late dinner or snack at POP and rest after long travel day
Sunday, December 20--MK
Monday, December 21--MK or EP???
Tuesday, December 22--MK or EP???
Wednesday, December 23--MK and BOG lunch
Thursday, December 24--AK and EMH DHS for Osborne Lights
Friday, December 25--Late 1900 PF breakfast and EP
Saturday, December 26--Maybe AM EMH DHS before EP and 'Ohana dinner at 7:30
Sunday, December 27--MK
Monday, December 28--1/2 day AK and Departure

We can't decide which park would be better for Monday and Tuesday. TP is showing the same crowd levels for both days. Monday 12/21 is currently 8 AM EMH for MK, but I think that is expected to change to 7 AM EMH all week. Tuesday 12/22 is 8 AM EMH for EP, but we are not sure how much of an advantage AM EMH is for EP. I think most people usually advise MK on Tuesdays instead of Mondays but we expect crowds to continue to build to Christmas so wonder if it's better to go to MK our first two days of the trip.

Any thoughts from the Dis experts on whether one day would be better than the other for EP or MK would be appreciated. It's hard trying to decide without knowing the final hours. I think we would want those EMH hours at MK on Monday if they don't switch over to 7 AM EMH for the week.

 

[PirateD]

I am still on the fence on our days too! I think MK will be most crowded on Saturday, 12/19 for the beginning part of your trip. Your arrival date is Friday 12/18? The date/day don't match so I'm wasn't sure. We are going to MVMCP that day! We are going to MK on Sunday, 12/20 after much research I think that will be better than Saturday for sure since school is out and they close early the night before. Are you going anywhere on Saturday, 12/19? We are gong to Epcot/DHS even though DHS is going to be packed. We are only doing 2 or 3 day PH so we aren't going anywhere on 12/21. But if you go to MK on 12/20 you may want EP 12/21 to break it up? Plus since that is the first official holiday and they have EMH at MK that day I think it will be more crowded. However, it does look like the entire week will be and I haven't been this time of year, so I will be watching to see what other advice you get! I think we are going to go to Epcot on 12/22 because it looks it is just going to get more crowded as the week goes on and Epcot doesn't seem as bad to me when it is crowded as MK does! Good luck! We are staying at POP too and arrive midnight 12/17 so maybe we will see you there!

Thanks for your input and noticing my mistake with the dates. I fixed it so it's now correct (I hope!). I wish we were arriving sooner but we won't be there until Saturday evening on 12/19. How fun that you will be there for MVMCP!!

I think your strategy for your dates sounds pretty solid. I agree EP feels less crowded than MK. Maybe we should go with 12/22 knowing that the crowds are just going to continue to build.

Maybe we will run into you at POP!

 

[Ferrentinos]

Hi all! We are heading to WDW Dec. 26 - Jan 2 - our first trip going during that week - I'm curious about New Year's Eve - we are planning to watch the fireworks from our resort (Poly) but was curious if anyone knew about CAGrill that night - a reservation popped up but I thought that CAGrill had a pre-fix thing on NYE but the site isn't mentioning it - anyone have any idea???
Thanks!

 

[Ferrentinos]

Nevermind! I went to book it and it was going to pre-charge me A LOT of money! I guess that means it is the pre-fix party thing!

 

[Disdreamprincess]

Diner at CG for NYE is indeed prix fixe. I had call to know if kids were paying the same amount as adults and it is $625.00 pp

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Fireworks at California Grill!
Welcome the arrival of 2016 with a delicious feast—as you thrill to a spectacular view of fireworks!
This elegant gala is a dine-around style event with food stations set up throughout the restaurant. A complimentary Call Brand Bar is available in addition to wine poured by the glass up until midnight. And expect lots of entertainment—including appearances by some of your favorite Characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Baby New Year!

Here are some details about this festive dining event that you need to know:

• There is only one seating at 8:00 PM.
• A dinner jacket is required for men (tie optional) and a dress or pants ensemble is required for women.
• The entertainment—including Characters—is subject to change without notice.
• This event must be paid in advance. The cost is $625.00, with tax and gratuity included.
• Cancellations must be made 2 days in advance of this event to avoid forfeiting the full charged amount.
• This event may be booked online.

 

[lovndisney12]

How about Christmas Eve resort activities - We will be staying at Coronado Springs and may opt to not stay in the parks late that night. I know they have movie nights and campfires - anything special for Christmas eve?

 

[Mainemama]

I was just thinking about Christmas Eve, too. I am rethinking my initial plan to see the Osborne Lights and have an early Sci-Fi dinner. (We now have a chance to visit HS earlier in our trips, and are staying on the monorail, so am thinking of skipping the bus travel). There are still some decent options open, and I am curious... where are those in the World on Christmas Eve eating? We have young kids, so want a fairly early night!

 

[butterflijoy]

I may have missed this answer, but does anyone know if you can see a Christmas themed parade the days of Dec.14-17? Or can n you only see it at the Christmas party or week of Christmas. Another question. We are staying at the fort, if they are doing the Christmas Wishes show at the Mickey Christmas Party can we still see that special firework show at the beach on the fort?!?

 

[lovndisney12]

I was just thinking about Christmas Eve, too. I am rethinking my initial plan to see the Osborne Lights and have an early Sci-Fi dinner. (We now have a chance to visit HS earlier in our trips, and are staying on the monorail, so am thinking of skipping the bus travel). There are still some decent options open, and I am curious... where are those in the World on Christmas Eve eating? We have young kids, so want a fairly early night!

I'm curious too. It is one of our MK days but really don't plan on staying in the park late and looking for other non-park ideas that don't keep us up and out too late.

 

[shortred]

We are only able to go to MK for one day. I can't decide between Sunday Dec. 27 or Wednesday Dec. 30. We are staying offsite but have 7 and 7:15 reservations for Crystal Palace in order to get in early we hope on one of those days. We are a party of 8 including two girlfriends, one of which has never been to Disney. Would the 27th be less crowded than the 30th?

 

[SJDisneyFanatic]

I may have missed this answer, but does anyone know if you can see a Christmas themed parade the days of Dec.14-17? Or can n you only see it at the Christmas party or week of Christmas. Another question. We are staying at the fort, if they are doing the Christmas Wishes show at the Mickey Christmas Party can we still see that special firework show at the beach on the fort?!?

Everything I have heard says you can only see the Christmas Parade at the Party until 12/18. Starting on 12/19 is the Christmas Parade during the day instead of Festival of Fantasy.

No idea on your other question about fireworks but I did hear that you can see the water parade from waterside at the fort...I am preparing for my first trip so don't know any of this for sure...just based on my research. Have fun!

 

[PirateD]

I may have missed this answer, but does anyone know if you can see a Christmas themed parade the days of Dec.14-17? Or can n you only see it at the Christmas party or week of Christmas. Another question. We are staying at the fort, if they are doing the Christmas Wishes show at the Mickey Christmas Party can we still see that special firework show at the beach on the fort?!?

Robo has some awesome maps in this thread showing where you can watch the fireworks from the resorts.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/best-place-to-view-wishes-away-from-mk.3413496/#post-53725878

 

[PirateD]

We are only able to go to MK for one day. I can't decide between Sunday Dec. 27 or Wednesday Dec. 30. We are staying offsite but have 7 and 7:15 reservations for Crystal Palace in order to get in early we hope on one of those days. We are a party of 8 including two girlfriends, one of which has never been to Disney. Would the 27th be less crowded than the 30th?

I think that both days are probably going to have crowd levels of 10 so any difference in crowds will probably be pretty slight. It looks like December 30 will have evening EMH but it is generally expected that more EMH will be added to that week. I don't think anyone knows when they might be added though. Are you interested in using EMH? If so, Dec. 30 might be your best choice.

ETA--Just realized that they may preview the NYE fireworks show on December 30th so that will probably make it busier but it might be fun to be there for it! Can anyone confirm if they will preview the NYE fireworks or is that something they only do for the 4th of July?

 

[MrInfinity]

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!

I would shoot for EC on that arrival day. It's a quick walk and perfect for an arrival dinner. The not recommended aspect is irrelevant to me, and I agree you don't want two afternoon-only days at MK. You mention the late EMH... since you're arriving late and doing a half-day, would you stay late? Late EMH at Epcot, despite being crowded, is really nice. You can stay past Illuminations, then tour anything you want as the crowds dwindle and then walk casually back to the hotel w no mob.

Thing is tho, is then you end up with 2 EC days on a 5-day trip. If that's good for you, fine, but your trip ends up being...
EC-HS-EC-AK-MK-MK
I don't like that... all front loaded with EC and MK back to back at the end.

If I was to plan that from scratch, I'd do the party on 12/11.
10 (1/2) - EC
11 - AK & MK party
12 - HS
13 - EC
14 - MK

If you can't move your party date, then your options are more limited. In that case I'd do...
10 (1/2) - EC
11 - MK
12 - HS
13 - AK & MK party
14 - EC

Last option is just do arrival MK. 1 long day at EC, and 3 MK (1/2 arrival, 1/2 party, and 1 full on 14th)
That would be...
10 (1/2) - MK
11 - HS
12 - EC
13 - AK & MK party
14 - MK