**December 2025 Check-In Thread**

[alleighboo]

I've been thinking about ADRs and I'm still almost a month out from the 60 days when I can actually make them I don't know about Christmas Eve/Day because we're not there at that time.

Personally I'm going to be looking for Chef's Table at Napa Rose, assuming they still have it, Blue Bayou, WOC Dessert Party and Trader Sam's for sure. Not sure what else yet.

I've done Carthay Circle and have very mixed feelings about it. Food was very good and the setting is lovely, but to me, it's alot of $$ for something that still has the ambience of a theme park restaurant because of the large numbers of young kids there. We went a few years ago since we happened to be in DL for our anniversary and thought that would be a good choice; unfortunately, many parents chose to let their kids run around as if they were still on Tom Sawyer Island and that kinda ruins what otherwise would have the feel of a nice, upscale restaurant. Many tables with crying, overly tired kids. One family had zero issues with letting their little boy crawl around under our table. There tends to be less of an issue with that kind of thing at Napa Rose in my experience. Last time we went, we sat in the bar area at Carthay. It's very small but you can still get some food there.

This is what I was looking for! I teach in an elementary school and I know we're in a Disney park...but lord I can't do the kids running wild in a sit-down restaurant

We are definitely trying to get Trader Sam's and then Din Tai Fung. I got a Trader Sam's last trip but my stepdaughter is underage and it was at 9 pm so we ended up canceling. Debating the WOC Dessert Party too. I love it and haven't seen the new show. These were great ideas!!

 

[LKing]

While I understand that the actions of others can spoil one's vacation, be careful about taking one person's experience and defining it as the norm. We're all here sharing our personal experiences. Take it as that - one's personal experience.

 

[KPeterso]

Booked 12/3-12/6 at VGC. Hoping I will be able to keep this reservation with the number I have had to cancel due to my mom's health. Hoping to see Candlelight Processional again this year.

 

[alleighboo]

While I understand that the actions of others can spoil one's vacation, be careful about taking one person's experience and defining it as the norm. We're all here sharing our personal experiences. Take it as that - one's personal experience.

Do you have a recommendation?

 

[BobaFettFan]

You all, the closer we get, the more I get the special feeling that December is going to be a great month for a Disney trip.


While my family has been able to nimbly avoid any serious calamity, what a year this has been. I'm glad that I get to come to this message board and put a little sparkle in my days leading up to the trip.


Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and opinions in a kind way. I wish the entire Internet did it like we do. It is an oasis of kindness.

Plane tickets - purchased.
Hotel - booked
Reservations... Soon!

I, for one, am ready to pounce on the Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian. My wife, 8yo son, and the in-laws all fly in at different times the first day. We are not going into the parks that day, so it'll be a big wave of pure Disney after going through downtown together and starting our adventure off right.

 

[LKing]

Do you have a recommendation?

What is your objective? To have a nicer dinner and avoid children?

 

[ClaraOswald]

What is your objective? To have a nicer dinner and avoid children?

Dang...if that's the objective, then I'd suggest avoiding a Disney restaurant all together. Orange County probably has a lot of upscale restaurants.

 

[alleighboo]

What is your objective? To have a nicer dinner and avoid children?

Nope! Here is my original post:

"Is it too early to be thinking ADRs? I'm trying to plan things out because I want to do something special on Christmas Eve/Day but the Storytellers brunch won't be offered those days. Any ideas for an alternative? Doesn't have to be Christmas-y...just something fun or special! My husband loves Blue Bayou for the ambiance and I was thinking Plaza Inn character breakfast? I think we'll still try to do Storytellers brunch on the 26th and that may be easier because we don't have a park day that day.

I'll take all suggestions! I was considering Carthay Circle as well since we've never been? What would or are you guys doing??"

I'm leaning more towards Plaza Inn on Christmas morning if its available. I love the characters and sitting in front of the castle and feel like that would give Christmasy vibes even if it's not holiday themed. Trying to decide between Carthay, Blue Bayou, or possibly Lamplight for Christmas Eve... I don't think we want or need to do any parade dining. Just any suggestions for something special or different to do during the holidays!

 

[cruisehopeful]

December 12-14 VDH

I'll probably have some nice men's XL button down shirts to give away. My husband lost a lot of weight and I would like them to go to a good home vs just tossing them in a donation bag .

 

[StarlitNight05]

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and opinions in a kind way. I wish the entire Internet did it like we do. It is an oasis of kindness

I don't have a December trip planned, but I still peruse the monthly threads in case there's something I can learn or answer. Just wanted to say that I agree with this so much! I love the DISboards. I go onto Disneyland Reddit every once in a while, but it always reminds me of why I prefer to come here! Some of those people can be a bit much to say the least