December (Christmas) in WDW

[zarfman]

We have never been to WDW at Christmas.
Planning to go this year.

Lots of stories and traditional volume reports say it is busy but
what are the Disney Resorts / Parks like a Christmas?

Is everything open?
Are the service levels the same?
Do the resort restaurants serve special meals?

Any feed back appreciated

 

[ead79]

I haven't been in WDW on Christmas itself, but I've been shortly before Christmas the past 2 Decembers (the 16-21). The parks and the resorts are decorated and are really a neat thing to see. The parks have special events (check out www.wdwig.com to see a list of all the neat Christmas happenings), as does Downtown Disney. An excellent way to save money is to check in before the rates switch from value season to holiday season. That way the much cheaper value rate applies to the entire length of your stay. Rates usually change from value to holiday around the 20th, just ask when you make your reservation to be sure. Hope this helps!

 

[UltimateWDWFan]

I, too, have never been on Christmas Day, but have been a couple of times shortly before, and once for a day-trip between Christmas and the New Year. To fully understand my comments, you have to understand that I am a full-blown Scrooge. The Christmas season brings more stress and family disharmony than any other time I can think of (except maybe planning a wedding). That being said, I've been surprisingly pleased with my Christmas-season experiences at WDW. Nothing beats the Osborne Family Lights Spectacular. Last time I was there, it was so cold that frost killed the plants, but the "snow" drifting down on New York Street at MGM was totally believeable (and didn't accumulate as much as we had here in Michigan)! The Christmas trees at all the resorts are beautiful. We stayed at All Star Movies last time, and that one was way-cool. Be sure to make a trip to see the tree at the Wilderness Lodge; it's my perennial favorite. I've yet to see MVMCP, but maybe we'll get to that this time. (Somehow I managed to be talked into going at the Christmas season again this year!) Last time was the first time we went to Epcot's Candlelight Processional. I wasn't too impressed, but I'm pretty sure that's just the Scrooge in me, and I would recommend that you check it out if it fits into your schedule. The Voices of Liberty sang Holiday Carols inside the American Adventure, and I just loved their accapella sound in that perfect acoustical setting.

As far as the crowds, we never had any problem. It was a little busier than when I've gone in September, but not much worse than May had been.

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

/th

 

[Southernswthrt]

We're also going at that time

 

[dmonroe]

I've been to WDW for Christmas twice (and 3 times during the first of December). Yes, it was crowded; but it wasn't unbearable. We've just learned to stay away from MK on Christmas Day--REALLY crowded! Other than that, everything is just so beautiful! Have a great time!