December must sees/do

[marianthefox]

I'm taking my first December trip to WDW the 14-17. It will also be my first solo trip. What would you suggest as a must see or do at the parks during December? I've always wanted to see the Christmas decorations. I've heard that the different resorts are also decorated and are nice to see (staying at POP).

 

[jagfanjosh3252]

I'm taking my first December trip to WDW the 14-17. It will also be my first solo trip. What would you suggest as a must see or do at the parks during December? I've always wanted to see the Christmas decorations. I've heard that the different resorts are also decorated and are nice to see (staying at POP).

Gotta see the lighting of the Castle. Happens around 6:30 every night and it's beautiful.

You should go to each park and see their Christmas decorations.

At Epcot you can take in Holidays Around the World. It's each countries telling of Christmas.

Touring all the resorts is a nice way to spend a down day if you have one

 

[ludari]

As you mentioned I enjoy going to the different deluxe resorts and checking out their decorations. Also the Osborne Christmas Lights is not to be missed.

 

[purple figment]

The MK will have decorations and the big tree in Town Square, but the Christmas parade and fireworks will still be exclusive to the hard ticket Christmas party. You will get to see the castle all lit up. At Epcot the Candlelight Processional and Storytellers Around the World are highlights. There's also a gingerbread house inside the Liberty Inn QS restaurant in the American Pavilion. At DHS the Osborne Lights are not to be missed.

Every resort is decorated, but the deluxes have the most elaborate displays. The ones we enjoyed were the gingerbread displays at the GF, Boardwalk Inn and Beach Club. The Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge had impressively decorated trees. Most of the moderate and value resorts are decorated to reflect the theming of the resort. Our favorite was POFQ.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

1) Osborne Lights
2) MVMCP
3) Christmas decorations at Ft. Wilderness
4) Christmas decorations at all the other resorts
5) Special desserts, e.g., gingerbread cupcakes

 

[com_op_2000]

DW and I have been every year since '93 during the 1st 2 weeks of Dec.
All the PP covered what to do onsite, if you have time take a ride over to Gaylord Palms Resort and check out ICE! Carving of ice made into holiday shapes, this year they are doing a Nutcraker-based theme.

 

[Bete]

One resort not to miss is the Grand Floridian. When visiting MK it is not that bad to take the monorail up and back from this resort. In addition to the resort decorations there is a piano player playing holiday music. Also, there is an orchestra that plays holiday music, too. They have a Santa, too in the lobby. Their ginger bread house is full size and has hidden mickeys to find.
Enjoy a meal at the resort; our favorite is Narcossee's. You can time your meal with the MK fireworks and you will be able to see the fireworks from afar from this restaurant. There is a pier view, too near the restaurant.

AK has a special holiday parade. Also, their character meet and greets are special with the holiday spirit. MK has the Christmas party which you have to pay extra for. Main St. In MK will have snow falling. The castle lights are beautiful. Hollywood Studios has Osborne lights. Epcot is my favorite with the World Showcase and Candlelight Processional. For the Candlelight Processional you can get a dinner package that gives you reserved seating. It can be tough getting into the show without the package.

You can u-tube a lot of these events and get a little taste of what all this is about.

This has been my favorite time of year for many years. You do need to be prepared for colder weather.

 

[marianthefox]

Thank all of you for your input. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the decorations.

I will be going to see EPCOT then HS the day I arrive and heard the Osborne lights were wonderful. I will be at AK on Monday and planned on stopping at AKL when I leave to view their decorations. I have dinner at Kona Cafe Monday evening so can see how Polynesian is decorated, After dinner, I'm hitting MK for some night time fun. I will be back at MK on Tuesday morning after first having breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, which will allow me to see the Grand Floridian's decorations. I'm going to DTD after I leave MK on Tuesday for a little shopping. That gives me half a day on Wednesday to see some of the other resorts before having to board Magical Express to leave .

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Christmas time is wonderful in Disney. A few of the things I have done in the past are :

1. MVMCP - I think it's fabulous but not everyone is a fan
2. Gingerbread house at GF
3. Gingerbread tree at Contemporary
4. WL is stunning at Christmas
5. Random Christmas carolers at resorts (I don't know if they have a schedule but if you catch them, it's beautiful)
6. Osborn Lights at HS
7. Cinderella Castle looks like an ice castle - breath taking
8. Candlelight Processional - Attended once, I wouldn't do it again
9. Chocolate & Gingerbread Carousel at Beach Club

 

[Simba's Mom]

When I was solo in December, I made a schedule for me to see each Holiday Storyteller's performance and then get a picture of me with the storyteller. With overlapping times and my slow walking, it took me two days for the entire "circuit".