December Tips!

[sssteele]

3. eat your meals during off times if you are doing quickservice type meals, and if not, then make sure you have reservations.

Last year they encouraged guests to eat at off times by putting a coupon for 15 or 20% off at counter/quick serve on the slip when you made a retail purchase. Reverse when you got food-we then received a coupon to shop during off hours. Watch for them.

 

[2disneyboys]

3. eat your meals during off times if you are doing quickservice type meals, and if not, then make sure you have reservations.

Last year they encouraged guests to eat at off times by putting a coupon for 15 or 20% off at counter/quick serve on the slip when you made a retail purchase. Reverse when you got food-we then received a coupon to shop during off hours. Watch for them.

This is true. They also tried to encourage you to SHOP in the stores (certain stores in Epcot, Animal Kingdom & Magic Kingdom, I don't remember about HS) before 11am as there was a 20% coupon on your food purchase... I saved 20% on my Dooney & Burke clutch @ Mousegears in Epcot.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

OP -- We were there last year the week between Christmas & New Years. We spent New Years Eve in Magic Kingdom directly in front of the castle. I actually cried with the music and the most amazing NYE fireworks I have ever seen (in person) that completly surrounded you it was just amazing.

The parks... yea.. they were very very very very (x10) crowded. Off & on throughout the week/days various parks closed to capacity and several times they closed to everyone but resort guests (isnt' that like stage 3 or something?) anyway, it was insanely crowded. We still had a fabulous time. We planed & planned... very early mornings taking advantage of EMH...by around 10am or so, it was packed and pretty much stayed that way the rest of the day.

my best tips.
1. make a list of the things you just HAVE to do/see @ each park w/ the most important on the top. Don't expect to complete 1/2 of it, but if you do, that's like a bonus! Yea!
2. get there early... for real. I'm not a morning person, however, I have learned the early bird really does get the worm when you get to disney @ ropedrop or so.
3. eat your meals during off times if you are doing quickservice type meals, and if not, then make sure you have reservations.
4. wear layers and if needed, rent a locker to store the bulky layers until needed each day.

NYE we got to MK(this was our 2nd MK day) before the sun (I don't remember the time) and we knew that we wanted to be @ MK for the fireworks @ midnight... so we knew it was going to be a LOOONG day We got there, and by 11am had done anything we "wanted" to do. We had a reservation for the kids (4 of them) for the pirates league @ 2:30 so we ate lunch & did some pictures, and then went to the pirates league.. that took around 2 hours or so (and was a nice break away from the crowds) and then the kids did the pirates parade and show.. then we grabbed something for dinner (around 5pm'ish or so) and went and pretty much sat down in our spot that we wanted @ the castle. we had pretty much "run" all week with long days, so we all (adults and kids) were very grateful for the break. Also, there were tons of shows, parardes etc in front of the castle so we were being entertained the entire time. We saw the fireworks @ midnight (very cool) and then went back to our hotel (I was standing on a bus on the way back to POR @ 1:11am on 1/1/11.. that was pretty cool to see on the display...

to me disney (like everything else) is a mindset. I determine I will have a good time (and sometimes have to remind myself repeatedly during the day lol!) and I do. If I "think" I won't have a good time, it seems, I don't. and remember, even if the park is so crowded you don't get to do much at all, you are still in WDW with your family... what could be better? Have a wonderful time on your trip!!!

This was wonderful! Thank you for sharing! I think what you said about the mindset and being determined to have a good time is WONDERFUL advice and if everyone could have a good mindset everyone would have a wonderful vacation!

 

[sammielynn]

We will be staying at POFQ Dec. 17 - 21. Hoping for moderate crowds and mild temperatures. Doing MVMCP on Dec. 18th, our very first. Crowds or no I'm excited. I lost my Father early this month and my Christmas was always planned around him, this is my new Christmas.

 

[sharonmickey]

We will be staying at POFQ Dec. 17 - 21. Hoping for moderate crowds and mild temperatures. Doing MVMCP on Dec. 18th, our very first. Crowds or no I'm excited. I lost my Father early this month and my Christmas was always planned around him, this is my new Christmas.

So sorry for your loss sammielynn. Hope you enjoy your Christmas trip to Disney. We will be there roughly the same time that you are. Is this your first Christmastime visit?

 

[sammielynn]

Yes, it will be my first Christmas visit, I super excited.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

We will be staying at POFQ Dec. 17 - 21. Hoping for moderate crowds and mild temperatures. Doing MVMCP on Dec. 18th, our very first. Crowds or no I'm excited. I lost my Father early this month and my Christmas was always planned around him, this is my new Christmas.

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you enjoy your new Christmas! We're going to MVMCP on Dec 16th! I am very excited! I am also hoping for moderate crowds and mild temperatures!

 

[Disney-Chick]

We were there from Dec. 29th-Jan. 8th. That was our first year to ever go during this time since we always do the beginning of Dec for the lower crowds. I am not sure if it was mentioned or not but use the Extra Magic Hours at night. I find having 3 hours in the end is better than 1 hour in the morning (just my opinion though). I know our last trip in Feb. we went to MK at 11pm and stayed until 3am. It was nice to have the park so quiet and the castle was beautiful. I was able to grab a nice pic without anyone in the shot.

For our Dec/Jan. trip we went to Epcot for NYE. We found a nice spot & stayed there. Now there was my whole family so about 13 of us in total so we had someone to hold our spot while we went to look around etc. (we were in front of Canada). When the fireworks were over it took a while to get out of the park, but it was nice to see the fireworks for NYE & I can say I did it.

Have a great trip. The decorations are beautiful.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

We were there from Dec. 29th-Jan. 8th. That was our first year to ever go during this time since we always do the beginning of Dec for the lower crowds. I am not sure if it was mentioned or not but use the Extra Magic Hours at night. I find having 3 hours in the end is better than 1 hour in the morning (just my opinion though). I know our last trip in Feb. we went to MK at 11pm and stayed until 3am. It was nice to have the park so quiet and the castle was beautiful. I was able to grab a nice pic without anyone in the shot.

For our Dec/Jan. trip we went to Epcot for NYE. We found a nice spot & stayed there. Now there was my whole family so about 13 of us in total so we had someone to hold our spot while we went to look around etc. (we were in front of Canada). When the fireworks were over it took a while to get out of the park, but it was nice to see the fireworks for NYE & I can say I did it.

Have a great trip. The decorations are beautiful.

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the tips! I will definitely try to utilize EMH!

 

[Disjunky]

going n 105 days. woohoo. dec 4th thru 9 i believe. I now realize i gotta bring shorts, and heavy sweatshirts. Man what a swing. ill def be checkin the weather up to 3 days before. we always pack night before so thats good. and im not over buying a cool dis jacket or sumn if need be.bring on the holidays.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

going n 105 days. woohoo. dec 4th thru 9 i believe. I now realize i gotta bring shorts, and heavy sweatshirts. Man what a swing. ill def be checkin the weather up to 3 days before. we always pack night before so thats good. and im not over buying a cool dis jacket or sumn if need be.bring on the holidays.

I know! I was a little bummed to realize all the packing I'll have to do! And I plan on buying a blanket! You know...because it will be cold...not just because I want one or anything.

 

[Disney-Chick]

I only usually bring 2 pairs of pants & sweaters. It's a hit or miss with the weather. I really hope this year it is warmer, didn't like having my picture taken on Space Moutain with my winter jacket on I also get to pack a bit more since we drive it but DH has been telling me that I need to cut back. I guess bringing 7 shoes & clothes for each day of our stay is a bit to much ?

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I only usually bring 2 pairs of pants & sweaters. It's a hit or miss with the weather. I really hope this year it is warmer, didn't like having my picture taken on Space Moutain with my winter jacket on I also get to pack a bit more since we drive it but DH has been telling me that I need to cut back. I guess bringing 7 shoes & clothes for each day of our stay is a bit to much ?

I've been looking into getting a Northface jacket. They look light enough but from the reviews it's said they're real warm. And a plus is they arnt bulky! And I thought I was an over packer....

 

[Disney-Chick]

I've been looking into getting a Northface jacket. They look light enough but from the reviews it's said they're real warm. And a plus is they arnt bulky! And I thought I was an over packer....

I should look into that jacket. I hate being bulky on the rides.

I remember being in the parks & DH had the bookbag. He kept saying it was heavy when he opened it up there were my sandals, sneakers & crocs He asked why I had so many shoes & I explained to him what I need them for. Now we have gotten rid of the bag so no more multiple shoes for me & I have agreed to downsize our big luggage bag for the medium one (which we started out with but moved to the bigger one). I am always nervous that I will get there & wish that I would have brought those comfy capris etc. We couldn't even see out the back window on our last trip back. Between our luggage and the things we bought

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I should look into that jacket. I hate being bulky on the rides.

I remember being in the parks & DH had the bookbag. He kept saying it was heavy when he opened it up there were my sandals, sneakers & crocs He asked why I had so many shoes & I explained to him what I need them for. Now we have gotten rid of the bag so no more multiple shoes for me & I have agreed to downsize our big luggage bag for the medium one (which we started out with but moved to the bigger one). I am always nervous that I will get there & wish that I would have brought those comfy capris etc. We couldn't even see out the back window on our last trip back. Between our luggage and the things we bought

I fold my clothes up real small....really really small. But you definitely surpass me in over packing...but I do like to have many options because I just never know what I'll want to wear! I think it is a Denali northface that I want. Looks really nice too. Expensive though.

 

[Disney-Chick]

I fold my clothes up real small....really really small. But you definitely surpass me in over packing...but I do like to have many options because I just never know what I'll want to wear! I think it is a Denali northface that I want. Looks really nice too. Expensive though.

I actually roll my clothes. You get more space. I like having a variety because some days I like how they look on me and some days I just feel ugly. This year though I am going to be good (i hope )

I was just looking at the website for Northface & they have awesome jackets. They are expensive but very nice. They don't look bulky at all. Wish I had a credit card so I could order one.....course that is why I don't have cc because I would order everything & DH is a hardcore money saver.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I actually roll my clothes. You get more space. I like having a variety because some days I like how they look on me and some days I just feel ugly. This year though I am going to be good (i hope )

I was just looking at the website for Northface & they have awesome jackets. They are expensive but very nice. They don't look bulky at all. Wish I had a credit card so I could order one.....course that is why I don't have cc because I would order everything & DH is a hardcore money saver.

I know! I wont get one for that reason! I'll just have to gradually put money aside.

 

[disneydad78]

No Matter What Happens Disney for Christmas will be AWESOME!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

No Matter What Happens Disney for Christmas will be AWESOME!

ahh, best tip on this whole thread!

 

[TyTysMommy]

Originally Posted by SilverMouseEars View Post
We were told by several CM's that guests staying on-site would still be admitted to the parks, even if they were so crowded that they were "closed." So if you're staying at a Disney resort, don't let those "closed" signs deter you from going to the parks if you don't mind the crowds.

I'm sorry, but that is very incorrect information. When a Disney park is at capacity, and there will certainly be a few days that they reach capacity during Christmas week, being a Disney resort guest will NOT get you access to a park. It is the law, not just a Disney policy. There are 4 stages of closure and if it is closed due to being at capacity, no one will be given access, not even resort guest. If you have a dining reservation at a particular park during Christmas week, don't leave the park until after that reservation time because if the park reaches capacity you will not be let back in for a dining reservation either.

Both of you are partially correct. We have been there over Christmas week a few different years. When the park gets to a specific level they close it to offsite guests. I have been asked a few times for my KTTW card in order get admittance. They turned away people who didn't have a resort ID. I have also been there when it got to a point where they closed it to everyone.