December Tips!

[iloveftwilderness]

We usually rent a golf cart at the Fort Wilderness for a day and we go over for the movie and smores. Then we drive around and drink hot chocolate and look at the beautiful Christmas decorations.
It was cold this past year and we were happy that we didn't have to walk around and freeze. It was worth the money to us, but many people use the bus system. We did this the first day we checked in, so it wasn't that expensive of a day. We all loved it!

 

[sssteele]

We usually rent a golf cart at the Fort Wilderness for a day and we go over for the movie and smores. Then we drive around and drink hot chocolate and look at the beautiful Christmas decorations.
It was cold this past year and we were happy that we didn't have to walk around and freeze. It was worth the money to us, but many people use the bus system. We did this the first day we checked in, so it wasn't that expensive of a day. We all loved it!

DH and I usually go over one evening after dark and take the horse-drawn wagon ride around to see the Christmas decorations at the sites. I take a blanket along to keep toasty. Following that we take the boat back to Wilderness Lodge for a nightcap in Territory Lounge. Just one of our many Christmas at Disney traditions.

By the way, they have not done the wagon rides on Christmas eve in the past.

 

[dizneyjill]

We go every December, and love that time of year. We are usually there the last week of their slow season for December(11 th thru 17th). The weather can be iffy, we had some wicked cold weather last year. But the year before it was really warm half our trip. Basically pack some of everything! We have started out in shorts and ended in winter coats.

We found MK was less crowded on days when they had the Christmas party. So if you have park hoppers, you can go to another park when they close early for the party.

December is a great time to go, dont worry to much!

That's when we go!! I guess great Jills think alike!

 

[brenbrady]

We are also going to be there 12/4 - 12/09, last year it was cold but the decorations and small crowds made it worth it. we are staying at Bay Lake and looking forward to seeing the decorations and parades etc. again.

 

[misspickle]

How did you manage to get free dining during december?
is it just for Americans ?

thanks

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

How did you manage to get free dining during december?
is it just for Americans ?

thanks

I dont know? I got an email with all the free dining periods and my trip was in one of the windows that it was offered. Try calling Disney and asking about it? They've helped me save a lot.

 

[TyTysMommy]

One of the best memories I have from WDW is going around the camp sites at Ft. Wilderness Christmas Caroling. We had so much fun. And when we were done we had an ADR for a hearty meal at Trails End.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

We are going for our first December visit this year and I can't wait!!! We arrive on Dec. 3 which is probably parade taping day. I had originally planned to go to MK that day just to see MSEP. I'm afraid it will be super crowded since most nights following there is no MSEP and it's a saturday which tends to be packed with locals. So instead we are having dinner with my brother and his girlfriend who live in Orlando. We are tying Raglan Road for the first time and I'm really looking forward to it! 114 more days!!!

ah i will be there at the same time you are wendy...im actually coming in on 11/30 but my park days dont start till the 5th...my friend is getting married on the 3rd and on the eve of their wedding I will get my first taste of wdw ever because they are hosting a dessert party in France...im super excited to visit...im from CA and have gone too many times to count to DL but never have I gotten to go to wdw...and going during the holiday season will just be the frosting on the cake

I actually roll my clothes. You get more space.

ok now ive done that too because that is how my mom taught me to pack but my friend showed me how to do it like poisonapple_princess and I have to say I totally like the latter way better...i got way more clothes in a suitcase than when I roll them...

 

[disneychck]

OK I have just read this thread and y'all have got me in the Christmas spirit already! We will be there from Nov 28-Dec 13. Hope everyone enjoys their trips crowded or not

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

OK I have just read this thread and y'all have got me in the Christmas spirit already! We will be there from Nov 28-Dec 13. Hope everyone enjoys their trips crowded or not

I'm ready to be in full fledged Christmas Mode!!!

 

[DisneyPhanatics]

A few years back we were at MK for the MVMCP, this year we plan to not attend the party.

Does MK still do the same Christmas Parade outside of the party?

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

A few years back we were at MK for the MVMCP, this year we plan to not attend the party.

Does MK still do the same Christmas Parade outside of the party?

Did you not like the party when were you there??

 

[DisneyPhanatics]

No, we loved it and had a great time. This year we happened upon some free park passes and wanted to keep our expenses down.

We are not planning to get a ticket to the Christmas party and was wondering what all I will be missing by going to the park on a non MVMCP.

I know the cookies and hot chocolate but will the shows and parade be the same. Are the charactors dressed in their Christmas outfits? That sort of thing.

 

[Victoria3]

A few years back we were at MK for the MVMCP, this year we plan to not attend the party.

Does MK still do the same Christmas Parade outside of the party?

After the last party date the christmas parade, fireworks and special shows are to free to everyone. They usually run till Jan 1.

 

[Virtucomp]

How did you manage to get free dining during december?
is it just for Americans ?

thanks

I can't tell what is only for American's but the link to free dining is on the Disney site under special offers. Dates in December are included. We have free dining the first week and I think the third week is also available.

The offer shows Timon from Lion King eating bugs.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

bump - any more December tips? It's just around the corner!

 

[houtexan69]

Can't help it. Don't have vacation time and that's all the time I have.

Will arrive 12/23 by 1pm and leave 12/26 8:20pm.

Planning to go to MK after check in. Am I nuts? Will they close the park? Will be staying at POR FQ. How long is bus ride to MK? Am I wishful thinking about getting into park. BTW, won't need to ride anything (wife can't do thrill rides) and not into Haunted House or Pirates. But want to get in to experience night time and Christmas lights. (no kids).

Can anyone tell me about restirctions for bringing in food/drinks? I know no alcohol but how about fruits, snacks, sandwich? how about bottle water/drinks?

The want to do AK on 12/24 all day and 12/25 Epcot all day. Any suggestions for things to do/see (again, rides are not that important as won't do any thrill rides). Want to see the candle procession. Thinking of reserving a dinner/lunch to insure seating (is it needed?) Wife would love to see this. Also, does it give seating for Illumation show?

Final date plan to go to DS and leave park at 4 to get back to POR FQ by 5 to catch magic express to Airport. Can i catch the Orbsone Show or is it a night thing?

Are all 4 parks "dressed" for Christmas? Really going there to see and "be there".

P.S. I wish I could go a week before (free dinner) but that stops 12/23.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

Can't help it. Don't have vacation time and that's all the time I have.

Will arrive 12/23 by 1pm and leave 12/26 8:20pm.

Planning to go to MK after check in. Am I nuts? Will they close the park? Will be staying at POR FQ. How long is bus ride to MK? Am I wishful thinking about getting into park. BTW, won't need to ride anything (wife can't do thrill rides) and not into Haunted House or Pirates. But want to get in to experience night time and Christmas lights. (no kids).

Can anyone tell me about restirctions for bringing in food/drinks? I know no alcohol but how about fruits, snacks, sandwich? how about bottle water/drinks?

The want to do AK on 12/24 all day and 12/25 Epcot all day. Any suggestions for things to do/see (again, rides are not that important as won't do any thrill rides). Want to see the candle procession. Thinking of reserving a dinner/lunch to insure seating (is it needed?) Wife would love to see this. Also, does it give seating for Illumation show?

Final date plan to go to DS and leave park at 4 to get back to POR FQ by 5 to catch magic express to Airport. Can i catch the Orbsone Show or is it a night thing?

Are all 4 parks "dressed" for Christmas? Really going there to see and "be there".

P.S. I wish I could go a week before (free dinner) but that stops 12/23.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Have you checked out touring plans? They have crowd predictions and alot of helpful things to check out the days you're worried about.

 

[miss katie]

i'm going to disney world with the family i nanny for december 20-26th. we're looking for disney hotel to stay at, potentially the animal kingdom. the girls are young, ages 4 and 6. wish us luck!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

i'm going to disney world with the family i nanny for december 20-26th. we're looking for disney hotel to stay at, potentially the animal kingdom. the girls are young, ages 4 and 6. wish us luck!

Good Luck!