December Tips!

[Tink575]

We've been at Disney up until the week before Christmas for the past 7 or so years. The cold last year was so brutal in the late evening hours, that my Lands End car coat didn't cut it.

My dh and I went to a Burlington Coat factory and bought monster down jackets. My big tip is to pack for everything from very mild weather to an arctic blast. I should have known better...

That said there is just nothing that rivals Chrismastime at the parks. BTW the decorations and shows at SeaWorld were absolutely gorgrous. Consider branching out.

 

[DisDreaminMom]

I am hoping that it won't be that crowded the week we are going. SInce Christmas falls on Sunday, and we are leaving on Friday the 23rd, I am hoping that many families won't be able to leave work until that Friday and we miss the massive crowds. We have been there during the middle of December and it was heavenly, but I haven't been the week before Fingers crossed.

 

[supersuperwendy]

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!!!

 

[kecmouse]

We are also now officially booked from December 15th-24th. We were able to get free dining on those dates, and a good flight price, making this trip more affordable than our pre-planned August trip

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

We are also now officially booked from December 15th-24th. We were able to get free dining on those dates, and a good flight price, making this trip more affordable than our pre-planned August trip

SOO jealous of your free dining. We have basically the same dates. Yay for Disney in December!

 

[Alexsmommie]

First let me say... how cool is it not only do we have the same avatar (the castle) but we're also going on our first trip in december (11-17)... anyway I found a tip that could REALLY help... if you end up flying you could ship a box of clothes or extras (toiletries etc) down to the hotel to save on baggage fees!!!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

First let me say... how cool is it not only do we have the same avatar (the castle) but we're also going on our first trip in december (11-17)... anyway I found a tip that could REALLY help... if you end up flying you could ship a box of clothes or extras (toiletries etc) down to the hotel to save on baggage fees!!!

Yay! Did you know you can get free dining?!? If you dont have it, CALL ASAP! If you're staying in a moderate you get the regular for free, if you're staying in a value you get the quick service for free! And that's a really good tip! Do you know how much that costs?

 

[hthrbells]

Oh I cant wait till Dec!!!!

 

[gokdog]

Yay! Did you know you can get free dining?!? If you dont have it, CALL ASAP! If you're staying in a moderate you get the regular for free, if you're staying in a value you get the quick service for free! And that's a really good tip! Do you know how much that costs?

My family and I just changed our plans from Disneyland to Disneyworld based on the awesomeness that is that free dining plan. I just cannot believe how affordable the trip is now.

That being said, I really did not plan for the Christmas party cost and was wondering if anyone could provide clarification on some Holiday Parade and Fireworks questions. I had read on a few sites that after the 20th I could expect the same Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade and fireworks that occur during the Christmas party, is this true? as the official Disney Schedules only show what appears to be the normal stuff.

Our dates are 14-21 December and I would rather pay for the Party if it means missing it, but we are starting to stretch the budget a tad.

Thanks from a WDW 1st Timer!

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

were going from the 23rd to the 6th. this will be our 3rd trip this year so ive tolde the kids its going to be crazy busy and we'll get done wht we can. thanks for all the tips tho.

we have to rearrange some of our plans. our orginal plans were to drive as i was going to be 7.5 months pg, but sadly no longer. so now were looking at flying out of maine for 1600 vs four thousand from home!!! the only problem will be arriving at 630 so our tutto italia ressie will have to go...no biggie, we'll dine at the contepms quick service that nite. but thanks to you guys ive looked over several of our ressies and will make the adjustments of needing to be there for rope drop.

can anyone tell me how the first week of january is crowd wise?

 

[nicki.momof3]

We (Mysalf, DH, DD6, DS7, DS8) go every year Christmas week. I am a teacher so we can only travel peak times.

1. Don't stress about the crowds. It is not as bad as everyone says. From my experience there are some people on here that really freak out with crowds and they spread that unwarrented fear on the boards.

2. It will be busy but if you plan right you will be fine.

3. We always go to EMH AM at the parks. Gather FP's up to use later that evening.

4. We leave at lunch time and head back to the resort. While the kids nap I throw in a load of wash (this saves a ton on baggage fees).

5. Well rested we return to a park for a 5pm ADR

6. Stay at a park until about 11pm

When people zig we zag it is not really a issue with all the people. Before walking into any park i know wheich direction we are going and what our must do's of the day our.

Christmas at WDW is so pretty. Plan on doing the following:
1. Plan a evening or two to visit DHS and see obsourns light - it is magical

2. Plan on seeing a night lighted parade at the MK and see the castle all lit up during wishes.

3. If you can attend a MVMCP. The parade is amazing, the dance parties are fun - a must do event for us.

4. Just stroll sowly down main street one evening ang take in the decoration.

 

[fsmith2845]

We're planning a surprise (for our DD9) for the 18-25th of December.. We figure she'll be okay with being away from home on Christmas Day so long as we're away from home at WDW..

Any idea what the crowds will be like during that week.. we'll be flying out early afternoon on Christmas Day.. We did the 1st week in December last year and enjoyed relatively small crowds, but as others have posted, 3 days of really nice weather.. then the rest of our stay in FREEZING weather.. we were sort of prepared, but did buy some Sweatshirts and hoodies for souvenirs!

Being a family that had always gone in the middle of summer, it was nice NOT sweating all day in the sweltering heat.. and it was amazing being there seeing alll the holiday decorations and everything.. as if WDW isn't magical enough.. it was even more magical!!!

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

My family and I just changed our plans from Disneyland to Disneyworld based on the awesomeness that is that free dining plan. I just cannot believe how affordable the trip is now.

That being said, I really did not plan for the Christmas party cost and was wondering if anyone could provide clarification on some Holiday Parade and Fireworks questions. I had read on a few sites that after the 20th I could expect the same Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade and fireworks that occur during the Christmas party, is this true? as the official Disney Schedules only show what appears to be the normal stuff.

Our dates are 14-21 December and I would rather pay for the Party if it means missing it, but we are starting to stretch the budget a tad.

Thanks from a WDW 1st Timer!

YAY FOR FREE DINING! I was so happy about that I told anyone who would listen to me!

I'm going to the Christmas party and though I've never been to it before, from what I understand there will be free cookies and cocoa, the characters will be in holiday attire, (I'm unsure if they are all throughout the park or if that is just a MVMCP thing?) the parade's and fireworks I believe are the same as any other time, but because of the ticket thing you may get a better view/spot, and there are select rides open, and snow on mainstreet. thats all information I've gotten from Disney sites. I'd also be interested in any information from someone who's actually BEEN there.

 

[Victoria3]

My family and I just changed our plans from Disneyland to Disneyworld based on the awesomeness that is that free dining plan. I just cannot believe how affordable the trip is now.

That being said, I really did not plan for the Christmas party cost and was wondering if anyone could provide clarification on some Holiday Parade and Fireworks questions. I had read on a few sites that after the 20th I could expect the same Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade and fireworks that occur during the Christmas party, is this true? as the official Disney Schedules only show what appears to be the normal stuff.

Our dates are 14-21 December and I would rather pay for the Party if it means missing it, but we are starting to stretch the budget a tad.

Thanks from a WDW 1st Timer!

After the last party they'll show the special party stuff like the parade, fireworks and shows everyday untill December 31. The christmas parade will replace the day parade.

 

[Alexsmommie]

Yay! Did you know you can get free dining?!? If you dont have it, CALL ASAP! If you're staying in a moderate you get the regular for free, if you're staying in a value you get the quick service for free! And that's a really good tip! Do you know how much that costs?

I called as soon as I saw it on Disney's facebook page!!! it saved me like $300 I was SOOOO excited!!!

and no I'm sorry I don't know how much it costs but I DO know you can get flat rate shipping boxes from USPS delivered to your house free and the boxes are one rate no matter how heavy (if you're shipping like toiletries etc) which can be nice... they range from like 7 or 8 for one of the smaller boxes to 10-12 for one of the larger ones (which REALLY isn't too bad) and I've read that if you ship it via USPS (regular postal service) vs like UPS or FEDEX obviously you'll want to ship it early but if you call the resort in advance (1-2 days before you arrive they'll hold it for you!!!) ** check the moms panel for more info about shipping to the hotel... we're driving so I may not have to do this but I thought with you potentially flying it could REALLY help out!! let me know if you need anything else!!!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I called as soon as I saw it on Disney's facebook page!!! it saved me like $300 I was SOOOO excited!!!

and no I'm sorry I don't know how much it costs but I DO know you can get flat rate shipping boxes from USPS delivered to your house free and the boxes are one rate no matter how heavy (if you're shipping like toiletries etc) which can be nice... they range from like 7 or 8 for one of the smaller boxes to 10-12 for one of the larger ones (which REALLY isn't too bad) and I've read that if you ship it via USPS (regular postal service) vs like UPS or FEDEX obviously you'll want to ship it early but if you call the resort in advance (1-2 days before you arrive they'll hold it for you!!!) ** check the moms panel for more info about shipping to the hotel... we're driving so I may not have to do this but I thought with you potentially flying it could REALLY help out!! let me know if you need anything else!!!

This sounds like a must do for the trip! I will have to look into it a little more! Thanks for the awesome tip!

 

[Alexsmommie]

This sounds like a must do for the trip! I will have to look into it a little more! Thanks for the awesome tip!

you are VERY welcome!!!! try this link... you can order them here: https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/st...viewAll=Y&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10006408
and check out the prices I was SLIGHTLY off sorry (its more like 15 for the large box...) but still not bad especially cause it holds up to 70 lbs while shipping in the U.S. which is unheard of if you were to actually pay per pound!!!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

you are VERY welcome!!!! try this link... you can order them here: https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/st...viewAll=Y&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10006408
and check out the prices I was SLIGHTLY off sorry (its more like 15 for the large box...) but still not bad especially cause it holds up to 70 lbs while shipping in the U.S. which is unheard of if you were to actually pay per pound!!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

 

[aim]

Ok folks - I am ready all of the December tips i.e. decorations and crowd levels. What about the week AFTER Thanksgiving. We going Sun., November 27 - December 3. Any tips or information for that time. When I planned this trip I was thinking after Thanksgiving and plenty of time before Christmas rush. What do you think?

 

[2disneyboys]

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!!!