Disney At Christmas...Give Me Your Opinions!

[CamColt]

It looks like we are getting APS this year. After seeing everyone's great Christmas pictures here on the Dis, Ive been wanting to make a trip at Christmastime. I thought airfare would be outrageous and I wouldnt want to chance driving in the winter so I had pretty much given up hope of Disney at Christmas. Now that the airfare dates are reachable, Ive found some decent rates, if we go Mon-Mon(we want to stay past the 28th for my birthday...DH owes me for forgetting this year ).
So, my dilemma is, do we go or not?

The only cons I can think of are, the money for an extra trip, not being with my family on Christmas(Im trying to convince them to come, but it doesnt look like it will happen), and possible cold weather(going to Florida and being cold would bug me).

For those who have been, do all the pros of a Disney Christmas(and birthday), outweigh those cons?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

CamColt you need to clean out your PM box. Tried sending but too full. What have you found for airfare?

 

[NHAnn]

Well, I haven't been at Christmas, but it's not because I don't want to. I just can't convince DH and DD. They are the ones that don't want to be "away"...whereas I, for a variety of reasons, WANT to be away from some of the extended family.

As far as the weather being a con...........I think you just have to keep in mind that even if it's "cold" in Florida, it will be warmer than here! DH and I just got back (1/17-1/24) when Florida was in their record-braking "freeze" . One day I "complained" to DD over the phone that although the days were sunny and felt like spring or fall in NE, it was too cold for pool or water park (IMHO--there WERE people swimming). She put things in perspective really fast...with her sarcastic "Oh, I feel SO sorry for you.......it was 15 below this morning here"

 

[jimmytammy]

We have been 3 times around the Christmas season. We went 1st week of Dec first trip and 2nd week of Dec next two trips. Parks are all to yourselves, rates are least expensive of any time of year, and if you buy airline tickets early you can get some great prices. Decorations are same as Christmas day, in fact all the same shows are going full blast! Have fun!! Youll love it that time of year.

 

[chell]

The only thing I did not like about going at Christmas was the crowds. But it is so special being at WDW for Christmas. It might not be cold. Who knows? Our Christmas trip was warm until Christmas day when a cold front came through.

I say go for Christmas and have a wonderful time!

 

[~*Belle 2003*~]

We've been twice now. The first time was in '01. We had lovely weather until the last two days when it turned really cold but last December '02, the weather was really gross! It was freezing for the whole time and we had two days of continuous torrential rain.

Apart from the weather which is unpredictable at that time of year, it IS a wonderful time to go and if I had the chance would go again!

 

[Liz]

I've always thought it would be fun to go to WDW over Christmas! If I really got serious about it I'd have to get the opinions of my family though. I say go for it if you can get everone to agree. Its not like you're going to make it a tradition (or maybe you will ) so being away from family for one holiday might not be too bad.

And being at WDW when its cold is better than not being there at all I think!!!

 

[disneyjunkie]

It looks like we will get to go this Christmas.

I can't wait to see WDW all decked out. I'm looking forward to doing MVMCP, CP, Osborne Lights......


I know it will be crowded, but I think the key is to plan, plan,plan.

 

[CamColt]

IGTD, I went on to Delta.com and put in the dates, and Boston to Orlando. Im getting 231.00 RT. I expected a lot more for over the holidays, so thats why Im suddenly on this kick again. Its actually doable for us now. Oh, and I cleaned.

Good point about the cold, Liz.

Disneyjunkie, thats my thinking too. I want to do all those events, that Ive only heard about. Also, I dont really care if its crowded since we will be making 1, probably 2 more trips on those passes. We dont have to do everthing on this trip, only the holiday stuff.

Thanks for all the opinions!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Candlelight Processional, Osborne Lights, MVMCP, decorations (parks and resorts), holiday spirit thoughout the World, http://wdwig.com/holiday.htm

Holiday time, though I have only gone during period of early December, is great!!! Enjoy.

 

[LindaG4458]

Go at Christmas! I have trouble getting into the Christmas spirit, but WDW can always make me feel festive. Have a great time!

 

[Pooh93]

You'll love the decorations and atmosphere regardless of the weather! I say go for it!

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by CamColt
IGTD, I went on to Delta.com and put in the dates, and Boston to Orlando. Im getting 231.00 RT. I expected a lot more for over the holidays, so thats why Im suddenly on this kick again. Its actually doable for us now. Oh, and I cleaned.

Good point about the cold, Liz.

Disneyjunkie, thats my thinking too. I want to do all those events, that Ive only heard about. Also, I dont really care if its crowded since we will be making 1, probably 2 more trips on those passes. We dont have to do everthing on this trip, only the holiday stuff.

Thanks for all the opinions!!!!

Delta's new carrier, Song,(I think that's the name) should have great rates starting April.

There's a thread about it on the transportation board.

 

[CamColt]

Ohhh, thanks for reminding me about that. Yes, I think it is Song. I heard something about it on the news last week, but then it slipped my mind. Ill have to look into that.

 

[tstobb]

There is a HUGE difference between crowds at WDW "at" Christmas and "around" Christmas. WDW has it's most crowded times during Thanksgiving weekend and the week between Christmas & New Years BUT can be almost empty for the time in between the two and is still decorated & beautiful. Hotel rates drop dramatically as well just after Thanksgiving.

 

[Dream]

We were in the World this past Christmas (25th-Jan. 1). Crowded is one word for what it was....doesn't seem quite strong enough a word though!!! Planning to the MAX is key!! With enough planning you can beat some of the crowd, but you still will not get done as much as you would say, just before Christmas. We have been at that time too and had a much more enjoyable time. BUT...that being said...is it POSSIBLE to go to WDW and NOT have a magical time???? I don't think so!!! The weather can be cool....just take layers and enjoy the World in a cooler setting. It is gorgeous and festive and if ya wanna go...GO! You are a diser after all...planning is what we do best!!

 

[Margie J]

I've gone several times just before Christmas. There are advantages to going before such as fewer crowds and you get to spend the actual Holiday with family/relatives (if they don't care to travel with you).

On the day after Thanksgiving all of WDW is decorated and ready for the Holiday. Magically, overnight, everything is transformed. All the shows and special events start up also. It's a great way to get into the spirit of the season.

I really have enjoyed going to the different Resorts and seeing their decorations, such as the giant gingerbread house in the lobby of the GF or the huge trees each has. The BW was beautiful, inside and out, for example.

I've been to MVMCP twice and it's so much fun to see "snow" in Florida. The shows are fun and your kids would love them. With lower crowds before Christmas you can enjoy events like this more easily.

As for weather, be prepared for everything from the 30's (nights) to the 70's(days). I have worn my gloves and sweaters in the evenings, for example. Last year was warm and dry so I didn't need to use any cold weather gear but I was ready.

You must go to WDW at least once during this season.

 

[CamColt]

I agree that going a little earlier has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. DS would miss a week of school instead of just 2 days(I dont think thats so bad, but DH would rather him not miss much if we can help it). We wouldnt actually be there for Christmas(both a pro & a con) and we wouldnt be there for my birthday. The dates we are looking at are 12/22-12/29, and Im ok with the crowds for this trip.
Now you all have me thinking of going a little earlier. This cold be dangerous.

 

[Dream]

The school issue is a big consideration....and is the reason we went during Christmas week last year! DD just started middle school and we were uncomfortable with her missing time, not knowing how difficult it would be for her to make it up. Before, we always took the kids out of school...never regretted it. Good luck with your decision!! Knowing the end result of however you decide to do it will be Disney World is awesome isn't it???

 

[KarenB]

We just were there this Christmas for the first time. It was myself, DH, and DSs ages 12 and 14. We checked in the 21 and checked out Christmas Day then headed south to relatives.

First af all, we had a wonderful time!! The parks were not nearly as crowded as we thought they would be. Only at Fantasyland in the afternoon did we notice massive crowds. We told the kids not to expect to get a lot done this trip because of the crowds, but we ended up doing SO much!

The decorations were beautiful, especially at the resorts. (took an afternoon to resort hop)

The weather was warm in the afternoons (DSs swam) and cool at night. We would go back to BCV and change late afternoon. The cool weather wasn't bad, but Christmas Eve it raiined....that was bad!

Candlelite Processional is not to be missed as well as the Osborne Lights, and the holiday/Disney magic seemed to be everywhere. There was even a treat bag waiting at our door Christmas morning!

We would do it again, but not every year. We kind of felt like we "missed" Christmas this year. We put up a tree and took it down on the 20th. When we got home on the 29th, most people still had theirs up, but of course ours was gone already.

Our rate with Delta was also 231/round trip from Harrisburg to Fort Meyers. (DHs family is there). That was the lowest we could find and we bought the tickets from Orbitz.

Karen