Disney at Christmas - Must do

[corpcomp]

We just booked our first ever Christmas trip to WDW coming in on Dec 27th for three nights. My wife is a NICU nurse who works Christmas and New Years so we have to plan around her schedule.

We know all the rides, but wanted to determine the must sees since the trip is short. We were told by MS that the Christmas party is not held the last week of the year since it is the most packed week so we will prepare for crowds.

Beside the Osbourne lights, what do some of you find especially "Christmasy"

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Not sure what you call it, but the people playing the bells are awesome. They play the Christmas carols with bells, and I've seen them in the lobby of the GV and WL in front of the big tree. Not sure what other resorts they visit.

On a side note, I don't like the Osbourne lights. I actually find it kind of creepy.

MG

 

[momof2disprincesses]

DO not miss the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. It is a telling of the Christmas story by a celebrity and includes a massive choir singing various songs to go with the story. It is beautiful and very moving!

Also, if you have the ability to get to the resorts, each of the deluxe resorts decorates their lobby. The GF and the Beach Club are my favorites.

 

[iloveokw]

Book a Candlelight Processional package....best Christmas thing at WDW.

 

[abbysmema]

First I'd like to thank your wife for the very important work she does in the NICU. As the grandmother of a premature (25 wks.) baby I value what she does.

 

[abbysmema]

First I'd like to thank your wife for the very important work she does in the NICU. As the grandmother of a premature (25 wks.) baby I value what she does.

The only time I've been to Disney in December was years ago, but I did enjoy the candlelight procession. My DD had fun at the Christmas party in the Magic Kingdom. Marie

 

[corpcomp]

First I'd like to thank your wife for the very important work she does in the NICU. As the grandmother of a premature (25 wks.) baby I value what she does.

You are very welcome - she is the reincarnation of Florence Nightengale - very dedicated and drives 60 miles one way to the hospital in Long Island, we live in CT. But as a part timer, she gets full benefits so we don't want to lose that.

 

[twinklebug]

There are "sleigh rides" in the Fort (perhaps over in VWL and Port Orleans too... I've read about them but can't find online proof so I'm not sure) that have been reported to be fantastic.

You need to book them in advance. They have decorated a red sleigh with garland and bells. Very relaxing... and IF at WL anyway, be sure to check out the lobbies of both WL and VWL. Take some time and sit in a rocker!

ETA: Christmas time is a fantastic time to get into the spirit of the season. No one does up christmas better than disney. I go for the music, lights and just plain feel of peace and joy. Whatever you do, go with the intention of just relaxation. The crowds can destroy a touring plan faster than you can print them out.

 

[ldo]

My 29 weeker twins (heathly 8 yr olds) loved hearing about the different Christmas traditions in the countries at Epcot.

 

[thepops]

I'd say don't miss how the resorts are decked out. We made sure to get to a number of them and they all looked great. Do a search for the Holiday adventures of the Purple Van to get a recap of some of them.
(actually it's here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2329863&highlight=holiday+adventures+of+the+purple+van )

 

[Crystal_27]

We are visiting during Christmas time this year too, and, so far, we have decided our holiday must-dos are as follows:

Candlelight Processional
Osborn Lights
Resort hopping to check out Christmas decorations
Fort Wilderness Campgrounds to check out decorations
Gaylord Palms ICE show
MVMCP (if during our dates - - but it probably won't be based on this year's schedule)
Seeing santas at Epcot

We are also going to take advantage of doing some other activities that we've not yet done just because I know the parks are going to be sooooo crowded such as:

Mini golf
Richard Petty Driving Experience (Christmas present for DH)
Renting boats at Contemporary
Golf (for DH)
Afternoon tea at the GF (for me and DD)

I'm very excited about this trip!

 

[Pixieflip]

Enjoy! We just returned from a two week Christmas/New Year's extravaganza! One thing to note, if you don't want to book a Candlelight Processional Package - they are quite pricey and take several hours out of your day, you can enjoy all the music from the area behind the amphitheater. We sat on a wall enjoying our funnel cakes while Angela Basset did the readings. It was lovely, the choirs are amazing and yet we still had the freedom to come and go as we pleased without the three hours+ time commitment of dinner, plus the line, plus sitting through the whole thing.

The thing I learned about peak times this trip is that you will still do a ton of rides and attractions, largely due to fastpasses. It really is cool. But, you will be zigzagging all over the park. You can't just go to Tomorrowland and ride it all in order and then proceed to Fantasyland and check that off your list. You grab your fastpass for Space Mountain, doodle a bit until you can get your FP for Big THunder - like check out what has a decent time that you are willing to wait in line for, do what you can till you return to ride SM, eat a meal whenever you can wherever you are...and if you're on the DP, you also have to add in the appointments with your table service reservations. You will do a LOT, but you will be TIRED!!! I always do better if I know things like this ahead of time. I decided that there's no sleeping in or resting at WDW, I'll do that at home!

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

We just got back from a 2-week holiday trip that included Christmas & NYE. I'll give you my #1 tip for this time of year - you know about posted EMH, which is a life saver at MK, but what they don't tell you is that Epcot World Showcase is open EARLY, too, the week between Christmas & New Year's. If you get there by 9-9:30am you can make it around all the countries by the time people realize it's open. I just downloaded our video from the morning of December 28th and we were shocked at how empty World Showcase was. Happy Planning!

One more thing... if you go see Osborne Lights, go right before dusk so you can see them 'flip the switch' and turn the lights on. We were lucky and got to see the actual Osborne Family do the honors with the help of Mickey & Minnie!

 

[corpcomp]

I'd say don't miss how the resorts are decked out. We made sure to get to a number of them and they all looked great. Do a search for the Holiday adventures of the Purple Van to get a recap of some of them.
(actually it's here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2329863&highlight=holiday+adventures+of+the+purple+van )

Wow! those were great pictures!

Thanks so much!

 

[bringmethathorizon]

had a great time BUT that was it.that week we just wandered around and enjoyed the sights.to crowded to ride much.but DW just had to do NYE at MK.
at times i think i could have picked my feet up and never hit the ground.
have a great time.

 

[Coach81]

1. The carousel at BCV.
2. The gingerbread house at GF.
3. The holiday Wishes at MK.
4. The lighting of the castle.
5. Sleigh ride at Ft Wilderness.
6. Lobby of WL.
7. All the beautiful decorations all over!!!

We just had our first Christmas at Disney, it was truly Magical!!!

Have a great time!!!

 

[corpcomp]

1. The carousel at BCV.
2. The gingerbread house at GF.
3. The holiday Wishes at MK.
4. The lighting of the castle.
5. Sleigh ride at Ft Wilderness.
6. Lobby of WL.
7. All the beautiful decorations all over!!!

We just had our first Christmas at Disney, it was truly Magical!!!

Have a great time!!!

Did you get the sleigh at the resort??

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think at that time of the year, it's really best to concentrate on the Holiday offerings. When you go to the GF, go outside and chat with Richard, the fellow who roasts chestnuts there and try some! DH and I didn't go to the Jingle Jungle Parade at AK for quite awile, but when we finally did go, we enjoyed it. We now make it a point to get to it every year. It's cute!

Off Kilter in Canada did play Holiday music and we enjoyed them.

We've never gotten to a sleighride, go for it!

Bobbi

 

[bobbiwoz]

The lobby of the Boardwalk is my second favorite!

Bobbi

 

[corpcomp]

The lobby of the Boardwalk is my second favorite!

Bobbi

Boardwalk is always our backup. Stayed there at Halloween - last minute trip to see the parade - and loved the decorations!