Disney at Christmastime/December?

[Luv2trav]

DH and I are considering another trip this year. It's down to Labor Day weekend or the week before Christmas 12/17-12/23(I have to be home for Christmas day).

I have never been at Christmastime and I have always wanted to experience it. Tell me why you love it?!

I am trying to convince DH to go in December but he is hestitant because the weather maybe cooler.

We have 2 small children and i would love to go this time of year before they get into school...

 

[MickeyNicki]

WDW at Christmas, there are no words to describe how beautiful it is. I always wanted to go and when DH changed jobs 2 years ago I got my wish and now it is a must do every year. The decorations are like nothing you have ever seen before, it is just so MAGICAL! The resorts are stunning, the trees in every park are amazing, the stores, the dining, it is all so wonderful


Make sure you go to the MVMCP and dont miss out on resort hopping...be sure to view all the deluxe resorts.

 

[Dan Murphy]

The Christmas beauty in the parks, everywhere, is breathtaking. The additional attractions and activities, Candlelight Processional, MVMCP, the carolers, Santa, etc, etc, etc. Several of the links that are linked by the link on the left in my signature will show you a lot of it. I hope to make this year my 8th year in a row there at that time, the best, IMO.

 

[mmeb144]

Can you say AWESOME! It is wonderful to go at Christmas Time. We went the same week last year. It was cool, temperature wise. We were able to enjoy the pool at the Contemporary. All the pools are heated, so if you can handle the walk to the room after swimming, go for it!

WDW has some really neat holiday parades and shows. Just check the times guides when you hit the parks.

Don't waste your money on MVMCP, the special Christmas stuff kicks in that week at the park. The only reason to go would be the reduced crowd at the party itself, but if you go to the MK early, you can achieve the same effect.

Marie

 

[bobbiwoz]

This will be the fifth year that we're going in December because we really like the way Disney decorates for Christmas. We love going to the resorts (The Grand Floridian is fabulous) to see the special decorations. There is entertainment in the lobbies of hotels. Santa was there at BW for sure, probably other places. The Osborne lights, MVMCP (which we go to every year), and the Candlelight Processional are excellent. These are all good reasons to go, and we usually get some swimming/bike riding in too.

Bobbi

 

[DemonLlama]

We go only at Christmas time, the very week you are thinking about going.

I can't imagine going when it's hot. Not a problem in Dec.

Everything is steeped in holiday cheer. It's just so beautiful and magical, Disney and Christmas rolled together.

You can also see lots of photos from DISers ho go at Christmas time here:

Christmas Photo Thread

 

[dlarkin12]

the greatest. my kids swam in the heated pools. yours will want to do this.

 

[Devil_Dog99]

DW and I will be there for our 9th Christmas in a row at the same time you will be there. The weather is near perfect (we have been there for 94 degree heat and 32 degree cold - but usually it is 70s during the day and 50s at night). And what can I say about the decorations???

Awesome. Tour the GF lobby and see the gingerbread house and hear the house band. The parks are in full holiday glory. The Candlelight Processional is inspiring. The Osborne Lights at MGM will get the stingiest Scrooge in the mood.

The crowds are not as large as the levels for the following week so waits are minimal. And the memories.

A few years ago a carillon band (a carillon is a musical instrument consisting of bells - rathe rlarge bells) played at Epcot during the season. This one year they were set up by the Epcot Christmas tree at the entry to World Showcase. It was a beautiful afternoon - blue skies as far as you can see. The band started their show and it was very nice. I was thinking it would be cool to hear Carol of the Bells (my favorite holiday tune of all time) played on that carillon. They began their final piece and when I realized it was Carol of the Bells, I lost it. Badly. But I didn't care. The sensation of being at my most favorite place with my most favorite person (DW) at my most favorite times of year hearing my most favorite song was overwhelming. It was just pure magic.

makes me want to cue up the video right now!! gives me chills just thinking about it!

 

[brooke1]

so the crowds aren't to bad the week of 17 thru 23....

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Talk your husband into going during the Christmas season. We have been going in December for several years and it is so magical at that time of year. There are so many wonderful things to do and see. You have MVMCP and the Candlelight Processional to name a few. All the resorts have there decorations up also. The Gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian resort is awesome to see.

 

[glass- slippers]

We are going for the first time that week too, but staying for Christmas Day! It'll be our first trip at WDW during Christmas and our first Christmas away from home. We are really excited, two of my favorite things, Christmas and Disney!!

 

[kellyg403]

We went 18-22 last year and we thought the crowds were great until the end of the week...it does get more crowded with those coming for xmas. I think this is perfect time for our family. No heat issues, the decorations in the parks and resorts were just beautiful, the Candelight Processional and Osbourne lights...everything. It was just fabulous. The temps in the day most of the times were around 68-70 and sweatshirt weather in the nights and early mornings. We did have a few days that were much chillier but warmed up in the early afternoon.

And yes, the heated pools were just the thing for my crowd. Even on the colder days my boys wanted to go to the pool!

So I my vote would be Christmas!

Kelly

 

[CarolinaBlue]

We were there last year from 12/17-12/26. It was for my 40th birthday
(12/23) and Christmas for my family. We loved it! This was the best trip so far. The weather was good, although a little chillier than we had expected. The crowds weren't that bad until Christmas eve. We stayed out of the parks on Christmas day. We went to MVMCP for the first time and really enjoyed it, even in the rain. Our next trip is in 3 weeks, but I'm trying to work up a short trip for 12/16-12/20 because we enjoyed it so much last December.

 

[brooke1]

i would love to go a christmas time,so you guys are saying that the crowds weren't that bad, can you gave me a idea of how long you waited for rides,

thanks
brooke

 

[mousebit]

You guys are making me anxious for our first Christmas trip this year! It's been hard to get excited about it since I had to cancel 2 trips this spring/summer (busted my leg, requiring surgeries and no walking). I keep scouring the boards, looking at everyone's pics and I'm starting to get the spirit now. From what you're saying, maybe it's worth the wait just to get to go at Christmastime!

 

[dlarkin12]

You guys are making me anxious for our first Christmas trip this year! It's been hard to get excited about it since I had to cancel 2 trips this spring/summer (busted my leg, requiring surgeries and no walking). I keep scouring the boards, looking at everyone's pics and I'm starting to get the spirit now. From what you're saying, maybe it's worth the wait just to get to go at Christmastime!

http://www.disboards.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=13635481#
http://www.disboards.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=13635481#
Things happen for a reason. Have a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Devil_Dog99]

i would love to go a christmas time,so you guys are saying that the crowds weren't that bad, can you gave me a idea of how long you waited for rides,

thanks
brooke

If you go early enough in the day the lines for the 'E' ticket attractions (and fastpass return availability) are minimal - 15-20 minutes if that. The key is to get to the parks early. We followed the Unofficial Guide's touring plans last year. The plans say to get to the parks 30 minutes before park opening. We got there usually 30 minutes past opening but still were able to go on all teh attractions with minimal waits AND be done with the plans by early afternoon (we did the two day plans for both MK and EP).

Don't get me wrong - there are crowds. If you show up at MK at 2:00 pm and expect to walk on to Space Mountain, you'd be mistaken. But the crowds are manageable, as long as you are willing to get to the parks early. We discovered last year that it definitely made our trip that much more enjoyable.

 

[Jambo!424]

Disney at Christmas was one of the most amazing experiences I ever had!!! It was so beautiful and even more to see and do then usual. I went from the 19 through the 26 last year. I have to admit the weather really took me by surprise. It got so cold some nights I went back to the hotel early. I'm from Philly so I know how to handle the cold ok, I just didn't pack right since I'm use to going in August. Also, by the end of the trip it was so crowded we were unable to get on any rides in MK on our last day! (my little brother was not happy!!) I would say overall, I prefer Aug over Dec. (but that might be b/c we always go down during my b-day lol), but if you've never been down during Christmas time then you need to go! It something you must absolutely do because you'll have no other Christmas like it! Do it at least once!

 

[brer rabbit 28]

we are thinking of going 18th dec for 14 nights next year.As our trip starts in value season i think we will get first 10 nights at value price,is that right?
So excited to think we will be there for christmas

 

[phisigprincess]

The crowds shouldn't be bad for you that week. We'll be leaving on the 16th, so the park will be 2 people less when you get there. We went the 14-16 in 2003 and the longest wait we had was 10 minutes for Dinosaur. You should hit it just right. You will LOVE WDW at Christmas.