Disney at Christmastime

[thepops]

My DW and I have our first trip to Disney without kids planned for the beginning of December. It will be the first time there with all the decorations up and special activities. What would be the things you would say are the not to be missed things (and do I need reservations for them)?
We hope to pop around to most of the resorts to see how they are decorated, but I'm sure there will be a lot to cram into 4 days. ...thanks!

 

[RCharnay]

We did a non-park trip one year during the holidays. We love to go to all the resorts and see the decorations. We spent one day driving to the different DVC properties and another day doing all the monorail resorts. It is both relaxing and festive and makes for great noshing and shopping. There are carolers everywhere, CMs in costume, everything is super busy so it is fun but it's nice if you aren't one of the people in a hurry or standing in a line. We love to observe the scurrying about without actually doing any of it!

 

[iluveeyore]

My Dsis and I did a trip like this in '08 at the beginning of December. It was amazing. The do not misses are the Candlelight Processional at Epcot (we just watched from the back of the outdoor theater without seats or dinner ressie, and it was still amazing!), the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios (went two nights in a row and just stood there with our mouths hanging open at the beauty of it all!). Another do not miss is the tree lighting ceremony at Epcot at the entrance to the World Showcase - great pre-show with characters and music, and then all the Christmas lights come on - beautiful!
All the parks look amazing, and we visited every resort we had time to - if your time is limited, don't miss the life-size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, the decorations at the Wilderness lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
You'll love it at this time of year - we're hoping to take the whole family for Christmas vacation next year.

 

[brewcrew]

The Candlelight Processional is just fabulous! My daughter sang in it last year and it is such an amzing production. The Osbourne Fmily lights are also awesome. I totally agree with the former poster. Everything is decorated and you can just look at each resort and enjoy it.

 

[ValpoCory]

My family and I are planning our next visit for December 2010. This thread is getting me pumped up. I can't wait.

 

[Pixieflip]

Just to add to the resort list...The Beach Club has a chocolate and gingerbread merry-go-round in the lobby!

 

[dizfan]

It's been several years since we went in early December, but going to MVMCP and watching the snow fall on Main Street is still a top WDW memory for me.

 

[joeyrufmc]

You will love it!!! Things not to miss:
1. The lobby of Wilderness Lodge
2. Epcot's Candlelight Processional (we did the dinner package and ate at Makerrash or something...Morracan...it was UNBELIEVABLE! Do it!!!!)
3. Hollywood Studios and the festival of lights. It'll blow your mind!
4. Ginger break house in Grand Floridian

The atmosphere is amazing, you guys will have a wonderful time!!!!

Wrights

 

[ammo]

The most amazing thing to me is the blanket of snow at VWL...

 

[thepops]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions (keep them coming). I may have to start planning a second trip for the year after to get all these things in.

Isn't there a DVC Christmas gathering as well ?

 

[ccigliano]

My Dsis and I did a trip like this in '08 at the beginning of December. It was amazing. The do not misses are the Candlelight Processional at Epcot (we just watched from the back of the outdoor theater without seats or dinner ressie, and it was still amazing!), the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios (went two nights in a row and just stood there with our mouths hanging open at the beauty of it all!). Another do not miss is the tree lighting ceremony at Epcot at the entrance to the World Showcase - great pre-show with characters and music, and then all the Christmas lights come on - beautiful!
All the parks look amazing, and we visited every resort we had time to - if your time is limited, don't miss the life-size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, the decorations at the Wilderness lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
You'll love it at this time of year - we're hoping to take the whole family for Christmas vacation next year.

I second everything iluveeyore said and would add Christmas Around the World at Epcot where you learn how each country celebrates Christmas in their own tradition. And take a stroll or boat ride from the WL to the campgrounds and check out the decoration on the RVs. We do the Hoop De Doo Review then stroll around after dinner. Have a great time!!!

 

[disney queen]

ammo, that was great!!! LOL!!! mickey's very merry christmas party is a lot of fun. there is an extra charge for this.

 

[Lenc324]

How are the crowds first 2 weeks in Dec????

 

[JoRo]

We did WDW early December last year and this was amazing Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios and I would do the mickey xmas party at least one night.

In my opinion DisneyLand Magic Kingdom is much better then WDW MK at xmas even with the Mickey Party. It felt more xmasy

 

[edk35]

How are the crowds first 2 weeks in Dec????

Years ago..the first two weeks were GREAT. It has been years and years since we went in early Dec. I know that just a few days after Thanksgiving weekend the crowds really drop. I have some friends that usually leave out the Tuesday or Wednesday after Thanksgiving and it is a marked improvement crowd wise. We have gotten to enjoy the Christmas festivities on our 4 Thanksgiving trips......it is such a wonderful time to be at WDW. Truly a favorite time for us to visit.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

MVMCP, CP, Osborne Lights & resort hopping to see the deluxe resort decorations. Those are our must-do's around Christmas.

 

[Brer Rabbit]

we have been to WDW every year during the Christmas season for the past 7 years....there is nothing like it....absolutely wonderful, magical

 

[Lildalejrfan]

After all these times of going to Disney this will be our first time going during Christmas. We'll be @ Kidani on 12/14-12/19. We are so excited to see all the decorations. I'm going to have to make a list from all these wonderful suggestions on what to see.

 

[thepops]

Sounds like we're in for a great time!

 

[lundve]

Can't wait to go!!!