Disney in December

[goldenears]

We are currently planning our Dec. 2008 trip to Disney. We have never been to Disney at this time, so I am wondering if anyone can help us out.
We are hoping the Christmas parade will be taped while we are down there.
Any suggestions on where to view this from? Also, what time should we arrive at the park to get good seats?
Has anyone been to Mickey's Christmas Party? Is it worth it?
Are there any other special events, etc... that we should plan on doing while we are there?
Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We have never actually been there for the taping, but we were at Tony's having dinner once on the day they were taping. It was a madhouse. I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to stand in the crowd watching the same thing over and over and over and over... Many of the things you see in the parade are actually taped at other times. Some are taped in California and some in Florida. No seats are available. You'll have to stand to watch the parade unless you get there early enough to get a curb to sit on.

We did MVMCP several years ago (three times I think) and it was fun. The evening parade is rather special since you can't see it if you don't go to the party during the party times. They only start showing it during the daytime once the parties are over about Dec 21 or so.

You'll want to see the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

 

[DiznyDi]

Sorry I can't help you with the Christmas Parade.
We were in Disney Dec. 13 - 23 and attended Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on the 20th. IMO I would not spend the money to do this again. I'm glad we did it once to find out what it is all about, but in my view is way over-priced. We were 4 adults: 2 parents and 2 adult 'children'. The kids liked it just fine and enjoyed having the short lines at major attractions. DH and I on the other hand were there to enjoy the special activities: parade, show in Tomorrowland, and show at the castle forecourt. There were so many people there... we were 3 deep trying to view the parade. The fireworks, though, are spectacular as is the castle! Earlier in the month, the crowds may not have been as heavy and could have made for a more enjoyable time.
These are things that would be on my 'Not To Miss' list:
Epcot:
Holidays Around The World visiting the various countries and their traditions
Illuminations
Candlelight Processional - an inspirational telling of the Christmas story with a celebrity guest narrator, 50 piece orchestra and 400+ voice choir.
DVC's Merry Member Mixer - we actually liked this better than Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
MGM:
The Harlem Gospel Choir
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The decorations are fabulous at all parks and resorts. Of the resorts we visited, all had some sort of performing evening entertainment; generally musical. Either a choir, bell choir, pianist - that type of thing.
You'll very much enjoy your Disney Christmas experience.
The next time we go, it will definitely by earlier in the month.

 

[llmurphy17]

We went the last 3 years during December.

Must do's

Osborne light show- Hollywood Studios- amazing!!!!
Illuminations firework show - Epcot
Mickey's Christmas Party - Magic Kingdom (definetly worth it)
DVC's Merry Mixer - alot of fun international gateway near epcot and BCV

 

[Inkmahm]

We are currently planning our Dec. 2008 trip to Disney. We have never been to Disney at this time, so I am wondering if anyone can help us out.
We are hoping the Christmas parade will be taped while we are down there.
Any suggestions on where to view this from? Also, what time should we arrive at the park to get good seats?
Has anyone been to Mickey's Christmas Party? Is it worth it?
Are there any other special events, etc... that we should plan on doing while we are there?
Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated!

Go to the taping of the parade? Not in this lifetime if I can avoid it. WAY too many people. I have no interest in that at all.

I've gone to MVMCP every year for the last 4 years and plan to continue going every year. I think it is worth it. We go early and have dinner at Liberty Tree Inn. We go to the later parade when it is almost empty because everyone goes to the first parade. The fireworks are wonderful, and so is the parade.

I've gone to the Epcot Candlelight processional once. It was okay, but I didn't like having to stand in line so long for seats even though we purchased the dinner package. I might do it once every 7 or 8 years but no more often.

The MGM Osborn lights are gaudy but fun. I"ll go to see them if I happen to be in the area.

We love WDW at Christmas time. The decorations are great at the hotels and the parks. The crowds aren't bad, and the weather is usually dry if not warm.